Fire Resistive Materials: Thermal Barriers between Fires and Structures

Published

November 1, 2010

Author(s)

Dale P. Bentz

Abstract

Fire resistive materials (FRMs) serve a critical function in insulating (steel) structures to limit steel temperature rise during a fire exposure. This paper provides an overview of FRMs, focusing on the measurement of their thermophysical properties. After a brief review of the standard fire test conventionally used to evaluate the performance of FRM-protected components and systems, the measurement of thermophysical properties at room and elevated temperatures is considered. Standard test methods available for each property measurement are noted and example results for FRM materials are presented. These property values can provide critical inputs for simulations of the thermal performance of components and systems during standard and real world fires.

Proceedings Title

Thermal Conductivity 30/Thermal Expansion 18

Conference Dates

August 29-September 2, 2009

Conference Location

Seven Springs, PA

Conference Title

30th International Thermal Conductivity Conference

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

Building technology, emissivity, fire resistive material, heat capacity, measurement, thermal conductivity.

Citation

Bentz, D. (2010), Fire Resistive Materials: Thermal Barriers between Fires and Structures, Thermal Conductivity 30/Thermal Expansion 18, Seven Springs, PA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=902567 (Accessed October 9, 2025)