oSIST prEN 13381-1:2009

Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 1: Horizontal protective membranes

This specifies the test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members for horizontal protective membranes.

Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages zum Feuerwiderstand von tragenden Bauteilen - Teil 1: Horizontal angeordnete Brandschutzbekleidungen

Diese Europäische Norm beschreibt ein Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung der Fähigkeit von horizontalen
Brandschutzbekleidungen, die als feuerwiderstandsfähige Sperrschichten benutzt werden, einen Beitrag zur
Feuerwiderstandsfähigkeit von horizontalen tragenden Bauteilen zu leisten.
Diese Europäische Norm beinhaltet das Brandprüfverfahren, das die auszuführenden Prüfungen enthält. Die
horizontale Brandschutzbekleidung wird zusammen mit dem zu schützenden tragenden Bauteil einer in dieser
Technischen Spezifikation definierten Brandbelastung ausgesetzt. Die Brandbeanspruchung nach der Einheits-
Temperaturzeitkurve nach EN 1363-1 erfolgt an der Seite, die in der praktischen Anwendung beflammt würde,
sowie unterhalb der Bekleidung.
Das Prüfverfahren beinhaltet durch besondere freigestellte Zusatzverfahren die Möglichkeit der Sammlung von
Messdaten, die als direkte Eingangswerte zur rechnerischen Ermittlung der Feuerwiderstandsdauer nach den
Verfahren nach EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 und EN 1995-1-2 benutzt werden können.
prEN 13381-2 enthält ein ähnliches Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages von vertikal angeordneten
Brandschutzbekleidungen zum Feuerwiderstand von vertikal angeordneten Bauteilen.
Die in dieser Europäischen Norm festgelegte Bewertung des Prüfverfahrens liefert Angaben zur Auswertung der
Messwerte und enthält Hinweise zur Interpretation der Ergebnisse des Brandversuchs in Bezug auf die
Tragfähigkeitskriterien des geschützten horizontalen tragenden Bauteils.
Die Grenzen der Anwendung der Ergebnisse der Bewertung, die sich aus der Brandprüfung ergeben, werden
zusammen mit der direkten Anwendung der Ergebnisse auf unterschiedliche Tragwerke, Brandschutzbekleidungen
und Zubehör festgelegt.
Diese Europäische Norm gilt nur, wenn sowohl ein Spalt als auch ein Hohlraum zwischen der horizontal
angeordneten Brandschutzbekleidung und dem tragenden Bauteil angeordnet sind.

Méthodes d'essai pour déterminer la contribution à la résistance au feu des éléments de construction - Partie 1 : Membranes de protection horizontales

Cette partie de la présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode d'essai permettant de déterminer l'aptitude d'une membrane de protection horizontale, utilisée comme dispositif de protection contre le feu, à contribuer à la résistance au feu des éléments de construction horizontaux.
La présente Norme européenne décrit l'essai au feu qui spécifie les essais effectués au cours desquels la membrane de protection horizontale, ainsi que l'élément de construction devant être protégé, sont exposés à un essai au feu, conformément aux procédures qui y sont définies. L'exposition au feu, conformément à la courbe température/temps définie dans l'EN 1363-1, est appliquée du côté susceptible d'être exposé au feu dans la pratique ainsi que depuis le dessous de la membrane elle-même.
La méthode d'essai prévoit, grâce à des procédures facultatives complémentaires spécifiées, la collecte des informations pouvant être utilisées comme des données directes pour le calcul de la résistance au feu conformément aux processus définis dans les EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 et EN 1995 1 2.
Une méthode d'essai apparentée permettant de déterminer la contribution apportée par les membranes de protection verticales, à la protection contre le feu des éléments de construction verticaux est donnée dans la partie 2 de la présente norme.
La présente Norme européenne contient également l'évaluation, qui fournit des informations concernant l'analyse des données d'essai et donne des indications pour l'interprétation des résultats de l'essai au feu, en termes de critères de capacité portante de l'élément de construction horizontal protégé.
Les limites d'applicabilité des résultats de l'évaluation découlant de l'essai au feu sont définies, ainsi que l'application directe autorisée des résultats à d'autres structures, membranes et accessoires.

