ASTM E119-22

Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods are intended to evaluate the duration for which the types of building elements noted in 1.1 contain a fire, retain their structural integrity, or exhibit both properties during a predetermined test exposure.  
4.2 The test exposes a test specimen to a standard fire controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time period. When required, the fire exposure is followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose stream applied in accordance with Practice E2226. The test provides a relative measure of the fire-test-response of comparable building elements under these fire exposure conditions. The exposure is not representative of all fire conditions because conditions vary with changes in the amount, nature and distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and configuration, and heat sink characteristics of the compartment. Variation from the test conditions or test specimen construction, such as size, materials, method of assembly, also affects the fire-test-response. For these reasons, evaluation of the variation is required for application to construction in the field.  
4.3 The test standard provides for the following:  
4.3.1 For walls, partitions, and floor or roof test specimens:
4.3.1.1 Measurement of the transmission of heat.
4.3.1.2 Measurement of the transmission of hot gases through the test specimen.
4.3.1.3 For loadbearing elements, measurement of the load carrying ability of the test specimen during the test exposure.  
4.3.2 For individual loadbearing members such as beams and columns:
4.3.2.1 Measurement of the load carrying ability under the test exposure with consideration for the end support conditions (that is, restrained or not restrained).  
4.4 The test standard does not provide the following:  
4.4.1 Information as to performance of test specimens constructed with components or lengths other than those tested.  
4.4.2 Evaluation of the degree by which the test sp...
SCOPE
1.1 The test methods described in this fire-test-response standard are applicable to assemblies of masonry units and to composite assemblies of structural materials for buildings, including loadbearing and other walls and partitions, columns, girders, beams, slabs, and composite slab and beam assemblies for floors and roofs. They are also applicable to other assemblies and structural units that constitute permanent integral parts of a finished building.  
1.2 It is the intent that classifications shall register comparative performance to specific fire-test conditions during the period of exposure and shall not be construed as having determined suitability under other conditions or for use after fire exposure.  
1.3 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.4 These test methods prescribe a standard fire exposure for comparing the test results of building construction assemblies. The results of these tests are one factor in assessing predicted fire performance of building construction and assemblies. Application of these test results to predict the performance of actual building construction requires the evaluation of test conditions.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.  
1.7 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 e...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2022
• ICS: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements
• ICS: 91.100.01 - Construction materials in general
• Technical Committee: E05 - Fire Standards
• Drafting Committee: E05.11 - Fire Resistance

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2226-23a - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2226-23 - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2226-15b(2019) - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2226-15b - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15ae1 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2226-15a - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2226-15 - Standard Practice for Application of Hose Stream
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-14c - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E176-14b - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E176-14a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014

Overview

ASTM E119-22: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials is a crucial standard published by ASTM International for evaluating the fire resistance of building assemblies and materials. These standard test methods provide a uniform process for assessing how long various building elements-such as walls, partitions, beams, columns, floors, and roofs-can contain fire and maintain their structural integrity under standardized fire exposure conditions.

The main objective of ASTM E119-22 is to provide comparative fire resistance ratings for assemblies by subjecting test specimens to controlled fire exposures and, when required, the application of a hose stream. This standard is widely referenced in building and fire codes, and is instrumental in helping engineers, architects, manufacturers, and code officials ensure compliance with fire safety requirements.

Key Topics

• Standard Fire Exposure: ASTM E119-22 prescribes a standard time-temperature curve and exposure conditions, allowing consistent comparison of fire resistance for different construction assemblies and materials.
• Test Specimen Requirements: Critical focus on test specimen preparation, size, materials, assembly methods, and conditioning to ensure representativeness and repeatability.
• Performance Evaluation:
  • Measurement of heat transmission through partitions, walls, floors, and roofs.
  • Assessment of hot gas transmission through assemblies.
  • Determination of the load-carrying ability of loadbearing elements like columns and beams during fire exposure.
• Limitations: The standard specifies that while it offers a comparative measure of fire resistance under controlled scenarios, actual field conditions may vary significantly. Factors like fire loading, ventilation, compartment size, and construction variations require careful consideration when applying results.
• Safety Considerations: Fire testing is inherently hazardous, and ASTM E119-22 emphasizes implementation of adequate safety safeguards for personnel and property during tests.

Applications

ASTM E119-22 is widely used for:

• Building Design and Code Compliance:
  • Engineers and architects reference ASTM E119-22 during the design phase to select materials and assemblies that meet required fire resistance ratings for walls, floors, columns, and other key components.
  • Building officials and fire inspectors use test data generated from ASTM E119 to verify that construction complies with national and international fire codes.
• Material and Product Development:
  • Manufacturers of construction materials and prefabricated building systems test their products to achieve fire-resistance classifications that are essential for market acceptance and regulatory approval.
• Risk Assessment and Fire Safety:
  • Fire safety engineers use results from ASTM E119 tests to inform fire risk assessments and evaluate how different assemblies perform under standardized fire exposure.

Industries Impacted:

• Commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial building construction
• Fire protection engineering
• Building materials manufacturing

Related Standards

Professionals working with ASTM E119-22 may also reference the following related standards to ensure holistic fire safety evaluation:

• ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards
• ASTM E2226: Practice for Application of Hose Stream (used in conjunction with E119 for hose stream testing)
• ASTM E814: Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
• ASTM D6513: Practice for Calculating Superimposed Load on Wood-frame Walls for Standard Fire-Resistance Tests
• ASTM E2032: Practice for Extension of Data From Fire Resistance Tests Conducted in Accordance with ASTM E119

Summary

ASTM E119-22 plays a pivotal role in fire safety engineering, construction standards, and code compliance, providing a standardized approach to evaluate and compare the fire resistance of building assemblies and materials. By offering uniform test methods, the standard helps promote safer construction practices and supports code enforcement efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

