ASTM_E_2726_-_E_2726M_-_12a.pdf

Designation:E2726/E2726M12aStandard Test Method forEvaluating the Fire-Test-Response of Deck Structures toBurning Brands1This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2726/E2726M;the number immediately following the designation indicates the yearof original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method determines the fire-test-response char-acteristics of deck structures attached to or in close proximityto primary structures.The burning brand exposures test isintended to determine the degradation modes of deckingmaterials when exposed to a burning brand on the uppersurface of a deck structure.1.2 The use of paints,coatings,stains,or other surfacetreatments for fire protection purposes are beyond the scope ofthis test method.This test method excludes the use of paints,stains,or coatings for this fire-test-response determination.1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound unitsare to be regarded separately as standard.The values stated ineach system may not be exact equivalents;therefore,eachsystem shall be used independently of the other.Combiningvalues from the two systems may result in non-conformancewith the standard.1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe theresponse of materials,products,or assemblies to heat andflame under controlled conditions,but does not by itselfincorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-riskassessment of the materials,products,or assemblies underactual fire conditions.1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherentlyhazardous.Adequate safeguards for personnel and propertyshall be employed in conducting these tests.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D2898 Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire TestingD6662 Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic LumberDecking BoardsD7032 Specification for Establishing Performance Ratingsfor Wood-Plastic Composite Deck Boards and GuardrailSystems(Guards or Handrails)E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics ofBuilding MaterialsE108 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof CoveringsE176 Terminology of Fire Standards2.2 ICC Evaluation Services,Inc.:3AC 109 Acceptance Criteria for Thermoplastic CompositeLumber ProductsAC 174 Acceptance Criteria for Deck Board Span Ratingsand Guardrail Systems(Guards and Handrails)3.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms used in this testmethod,refer to Terminology E176.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 deck structure,nexterior structures comprised ofdeck boards or panels,stair treads,risers,and landings ofdecks,porches,and balconies.3.2.2 test material,nmembers that constitute the exposedsurface of the deck structures.4.Significance and Use4.1 This test method is intended to establish the test protocolfor decking materials and systems.This test method is intended1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on FireStandards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.14 on External FireExposures.Current edition approved Aug.1,2012.Published September 2012.Originallyapproved in 2012.Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E2726/E2726M12.DOI:10.1520/E2726_E2726M12A.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from International Code Council Evaluation Service,5600 WorkmanMill Road,Whittier,CA.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 to address a fire caused by exterior sources that involves theupper surface of the deck or structure.4.2 This test is a practical assessment of fire-test-responsecharacteristics under a prescribed fire loading.This test methodis a variation of Test Method E108.5.Test Apparatus5.1 The essential elements of the fire test apparatus areillustrated in Fig.1.They include a test deck,an adjustableframe on which the test deck is mounted,a wind tunnel,an airvelocity meter with or without the use of a timing device andan adjustable air supply.During the test:5.1.1 Provide free outlet to outside air beyond and above thetest apparatus to exhaust air introduced into the test room bythe blower,and5.1.2 Close all openings into the test room other than thosementioned in 5.1.1,such as doors and windows.5.2 The temperature of the air supplied by the blower shallbe maintained between 10 and 32C 50 and 90F.5.3 Wind