Preskusne metode za ugotavljanje prispevka konstrukcijskih elementov k požarni odpornosti - 1. del: Vodoravne zaščitne membrane

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 09-Mar-2009
• ICS: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements
• ICS: 91.080.01 - Structures of buildings in general
• Technical Committee: POZ - Požarna varnost
• Current Stage: 98 - Abandoned project (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 02-Jun-2020
• Due Date: 07-Jun-2020
• Completion Date: 02-Jun-2020
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Mandate: M/117 - Horizontal complement to the mandates to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for the valuation of construction products and elements in respect of their resistance to fire
• Ref Project: prEN 13381-1 - Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 1: Horizontal membranes

Relations

• Revised: SIST-TS CEN/TS 13381-1:2006 - Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 1: Horizontal protective membranes
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-2022
• Revised: SIST-TS CEN/TS 13381-1:2006 - Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 1: Horizontal protective membranes
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009

Overview

The oSIST prEN 13381-1:2009 standard, developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), specifies test methods for assessing the contribution of horizontal protective membranes to the fire resistance of structural members. This standard is part of a comprehensive series aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of fire protection materials applied to various structural elements in buildings.

Horizontal protective membranes play a crucial role in enhancing fire resistance by acting as barriers to fire and heat spread along floors or horizontal structures. The standard provides a detailed framework for carrying out fire resistance tests specifically designed for these membranes, ensuring consistent assessment and reliable data across applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose: The document outlines methods to test how horizontal protective membranes improve the fire resistance performance of structural members.
• Test Equipment and Conditions: Includes specifications for furnace type, loading, support, and restraint conditions necessary to replicate real-world fire exposure.
• Test Specimen Preparation: Guidelines cover the installation of test specimens, including structural members and membranes, fixtures, and fittings.
• Instrumentation: Detailed instructions are provided for temperature, pressure, deflection, and load measurement to capture comprehensive test data.
• Test Procedure: Monitoring of furnace temperature, specimen temperature, load application, and deflection measurement are key steps in the method.
• Assessment and Reporting: Defines how to assess loadbearing capacity and insulation performance from test data and how to compile detailed reports.
• Limitations: Specifies applicability limits based on structural member types, membrane materials, panel sizes, and conditions like cavity height and moisture content.
• Safety Considerations: Emphasizes risk assessment and safety procedures for handling toxic gases and operational hazards during fire resistance testing.
• Normative Annexes: Includes Annex A for semi-natural fire exposure testing and Annex B for measurements of membrane properties like thickness, density, and moisture content.

Applications

oSIST prEN 13381-1:2009 is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, fire safety engineers, and regulatory authorities focusing on:

• Designing and validating fire protection strategies involving horizontal membranes installed in floors or other horizontal structural elements.
• Ensuring compliance with national fire safety regulations and building codes requiring standardized fire resistance testing.
• Improving materials and products by providing a reproducible method to measure fire resistance contribution, aiding research and development in passive fire protection.
• Supporting building certification and safety assessments through reliable, controlled fire testing that reflects real-world fire scenarios.
• Evaluating the effect of combustible materials in cavities above horizontal membranes, as their presence can impact the membrane’s fire resistance effectiveness.

Related Standards

oSIST prEN 13381-1:2009 is part of a wider family of fire resistance test standards including:

• prEN 13381-2: Vertical protective membranes
• prEN 13381-3: Applied protection to concrete members
• prEN 13381-4: Passive fire protection products for steel members
• prEN 13381-5: Applied protection to concrete/profiled sheet steel composite members
• prEN 13381-6: Protection for concrete filled hollow steel columns
• prEN 13381-7: Protection for timber members

These complementary parts provide a full suite of testing approaches critical for assessing fire resistance contributions across different types of structural elements and protection materials.