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: E119 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Test Methods for
Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E119; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber 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.
INTRODUCTION
The performance of walls, columns, floors, and other building members under fire-exposure
conditions is an item of major importance in securing constructions that are safe, and that are not a
menace to neighboring structures or to the public. Recognition of this is registered in the codes of
many authorities, municipal and other. It is important to secure balance of the many units in a single
building, and of buildings of like character and use in a community; and also to promote uniformity
in requirements of various authorities throughout the country. To do this it is necessary that the
fire-resistivepropertiesofmaterialsandassembliesbemeasuredandspecifiedaccordingtoacommon
standard expressed in terms that are applicable alike to a wide variety of materials, situations, and
conditions of exposure.
Such a standard is found in the test methods that follow.They prescribe a standard exposing fire of
controlledextentandseverity.Performanceisdefinedastheperiodofresistancetostandardexposure
elapsing before the first critical point in behavior is observed. Results are reported in units in which
field exposures can be judged and expressed.
The test methods may be cited as the “Standard FireTests,” and the performance or exposure shall
be expressed as “2-h,” “6-h,” “ ⁄2-h,” etc.
When a factor of safety exceeding that inherent in the test conditions is desired, a proportional
increase should be made in the specified time-classification period.
1. Scope* blies and structural units that constitute permanent integral
parts of a finished building.
1.1 The test methods described in this fire-test-response
standard are applicable to assemblies of masonry units and to
1.2 Itistheintentthatclassificationsshallregistercompara-
composite assemblies of structural materials for buildings,
tive performance to specific fire-test conditions during the
including loadbearing and other walls and partitions, columns,
period of exposure and shall not be construed as having
girders,beams,slabs,andcompositeslabandbeamassemblies
determined suitability under other conditions or for use after
for floors and roofs. They are also applicable to other assem-
fire exposure.
1.3 This standard is used to measure and describe the
ThesetestmethodsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE05onFire
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
Standards and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire
Resistance. flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
approved in 1917 as C19-1917 T. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as
assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under
E119–20. DOI: 10.1520/E0119-22.
actual fire conditions.
These test methods, of which the present standard represents a revision, were
preparedbySectionalCommitteeonFireTestsofMaterialsandConstruction,under
1.4 These test methods prescribe a standard fire exposure
thejointsponsorshipoftheNationalBureauofStandards,theANSIFireProtection
for comparing the test results of building construction assem-
Group, and ASTM, functioning under the procedure of the American National
Standards Institute. blies. The results of these tests are one factor in assessing
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E119 − 22
predictedfireperformanceofbuildingconstructionandassem- fire, retain their structural integrity, or exhibit both properties
blies. Application of these test results to predict the perfor- during a predetermined test exposure.
mance of actual building construction requires the evaluation
4.2 The test exposes a test specimen to a standard fire
of test conditions.
controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a
1.5 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
specified time period. When required, the fire exposure is
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
stream applied in accordance with Practice E2226. The test
and are not considered standard.
provides a relative measure of the fire-test-response of compa-
rable building elements under these fire exposure conditions.
1.6 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
Theexposureisnotrepresentativeofallfireconditionsbecause
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
conditions vary with changes in the amount, nature and
conducting these tests.
distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
configuration,andheatsinkcharacteristicsofthecompartment.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Variation from the test conditions or test specimen
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
construction, such as size, materials, method of assembly, also
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
affects the fire-test-response. For these reasons, evaluation of
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the variation is required for application to construction in the
1.8 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
field.
whichprovideexplanatorymaterial.Thesenotesandfootnotes
4.3 The test standard provides for the following:
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of the standard. 4.3.1 For walls, partitions, and floor or roof test specimens:
4.3.1.1 Measurement of the transmission of heat.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.3.1.2 Measurement of the transmission of hot gases
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
through the test specimen.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.3.1.3 For loadbearing elements, measurement of the load
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical carrying ability of the test specimen during the test exposure.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.3.2 For individual loadbearing members such as beams
and columns:
2. Referenced Documents
4.3.2.1 Measurement of the load carrying ability under the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
testexposurewithconsiderationfortheendsupportconditions
C569Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Preformed
(that is, restrained or not restrained).
Thermal Insulations (Withdrawn 1988)
4.4 The test standard does not provide the following:
D6513Practice for Calculating the Superimposed Load on
4.4.1 Information as to performance of test specimens
Wood-frame Walls for Standard Fire-Resistance Tests
constructedwithcomponentsorlengthsotherthanthosetested.
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
4.4.2 Evaluation of the degree by which the test specimen
E177Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic
ASTM Test Methods
gases, or other products of combustion.
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
4.4.3 Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the
E814Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop
test specimen.
Systems
4.4.4 Simulation of the fire behavior of joints between
E2226Practice for Application of Hose Stream
buildingelementssuchasfloor-wallorwall-wall,etc.,connec-
E2032Practice for Extension of Data From Fire Resistance
tions.
Tests Conducted in Accordance with ASTM E119
4.4.5 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of test
3. Terminology
specimens.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms found in this test 4.4.6 The effect on fire-resistance of conventional openings
method, refer to Terminology E176. in the test specimen, that is, electrical receptacle outlets,
plumbing pipe, etc., unless specifically provided for in the
4. Significance and Use
construction tested. Also see Test Method E814 for testing of
fire stops.
4.1 Thesetestmethodsareintendedtoevaluatetheduration
for which the types of building elements noted in 1.1 contain a
5. Test Specimen
5.1 The test specimen shall be representative of the con-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
struction that the test is intended to assess, as to materials,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
workmanship, and details such as dimensions of parts, and
theASTM website.
shall be built under conditions representative of those applied
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. inbuildingconstructionandoperation.Thephysicalproperties
E119 − 22
of the materials and ingredients used in the test specimen shall 6.2.2.1 Alternative conditioning methods are permitted to
be determined and recorded. be used to achieve test specimen equilibrium prescribed in 6.2
(Note 2), or
5.2 The size and dimensions of the test specimen specified
herein shall apply for classifying constructions of dimensions 6.2.2.2 The specimen tested when its strength is at least
within the range employed in buildings. When the conditions
equal to its design strength after a minimum 28 day condition-
of use limit the construction to smaller dimensions, the
ing period.
dimensions of the test specimen shall be reduced proportion-
6.3 Avoid conditioning procedures that will alter the struc-
ately for a test qualifying them for such restricted use.
turalorfire-resistancecharacteristicsofthetestspecimenfrom
5.3 Test specimens designed with a built-up roof shall be
those produced as the result of conditiong in accordance with
tested with a roof covering of 3 ply, 15 lb (6.8 kg) type felt,
procedures given in 6.2.
2 2
with not more than 120 lb (54 kg) per square 100 ft (9 m)of
hot mopping asphalt without gravel surfacing. Tests with this 6.4 Information on the actual moisture content and distri-
covering do not preclude the field use of other coverings with
bution within the test specimen shall be obtained within 72 h
alargernumberofplysoffelt,withagreateramountofasphalt
priortothefire.Includethisinformationinthetestreport(Note
or with gravel surfacing.
3).
NOTE1—Arecommendedmethodfordeterminingtherelativehumidity
5.4 Roofing systems designed for other than the use of
withinahardenedconcretetestspecimenwithelectricsensingelementsis
built-up roof coverings shall be tested using materials and
described in Appendix I of the paper by Menzel, C. A., “A Method for
details of construction representative of field application.
Determining the Moisture Condition of Hardened Concrete in Terms of
RelativeHumidity,” Proceedings,ASTM,Vol55,1955,p.1085.Asimilar
6. Protection and Conditioning of Test Specimen
procedure with electric sensing elements is permitted to be used to
6.1 Protect the test specimen during and after fabrication to
determine the relative humidity within test specimens made with other
ensure its quality and condition at the time of test. The test
materials.
