Core Principles and Procedures of Fire-Resistance Testing
Release time：2026-03-26
I. Principles of Temperature Simulation
Strictly adheres to the standard fire temperature-rise curve, with temperature increasing precisely over time to simulate the realistic thermal environment from ignition to full combustion.
II. Principle of Coupling Determination for Two or Three Indicators
During the test, all three criteria must be met simultaneously; if any one of them fails first, the fire-resistance rating is immediately terminated:
- Carrying capacity : No collapse or excessive deformation under the specified load.
- Integrity : No through-cracks, no flame or flue gas penetration
- Thermal insulation : The temperature rise on the fire-exposed surface shall not exceed the standard limit.
Principle of Termination upon Expiration
It’s not about how long it takes to burn out; it’s about when the first failure point occurs.
III. Fire Resistance Testing End-to-end
1. Sample Preparation and Inspection
- Fabricate or cut test specimens according to standard dimensions.
- Confirm that the material, thickness, and structure are consistent with actual use.
- Surface cleaning; no defects that would affect the test.
- Curing / Allow to stand until the specified standard requirements are met
2. Specimen Installation and Loading (Mandatory for Load-Bearing Components)
- Fixed at the furnace opening according to actual engineering operating conditions.
- Apply the design-specified static loads to components such as beams, slabs, walls, and columns.
- Ensure that the stress state is consistent with actual use.
- Adjustment of supports, gaps, and sealing methods complies with standards.
3. Monitoring System Layout
- Thermocouples for temperature measurement are arranged on the fire-facing surface (with multiple points evenly distributed).
- Install a deformation measurement instrument to monitor deflection/displacement.
- Prepare the cotton pad test apparatus (for checking flame penetration).
- Calibration of furnace temperature thermocouples to ensure accurate temperature profiles.
4. Pre-Test System Inspection
- The furnace body is sealed, and the combustion and pressure systems are functioning normally.
- Zeroing and calibration of all instruments and data acquisition systems.
- Safety protection and emergency measures are in place.
5. Initiate the test and heat according to the standard curve.
- Ignition: the automatic control system strictly follows the standard time–temperature curve.
- Automatic adjustment of furnace temperature and pressure according to standards.
- Continuous, uninterrupted heating throughout the entire process; no arbitrary interruptions are permitted.
6. Real-time Monitoring and Recording
- Furnace temperature curve
- Temperatures at each point on the fire-facing surface
- Component deformation / Deflection
- Are there any cracks, perforations, or molten drips?
- Are there any flames or smoke penetrating?
- Has the cotton pad been ignited?
7. Failure Determination (Strictly According to Standards)
- Loss of load-bearing capacity
- Component collapse, fracture, or excessive deformation rate/deflection
- Loss of integrity
- A through-going gap develops, allowing flames and smoke to penetrate, and the cotton pad is ignited.
- Loss of thermal insulation
- Average temperature rise on the fire-exposed surface > 140°C, or maximum temperature rise at a single point > 180°C.
8. Test Termination and Cooling
- Cut off the fuel supply and stop heating.
- Natural or controlled cooling
- Observe the failure mode of the specimen.
9. Data Organization and Result Calculation
- Export temperature, deformation, and time data
- Determine the fire-resistance rating (accurate to the minute).
- Analyze failure modes and weak points.
10. Issuance of a Fire-Resistance Test Report
- Specimen information, dimensions, and material
- Test standards, equipment, and heating curves
- Monitoring data, failure phenomena
- Fire-resistance rating, conclusion determination
- Attached figures (furnace temperature curve, failure photos)
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