---

By applying the methods in oSIST prEN 13381-1:2009, stakeholders can ensure reliable fire resistance performance data for horizontal membranes, fortifying building safety and advancing fire protection technology in compliance with European standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2009
3UHVNXVQHPHWRGH]DXJRWDYOMDQMHSULVSHYNDNRQVWUXNFLMVNLKHOHPHQWRYNSRåDUQL
RGSRUQRVWLGHO9RGRUDYQH]DãþLWQHPHPEUDQH
Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members
- Part 1: Horizontal protective membranes
Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages zum Feuerwiderstand von tragenden
Bauteilen - Teil 1: Horizontal angeordnete Brandschutzbekleidungen
Méthodes d'essai pour déterminer la contribution à la résistance au feu des éléments de
construction - Partie 1 : Membranes de protection horizontales
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13381-1
ICS:
13.220.50 Požarna odpornost Fire-resistance of building
gradbenih materialov in materials and elements
elementov
91.080.01 Gradbene konstrukcije na Structures of buildings in
splošno general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
November 2008
ICS Will supersede CEN/TS 13381-1:2005
English Version
Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire
resistance of structural members - Part 1: Horizontal protective
membranes
Méthodes d'essai pour déterminer la contribution à la Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages zum
résistance au feu des éléments de construction - Partie 1 : Feuerwiderstand von tragenden Bauteilen - Teil 1:
Membranes de protection horizontales Horizontal angeordnete Brandschutzbekleidungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 127.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13381-1:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword. 4
1 Scope. 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions, symbols and units. 6
3.1 Terms and definitions. 6
3.2 Symbols and units . 7
4 Test equipment. 7
4.1 General. 7
4.2 Furnace . 7
4.3 Loading equipment. 7
5 Test conditions. 7
5.1 General. 7
5.2 Support and restraint conditions . 8
5.2.1 Standard conditions . 8
5.2.2 Other support and restraint conditions. 8
5.3 Loading conditions. 8
6 Test specimens . 9
6.1 General. 9
6.2 Fixtures and fittings. 9
6.3 Horizontal protective membranes . 9
6.4 Structural building members supporting horizontal protective membranes . 10
6.4.1 General principles. 10
6.4.2 Standard horizontal structural building members . 11
6.5 Properties of test materials. 12
6.6 Verification of the test specimen. 12
6.7 Optional and additional steel plates and/or plate thermometers within the cavity . 12
7 Installation of the test construction. 13
8 Conditioning . 13
9 Application of instrumentation. 13
9.1 General. 13
9.2 Instrumentation for measurement of furnace temperature . 13
9.3 Instrumentation for measurement of specimen temperature. 13
9.3.1 General. 13
9.3.2 Instrumentation for measuring cavity temperature. 13
9.3.3 Instrumentation for measuring surface temperatures . 14
9.3.4 Optional and supplementary instrumentation for measuring temperature . 14
9.4 Instrumentation for measurement of pressure. 15
9.5 Instrumentation for measurement of deflection . 15
9.6 Instrumentation for measurement of applied load . 15
10 Test procedure . 16
10.1 General. 16
10.2 Furnace temperature and pressure. 16
10.3 Application and control of load . 16
10.4 Temperatures of test specimen. 16
10.5 Deflection. 16
10.6 Observations . 16
10.7 Termination of the test . 16
11 Test results . 16
11.1 Acceptability of test results . 16
11.2 Presentation of test results. 17
12 Test report . 17
13 Assessment . 18
13.1 General. 18
13.2 Assessment of loadbearing capacity. 18
13.2.1 General. 18
13.2.2 Reference temperature curve: cavity temperatures. 18
13.2.3 Reference temperature curve: surface temperatures (steel beams or
steel/concrete slabs). 18
13.2.4 Application of method of limiting temperatures. 19
13.3 Assessment of insulation . 19
13.4 Assessment of data for calculation purposes . 20
14 Report of the assessment for calculations . 20
15 Limits of applicability of the results of the assessment. 21
15.1 Type of structural building member. 21
15.2 Type of concrete . 23
15.3 Type of steel beam. 24
15.4 Type of steel/concrete composite structures . 24
15.5 Type of timber structure. 24
15.6 Height of the cavity. 24
15.7 Exposed width of test specimen . 24
15.8 Properties of the horizontal protective membrane. 24
15.9 Size of panels within the horizontal protective membrane . 24
15.10 Fixtures and fittings. 25
15.11 Gaps between grid members and test frame or walls. 25
Annex A (normative) Exposure to a semi-natural fire . 32
A.1 General. 32
A.2 Semi-natural fire source. 32
A.3 Test equipment. 33
A.3.1 The furnace. 33
A.3.2 Preparation of fire source and heating conditions. 33
A.4 Test conditions. 34
A.5 Test specimen . 34
A.6 Installation of the test specimen . 34
A.7 Conditioning . 34
A.8 Application of instrumentation. 34
A.9 Test procedure . 34
A.10 Test results . 35
A.11 Test report . 35
A.12 The assessment . 35
A.13 The assessment report. 35
Annex B (normative) Measurement of properties of horizontal protective membranes and
components. 36
B.1 General. 36
B.2 Thickness of horizontal protective membrane and components thereof . 36
B.3 Density of horizontal protective membranes and components thereof. 37
B.4 Moisture content of horizontal protective membrane and components thereof. 38
Bibliography . 39