specimenshallnotbetesteduntilitsrequiredstrengthhasbeen With wood constructions, the moisture meter based on the electrical
resistance method can be used, when appropriate, as an alternative to the
attained, and, until an air-dry condition has been achieved in
relative humidity method to indicate when wood has attained the proper
accordance with the requirements given in 6.2 – 6.4. Protect
moisture content. Electrical methods are described on page 12-2 of the
the testing equipment and test specimen undergoing the fire-
1999 edition of the Wood Handbook of the Forest Products Laboratory,
resistance test from any condition of wind or weather that is
U.S. Department of Agriculture. The relationships between relative
capable of affecting results.The ambient air temperature at the
humidity and moisture content are given in Table3-4 on p. 3-7. This
beginningofthetestshallbewithintherangeof50°Fto90°F
indicates that wood has a moisture content of 13% at a relative humidity
of 70% for a temperature of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
(10°C to 32°C). The velocity of air across the unexposed
surface of the test specimen, measured just before the test NOTE2—Anexamplewherealternativeconditioningmaybeemployed
iswhereconcretespecimensareconditionedatelevatedtemperaturesina
begins, shall not exceed 4.4 ft (1.3 m/s), as determined by an
“heated building” to more rapidly obtain the conditions described in 6.2.
anemometer placed at right angles to the unexposed surface.
In such cases, temperatures other than 73°F (23°C) are used to reach a
When mechanical ventilation is employed during the test, an
maximum 50 % relative humidity.
air stream shall not be directed across the surface of the test
NOTE 3—If the moisture condition of the test specimen is likely to
specimen.
change drastically from the 72-h sampling time prior to test, the sampling
should be made not later than 24 h prior to the test.
6.2 Prior to the fire-resistance test, condition test specimens
with the objective of providing moisture condition within the
7. Control
test specimen representative of that in similar construction in
buildings. For purposes of standardization, this condition is
7.1 Fire-Resistance Test:
established at equilibrium resulting from conditioning in an
7.1.1 Time-Temperature Curve:
ambientatmosphereof50%relativehumidityat73°F(23°C)
7.1.1.1 The furnace temperatures shall be controlled to
(Note 1).
follow the standard time-temperature curve shown in Fig. 1.
6.2.1 Withsomeconstructionsitisdifficultorimpossibleto
The points on the curve that determine its character are:
achievesuchuniformity.Wherethisisthecase,testspecimens
aretestedwhenthedampestportionofthetestspecimen,orthe 1000 °F (538 °C) at 5 min
1300 °F (704 °C) at 10 min
portion at 6 in. (152 mm) depth below the surface of massive
1550 °F (843 °C) at 30 min
constructions, has achieved a moisture content corresponding
1700 °F (927 °C) at 1 h
to conditioning to equilibrium with air in the range of 50 to 1850 °F (1010 °C) at 2 h
2000 °F (1093 °C) at 4 h
75% relative humidity at 73°F 6 5°F (23°C 6 3°C).
2300 °F (1260 °C) at 8 h or over
6.2.2 When evidence is shown that test specimens condi-
7.1.1.2 For a more detailed definition of the time-
tionedinaheatedbuildingwillfailtomeettherequirementsof
temperature curve, see Appendix X1.
6.2 after a 12-month conditioning period, or in the event that
the nature of the construction is such that it is evident that
NOTE 4—Recommendations for Recording Fuel Flow to Furnace
conditioning of the test specimen interior is prevented by
Burners—The following provides guidance on the desired characteristics
hermetic sealing, the moisture condition requirements of 6.2
of instrumentation for recording the flow of fuel to the furnace burners.
are permitted to be waived, and either 6.2.2.1 or 6.2.2.2 shall
Fuel flow data may be useful for a furnace heat balance analysis, for
apply. measuring the effect of furnace or control changes, and for comparing the
E119 − 22
7.2.1.1 ThethermocoupleshallbefabricatedfromChromel-
Alumelthermocouplewire.Thewireshallbe14AWG(0.0642
in. diameter, 1.628 mm diameter) or 16 AWG (0.0508 in.
diameter1.450mmdiameter)or18AWG(0.0403in.diameter,
1.024 mm diameter). The thermocouple junction shall be
formed by fusion-welding the wire ends to form a bead.
Each thermocouple wire lead shall be placed into one of the
two holes of the ceramic insulators. The ceramic insulators
shall have an outside diameter of 0.40 in. (10 mm) with two
holes each having an outside diameter of 0.08 in. (2 mm). The
thermocouplewireandceramicinsulatorsshallbeinsertedinto
a standard weight nominal 0.50 in. (12.7 mm) Inconel 600
pipe (Schedule 40). The thermocouple bead shall be located
0.25 6 0.04 in. (6.35 6 1 mm) from the end of ceramic
insulators and 0.50 6 0.04 in. (12.7 6 1 mm) from the pipe
end. The thermocouple assembly is shown in Fig. 2.
7.2.1.2 For walls and partitions, the furnace thermocouples
shall be placed 6 in. (152 mm) away from the exposed face of
FIG. 1 Time-Temperature Curve
the test specimen at the beginning of the test. For all other test
specimens, the furnace thermocouples shall be placed 12 in.
(305 mm) from the exposed face of the test specimen at the
performance of test specimens of different properties in the fire-resistance
test. beginning of the test. During the test, furnace thermocouples
Record the integrated (cumulative) flow of gas (or other fuel) to the
shall not touch the test specimen in the event of the test
furnaceburnersat10min,20min,30min,andevery30minthereafteror
specimen’s deflection.
more frequently.Total gas consumed during the total test period is also to
7.2.2 Thefurnacetemperaturesshallbereadatintervalsnot
be determined. A recording flow meter has advantages over periodic
exceeding5minduringthefirst2h,andthereaftertheintervals
readings on an instantaneous or totalizing flow meter. Select a measuring
and recording system to provide flow rate readings accurate to within
shall not exceed 10 min.
65%.
7.2.3 The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that
Report the type of fuel, its higher (gross) heating value, and the fuel
the area under the time-temperature curve, obtained by aver-
flow(correctedtostandardconditionsof60°F(16°C)and30.0in.Hg)as
aging the results from the pyrometer readings, is within 10%
a function of time.
of the corresponding area under the standard time-temperature
7.2 Furnace Temperatures:
curve shown in Fig. 1 for fire-resistance tests of1hor less
7.2.1 The temperature fixed by the curve shall be the
duration, within 7.5% for those over 1 h and not more than 2
average temperature from not fewer than nine thermocouples
h, and within 5% for tests exceeding2hin duration.
for a floor, roof, wall, or partition and not fewer than eight
7.3 Test Specimen Temperatures:
thermocouplesforastructuralcolumn.Furnacethermocouples
7.3.1 Temperatures Measurement of the Unexposed Sur-
shall be symmetrically disposed and distributed to show the
faces of Floors, Roofs, Walls, and Partitions:
temperaturenearallpartsofthesample.Theexposedlengthof
7.3.1.1 Temperatures of unexposed test specimen surfaces
the pyrometer tube and thermocouple in the furnace chamber
shall be measured with thermocouples placed under dry, felted
shall be not less than 12 in. (305 mm).
pads meeting the requirements listed in Annex A1. The wire
leadsofthethermocoupleshallbepositionedunderthepadand
be in contact with the unexposed test specimen surface for not
Harmathy, T. Z., “Design of Fire Test Furnaces,” Fire Technology, Vol 5, No.
2, May 1969, pp. 146–150; Seigel, L. G., “Effects of Furnace Design on Fire
EnduranceTest Results,” Fire Test Performance, ASTM STP 464,ASTM, 1970, pp.
57–67; and Williamson, R. B., and Buchanan,A. H., “AHeat BalanceAnalysis of
Inconel is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation.
the Standard Fire Endurance Test.”
FIG. 2 Thermocouple Assembly
E119 − 22
lessthan3 ⁄2in.(89mm).Thehotjunctionofthethermocouple thermocouples shall be applied, where practicable, to the
shall be placed approximately under the center of the pad.The surface of the units remote from fire and spaced across the
padshallbeheldfirmlyagainstthesurface,andshallcoverthe widthoftheunit.Nomorethanfourorfewerthantwosections
thermocouple. The wires for the thermocouple in the length needbesoinstrumentedineachrepresentativespan.Locatethe
coveredbythepadshallbenotheavierthanNo.18B&Sgauge groups of four thermocouples in representative locations
(0.04 in.) (1.02 mm) and shall be electrically insulated with spaced across the width of the unit. Typical thermocouple
heat-resistant or moisture-resistant coatings, or both. locations for a unit section are shown in Fig. 3.
7.3.3.2 For test specimens employing structural members
NOTE 5—For the purpose of testing roof assemblies, the unexposed
(beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced at more than 4 ft
surface shall be defined as the surface exposed to ambient air.
(1.2 m) on centers, measure the temperature of the steel in
7.3.1.2 Temperatures shall be recorded at not fewer than
these members with four thermocouples at each of three or
ninepointsonthesurface.Fiveoftheseshallbesymmetrically
moresectionsequallyspacedalongthelengthofthemembers.
disposed, one to be approximately at the center of the test
For situations in which the protection material thickness is not
specimen, and four at approximately the center of its quarter
uniform along the test specimen length, at least one of the
sections. The other four shall be located to obtain representa-
sections at which temperatures are measured shall include the
tive information on the performance of the test specimen. The
point of minimum cover.
thermocouples shall not be located closer to the edges of the
7.3.3.3 For test specimens employing structural members
test specimen than one and one-half times the thickness of the
(beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced at 4 ft (1.2 m) on
test specimen, or 12 in. (305 mm). Exception: those cases in
center or less, measure the temperature of the steel in these
which there is an element of the construction that is not
memberswithfourthermocouplesplacedoneachmember.No
otherwise represented in the remainder of the test specimen.
more than four members shall be so instrumented. Place the
The thermocouples shall not be located opposite or on top of
thermocouples at locations, such as at mid-span, over joints in
beams, girders, pilasters, or other structural members if tem-
the ceiling, and over light fixtures. It shall not be required that
peratures at such points will be lower than at more represen-
all four thermocouples be located at the same section.
tative locations. The thermocouples shall not be located over
7.3.3.4 For steel structural members, locate thermocouples
fasteners except when the aggregate area of any part of such
