The ASTM E119 standard ensures construction and building materials can withstand flames, gases and exposure to a hose stream while maintaining structural integrity for a specific duration of time. ASTM E119 ensures materials meet safety standards including the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) performs controlled burns to meet ASTM E119 or equivalent tests at our SO/IEC 17025-certified Fire Testing facility, which includes 48,500 square feet of fire testing laboratory space, in San Antonio, Texas.
ASTM E119 Requirements & Procedures
ASTM E119 provides procedures and requirements to measure the fire resistance properties of materials and assemblies such as walls and bulkheads, columns and beams, doors, windows, and floor or ceiling assemblies.
Conducted in two parts, the fire endurance portion of the test evaluates how long building materials can resist the effects of a controlled burn. The second part of the test exposes the sample to a hose stream to verify that the sample materials can maintain structural integrity even when exposed to rapid temperature changes and the erosion associated with fire mitigation and response.
After both phases of the test are conducted, which often requires load-bearing conditions, the duration of the test establishes the fire rating of a sample. For example, a beam able to withstand flames for one hour will receive a corresponding one hour-rating.
SwRI performs ASTM E119 or equivalent tests including:
- ANSI/UL 263
- UL 9/10B/10C
- NFPA 251/252/257
- BS 476 Part 20, 24
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IAS Accredited Testing Laboratory
Southwest Research Institute receives accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
Fire Testing Facilities
SwRI’s extensive fire testing laboratories allow for environmentally friendly fire testing with pollution abatement that prevents the release of smoke and other toxins into the environment. Laboratory specifications:
- Large-scale vertical furnace (12 x 12 feet opening)
- Diffused flame burners
- Structural loading up to 125,000 lbs. (12,500 lb./feet over 10 feet)
- Large-scale horizontal furnace (12.5 x 16 feet opening, 6 feet deep)
- Structural loading up to 130,000 lbs. (722 lb./feet2 over 180 feet2)
- 2,200 degrees F capacity
- Thermal imaging capabilities of unexposed surfaces
- Side ports for internal furnace camera
- Multiple displays in furnace control room for real-time data and sample observation