Foreword
This document (prEN 13381-1:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 127 “Fire
safety in buildings”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede CEN/TS 13381-1:2005.
This standard is one of a series of standards for evaluating the contribution to the fire resistance of
structural members by applied fire protection materials. Other Parts of this standard are:
Part 2: Vertical protective membranes,
Part 3: Applied protection to concrete members,
Part 4: Applied passive protection products to steel members,
Part 5: Applied protection to concrete/profiled sheet steel composite members,
Part 6: Applied protection to concrete filled hollow steel columns,
Part 7: Applied protection to timber members.
The fire protection capacity of the horizontal protective membrane can be nullified by the presence of
combustible materials in the cavity above the membrane. The applicability of the results of the
assessment is limited according to the quantity and position of such combustible materials within that
cavity. The amount of combustible material permissible in the cavity shall be given in national
regulations.
Annexes A and B are normative.
Caution
The attention of all persons concerned with managing and carrying out this fire resistance test, is
drawn to the fact that fire testing can be hazardous and that there is a possibility that toxic and/or
harmful smoke and gases can be evolved during the test. Mechanical and operational hazards can
also arise during the construction of test elements or structures, their testing and the disposal of test
residues.
An assessment of all potential hazards and risks to health shall be made and safety precautions shall
be identified and provided. Written safety instructions shall be issued. Appropriate training shall be
given to relevant personnel. Laboratory personnel shall ensure that they follow written safety
instructions at all times.
The specific health and safety instructions contained within this European Standard shall be followed.
WARNING: When performing this test method, laboratories shall expect that there may be significant
quantities of smoke released. This smoke release is expected to be very significant where the fire test
involves timber and timber based components. Laboratories shall ensure that appropriate smoke
extraction facilities are provided.
1 Scope
This Part of this European Standard specifies a test method for determining the ability of a horizontal
protective membrane, when used as a fire resistant barrier, to contribute to the fire resistance of
horizontal structural building members.
This European Standard contains the fire test which specifies the tests which are carried out whereby
the horizontal protective membrane, together with the structural member to be protected, is exposed
to a fire test according to the procedures defined herein. The fire exposure, to the temperature/time
curve given in EN 1363-1, is applied to the side which would be exposed in practice and from below
the membrane itself.
The test method makes provision, through specified optional additional procedures, for the collection
of data which can be used as direct input to the calculation of fire resistance according to the
processes given within EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 and EN 1995-1-2.
A related test method for determining the contribution to the fire protection of vertical structural
members by vertical protective membranes is given in Part 2 of this standard.
This European Standard also contains the assessment which provides information relative to the
analysis of the test data and gives guidance for the interpretation of the results of the fire test, in terms
of loadbearing capacity criteria of the protected horizontal structural member.
The limits of applicability of the results of the assessment arising from the fire test are defined,
together with permitted direct application of the results to different structures, membranes and fittings.
This European Standard applies only where there is a gap and a cavity between the horizontal
protective membrane and the structural building member. Otherwise the test methods in prEN 13381-
3, prEN 13381-4 or prEN 13381-5, as appropriate, apply.
Tests shall be carried out without additional combustible materials in the cavity.
Annex A gives details of assessing the performance of the ceiling when exposed to a semi-natural
fire.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1363-1, Fire resistance tests — Part 1: General requirements
EN 1365-2, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements — Part 2: Floors and roofs
EN 1992-1-1, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures — Part 1-1: General rules and rules for
buildings
EN 1992-1-2, Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures — Part 1-2: General rules — Structural fire
design
EN 1993-1-1, Eurocode: 3 Design of steel structures — Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings
EN 1993-1-2, Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures — Part 1-2: General rules — Structural fire