as shown in Fig. 4: two on the bottom of the bottom flange or
fasteners on the unexposed side is greater than or equal to 1%
chord, one on the web at the center, and one on the top flange
of the area within any 6 in. (152 mm) diameter circle, or the
or chord.
fastenersextendthroughtheassemblyfromtheexposedsideto
7.3.3.5 For reinforced or pre-stressed concrete structural
the unexposed side.
members, locate thermocouples on each of the tension rein-
7.3.1.3 Temperatures shall be measured and recorded at
forcing elements, unless there are more than eight such
intervals not greater than 30 s.
elements,inwhichcaseplacethermocouplesoneightelements
7.3.1.4 Where the conditions of acceptance place a limita-
selected in such a manner as to obtain representative tempera-
tion on the rise of temperature of the unexposed surface, the
tures of all the elements.
temperature end point of the fire-resistance period shall be
7.3.4 Temperature Measurement of Loaded Restrained
determined by the average of the measurements taken at
Beams:
individual points; except that if a temperature rise 30% in
excess of the specified limit occurs at any one of these points,
the remainder shall be ignored and the fire-resistance period
judged as ended.
7.3.2 Temperature Measurement of Non-loaded Structural
Steel Columns (Alternative Test of Steel Columns):
7.3.2.1 Measure the temperature of the steel with not fewer
than three thermocouples at each of four levels.The upper and
lower levels shall be 2 ft (0.6 m) from the ends of the steel
column, and the two intermediate levels shall be equally
spaced. For situations in which the protection material thick-
ness is not uniform along the test specimen length, at least one
of the levels at which temperatures are measured shall include
the point of minimum cover. Place the thermocouples at each
level to measure temperatures of the component elements of
the steel section.
7.3.3 Temperature Measurement of the Components of
Floors and Roofs:
7.3.3.1 For steel floor or roof units, locate four thermo-
couplesoneachsection(asectiontocomprisethewidthofone
unit), one on the bottom plane of the unit at an edge joint, one
on the bottom plane of the unit remote from the edge, one on
asidewalloftheunit,andoneonthetopplaneoftheunit,The FIG. 3 Typical Location of Thermocouples
E119 − 22
7.3.6.2 Foreachclassofelementsbeingprotected,tempera-
ture readings shall be taken at not fewer than five representa-
tivepoints.Thermocouplesshallbelocatednotlessthan12in.
(305mm)fromtheedgesofthetestspecimen.Anexceptionis
made in those cases in which there is an element or feature of
the construction that is not otherwise represented in the test
specimen. None of the thermocouples shall be located
opposite, on top of, or adjacent to fasteners such as screws,
nails, or staples when such locations are excluded for thermo-
couple placement on the unexposed surface of the test speci-
men in 7.3.1.2.
7.3.6.3 Thermocouples shall be located to obtain informa-
tion on the temperature at the interface between the exposed
membrane and the substrate or element being protected.
7.3.6.4 Temperature readings shall be taken at intervals not
exceeding 5 min.
7.4 Loading:
FIG. 4 Typical Location of Thermocouple
7.4.1 Loading of Loadbearing Walls and Partitions:
7.4.1.1 Throughoutthefire-resistanceandhose-streamtests,
apply a superimposed load to the test specimen to simulate a
maximum-load condition. This load shall be the maximum-
7.3.4.1 Measure the temperature of the steel structural
load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural
members with four thermocouples at each of three or more
designcriteriaunlesslimiteddesigncriteriaarespecifiedanda
sections equally spaced along the length of the members. For
corresponding reduced load is applied (Note 6).Adouble wall
situations in which the protection material thickness is not
assembly shall be loaded during the test to simulate intended
uniform along the test specimen length, at least one of the
field-use conditions. Two distinct cases are differentiated: (1)
sections at which temperatures are measured shall include the
where, in the intended field-use condition, the load initially
point of minimum cover.
supported by the exposed wall section is transferred to the
7.3.4.2 For steel structural members, locate the thermo-
unexposed wall section in case of collapse of the exposed wall
couples as shown in Fig. 4: two on the bottom of the bottom
section, or where the intended load condition is not specified,
flange or chord, one on the web at the center, and one on the
bothwallsectionsshallbeloadedinthetestasasingleunit;(2)
bottom of the top flange or chord.
where, in the intended field-use condition, the load initially
7.3.4.3 For reinforced or pre-stressed concrete structural
supported by the exposed wall section is not transferred to the
members, locate thermocouples on each of the tension rein-
unexposed wall section in case of collapse of the exposed wall
forcing elements unless there are more than eight such
section, the respective portion of the load intended to be
elements,inwhichcaseplacethermocouplesoneightelements
supported by each wall section shall be applied individually to
selected in such a manner as to obtain representative tempera-
each wall section. The method used shall be reported.
tures of all the elements.
7.3.5 Temperature Measurement of Non-loaded Structural
NOTE 6—Examples of calculating the superimposed load for bearing
lightweight wood-frame walls using the allowable stress design method
Steel Beams and Girders:
and load and resistance factor design method are provided in X7.5.Also,
7.3.5.1 Measure the temperature of the steel with not fewer
an example for calculating the superimposed load for bearing lightweight
thanfourthermocouplesateachoffoursectionsequallyspaced
cold-formedsteelwallsusingtheloadandresistancefactordesignmethod
alongthelengthofthemembernonearerthan2ft(0.6m)from
is provided in X7.6.
the inside face of the furnace. For situations in which the
7.4.2 Loading of Columns:
protection material thickness is not uniform along the test
7.4.2.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superim-
specimen length, at least one of the sections at which tempera-
posed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load
tures are measured shall include the point of minimum cover.
condition. This load shall be the maximum-load condition
Place the thermocouples at each section to measure tempera-
allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria
tures of the component elements of the steel section.
unlesslimiteddesigncriteriaarespecifiedandacorresponding
7.3.6 Temperature Measurement of Protective Membranes:
reduced load is applied (Note 7). Make provision for transmit-
7.3.6.1 The temperature of protective membranes shall be
ting the load to the exposed portion of the column without
measured with thermocouples, the measuring junctions of
increasing the effective column length.
which are in intimate contact with the exposed surface of the
elements being protected. The diameter of the wires used to NOTE 7—An example for calculating the superimposed load for
concrete columns using the load and resistance factor design method is
formthethermo-junctionshallnotbegreaterthanthethickness
provided in X7.4.
of sheet metal framing or panel members to which they are
attached and in no case greater than No. 18 B&S gauge (0.040 7.4.2.2 Asanoptionalprocedure,subjectthecolumnto1- ⁄4
in.) (1.02 mm). The lead shall be electrically insulated with times its designed working load before undertaking the fire-
heat-resistant and moisture-resistant coatings. resistancetest.Thefactthatsuchatesthasbeenmadeshallnot
E119 − 22
be construed as having had a deleterious effect on the fire- 7.5.7.2 Position the cotton pad directly over the observed
resistance test performance. crack, hole, opened joint, or other similar void or defect in the
unexposed surface of the test specimen, approximately 1 in. 6
7.4.3 Loading of Floors and Roofs:
⁄8 in. (25 mm 6 3 mm) from the surface, for a period of 30 6
7.4.3.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superim-
1 s or until ignition of the cotton pad, whichever occurs first.
posed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load
7.5.7.3 All test locations previously tested in accordance
condition. This load shall be the maximum-load condition
with 7.5.7.2 shall be retested as close as practical to the end of
allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria
unlesslimiteddesigncriteriaarespecifiedandacorresponding the desired fire-resistance period. An unused cotton pad shall
be positioned over each previously tested location on the
reduced load is applied (Note 8).
unexposed surface of the test specimen.
NOTE 8—Examples for calculating the superimposed load for light-
7.5.7.4 If ignition of the cotton pad occurs, record the time
weight wood-frame floors using the allowable stress design method and
atwhichignitionoccursandreportthedescriptionofthecrack,
load and resistance factor design method are provided in X7.5. Also, an
example for calculating the superimposed load for lightweight cold- hole, opened joint, or other similar void or defect and the
formed steel floors using the load and resistance factor design method is
location where it occurs.
provided in X7.6.
7.6 Hose Stream:
7.4.4 Loading of Beams:
7.6.1 Whererequiredbytheconditionsofacceptance,atest
7.4.4.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superim-
shall be conducted to subject the test specimen described in
posed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load
7.6.2 or 7.6.3 to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a
condition. This load shall be the maximum load condition
hose stream. The hose stream shall be applied in accordance
allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria
with Practice E2226. The water pressure and duration of
unlesslimiteddesigncriteriaarespecifiedandacorresponding
applicationshallbeasprescribedinTable1ofPracticeE2226.
reduced load is applied.
7.6.1.1 Exemption—The hose-stream test shall not be re-
7.5 Cotton Pad Test: quired in the case of test specimens having a resistance period,
indicated in the fire-resistance test, of less than 1 h.
7.5.1 Where required by the conditions of acceptance in
7.6.2 Thehosestreamtestshallbeconductedonaduplicate
other sections of this standard to determine that the test
test specimen.
specimen has not allowed the passage of gases hot enough to
ignite a cotton pad, the cotton pad test shall be conducted in 7.6.2.1 The duplicate test specimen shall be exposed to the
effects of the hose stream immediately after being subjected to
accordance with 7.5.7 during the fire-resistance test whenever
a crack, hole, opened joint, or other similar void or defect a fire-resistance test for a time period of one-half the fire-
