Fire Testing Services
The Fire Testing Services Section in the Fire Technology Department of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division evaluates the fire and structural performance of materials, components, systems and structures when subjected to full-scale fire exposure and post-flashover conditions. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) clients include commercial manufacturers, engineers, architects, specifiers, building code authorities, petrochemical, off-shore, transportation, telecommunications industries, and numerous government agencies such as DOT, NRC, and USCG. We participate in development of national and international standards and perform evaluation tests in accordance with ASTM, NFPA, IMO, ISO, UL and ULC, FM, and Bellcore NEBS protocols. Both Standard Protocols and Client/Material Specific Custom Evaluation Programs are conducted using SwRI's state-of-the-art full- scale furnace facility, full-scale indoor test facility, and the intermediate-scale multistory apparatus (ISMA). Additional programs are conducted using SwRI's jet-fire facility and high-intensity burner (HIB) facility, a 25-ft and 50-ft corner test facility and SwRI's remote test facility is utilized for full-scale pool fire exposures (up to 50-ft).
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E., Manager
Fire Testing Services Technical Strengths
- Fire-resistance rated assemblies (walls, floor-ceiling,
roof, fire stops, doors and windows)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E., and J. Marshall Sharp - IMO/USCG fire resistance rated marine assemblies
(bulkhead/deck, cable transits, penetration seals, doors and
windows)
J. Marshall Sharp, and Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Structural and environmental exposure requirements for
fire rated assemblies
J. Marshall Sharp - High-rise, pool-fire, jet-fire and HIB (critical service
equipment, control systems, ROV, pumps, fittings, and
fixtures)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E., and J. Marshall Sharp - Transportation and storage containers (aboveground fuel
storage tanks (AST), CNG, LPG, radioactive and hazardous
materials)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Fixed guideway and mass transit assemblies (people
movers, rail vehicles, aircraft/airport)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E. - Automotive systems (full vehicle flammability, fuel
systems, plastic tanks and components, and liquid/vapor
permeation)
Bill B. Bendele - Telecommunications testing (Bellcore NEBS, UL 1950)
Bill B. Bendele - Building and fire code compliance (UBC, BOCA, SBCCI,
UFC, and ICC)
Barry Badders, M.E., P.E.
