Workshop on Fire Testing Measurement Needs: Proceedings

Published

June 19, 2001

Author(s)

William L. Grosshandler

Abstract

This report describes the proceedings of a workshop held on June 18 and 19, 2001, at NIST in Gaithersburg to identify where science and technology can better prepare fire testing laboratories and their customers to meet these challenges. Topics that were covered include the following: most common and significant fire test methods (by frequency of performance and/or economic impact); uncertainty limits and calibration practices; laboratory accreditation; incorporating new measurement techniques into old test protocols; the role of numerical simulation in interpreting/displaying results; implications of global markets; and needs of code officials and manufacturers of regulated materials and products. Speakers represented codes and standards organizations, regulators and authorities having jurisdiction, laboratory accrediting bodies, laboratories engaged in best practices, materials and products manufacturers, large commercial fire testing organizations, and small commercial fire testing organizations. Major issues of concern to fire testing laboratories and their customers were prioritized. Although the concerns of these different interest groups were not fully congruent, three pathways forward were proposed: Develop a rational means to quantify uncertainty that is relevant to fire testing. Explore alternative mechanisms for accrediting fire testing laboratories that are consistent with the North American business model, and that lead to acceptance by international markets of the products certified by North American testing organizations. Invest in research to better relate the behavior of products measured during standard testing to their performance in realistic fire scenarios, and vice versa.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6774

Report Number

6774

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

certification, fire testing, laboratory accreditation, measurement uncertainty

Citation

Grosshandler, W. (2001), Workshop on Fire Testing Measurement Needs: Proceedings, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=861084 (Accessed April 18, 2024)