design
EN 1994-1-1, Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures — Part 1-1: General
rules and rules for buildings
EN 1994-1-2, Eurocode 4: Design of composite steel and concrete structures — Part 1-2: General
rules — Structural fire design (including Technical Corrigendum 1:1995)
EN 1995-1-1, Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures — Part 1-1: General rules and rules for
buildings
EN 1995-1-2, Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures — Part 1-2: General rules — Structural fire
design
prEN 13381-4, Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural
members — Part 4: Applied protection to steel members
prEN 13381-5, Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural
members — Part 5: Applied protection to concrete/profiled sheet steel composite members
prEN 13381-7, Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural
members — Part 7: Applied protection to timber members
EN ISO 13943, Fire safety — Vocabulary (ISO 13943:2000)
ISO 8421-2, Fire protection — Vocabulary — Part 2: Structural fire protection
3 Terms and definitions, symbols and units
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 1363-1,
EN ISO 13943 and ISO 8421-2 and the following apply:
3.1.1
horizontal structural building member
horizontal structural element of building construction which is loadbearing, separating and which is
fabricated from concrete, steel, steel/concrete composite or timber
3.1.2
horizontal protective membrane
any horizontal membrane or ceiling lining plus any supporting framework, hangers, fixings and any
insulation materials which is either suspended from or attached directly to a structural building
member, or is self supporting and fixed beneath a structural building member, and which is intended
to give additional fire resistance to that structural building member
The horizontal protective membrane does not form any part of any loadbearing part of the structure
and can comprise multiple layers of materials
3.1.3
separating gap
distance between the uppermost surface of the horizontal protective membrane and the lowest
surface of the underside of the structural building member
3.1.4
cavity
whole void or voids between the uppermost surface of the horizontal protective membrane and the
highest surface of the underside of the structural building member
3.1.5
horizontal protective membrane test specimen
full horizontal protective membrane assembly submitted for test, including typical fixing equipment and
methods and typical features such as insulating materials, light fittings, ventilation ducts and access
panels
3.1.6
fire protection
protection afforded to the structural building member by the horizontal protective membrane system
such that the temperature on the surface of the structural building member and within the cavity is
limited throughout the period of exposure to fire
3.2 Symbols and units
Symbol Unit Designation
L mm Length of the structural building member, plus the horizontal protective
exp
membrane, which is exposed to the furnace.
L mm Centre to centre distance between the supports of the structural building
sup
member tested.
L mm Total length of the main beams or members of the structural building member.
spec
-1
A /V m Section factor of unprotected steel beam (see prEN 13381-4).
m
4 Test equipment
4.1 General
The furnace and test equipment shall be as specified in EN 1363-1.
4.2 Furnace
The furnace shall be designed to permit the dimensions of the test specimen to be exposed to heating
to be as specified in 6.4.1 and its installation to be as described in Clause 7.
4.3 Loading equipment
Loading shall be applied according to EN 1363-1. The loading system shall permit loading, of the
magnitude defined in 5.3, to be uniformly applied along the length and width of the test specimen at
loading points positioned as defined in 5.3.
The loading equipment shall not inhibit the free movement of air above the test specimen and no part
of the loading equipment, other than at the loading points, shall be closer than 60 mm to the
unexposed surface of the test specimen.
5 Test conditions
5.1 General
A horizontal structural building member, including any supporting construction, which carries a
horizontal protective membrane, to be used as a fire resistant barrier against fire from below, is
subjected to predefined loading and to the fire test defined herein.
The temperature within the cavity and the surface temperature of the structural building member are
measured throughout the test.
Any leakage through the structural floor slab and at the sides of the structure shall be minimized. The
gap between the floor slab and the furnace shall be made tight by e.g. mineral wool pads or similar in
such a way that the slab can deflect vertically.
It is recommended that the test is continued until the mean temperature recorded by all
thermocouples within the cavity reaches the appropriate limiting temperature of the structural building
members used or until any individual temperature recorded within the cavity rises to 750 °C for
concrete, steel, or concrete/profiled steel composite members and 500 °C for timber structural