resistance classification period determined from the fire-
through which hot gases are capable of passing is observed in
the unexposed surface of the test specimen. resistance test on the initial test specimen.
7.6.2.2 Thelengthoftimethattheduplicatetestspecimenis
7.5.2 The cotton pad test shall be conducted using a cotton
subjected to the fire- resistance test shall not exceed 1 h.
pad as described in 7.5.3 and 7.5.4 in a wire frame provided
7.6.3 Optional Program—As an alternative procedure, con-
with a handle as described in 7.5.5.
duct the hose stream test on the initially tested test specimen
7.5.3 The cotton pad shall comply with the physical char-
immediately following its fire-resistance test.
acteristics described in 7.5.3.1 through 7.5.3.3.
7.5.3.1 Thecottonpadshallbenominally4by4in.(100by
8. Procedure
100 mm) by 0.75 in. (19 mm) thick.
8.1 General:
7.5.3.2 The cotton pad shall consist of new, undyed, soft
8.1.1 Continue the fire-resistance test on the test specimen
cotton fibers, without any admixture of artificial fibers.
withitsappliedload,ifany,untilfailureoccurs,oruntilthetest
7.5.3.3 Thecottonpadshallweigh0.12oz 60.02oz(3.5g
specimenhaswithstoodthetestconditionsforaperiodequalto
6 0.5 g).
that herein specified in the conditions of acceptance for the
7.5.4 Thecottonpadshallbeconditionedpriortothetestby
given type of building element.
drying in an oven at 212°F 6 9°F (100°C 6 5°C) for a
8.1.2 Continue the test beyond the time fire-resistance
periodofnotlessthan30min.Immediatelyuponremovalfrom
classification is determined, when the purpose in doing so is to
the drying oven, the cotton pad shall be stored in a desiccator
obtain additional information.
foraperiodofnotlessthan24hpriortothefire-resistancetest.
7.5.5 The frame used to hold the cotton pad for the purpose
8.2 Tests of Loadbearing Walls and Partitions:
ofthecottonwastetestshallbeconstructedusingNo.16AWG
8.2.1 Size of Test Specimen—The area exposed to fire shall
2 2
(0.05 in.) (1.3 mm) steel wire which has been fastened to a
be not less than 100 ft (9.3 m ), with neither dimension less
handle that has a length that reaches all points on the
than 9 ft (2.7 m). The test specimen shall not be restrained on
unexposed surface of the test specimen. See Fig. 5.
its vertical edges.
7.5.6 Ignition of the cotton pad shall be defined as glowing,
8.2.2 Temperatures—Determinetemperaturesinaccordance
flamingorsmolderingofthecottonpad.Charringofthecotton
with 7.3.1.
pad shall not be an indication of ignition.
8.2.3 Loading—Load the test specimen in accordance with
7.5.7 Ignition Test Procedure: 7.4.1.
7.5.7.1 Conduct the cotton pad test using an unused cotton 8.2.4 Conditions ofAcceptance—Regardthetestassuccess-
pad. ful if the following conditions are met:
E119 − 22
FIG. 5 Typical Cotton Waste Pad Holder
8.2.4.1 The test specimen shall have sustained the applied 8.3.2 Temperatures—Determinetemperaturesinaccordance
load during the fire-resistance test without passage of flame or with 7.3.1.
gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste, for a period equal to
8.3.3 Loading—There is no requirement for loading.
that for which classification is desired.
8.3.4 Conditions ofAcceptance—Regardthetestassuccess-
8.2.4.2 The test specimen shall have sustained the applied
ful if the following conditions are met:
load during the fire and hose stream test as specified in 7.6,
8.3.4.1 The test specimen has withstood the fire-resistance
without passage of flame, of gases hot enough to ignite cotton
test without passage of flame or gases hot enough to ignite
waste, or with the passage of water of from the hose stream.
cotton waste, for a period equal to that for which classification
The test specimen shall be considered to have failed the hose
is desired.
stream test if an opening develops that permits a projection of
8.3.4.2 The test specimen has withstood the fire and hose
waterfromthestreambeyondtheunexposedsurfaceduringthe
stream test as specified in 7.6, without passage of flame, of
time of the hose stream test.
gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste, or of passage of water
8.2.4.3 Transmission of heat through the wall or partition
from the hose stream.The test specimen shall be considered to
duringthefire-resistancetestshallnotraisethetemperatureon
have failed the hose stream test if an opening develops that
its unexposed surface more than 250°F (139°C) above its
permits a projection of water from the stream beyond the
initial temperature.
unexposed surface during the time of the hose stream test.
8.3 Tests of Non-Loadbearing Walls and Partitions: 8.3.4.3 Transmission of heat through the wall or partition
8.3.1 Size of Test Specimen—The area exposed to fire shall duringthefire-resistancetestshallnotraisethetemperatureon
2 2
be not less than 100 ft (9.3 m ), with neither dimension less its unexposed surface more than 250°F (139°C) above its
than 9 ft (2.7 m). Restrain the test specimen on all four edges. initial temperature.
E119 − 22
actual building construction.
8.4 Tests of Loaded Columns:
8.4.1 Size of Test Specimen—The length of the column
8.6.1.2 An unrestrained assembly classification shall be
exposed to fire shall be not less than 9 ft (2.7 m). Apply the
determined for test specimens not restrained against thermal
contemplateddetailsofconnectionsandtheirprotection,ifany,
expansionbasedupontheconditionsofacceptancespecifiedin
accordingtothemethodsoffieldpractice.Thecolumnshallbe
8.6.6.1 and 8.6.6.2.
vertical during the fire exposure.
8.6.1.3 As an alternative classification procedure for loaded
8.4.2 Temperatures—There is no requirement for tempera-
restrained beams specified in 8.7, an individual unrestrained
ture measurements.
beam classification shall be permitted for beams from re-
8.4.3 Loading—Load the test specimen in accordance with
strained or unrestrained floor or roof specimens, based on the
7.4.2.
conditions of acceptance specified in 8.7.6. The unrestrained
8.4.4 Condition of Acceptance—Regard the test as success-
beam classification so derived shall be applicable to beams
ful if the column sustains the applied load during the fire-
used with a floor or roof construction that has comparable or
resistancetestforaperiodequaltothatforwhichclassification
greatercapacityforheatdissipationthanthatwithwhichitwas
is desired.
tested. The fire-resistance classification developed by this test
method shall not be applicable to sizes of beams smaller than
8.5 Alternative Test of Non-loaded Steel Columns:
8.5.1 Application—Thisalternativetestprocedureisusedto those tested.
evaluate the protection of steel columns without application of 8.6.2 Size and Characteristics of Test Specimen:
design load, provided that the protection material is not
8.6.2.1 The area exposed to fire shall be not less than 180
2 2
required by design to function structurally in resisting loads. ft (16.7 m ) with neither dimension less than 12 ft (3.7 m).
8.5.2 Size and Characteristics of Test Specimen:
Structural members, if a part of the test specimen, shall be
8.5.2.1 The length of the protected column shall be at least positioned within the combustion chamber and have a side
8 ft (2.4 m). The column shall be vertical during the fire
clearance of not less than 8 in. (203 mm) from the chamber
exposure. walls.
8.5.2.2 Restrain the applied protection material against lon-
8.6.2.2 Test specimens for which a restrained rating is
gitudinal temperature expansion greater than that of the steel
desired shall be so restrained during the test exposure.
column with rigid steel plates or reinforced concrete attached
8.6.3 Temperatures—Determinetemperaturesinaccordance
totheendsofthesteelcolumnbeforetheprotectionisapplied.
with 7.3.1 and 7.3.3.
Thesizeoftheplatesoramountofconcreteshallprovidedirect
8.6.4 Loading—Load the test specimen in accordance with
bearingfortheentiretransverseareaoftheprotectionmaterial.
7.4.3.
8.5.2.3 Provide the ends of the test specimen, including the
8.6.5 Conditions of Acceptance—Restrained Assembly
means for restraint, with thermal insulation to limit direct heat
Classification—In obtaining a restrained assembly
transfer from the furnace.
classification, the following conditions shall be met:
8.5.2.4 Throughout the fire-resistance test, expose the test
8.6.5.1 The test specimen shall have sustained the applied
specimen to fire on all sides for its full length.
load during its classification period without developing unex-
8.5.3 Temperatures—Determinetemperaturesinaccordance
posed surface conditions which will ignite cotton waste.
with 7.3.2.
8.6.5.2 Transmission of heat through the test specimen
8.5.4 Loading—There is no requirement for loading.
during its classification period shall not raise the average
8.5.5 Conditions ofAcceptance—Regardthetestassuccess-
temperature on its unexposed surface more than 250°F
fulifthetransmissionofheatthroughtheprotectionduringthe
(139°C) above its initial temperature.
period of fire exposure for which classification is desired does
8.6.5.3 For test specimens employing steel structural mem-
not raise the average (arithmetical) temperature of the steel at
bers (beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced more than 4 ft
any one of the four levels above 1000°F (538°C), or does not
(1.2 m) on centers, the test specimen shall achieve a restrained
raisethetemperatureabove1200°F(649°C)atanyoneofthe
assembly classification on the basis of the temperature of the
measured points.
steel structural members not having exceeded 1300 °F
8.6 Tests of Floors and Roofs: (704°C) at any location and not having the average tempera-
8.6.1 Application—Thisprocedureisapplicabletofloorand
ture recorded by four thermocouples at any section exceed
roof assemblies with or without attached, furred, or suspended 1100°F(593°C)duringthefirsthour.Forrestrainedassembly
ceilings and requires the application of the fire exposure to the
classifications greater than 1 h, these temperature criteria shall
underside of the test specimen. apply for a period of one half the classification period of the
8.6.1.1 Two fire-resistance classifications shall be deter-
floor or roof construction or 1 h, whichever is the greater.
minedfortestspecimensrestrainedagainstthermalexpansion:
8.6.5.4 For test specimens employing steel structural mem-
a restrained assembly classification based upon the conditions
bers (beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced 4 ft (1.2 m) or
of acceptance specified in 8.6.5 and an unrestrained assembly
less on centers, the test specimen shall achieve a restrained
classificationbasedupontheconditionsofacceptancespecified
assembly classification on the basis of the average temperature
in 8.6.6.
of the steel structural members, as recorded by all
thermocouples, not having exceeded 1100°F (593°C) during
NOTE 9—See Ap
...

