TITLE : Report on the small-scale fire properties of 120 mm thickness Isolam under-roof insulation material as determined by the SANS 10177-10 test protocol
REQUESTED BY : Isowall SA (Pty) Ltd P O Box 912-581 SILVERTON 0127
CONTRACT No : FTC10-082
AUTHOR(S) : J.S. Strydom and K. van Dyk
DATE : 14 September 2010
Isowall – SANS10177-10 – Isolam 120 mm Confidential FTC10/082 Page 1 of 6
Table of contents List of figures .................................................................................................................................. 1
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2
2 Description of material ............................................................................................................ 2
3 Test method ............................................................................................................................ 2
3.1 SANS 10177-10...................................................................................................................... 2
4 Test results ............................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 SANS 10177-10...................................................................................................................... 4
5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................................ 6
List of figures Figure 3.1.1: Diagram of SANS 10177-10 inverted channel testing facility................................... 3
Figure 3.1.2: Test installation prior to ignition of fire source .......................................................... 3
Figure 4.1.1: Material above fire source softening and falling out (t = 2 minutes) ......................... 4
Figure 4.1.2: Test installation subsequent to completion of test .................................................... 5
Figure 4.1.3: Temperatures recorded during SANS 10177-10 test on 120 mm Isolam ................ 5
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1 Introduction
The purpose of this investigation was to assess the small-scale fire properties of 120 mm thickness Isolam under-roof insulation material. The medium-scale horizontal flame spread properties were determined in the inverted channel facility in accordance with the SANS 10177-10 test protocol.
2 Description of material
The sample as tested was described as Isolam and consisted of a 120 mm thick Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) with a vinyl facing. The EPS was reportedly of the styFRene type while no adhesive was used in the lamination of the facing material. The Isolam boards as delivered were 6 m long.
3 Test method
3.1 SANS 10177-10
The delivered test specimen was installed onto the test frame with a 150 mm wide overlap along the longitudinally along the centre of the frame. An aluminium T-section was installed along the length of the test frame to simulate a longitudinal joint. The test frame was covered on its top surface with loose lying corrugated sheeting and installed in the inverted channel tunnel facility (Figure 3.1.1).
The fire-spread properties of the materials tested are classified according to Annex C of SANS 428, Surface fire properties, also taking in consideration the limitations regarding the use of non-combustible materials described in SANS 10400-T.
Temperatures were measured during the investigation with thermocouples located below the installation at 1 m centres. The test installation was exposed to the thermal output of three litres of n-hexane, which was placed in the fire source tray. Temperatures were continuously recorded and observations were noted of the behaviour of the material.
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Figure 3.1.1: Diagram of SANS 10177-10 inverted channel testing facility
The installation prior to the ignition of the fire source is shown in Figure 3.1.2.
Figure 3.1.2: Test installation prior to ignition of fire source
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4 Test results
4.1 SANS 10177-10
The material above the fire source shrunk with the facing pulling away from the EPS within the first minute after commencement of the test. Figure 4.1.1 shows the installation after 2 minutes with the area directly above the fire source softening and falling out without igniting.
Figure 4.1.1: Material above fire source softening and falling out (t = 2 minutes)
This process whereby material softened and fell out continued throughout most of the test period. At no point did the test material ignite or form burning particles.
The fire source was spent after 14 minutes. Figure 4.1.2 shows the test installation subsequent to completion of the test with damage occurring up to the 4m mark.
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Figure 4.1.2: Test installation subsequent to completion of test
The temperatures recorded during the test are depicted graphically in Figure 4.1.3.
Figure 4.1.3: Temperatures recorded during SANS 10177-10 test on 120 mm Isolam
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5 Conclusions
When comparing these small-scale fire test results to previous small-scale fire test results performed on thinner Isolam products with a vinyl facing, the results achieved by this thicker material are almost identical. The rating as previously awarded will therefore also apply in this instance.
The classification of 120 mm Isolam in accordance with SANS 428 is therefore:
• Class B / B1 / 2/ H&V.
The previous SANS 10177-11 large-scale evaluation is due to be re-done during 2011, as per TIASA member rules. It is recommended that this 120 mm thick product be submitted. This rating only applies to the product with a vinyl facing. A product with any other facing material needs to be evaluated separately. From a fire safety point of view the 120 mm thickness Isolam insulation system with a vinyl facing as tested under specific test conditions may be used as part of the thermal insulated building envelope in all industrial and commercial buildings as an under-roof and side cladding insulation material, both with or without sprinklers. Provision of adequate roof ventilation and/or a sprinkler protection system for each individual installation would however need to be considered based on the size, slope and configuration of the roof and should be part of the fire safe design of the building to satisfy the requirements as contemplated by SANS 10400-T. Although the material can be safely utilized in side cladding applications from a fire point of view, it is recommended that no insulation be installed at low levels in order to avoid subsequent damage that may occur in any building. In instances where racking and shelving are present, side cladding insulation should generally not be fitted below a meter above the maximum stacking height. Although the above comment is not a requirement as such, consideration should always be given to the use, occupancy and contents of a specific building structure. A good fire safety design should address this issue however. The above results does not relate to fire resistance. In instances where fire resistance is a requirement, this property needs to be determined in terms of SANS 10177-2.