members.
The procedures given in EN 1363-1 shall be followed in the performance of this test method unless
specific contrary instruction is given. Where required, the semi-natural fire test shall be performed in
accordance with Annex A.
5.2 Support and restraint conditions
5.2.1 Standard conditions
The test specimen shall be tested as a simply supported one way structure with two free edges and
an exposed surface and span as specified in 6.4.1.
It shall be installed to allow freedom for longitudinal movement and deflection using at one side rolling
support(s) and at the other hinge support(s) as shown in Figure 1.
The surface of the bearings shall be smooth concrete or steel plates. The width of the bearings shall
be at least as wide as the beam.
5.2.2 Other support and restraint conditions
Support and restraint conditions differing from the standard conditions specified in 5.2.1 shall be
described in the test report and the validity of the results restricted to that tested.
5.3 Loading conditions
The test specimen shall be subjected to loads determined in accordance with EN 1363-1. The means
of determination of the load shall be clearly indicated in the test report.
The applied load shall be calculated such that the maximum bending moment equals 60 % of the
ultimate cold condition limit state value of the design moment resistance specified in the appropriate
structural Eurocodes (EN 1992-1-1, EN 1993-1-1, EN 1994-1-1 and EN 1995-1-1).
The design moment resistance shall be calculated using either the actual or nominal material
properties, derived according to 6.5, of the loadbearing member with a material safety factor (γ )
m
equal to 1,0.
The load shall be symmetrically applied to the test specimen either along two transverse loading lines,
1 3
applied at / L and / L approximately and separated from each other by a distance of
4 sup 4 sup
approximately L /2, see Figure 2, or by the use of dead weights. In both cases the loading shall
sup
produce stresses approximating to a uniformly distributed load.
Point loads shall be transferred to the test specimen, along the two transverse loading lines, through
load distribution beams or plates, see Figures 1 and 3, the total contact area between these and the
test specimen shall be as specified in EN 1363-1.
Load distribution beams, for safety reasons, shall have a height to width ratio < 1.
If the load distribution plates are of steel or any other high conductivity material, they shall be
insulated from the surface of the test specimen by a suitable thermal insulation material.
Unexposed surface thermocouples shall not be closer than 100 mm to any part of the load distribution
system.
6 Test specimens
6.1 General
One test specimen shall normally be required.
Horizontal protective membranes suspended from the structural building member by hangers or
similar fixings or attached to the structural building member by a framework structure, would typically
be:
 ceiling tiles resting on a light supporting frame,
 ceiling boards,
 metal trays,
 plastered and similar ceilings not directly applied to the underside of the structural member.
The structural building member to be used in the test shall be as given in 6.4.1 and be chosen from
the standard elements described in 6.4.2 and be representative of that to be used in practice.
Alternatively the actual structural building member to be used in practice may be used, however the
application of the result shall be restricted to that member only.
Where a horizontal protective membrane is manufactured with elements or components of variable
size or may be installed by different procedures, then a unique test shall be carried out on elements or
components at maximum and minimum sizes. The installation procedures for which the sponsor
requires approval shall be deemed as being represented by the fire test.
The horizontal protective membrane to be used in the test shall be constructed as described in 6.3
and shall be installed according to practice, by the procedures given in the installation manual or other
written instruction provided by the sponsor. It shall include all thermal insulating layers or materials to
be used in practice within the cavity.
6.2 Fixtures and fittings
All fixtures and fittings, such as light fittings, ventilation ducts and access panels expected to be
installed, shall be included in the test specimen. The installation and frequency of use of these shall
then if possible be representative of practice. Such fixtures and fittings shall not be installed within the
test specimen at a distance of less than 250 mm from any of its edges.
6.3 Horizontal protective membranes
The test specimen shall reproduce the conditions of use, including junctions between membrane and
walls and edge panels, joints and jointing materials and be installed from below by the same method
and procedures as given in the installation manual, or in written instructions, which shall be provided
by the sponsor.
It shall be fitted with all the components for hanging, expansion and abutting, plus any other fixtures