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: E119 − 20 E119 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Test Methods for
Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E119; 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.
INTRODUCTION
The performance of walls, columns, floors, and other building members under fire-exposure
conditions is an item of major importance in securing constructions that are safe, and that are not a
menace to neighboring structures or to the public. Recognition of this is registered in the codes of
many authorities, municipal and other. It is important to secure balance of the many units in a single
building, and of buildings of like character and use in a community; and also to promote uniformity
in requirements of various authorities throughout the country. To do this it is necessary that the
fire-resistive properties of materials and assemblies be measured and specified according to a common
standard expressed in terms that are applicable alike to a wide variety of materials, situations, and
conditions of exposure.
Such a standard is found in the test methods that follow. They prescribe a standard exposing fire of
controlled extent and severity. Performance is defined as the period of resistance to standard exposure
elapsing before the first critical point in behavior is observed. Results are reported in units in which
field exposures can be judged and expressed.
The test methods may be cited as the “Standard Fire Tests,” and the performance or exposure shall
be expressed as “2-h,” “6-h,” “ ⁄2-h,” etc.
When a factor of safety exceeding that inherent in the test conditions is desired, a proportional
increase should be made in the specified time-classification period.
1. Scope*
1.1 The test methods described in this fire-test-response standard are applicable to assemblies of masonry units and to composite
assemblies of structural materials for buildings, including loadbearing and other walls and partitions, columns, girders, beams,
slabs, and composite slab and beam assemblies for floors and roofs. They are also applicable to other assemblies and structural
units that constitute permanent integral parts of a finished building.
1.2 It is the intent that classifications shall register comparative performance to specific fire-test conditions during the period of
exposure and shall not be construed as having determined suitability under other conditions or for use after fire exposure.
1.3 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020Sept. 1, 2022. Published June 2020October 2022. Originally approved in 1917 as C19-1917 T. Last previous edition approved in
20192020 as E119 – 19.E119 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/E0119-20.10.1520/E0119-22.
These test methods, of which the present standard represents a revision, were prepared by Sectional Committee on Fire Tests of Materials and Construction, under the
joint sponsorship of the National Bureau of Standards, the ANSI Fire Protection Group, and ASTM, functioning under the procedure of the American National Standards
Institute.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E119 − 22
1.4 These test methods prescribe a standard fire exposure for comparing the test results of building construction assemblies. The
results of these tests are one factor in assessing predicted fire performance of building construction and assemblies. Application
of these test results to predict the performance of actual building construction requires the evaluation of test conditions.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.7 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.
1.8 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.9 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:
C569 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Preformed Thermal Insulations (Withdrawn 1988)
D6513 Practice for Calculating the Superimposed Load on Wood-frame Walls for Standard Fire-Resistance Tests
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E814 Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
E2226 Practice for Application of Hose Stream
E2032 Practice for Extension of Data From Fire Resistance Tests Conducted in Accordance with ASTM E 119
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms found in this test method, refer to Terminology E176.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 These test methods are intended to evaluate the duration for which the types of building elements noted in 1.1 contain a fire,
retain their structural integrity, or exhibit both properties during a predetermined test exposure.
4.2 The test exposes a test specimen to a standard fire controlled to achieve specified temperatures throughout a specified time
period. When required, the fire exposure is followed by the application of a specified standard fire hose stream applied in
accordance with Practice E2226. The test provides a relative measure of the fire-test-response of comparable building elements
under these fire exposure conditions. The exposure is not representative of all fire conditions because conditions vary with changes
in the amount, nature and distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and configuration, and heat sink characteristics
of the compartment. Variation from the test conditions or test specimen construction, such as size, materials, method of assembly,
also affects the fire-test-response. For these reasons, evaluation of the variation is required for application to construction in the
field.
4.3 The test standard provides for the following:
4.3.1 For walls, partitions, and floor or roof test specimens:
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
E119 − 22
4.3.1.1 Measurement of the transmission of heat.
4.3.1.2 Measurement of the transmission of hot gases through the test specimen.
4.3.1.3 For loadbearing elements, measurement of the load carrying ability of the test specimen during the test exposure.
4.3.2 For individual loadbearing members such as beams and columns:
4.3.2.1 Measurement of the load carrying ability under the test exposure with consideration for the end support conditions (that
is, restrained or not restrained).
4.4 The test standard does not provide the following:
4.4.1 Information as to performance of test specimens constructed with components or lengths other than those tested.
4.4.2 Evaluation of the degree by which the test specimen contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic gases, or
other products of combustion.
4.4.3 Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the test
specimen.
4.4.4 Simulation of the fire behavior of joints between building elements such as floor-wall or wall-wall, etc., connections.
4.4.5 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of test specimens.
4.4.6 The effect on fire-resistance of conventional openings in the test specimen, that is, electrical receptacle outlets, plumbing
pipe, etc., unless specifically provided for in the construction tested. Also see Test Method E814 for testing of fire stops.
5. Test Specimen
5.1 The test specimen shall be representative of the construction that the test is intended to assess, as to materials, workmanship,
and details such as dimensions of parts, and shall be built under conditions representative of those applied in building construction
and operation. The physical properties of the materials and ingredients used in the test specimen shall be determined and recorded.
5.2 The size and dimensions of the test specimen specified herein shall apply for classifying constructions of dimensions within
the range employed in buildings. When the conditions of use limit the construction to smaller dimensions, the dimensions of the
test specimen shall be reduced proportionately for a test qualifying them for such restricted use.
5.3 Test specimens designed with a built-up roof shall be tested with a roof covering of 3 ply, 15 lb (6.8 kg) type felt, with not
2 2
more than 120 lb (54 kg) per square 100 ft (9 m ) of hot mopping asphalt without gravel surfacing. Tests with this covering do
not preclude the field use of other coverings with a larger number of plys of felt, with a greater amount of asphalt or with gravel
surfacing.
5.4 Roofing systems designed for other than the use of built-up roof coverings shall be tested using materials and details of
construction representative of field application.
6. Protection and Conditioning of Test Specimen
6.1 Protect the test specimen during and after fabrication to ensure its quality and condition at the time of test. The test specimen
shall not be tested until its required strength has been attained, and, until an air-dry condition has been achieved in accordance with
the requirements given in 6.2 – 6.4. Protect the testing equipment and test specimen undergoing the fire-resistance test from any
condition of wind or weather that is capable of affecting results. The ambient air temperature at the beginning of the test shall be
within the range of 5050 °F to 90°F (1090 °F (10 °C to 32°C).32 °C). The velocity of air across the unexposed surface of the test
specimen, measured just before the test begins, shall not exceed 4.4 ft (1.3 m/s), as determined by an anemometer placed at right
angles to the unexposed surface. When mechanical ventilation is employed during the test, an air stream shall not be directed across
the surface of the test specimen.
E119 − 22
6.2 Prior to the fire-resistance test, condition test specimens with the objective of providing moisture condition within the test
specimen representative of that in similar construction in buildings. For purposes of standardization, this condition is established
at equilibrium resulting from conditioning in an ambient atmosphere of 50 % relative humidity at 73°F 73 °F (23 °C) (Note 1).
6.2.1 With some constructions it is difficult or impossible to achieve such uniformity. Where this is the case, test specimens are
tested when the dampest portion of the test specimen, or the portion at 6-in. (152-mm) 6 in. (152 mm) depth below the surface
of massive constructions, has achieved a moisture content corresponding to conditioning to equilibrium with air in the range of
50 to 75 % relative humidity at 7373 °F 6 5°F (235 °F (23 °C 6 3°C).3 °C).
6.2.2 When evidence is shown that test specimens conditioned in a heated building will fail to meet the requirements of 6.2 after
a 12-month conditioning period, or in the event that the nature of the construction is such that it is evident that conditioning of
the test specimen interior is prevented by hermetic sealing, the moisture condition requirements of 6.2 are permitted to be waived,
and either 6.2.2.1 or 6.2.2.2 shall apply.
6.2.2.1 Alternative conditioning methods are permitted to be used to achieve test specimen equilibrium prescribed in 6.2 (Note
2), or
6.2.2.2 The specimen tested when its strength is at least equal to its design strength after a minimum 28 day conditioning period.
6.3 Avoid conditioning procedures that will alter the structural or fire-resistance characteristics of the test specimen from those
produced as the result of conditiong in accordance with procedures given in 6.2.
6.4 Information on the actual moisture content and distribution within the test specimen shall be obtained within 72 h prior to the
fire. Include this information in the test report (Note 3).
NOTE 1—A recommended method for determining the relative humidity within a hardened concrete test specimen with electric sensing elements is
described in Appendix I of the paper by Menzel, C. A., “A Method for Determining the Moisture Condition of Hardened Concrete in Terms of Relative
Humidity,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 55, 1955, p. 1085. A similar procedure with electric sensing elements is permitted to be used to determine the relative
humidity within test specimens made with other materials.
With wood constructions, the moisture meter based on the electrical resistance method can be used, when appropriate, as an alternative to the relative
humidity method to indicate when wood has attained the proper moisture content. Electrical methods are described on page 12-2 of the 1999 edition of
the Wood Handbook of the Forest Products Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The relationships between relative humidity and moisture content
are given in Table 3-4 on p. 3-7. This indicates that wood has a moisture content of 13 % at a relative humidity of 70 % for a temperature of 7070 °F
to 80°F (2180 °F (21 °C to 27°C).27 °C).
NOTE 2—An example where alternative conditioning may be employed is where concrete specimens are conditioned at elevated temperatures in a “heated
building” to more rapidly obtain the conditions described in 6.2. In such cases, temperatures other than 73°F 73 °F (23 °C) are used to reach a maximum
50 % relative humidity.
NOTE 3—If the moisture condition of the test specimen is likely to change drastically from the 72-h sampling time prior to test, the sampling should be
made not later than 24 h prior to the test.
7. Control
7.1 Fire-Resistance Test:
7.1.1 Time-Temperature Curve:
7.1.1.1 The furnace temperatures shall be controlled to follow the standard time-temperature curve shown in Fig. 1. The points
on the curve that determine its character are:
1000°F (538°C) at 5 min
1300°F (704°C) at 10 min
1550°F (843°C) at 30 min
1700°F (927°C) at 1 h
1850°F (1010°C) at 2 h
2000°F (1093°C) at 4 h
2300°F (1260°C) at 8 h or over
E119 − 22
FIG. 1 Time-Temperature Curve
1000 °F (538 °C) at 5 min
1300 °F (704 °C) at 10 min
1550 °F (843 °C) at 30 min
1700 °F (927 °C) at 1 h
1850 °F (1010 °C) at 2 h
2000 °F (1093 °C) at 4 h
2300 °F (1260 °C) at 8 h or over
7.1.1.2 For a more detailed definition of the time-temperature curve, see Appendix X1.
