Large-Scale
Fire Resistance
Testing Services
Fire Technology Services
SwRI evaluates fire-rated doors under controlled pressure conditions in accordance with ASTM, NFPA, UBC, UL, and international standards.
Flame Spread Testing for the Building Industry Brochure
Exterior Building Materials Testing Flyer
Fire Resistance Testing Flash Movie
A wide range of standard and custom tests are performed at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to evaluate the fire performance of construction materials, products, and systems.
Construction Industry Fire Tests
- Fire resistance measurements of wall or floor/ceiling assemblies and structural elements
- Assessments of the potential contribution from interior finish materials to a fire
A furnace test is used to measure fire endurance (i.e., the time that a wall or floor/ceiling assembly or a structural element is capable of withstanding a standard fire while fulfilling its separating and/or load-bearing function). A wide range of apparatuses and furnaces are available to fulfill the fire testing needs of the building material manufacturers industry.
The assessment of interior finish contribution to fire growth is based primarily on performance in a flame spread test. Certain types of products and applications must meet other requirements based on their propensity for ignition and the release rate of heat, smoke, and toxic products of combustion.
Related Terminology
ceiling assembly • code compliance • construction products • EIFS • fire endurance • fire performance of construction materials • fire resistance • fire testing services for the construction industry • floor assembly • fire test methods • flame spread • release rate of heat, smoke, toxicity • passive fire protection • smoke generation rate • toxicity • toxicity products of combustion
