ASTM E2988-17(2022)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings is evaluated in accordance with Test Method E84 to comply with building code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for Type I and Type II metal building insulation materials.
5.2 The material to be tested shall be representative of the glass fiber blanket, facing and bonding adhesive used in actual field installations.
5.3 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen preparation and mounting when testing Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.2 This practice applies to products described in Specification C991.
1.3 This practice provides instructions for the testing of both un-faced insulation (Specification C991 Type I) and face insulation (Specification C991 Type II).
1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.5 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.
1.6 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.7 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment.
1.8 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting but the fire-test-response method shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. See also Section 8 for information on operator safety.
1.9 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.
1.10 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
- 31-Oct-2022
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.22 - Surface Burning
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2017
Overview
ASTM E2988-17(2022) is the standard practice developed by ASTM International for the specimen preparation and mounting of flexible fibrous glass insulation, specifically used in metal buildings, to evaluate surface burning characteristics. This practice outlines detailed procedures intended to facilitate consistent and reliable testing of both un-faced and faced types of fibrous glass insulation according to ASTM Test Method E84, which measures flame spread and smoke development indices as part of fire performance assessments. The standard is applicable to products described in ASTM Specification C991 and addresses key requirements of fire safety evaluation and building code compliance for insulation materials in metal construction.
Key Topics
- Specimen Preparation and Mounting: The practice describes the correct sizes, orientations, and supporting methods for fibrous glass insulation specimens. Specimens can be made up of continuous or butted lengths fitted with steel rods for support, ensuring they remain flat but not overly compressed.
- Applicable Product Types:
- Type I: Un-faced flexible glass fiber blanket insulation.
- Type II: Glass fiber insulation with an adhesive-bonded facing applied to one surface.
- Testing Environment: The practice requires preparing and mounting specimens for testing in a manner that reflects field installation, to be evaluated in ASTM E84’s tunnel test.
- Mounting Guidance: Clear instructions for exposing the appropriate insulation surface (faced or un-faced) to the flame during testing, including the use of slits in the facing material for certain test variations.
- Reporting Requirements: Includes documentation of specimen description, mounting details, presence of slits, and test results such as observed flame spread and smoke development indices.
- Safety and Limitations: Highlights the inherent risks of fire testing and the need for appropriate safeguards. The practice does not set regulatory pass/fail criteria or provide quantitative performance measures beyond the indices generated in E84 testing.
Applications
ASTM E2988-17(2022) is primarily used by manufacturers, laboratories, and code officials involved with the installation and certification of insulation products in metal buildings. Key uses include:
- Ensuring Code Compliance: Following standardized specimen preparation for E84 testing supports products in meeting fire safety requirements as set out by local and national building codes.
- Product Evaluation and Certification: The practice ensures insulation products are tested in configurations and mounting methods representative of their intended field use, leading to reliable determination of flame spread and smoke development ratings.
- Quality Assurance: Testing as per ASTM E2988 allows for consistent fire performance data, supporting product development, quality control, and comparative analyses in the thermal insulation industry.
- Research and Development: R&D teams use these procedures to assess new insulation formulations, facings, or installation techniques under standardized fire exposure scenarios.
Related Standards
- ASTM E84 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials: The principal fire test performed after specimen preparation as described in E2988.
- ASTM C991 - Specification for Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings: Defines the materials applicable for testing under E2988.
- ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation: Reference for industry-specific terms.
- ASTM E176 - Terminology of Fire Standards: Reference for terminology related to fire testing.
- IEEE/ASTM SI-10 - Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): Guidance for unit usage and reporting.
Keywords: surface burning characteristics, ASTM E2988, fibrous glass insulation, specimen preparation, metal buildings, ASTM E84, flame spread index, smoke developed index, fire safety, building materials testing, insulation mounting, ASTM standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2988-17(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings is evaluated in accordance with Test Method E84 to comply with building code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for Type I and Type II metal building insulation materials. 5.2 The material to be tested shall be representative of the glass fiber blanket, facing and bonding adhesive used in actual field installations. 5.3 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen preparation and mounting when testing Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies to products described in Specification C991. 1.3 This practice provides instructions for the testing of both un-faced insulation (Specification C991 Type I) and face insulation (Specification C991 Type II). 1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.5 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.6 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.7 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 1.8 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting but the fire-test-response method shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. See also Section 8 for information on operator safety. 1.9 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. 1.10 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings is evaluated in accordance with Test Method E84 to comply with building code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for Type I and Type II metal building insulation materials. 5.2 The material to be tested shall be representative of the glass fiber blanket, facing and bonding adhesive used in actual field installations. 5.3 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen preparation and mounting when testing Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies to products described in Specification C991. 1.3 This practice provides instructions for the testing of both un-faced insulation (Specification C991 Type I) and face insulation (Specification C991 Type II). 1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.5 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.6 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.7 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 1.8 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting but the fire-test-response method shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. See also Section 8 for information on operator safety. 1.9 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. 1.10 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.
ASTM E2988-17(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2988-17(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C168-24, ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM C168-18, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM E84-17. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2988-17(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: E2988 − 17 (Reapproved 2022) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Flexible Fibrous
Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to Assess Surface
Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2988; 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.
1. Scope 1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen prepa-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ration and mounting when testing Flexible Fibrous Glass
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Insulation for Metal Buildings to assess flame spread and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
smoke development as surface burning characteristics using
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Test Method E84.
1.2 This practice applies to products described in Specifi-
2. Referenced Documents
cation C991.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 Thispracticeprovidesinstructionsforthetestingofboth
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
un-faced insulation (Specification C991 Type I) and face
C991 Specification for Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for
insulation (Specification C991 Type II). Metal Buildings
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can
Building Materials
be used as a regulatory tool.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.5 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 American National Standard for Use of
in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are
theInternationalSystemofUnits(SI):TheModernMetric
given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM
System
SI-10 for further details.
3. Terminology
1.6 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
measures.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this prac-
tice and associated with insulation issues, refer to terminology
1.7 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
contained in Terminology C168 or Specification C991. For
hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property
definitions of terms used in this practice and associated with
shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing
fire issues, refer to Terminology E176.
involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.8 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation
3.2.1 metal rods, n—as related to fire testing, steel rods,
and mounting but the fire-test-response method shall be con-
⁄4 in. (6.3 mm) diameter and between 23 in. and 24 in. (0.58 m
ducted in accordance with Test Method E84. See also Section
and 0.61 m) long.
8 for information on operator safety.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Practice
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen prepa-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ration and mounting when testing flexible fibrous glass insu-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
lation for metal buildings to assess flame spread and smoke
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
development as surface burning characteristics using Test
Method E84.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2988-17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2988-17R22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2988 − 17 (2022)
4.2 Flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings is a and evenly spaced rods shall be added to the section to
fibrous glass insulation, furnished in two types as described in maintain the test specimen in a relatively flat position.
Specification C991. Type I is an un-faced insulation blanket.
6.3 For Type I materials, the un-faced surface shall be the
Type II is a Type I blanket that is post-processed by a
surface exposed to the flame.
laminating process that applies an adhesive bonded facing to
6.4 For Type II materials, the faced surface shall be the
one surface.
surface exposed to the flame.
4.3 Flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings
6.4.1 For Type II material, a minimum of two specimens
shallbetestedinaccordancewiththespecimenprepara
...
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