NOTE 4—Recommendations for Recording Fuel Flow to Furnace Burners— The following provides guidance on the desired characteristics of
instrumentation for recording the flow of fuel to the furnace burners. Fuel flow data may be useful for a furnace heat balance analysis, for measuring the
effect of furnace or control changes, and for comparing the performance of test specimens of different properties in the fire-resistance test.
Record the integrated (cumulative) flow of gas (or other fuel) to the furnace burners at 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, and every 30 min thereafter or more
frequently. Total gas consumed during the total test period is also to be determined. A recording flow meter has advantages over periodic readings on an
instantaneous or totalizing flow meter. Select a measuring and recording system to provide flow rate readings accurate to within 65 %.
Report the type of fuel, its higher (gross) heating value, and the fuel flow (corrected to standard conditions of 60°F (16°C)60 °F (16 °C) and 30.0 in.
Hg) as a function of time.
7.2 Furnace Temperatures:
7.2.1 The temperature fixed by the curve shall be the average temperature from not fewer than nine thermocouples for a floor, roof,
wall, or partition and not fewer than eight thermocouples for a structural column. Furnace thermocouples shall be symmetrically
disposed and distributed to show the temperature near all parts of the sample. The exposed length of the pyrometer tube and
thermocouple in the furnace chamber shall be not less than 12 in. (305 mm).
7.2.1.1 The thermocouple shall be fabricated from Chromel-Alumel thermocouple wire. The wire shall be 14 AWG (0.0642 in.
diameter, 1.628 mm diameter) or 16 AWG (0.0508 in. diameter1.450 diameter 1.450 mm diameter) or 18 AWG (0.0403 in.
diameter, 1.024 mm diameter). The thermocouple junction shall be formed by fusion-welding the wire ends to form a bead.
Each thermocouple wire lead shall be placed into one of the two holes of the ceramic insulators. The ceramic insulators shall
have an outside diameter of 0.40 in. (10 mm) with two holes each having an outside diameter of 0.08 in. (2 mm). The thermocouple
wire and ceramic insulators shall be inserted into a standard weight nominal 0.50 in. (12.7 mm) Inconel®Inconel 600 pipe
(Schedule 40). The thermocouple bead shall be located 0.25 6 0.04 in. (6.35 6 1 mm) from the end of ceramic insulators and 0.50
6 0.04 in. (12.7 6 1 mm) from the pipe end. The thermocouple assembly is shown in Fig. 2.
Harmathy, T. Z., “Design of Fire Test Furnaces,” Fire Technology, Vol. 5, No. 2, May 1969, pp. 146–150; Seigel, L. G., “Effects of Furnace Design on Fire Endurance
Test Results,” Fire Test Performance, ASTM STP 464, ASTM, 1970, pp. 57–67; and Williamson, R. B., and Buchanan, A. H., “A Heat Balance Analysis of the Standard Fire
Endurance Test.” Harmathy, T. Z., “Design of Fire Test Furnaces,” Fire Technology, Vol 5, No. 2, May 1969, pp. 146–150; Seigel, L. G., “Effects of Furnace Design on Fire
Endurance Test Results,” Fire Test Performance, ASTM STP 464, ASTM, 1970, pp. 57–67; and Williamson, R. B., and Buchanan, A. H., “A Heat Balance Analysis of the
Standard Fire Endurance Test.”
Inconel is a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation.
E119 − 22
FIG. 2 Thermocouple Assembly
7.2.1.2 For walls and partitions, the furnace thermocouples shall be placed 6 in. (152 mm) away from the exposed face of the test
specimen at the beginning of the test. For all other test specimens, the furnace thermocouples shall be placed 12 in. (305 mm) from
the exposed face of the test specimen at the beginning of the test. During the test, furnace thermocouples shall not touch the test
specimen in the event of the test specimen’s deflection.
7.2.2 The furnace temperatures shall be read at intervals not exceeding 5 min during the first 2 h, and thereafter the intervals shall
not exceed 10 min.
7.2.3 The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that the area under the time-temperature curve, obtained by averaging the
results from the pyrometer readings, is within 10 % of the corresponding area under the standard time-temperature curve shown
in Fig. 1 for fire-resistance tests of 1 h or less duration, within 7.5 % for those over 1 h and not more than 2 h, and within 5 %
for tests exceeding 2 h in duration.
7.3 Test Specimen Temperatures:
7.3.1 Temperatures Measurement of the Unexposed Surfaces of Floors, Roofs, Walls, and Partitions:
7.3.1.1 Temperatures of unexposed test specimen surfaces shall be measured with thermocouples placed under dry, felted pads
meeting the requirements listed in Annex A1. The wire leads of the thermocouple shall be positioned under the pad and be in
contact with the unexposed test specimen surface for not less than 3 ⁄2 in. (89 mm). The hot junction of the thermocouple shall
be placed approximately under the center of the pad. The pad shall be held firmly against the surface, and shall cover the
thermocouple. The wires for the thermocouple in the length covered by the pad shall be not heavier than No. 18 B&S gagegauge
(0.04 in.) (1.02 mm) and shall be electrically insulated with heat-resistant or moisture-resistant coatings, or both.
NOTE 5—For the purpose of testing roof assemblies, the unexposed surface shall be defined as the surface exposed to ambient air.
7.3.1.2 Temperatures shall be recorded at not fewer than nine points on the surface. Five of these shall be symmetrically disposed,
one to be approximately at the center of the test specimen, and four at approximately the center of its quarter sections. The other
four shall be located to obtain representative information on the performance of the test specimen. The thermocouples shall not
be located closer to the edges of the test specimen than one and one-half times the thickness of the test specimen, or 12 in. (305
mm). Exception: those cases in which there is an element of the construction that is not otherwise represented in the remainder
of the test specimen. The thermocouples shall not be located opposite or on top of beams, girders, pilasters, or other structural
members if temperatures at such points will be lower than at more representative locations. The thermocouples shall not be located
over fasteners except when the aggregate area of any part of such fasteners on the unexposed side is greater than or equal to 1 %
of the area within any 6-in. (152-mm) 6 in. (152 mm) diameter circle, or the fasteners extend through the assembly from the
exposed side to the unexposed side.
7.3.1.3 Temperatures shall be measured and recorded at intervals not greater than 30 s.
7.3.1.4 Where the conditions of acceptance place a limitation on the rise of temperature of the unexposed surface, the temperature
end point of the fire-resistance period shall be determined by the average of the measurements taken at individual points; except
that if a temperature rise 30 % in excess of the specified limit occurs at any one of these points, the remainder shall be ignored
and the fire-resistance period judged as ended.
E119 − 22
7.3.2 Temperature Measurement of Non-loaded Structural Steel Columns (Alternative Test of Steel Columns):
7.3.2.1 Measure the temperature of the steel with not fewer than three thermocouples at each of four levels. The upper and lower
levels shall be 2 ft (0.6 m) from the ends of the steel column, and the two intermediate levels shall be equally spaced. For situations
in which the protection material thickness is not uniform along the test specimen length, at least one of the levels at which
temperatures are measured shall include the point of minimum cover. Place the thermocouples at each level to measure
temperatures of the component elements of the steel section.
7.3.3 Temperature Measurement of the Components of Floors and Roofs:
7.3.3.1 For steel floor or roof units, locate four thermocouples on each section (a section to comprise the width of one unit), one
on the bottom plane of the unit at an edge joint, one on the bottom plane of the unit remote from the edge, one on a side wall of
the unit, and one on the top plane of the unit, The thermocouples shall be applied, where practicable, to the surface of the units
remote from fire and spaced across the width of the unit. No more than four or fewer than two sections need be so instrumented
in each representative span. Locate the groups of four thermocouples in representative locations spaced across the width of the unit.
Typical thermocouple locations for a unit section are shown in Fig. 3.
7.3.3.2 For test specimens employing structural members (beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced at more than 4 ft (1.2 m) on
centers, measure the temperature of the steel in these members with four thermocouples at each of three or more sections equally
spaced along the length of the members. For situations in which the protection material thickness is not uniform along the test
specimen length, at least one of the sections at which temperatures are measured shall include the point of minimum cover.
7.3.3.3 For test specimens employing structural members (beams, open-web steel joists, etc.) spaced at 4 ft (1.2 m) on center or
less, measure the temperature of the steel in these members with four thermocouples placed on each member. No more than four
members shall be so instrumented. Place the thermocouples at locations, such as at mid-span, over joints in the ceiling, and over
light fixtures. It shall not be required that all four thermocouples be located at the same section.
7.3.3.4 For steel structural members, locate thermocouples as shown in Fig. 4: two on the bottom of the bottom flange or chord,
one on the web at the center, and one on the top flange or chord.
7.3.3.5 For reinforced or pre-stressed concrete structural members, locate thermocouples on each of the tension reinforcing
elements, unless there are more than eight such elements, in which case place thermocouples on eight elements selected in such
a manner as to obtain representative temperatures of all the elements.
7.3.4 Temperature Measurement of Loaded Restrained Beams:
FIG. 3 Typical Location of Thermocouples
E119 − 22
FIG. 4 Typical Location of Thermocouple
7.3.4.1 Measure the temperature of the steel structural members with four thermocouples at each of three or more sections equally
spaced along the length of the members. For situations in which the protection material thickness is not uniform along the test
specimen length, at least one of the sections at which temperatures are measured shall include the point of minimum cover.
7.3.4.2 For steel structural members, locate the thermocouples as shown in Fig. 4: two on the bottom of the bottom flange or chord,
one on the web at the center, and one on the bottom of the top flange or chord.
7.3.4.3 For reinforced or pre-stressed concrete structural members, locate thermocouples on each of the tension reinforcing
elements unless there are more than eight such elements, in which case place thermocouples on eight elements selected in such
a manner as to obtain representative temperatures of all the elements.
7.3.5 Temperature Measurement of Non-loaded Structural Steel Beams and Girders:
7.3.5.1 Measure the temperature of the steel with not fewer than four thermocouples at each of four sections equally spaced along
the length of the member no nearer than 2 ft (0.6 m) from the inside face of the furnace. For situations in which the protection
material thickness is not uniform along the test specimen length, at least one of the sections at which temperatures are measured
shall include the point of minimum cover. Place the thermocouples at each section to measure temperatures of the component
elements of the steel section.
7.3.6 Temperature Measurement of Protective Membranes:
7.3.6.1 The temperature of protective membranes shall be measured with thermocouples, the measuring junctions of which are in
intimate contact with the exposed surface of the elements being protected. The diameter of the wires used to form the
thermo-junction shall not be greater than the thickness of sheet metal framing or panel members to which they are attached and
in no case greater than No. 18 B&S gagegauge (0.040 in.) (1.02 mm). The lead shall be electrically insulated with heat-resistant
and moisture-resistant coatings.
7.3.6.2 For each class of elements being protected, temperature readings shall be taken at not fewer than five representative points.
Thermocouples shall be located not less than 12 in. (305 mm) from the edges of the test specimen. An exception is made in those
cases in which there is an element or feature of the construction that is not otherwise represented in the test specimen. None of
the thermocouples shall be located opposite, on top of, or adjacent to fasteners such as screws, nails, or staples when such locations
are excluded for thermocouple placement on the unexposed surface of the test specimen in 7.3.1.2.
7.3.6.3 Thermocouples shall be located to obtain information on the temperature at the interface between the exposed membrane
and the substrate or element being protected.
7.3.6.4 Temperature readings shall be taken at intervals not exceeding 5 min.
E119 − 22
7.4 Loading:
7.4.1 Loading of Loadbearing Walls and Partitions:
7.4.1.1 Throughout the fire-resistance and hose-stream tests, apply a superimposed load to the test specimen to simulate a
maximum-load condition. This load shall be the maximum-load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural design
criteria unless limited design criteria are specified and a corresponding reduced load is applied (Note 6). A double wall assembly
shall be loaded during the test to simulate intended field-use conditions. Two distinct cases are differentiated: (1) where, in the
intended field-use condition, the load initially supported by the exposed wall section is transferred to the unexposed wall section
