ASTM E859/E859M-23

Standard Test Method for Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs) Applied to Structural Members

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 It is the intent of this test method to determine properties of SFRM that may be used to provide an indication of serviceability. Satisfactory performance of SFRM applied to structural members and assemblies depends upon its ability to withstand the various influences that may occur during construction and during the life of the structure, as well as upon its performance under fire conditions.  
5.2 Air erosion tests on SFRMs are conducted to evaluate the behavior of the SFRM when subjected to plenum air streams during normal service conditions. Such tests evaluate the resistance to dusting, flaking, spalling, and delamination of the SFRM.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the effect of an air stream upon sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRMs). These SFRMs include sprayed fibrous and cementitious materials. The test method is applicable only to laboratory procedures.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.21 - Serviceability

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E119-19 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E119-18ce1 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18c - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18b - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18a - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM E119-18 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-17a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017

Overview

ASTM E859/E859M-23 - Standard Test Method for Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs) Applied to Structural Members provides a laboratory procedure to determine the resistance of SFRMs to air erosion. These materials, which include sprayed fibrous and cementitious coatings, play a crucial role in passive fire protection for structural elements in buildings. The ability of SFRMs to withstand air movement, as encountered in building plenums and ductwork during normal service, construction, and fire events, is vital for the overall safety and serviceability of fire protection systems.

Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures consistent assessment of SFRMs' durability when subjected to air streams, helping stakeholders specify, select, and verify fire-resistive materials in accordance with recognized international requirements.

Key Topics

• Air Erosion Resistance: The main focus is evaluating how well sprayed fire-resistive materials resist dusting, flaking, spalling, and delamination when exposed to air streams.
• Laboratory Test Procedure: The method outlines a controlled environment where specimens are subjected to a sustained air stream, and the amount of material lost is measured over a 24-hour period or until a constant mass is reached.
• Material Types: Applies to both sprayed fibrous and cementitious SFRMs, commonly used on steel and concrete building structures.
• Serviceability Indication: Provides an indication of a material's performance and durability when exposed to air movement during construction or throughout a building's life cycle.
• Test Reporting: Specifies information for reporting, including specimen thickness, density, net weight loss, finishing techniques, and test dates.

Applications

Implementing ASTM E859/E859M-23 is essential in the following scenarios:

• Construction Quality Assurance: Building owners and contractors use this standard to confirm that fire-resistive materials applied to structural members retain their integrity against air movement experienced in HVAC plenums and open spaces.
• Product Development and Certification: Manufacturers of SFRMs rely on test results from ASTM E859/E859M-23 to validate product formulations and gain code approvals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting air erosion resistance thresholds as specified by this standard supports compliance with building codes and fire safety regulations.
• Risk Management: Facility managers use the data to select materials with proven long-term adhesion and durability, minimizing fire protection failures due to premature loss of SFRM adhesion or cohesion.

Related Standards

ASTM E859/E859M-23 is often specified alongside other key fire protection and building safety standards:

• ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• ASTM E119: Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
• ASTM E605/E605M: Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members
• ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals: Reference for duct velocity measurement and airflow principles

Practical Value

By following ASTM E859/E859M-23, industry professionals gain confidence that SFRMs will maintain their protective properties under real-world service conditions. Consistent air erosion testing:

• Supports building occupant safety by ensuring the reliability of passive fire protection systems
• Reduces costly repairs or replacements of degraded SFRMs
• Streamlines compliance with both U.S. and international building codes