which are to be defined by the sponsor, with a frequency representative of practice.
For horizontal protective membranes which are suspended from the structural building member by
hangers, the suspension system and the length of the hangers shall be representative of practice.
The profiles bearing the various panels shall be installed against each other without any gap, unless a
gap (or gaps) is required for design purposes. In this case the gap (or gaps) at the junctions of main
runners shall be representative of that to be used in practice and shall be installed within the
specimen and not at its perimeter.
The profiles within the test specimen shall include a joint representative of joints to be used in practice
in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
The horizontal protective membrane shall be fixed according to normal practice on all four edges,
either directly to the furnace walls or to a test frame. A test frame, where used, shall be fixed directly
to the horizontal structural building member being protected, or to the furnace walls.
If the construction or properties of the horizontal protective membrane are different in the longitudinal
and transverse directions, the performance of the specimen may vary depending upon which
components are aligned with the longitudinal axis. If known from experience, the specimen shall be
installed so as to represent the most onerous condition by arranging the more critical components
parallel to the longitudinal axis. If the more onerous condition cannot be identified, two separate tests
shall be carried out with the components arranged both parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis.
6.4 Structural building members supporting horizontal protective membranes
6.4.1 General principles
The dimensions of the structural building member supporting the horizontal protective membrane and
which is exposed to the furnace shall be:
a) exposed length (L ) : at least 4 000 mm
exp
b) span (L )  : L plus up to 200 mm maximum at each end
sup exp
c) length (L  : L plus up to 350 mm at each end
spec) exp
d) exposed width  : at least 3 000 mm
Test specimens of exposed width less than 3 000 mm may be tested according to this method.
However, application of the result shall be restricted to constructions of equal or less width than that
tested.
The gap between the structural building member and the longitudinal furnace walls or simulated
furnace walls shall not exceed 30 mm and shall be sealed with compressed mineral fibres or ceramic
fibres of adequate fire performance (or comparable materials of equivalent performance) to allow both
deflection of the member under heating conditions and prevention of leakage of hot gases during the
test.
6.4.2 Standard horizontal structural building members
The following structural building members are considered to be standard for this test method.
a) Reinforced aerated concrete slabs on steel beams
The structural member shall comprise hot rolled steel `I' section beams of profiles with section factor
-1
A /V equal to (275 ± 25) m (for three sided exposure) and with a section depth of typically
m
(160 ± 5) mm. The grade of steel used shall be any structural grade (S designation) according to the
specification given in prEN 13381-4. Engineering grades (E designation) shall not be used.
These beams shall be spaced at (700 ± 100) mm centres resting on the bearing surface of the
furnace test frame. The beams may be assembled incorporating cross members welded at the ends.
The centre of either of the outer steel beams shall not be placed less than 275 mm from the furnace
wall in order that the edge of the horizontal protective membrane rests only on the peripheral support.
The centre of either of the outer steel beams shall not be placed more than 450 mm from the furnace
wall.
The reinforced aerated concrete slabs shall be of density not more than 650 kg/m and minimum
thickness 100 mm and maximum width 650 mm. They shall be placed transversely on the profiles of
the steel beams and separated from each other by gaps of 5 mm to 10 mm which shall be sealed with
ceramic fibre or equivalent material and silicone flexible sealant. New, unused, reinforced aerated
concrete slabs shall be used for each test.
The aerated concrete slabs shall rest on the steel beam framework without mechanical connection so
that there is no gain in mechanical strength of the structure with increasing deformation.
b) Reinforced dense aggregate concrete slabs on steel beams
All the principles given in a) for reinforced aerated concrete slabs on steel beams apply except that
the concrete slabs shall comprise dense aggregate concrete of density (2 350 ± 150) kg/m and shall
have a thickness of between 60 mm to 120 mm.
c) Timber floors (or roofs)
The standard structural building member from which a horizontal membrane is suspended for the
protection of a timber structural building member shall comprise equally spaced softwood joists, of
nominal density (450 ± 75) kg/m and cross-section (220 ± 10) mm x (75 ± 5) mm at 530 mm to
