Fire resistance tests
Complete building elements (doors, floor structures, partitions etc.) which are used for separating fire compartments are tested for the case of a fully developed fire. These test methods are called "fire resistance" and are carried out in full scale. The temperature in the test furnace follows the so-called "standard fire curve" which is designed to represent a fully developed fire. These properties are described and evaluated as R, E and I:
- R = Load bearing capacity
- E = Integrity (ability to prevent leakage of flames and hot gases)
- I = Insulation (ability to reduce the heat transfer)
These letters R, E and I can also appear as RE or EI and they are all followed by an index e.g. EI 30, that indicates the minimum time in minutes for which the property is maintained. Building elements classified as "fire resistant" with respect to integrity (E) and insulation (I) are used as a means to prevent fire being spread between fire compartments.