in case of collapse of the exposed wall section, or where the intended load condition is not specified, both wall sections shall be
loaded in the test as a single unit; (2) where, in the intended field-use condition, the load initially supported by the exposed wall
section is not transferred to the unexposed wall section in case of collapse of the exposed wall section, the respective portion of
the load intended to be supported by each wall section shall be applied individually to each wall section. The method used shall
be reported.
NOTE 6—Examples of calculating the superimposed load for bearing lightweight wood-frame walls using the allowable stress design method and load
and resistance factor design method are provided in X7.5. Also, an example for calculating the superimposed load for bearing lightweight cold-formed
steel walls using the load and resistance factor design method is provided in X7.6.
7.4.2 Loading of Columns:
7.4.2.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superimposed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load condition.
This load shall be the maximum-load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria unless limited design
criteria are specified and a corresponding reduced load is applied (Note 7). Make provision for transmitting the load to the exposed
portion of the column without increasing the effective column length.
NOTE 7—An example for calculating the superimposed load for concrete columns using the load and resistance factor design method is provided in X7.4.
7.4.2.2 As an optional procedure, subject the column to 1- ⁄4 times its designed working load before undertaking the fire-resistance
test. The fact that such a test has been made shall not be construed as having had a deleterious effect on the fire-resistance test
performance.
7.4.3 Loading of Floors and Roofs:
7.4.3.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superimposed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load condition.
This load shall be the maximum-load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria unless limited design
criteria are specified and a corresponding reduced load is applied (Note 8).
NOTE 8—Examples for calculating the superimposed load for lightweight wood-frame floors using the allowable stress design method and load and
resistance factor design method are provided in X7.5. Also, an example for calculating the superimposed load for lightweight cold-formed steel floors
using the load and resistance factor design method is provided in X7.6.
7.4.4 Loading of Beams:
7.4.4.1 Throughout the fire-resistance test, apply a superimposed load to the test specimen to simulate a maximum-load condition.
This load shall be the maximum load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria unless limited design
criteria are specified and a corresponding reduced load is applied.
7.5 Cotton Pad Test:
7.5.1 Where required by the conditions of acceptance in other sections of this standard to determine that the test specimen has not
allowed the passage of gases hot enough to ignite a cotton pad, the cotton pad test shall be conducted in accordance with 7.5.7
during the fire-resistance test whenever a crack, hole, opened joint, or other similar void or defect through which hot gases are
capable of passing is observed in the unexposed surface of the test specimen.
E119 − 22
7.5.2 The cotton pad test shall be conducted using a cotton pad as described in 7.5.3 and 7.5.4 in a wire frame provided with a
handle as described in 7.5.5.
7.5.3 The cotton pad shall comply with the physical characteristics described in 7.5.3.1 through 7.5.3.3.
7.5.3.1 The cotton pad shall be nominally 4 by 4 in. (100 by 100 mm) by 0.75 in. (19 mm) thick.
7.5.3.2 The cotton pad shall consist of new, undyed, soft cotton fibers, without any admixture of artificial fibers.
7.5.3.3 The cotton pad shall weigh 0.12 oz 6 0.02 oz (3.5 g 6 0.5 g).
7.5.4 The cotton pad shall be conditioned prior to the test by drying in an oven at 212212 °F 6 9°F (1009 °F (100 °C 6 5°C)5 °C)
for a period of not less than 30 min. Immediately upon removal from the drying oven, the cotton pad shall be stored in a desiccator
for a period of not less than 24 h prior to the fire-resistance test.
7.5.5 The frame used to hold the cotton pad for the purpose of the cotton waste test shall be constructed using No. 16 AWG (0.05
in.) (1.3 mm) steel wire which has been fastened to a handle that has a length that reaches all points on the unexposed surface of
the test specimen. See Fig. 5.
FIG. 5 Typical Cotton Waste Pad Holder
E119 − 22
7.5.6 Ignition of the cotton pad shall be defined as glowing, flaming or smoldering of the cotton pad. Charring of the cotton pad
shall not be an indication of ignition.
7.5.7 Ignition Test Procedure:
7.5.7.1 Conduct the cotton pad test using an unused cotton pad.
7.5.7.2 Position the cotton pad directly over the observed crack, hole, opened joint, or other similar void or defect in the unexposed
surface of the test specimen, approximately 1 in. 6 ⁄8 in. (25 mm 6 3 mm) from the surface, for a period of 30 6 1 s or until
ignition of the cotton pad, whichever occurs first.
7.5.7.3 All test locations previously tested in accordance with 7.5.7.2 shall be retested as close as practical to the end of the desired
fire-resistance period. An unused cotton pad shall be positioned over each previously tested location on the unexposed surface of
the test specimen.
7.5.7.4 If ignition of the cotton pad occurs, record the time at which ignition occurs and report the description of the crack, hole,
opened joint, or other similar void or defect and the location where it occurs.
7.6 Hose Stream:
7.6.1 Where required by the conditions of acceptance, a test shall be conducted to subject the test specimen described in 7.6.2 or
7.6.3 to the impact, erosion, and cooling effects of a hose stream. The hose stream shall be applied in accordance with Practice
E2226. The water pressure and duration of application shall be as prescribed in Table 1 of Practice E2226.
7.6.1.1 Exemption—The hose-stream test shall not be required in the case of test specimens having a resistance period, indicated
in the fire-resistance test, of less than 1 h.
7.6.2 The hose stream test shall be conducted on a duplicate test specimen.
7.6.2.1 The duplicate test specimen shall be exposed to the effects of the hose stream immediately after being subjected to a
fire-resistance test for a time period of one-half the fire-resistance classification period determined from the fire-resistance test on
the initial test specimen.
7.6.2.2 The length of time that the duplicate test specimen is subjected to the fire- resistance test shall not exceed 1 h.
7.6.3 Optional Program—As an alternative procedure, conduct the hose stream test on the initially tested test specimen
immediately following its fire-resistance test.
8. Procedure
8.1 General:
8.1.1 Continue the fire-resistance test on the test specimen with its applied load, if any, until failure occurs, or until the test
specimen has withstood the test conditions for a period equal to that herein specified in the conditions of acceptance for the given
type of building element.
8.1.2 Continue the test beyond the time fire-resistance classification is determined, when the purpose in doing so is to obtain
additional information.
8.2 Tests of Loadbearing Walls and Partitions:
2 2
8.2.1 Size of Test Specimen—The area exposed to fire shall be not less than 100 ft (9.3 m ), with neither dimension less than 9
ft (2.7 m). The test specimen shall not be restrained on its vertical edges.
8.2.2 Temperatures—Determine temperatures in accordance with 7.3.1.
8.2.3 Loading—Load the test specimen in accordance with 7.4.1.
E119 − 22
8.2.4 Conditions of Acceptance—Regard the test as successful if the following conditions are met:
8.2.4.1 The test specimen shall have sustained the applied load during the fire-resistance test without passage of flame or gases
hot enough to ignite cotton waste, for a period equal to that for which classification is desired.
8.2.4.2 The test specimen shall have sustained the applied load during the fire and hose stream test as specified in 7.6, without
passage of flame, of gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste, or with the passage of water of from the hose stream. The test
specimen shall be considered to have failed the hose stream test if an opening develops that permits a projection of water from
the stream beyond the unexposed surface during the time of the hose stream test.
8.2.4.3 Transmission of heat through the wall or partition during the fire-resistance test shall not raise the temperature on its
unexposed surface more than 250°F (139°C)250 °F (139 °C) above its initial temperature.
8.3 Tests of Non-Loadbearing Walls and Partitions:
2 2
8.3.1 Size of Test Specimen—The area exposed to fire shall be not less than 100 ft (9.3 m ), with neither dimension less than 9
ft (2.7 m). Restrain the test specimen on all four edges.
8.3.2 Temperatures—Determine temperatures in accordance with 7.3.1.
8.3.3 Loading—There is no requirement for loading.
8.3.4 Conditions of Acceptance—Regard the test as successful if the following conditions are met:
8.3.4.1 The test specimen has withstood the fire-resistance test without passage of flame or gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste,
for a period equal to that for which classification is desired.
8.3.4.2 The test specimen has withstood the fire and hose stream test as specified in 7.6, without passage of flame, of gases hot
enough to ignite cotton waste, or of passage of water from the hose stream. The test specimen shall be considered to have failed
the hose stream test if an opening develops that permits a projection of water from the stream beyond the unexposed surface during
the time of the hose stream test.
8.3.4.3 Transmission of heat through the wall or partition during the fire-resistance test shall not raise the temperature on its
unexposed surface more than 250°F (139°C)250 °F (139 °C) above its initial temperature.
8.4 Tests of Loaded Columns:
8.4.1 Size of Test Specimen—The length of the column exposed to fire shall be not less than 9 ft (2.7 m). Apply the contemplated
details of connections and their protection, if any, according to the methods of field practice. The column shall be vertical during
the fire exposure.
8.4.2 Temperatures—There is no requirement for temperature measurements.
8.4.3 Loading—Load the test specimen in accordance with 7.4.2.
8.4.4 Condition of Acceptance—Regard the test as successful if the column sustains the applied load during the fire-resistance test
for a period equal to that for which classification is desired.
8.5 Alternative Test of Non-loaded Steel Columns:
8.5.1 Application—This alternative test procedure is used to evaluate the protection of steel columns without application of design
load, provided that the protection material is not required by design to function structurally in resisting loads.
8.5.2 Size and Characteristics of Test Specimen:
8.5.2.1 The length of the protected column shall be at least 8 ft (2.4 m). The column shall be vertical during the fire exposure.
E119 − 22
8.5.2.2 Restrain the applied protection material against longitudinal temperature expansion greater than that of the steel column
with rigid steel plates or reinforced concrete attached to the ends of the steel column before the protection is applied. The size of
the plates or amount of concrete shall provide direct bearing for the entire transverse area of the protection material.
8.5.2.3 Provide the ends of the test specimen, including the means for restraint, with thermal insulation to limit direct heat transfer
from the furnace.
8.5.2.4 Throughout the fire-resistance test, expose the test specimen to fire on all sides for its full length.
8.5.3 Temperatures—Determine temperatures in accordance with 7.3.2.
8.5.4 Loading—There is no requirement for loading.
8.5.5 Conditions of Acceptance—Regard the test as successful if the transmission of heat through the protection during the period
of fire exposure for which classification is desired does not raise the average (arithmetical) temperature of the steel at any one of
the four levels above 1000°F (538°C),1000 °F (538 °C), or does not raise the temperature above 1200°F (649°C)1200 °F (649 °C)
at any one of the measured points.
8.6 Tests of Floors and Roofs:
8.6.1 Application—This procedure is applicable to floor and roof assemblies with or without attached, furred, or suspended
ceilings and requires the application of the fire exposure to the underside of the test specimen.
8.6.1.1 Two fire-resistance classifications shall be determined for test specimens restrained against thermal expansion: a restrained
assembly classification based upon the conditions of acceptance specified in 8.6.5 and an unrestrained assembly classification
based upon the conditions of acceptance specified in 8.6.6.
NOTE 9—See Appendix X3, which is intended as a guide for assisting the user of this test method in determining the conditions of thermal restraint
applicable to floor and roof constructions and individual beams in actual building construction.
8.6.1.2 An unrestrained assembly classification shall be determined for test specimens not restrained against thermal expansion
based upon the conditions of acceptance specified in 8.6.6.1 and 8.6.6.2.
8.6.1.3 As an alternative classification procedure for loaded restrained beams specified in 8.7, an individual unrestrained beam
classification shall be permitted for beams from restrained or unrestrained floor or roof specimens, based on the conditions of
acceptance specified in 8.7.6. The unrestrained beam classification so derived shall be applicable to beams used with a floor or roof
construction that has comparable or greater capacity for heat dissipati
...