Implementing this standard contributes to efficient fire-resistive design, long-term asset protection, and overall risk reduction for buildings of all types.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E859/E859M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs)
Applied to Structural Members
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E859/E859M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope E605/E605M Test Methods for Thickness and Density of
Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
Structural Members
effect of an air stream upon sprayed fire-resistive materials
2.2 Other Document:
(SFRMs). These SFRMs include sprayed fibrous and cemen-
ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals
titious materials. The test method is applicable only to labora-
tory procedures.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Definitions:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 denier, n—the number of grams per 9000 m.
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
3.1.2 end (fabric), n—an individual warp yarn (single or
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
ply) cord.
used independently of the other, and values from the two
systems shall not be combined.
3.1.3 pick, n—an individual filling yarn.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 air erosion—the action or process of being eroded by
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
an air stream.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.2 sprayed cementitious material—consisting of one or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
more binders, aggregate, and fibers, the material is mixed with
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
water to form a slurry and is conveyed through a hose to a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
nozzle where compressed air is typically used to disperse the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
material into a spray pattern and air directed to the substrate
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
requiring protection.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.3 sprayed fibrous material—consisting of one or more
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
binders, fibers, and aggregates, the material is conveyed by low
pressure air through a hose to a nozzle where it is mixed with
2. Referenced Documents
atomized water and directed to the substrate requiring protec-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tion.
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
3.2.4 sprayed fire-resistive materials—materials that are
Building Materials
sprayed onto substrates to provide fire-resistive protection of
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
the substrates.
and Materials
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
effect of an air stream upon SFRM in plenums. In this test
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21
on Serviceability.
method, the SFRM is subjected to a tangential air stream for a
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
minimum of 24 h. Collection filters downstream from the
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E859/
E859M – 93 (2020). DOI: 10.1520/E0859_E0859M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 180 Technology Parkway NW, Peachtree
the ASTM website. Corners, Georgia 30092 US, http://www.ashrae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E859/E859M − 23
2 2
sample are weighed at frequent intervals to determine the 0.37 m [4 ft ] with the SFRM applied at 19 mm 6 3 mm
3 1
amount of material removed from the sample. [ ⁄4 in. 6 ⁄8 in.] thickness.
8.3 Prepare duplicate specimens and allow to dry and cure
5. Significance and Use
at a temperature of 20 °C 6 10 °C [68 °F 6 18 °F] and a
5.1 It is the intent of this test method to determine properties
relative humidity not greater than 60 % until successive weight
of SFRM that may be used to provide an indication of 4
readings, taken at 24 h intervals, differ by less than 1 %.
serviceability. Satisfactory performance of SFRM applied to
structural members and assemblies depends upon its ability to
9. Procedure
withstand the various influences that may occur dur
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E859/E859M − 93 (Reapproved 2020) E859/E859M − 23
Standard Test Method for
Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs)
Applied to Structural Members
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E859/E859M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the effect of an air stream upon sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRMs).
These SFRMs include sprayed fibrous and cementitious materials. The test method is applicable only to laboratory procedures.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
E605/E605M Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural
Members
2.2 Other Document:
ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 denier, n—the number of grams per 9000 m.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
Serviceability.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020May 1, 2023. Published April 2020May 2023. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20152020 as
ɛ1
E859/E859ME859/E859M – 93 (2020).–93 (2015) . DOI: 10.1520/E0859_E0859M-93R20.10.1520/E0859_E0859M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, 180
Technology Parkway NW, Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092 US, http://www.ashrae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E859/E859M − 23
3.1.2 end (fabric), n—an individual warp yarn (single or ply) cord.
3.1.3 pick, n—an individual filling yarn.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 air erosion—the action or process of being eroded by an air stream.
3.2.2 sprayed cementitious material—consisting of one or more binders, aggregate, and fibers, the material is mixed with water
to form a slurry and is conveyed through a hose to a nozzle where compressed air is typically used to disperse the material into
a spray pattern and air directed to the substrate requiring protection.
3.2.3 sprayed fibrous material—consisting of one or more binders, fibers, and aggregates, the material is conveyed by low pressure
air through a hose to a nozzle where it is mixed with atomized water and directed to the substrate requiring protection.
3.2.4 sprayed fire-resistive materials—materials that are sprayed onto substrates to provide fire-resistive protection of the
substrates.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the effect of an air stream upon SFRM in plenums. In this test method,
the SFRM is subjected to a tangential air stream for a minimum of 24 h. Collection filters downstream from the sample are weighed
at frequent intervals to determine the amount of material removed from the sample.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 It is the intent of this test method to determine properties of SFRM that may be used to provide an indication of serviceability.
Satisfactory performance of SFRM applied to structural members and assemblies depends upon its ability to withstand the various
influences that may occur during construction and during the life of the structure, as well as upon its performance under fire
conditions.
5.2 Air erosion tests on SFRMs are conducted to evaluate the behavior of the SFRM when subjected to plenum air streams during
normal service con
...