600 mm centres, see Figure 4. The number of joists (preferably six) and their spacing shall be
appropriate to the exposed width, which shall be from 3 000 mm to 3 300 mm.
The joists shall be connected by cross members of the same material and cross-section, located in
the area of the furnace support. They shall also be connected by cross members of the same material
but with cross-section (175 ± 10) mm × (40 ± 5) mm, located around mid span, see Figure 4. The
wooden floor shall be made from particle board sheets of thickness (21 ± 3) mm and density
(600 ± 50) kg/m , laid perpendicular to the joists, with tongue and groove joints and nailed down.
d) Concrete/profiled steel sheet composite slabs
The standard concrete/profiled steel sheet composite test slab shall be prepared according to the
specification given in prEN 13381-5. The grade of steel and the concrete type, composition and
strength shall be as specified in prEN 13381-5.
The standard concrete/profiled steel sheet composite slab shall be fixed to and supported on two
equally spaced steel beams with a representative span as specified in 6.4.1.
Hangers may be provided on the unexposed side in order to avoid collapse of the structural member
under test during the test.
6.5 Properties of test materials
Where appropriate, the actual properties of materials used in the structural building member tested
(e.g. concrete strength) shall be determined according to EN 1363-1 or using an appropriate product
test standard, e.g. concrete strength. Otherwise nominal values, e.g. for steel or wood based
materials, may be used. The dimensions of the structural building member used shall be measured.
The material composition of the horizontal protective membrane shall be specified by the sponsor. For
confidentiality reasons the sponsor may not wish detailed formulation of composition details to be
reported in the test report. Such data shall, however, be provided and maintained in confidence in
laboratory files.
The actual thickness, density and moisture content of the components of the horizontal protective
membrane shall be measured and recorded, just prior to the time of test, on the components
themselves or on special test samples taken from the test component. These shall be conditioned as
defined in Clause 8. The procedures appropriate to different types of material are given in Annex B.
The thickness of sprayed or coated, passive or reactive type fire protection materials when used as
component parts of horizontal protective membranes shall be measured at locations on the horizontal
protective membrane corresponding to each of the thermocouple locations T to T (T ), defined in
1 9 12
9.3.2 and Figure 5, according to Annex B. The thickness shall not deviate by more than 20 % of the
mean value over the whole of its surface. The mean value shall be used in the assessment of the
results and the limits of applicability of the assessment. If it deviates by more than 20 %, the
maximum thickness recorded shall be used in the assessment.
The density of the horizontal protective membrane and its components, at minimum and maximum
thickness, shall be measured according to Annex B and recorded. The density shall not deviate by
more than 15 % of the mean value. The mean value of density shall be used in the assessment of the
results and the limits of applicability of the assessment. If it deviates by more than 15 %, the
maximum density recorded shall be used in the assessment.
6.6 Verification of the test specimen
An examination and verification of the test specimen for conformity to specification shall be carried out
as described in EN 1363-1.
The properties of the materials used in the preparation of the test specimen shall be measured using
representative samples, where necessary, as described in 6.5 using the methods given in Annex B.
The sponsor shall verify materials contained within the test specimen which are applied by spray or
coating for compliance to design composition and specification using tests appropriate to the material
under test.
6.7 Optional and additional steel plates and/or plate thermometers within the cavity
At the request of the sponsor, where there is a need to obtain test data for use as direct input to the
calculation of fire resistance according to the procedures given in EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2,
EN 1994-1-2 and EN 1995-1-2 or other calculation methods, additional steel plates with
thermocouples and/or plate thermometers shall be used within the cavity.
Two such steel plates of size 1000 mm × 300 mm × 10 mm shall be suspended horizontally within the
cavity, with their long direction along the cavity. Each one shall be suspended half way up the cavity
from the structural building member by 10 mm diameter steel threaded rods or brackets of similar
cross sectional area. Thermal breaks shall be incorporated between each plate and its suspension
device.
7 Installation of the test construction
The test construction, comprising the structural building member, any supporting construction or test
frame and the horizont
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