{"id":31633,"date":"2020-07-20T08:00:20","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T06:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcrtecresa.com\/?p=31633"},"modified":"2025-10-22T13:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T11:35:18","slug":"how-to-evaluate-the-fire-resistance-of-a-construction-material","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mcrtecresa.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-evaluate-the-fire-resistance-of-a-construction-material","title":{"rendered":"How to evaluate the fire resistance of a construction material?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As seen in the previous post, the resistance to fire is not a unique concept, but depends on the use given to the construction material we are dealing with. Further down, we will see the different existing mechanisms to evaluate the resistance to fire of a simple material or a more complex construction system.<\/p>\n

The building technical code sets 3 methods:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. By determining the cross-sectional dimensions of the element, as showed in the tables from the annexes C to F.<\/li>\n
  2. By obtaining its resistance thanks to simplified methods indicated in the same annexes.<\/li>\n
  3. By carrying out tests.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u00a0 \u00a0The mentioned annexes refer to 4 types of elements:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Annex C: Fire resistance of reinforced concrete.<\/strong><\/li>\n
    2. Annex D: Fire resistance of steel.<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. Annex E: Fire resistance of wooden.<\/strong><\/li>\n
    4. Annex F: Fire resistance of brick.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      To determine the fire resistance of other construction systems, a standard test in an accredited laboratory will be necessary. In Spain, for example, the Enac<\/strong> (National Accreditation Entity) is the entity accrediting laboratories. There are 4 main laboratories: Aidico<\/strong> in Valence, Tecnalia<\/strong> in Gipuzkoa, Afiti-Licof<\/strong> in Madrid, and Applus<\/strong> in Barcelona. European standards set the way to realise the tests.<\/p>\n

      In other articles, we talked about individual fire resistance of materials and how to increase it in order to be in line with the actual security standards against fire, with products manufactured by mercor tecresa\u00ae<\/span><\/strong>. For example: the intumescent paint Teclack \u2013 W\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, the fireproof mortars Tecwool F\u00ae<\/strong> <\/a>and Tecplaster\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, Magnesium Oxide panels Tecbor\u00ae<\/strong><\/a>, and a full range of sealing systems Tecsel\u00ae <\/strong><\/a>that have been officially tested according to European standards in accredited laboratories.<\/p>\n

      It is not necessary, for someone who doesn\u2019t manufacture systems of passive fire protection, to fully know the European standards, but it is important to be familiar with the names and number of the main ones to know if the material has been correctly tested according to the right standard. Below, we will develop the main testing standards that must appear on the technical sheet of a product or a construction system.<\/p>\n

      STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS TESTING.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      1. Protection against fire of a metallic structure: <\/strong>It is one of the most common structures and the standards differentiate two categories when facing a fire:<\/p>\n