ASTM approves standard for intumescent coatings to protect steel in fire

by CS Editor | August 21, 2014 12:34 pm

A new standard, ASTM E2924, Practice for Intumescent Coatings, provides recommendations to specify best practices for those products yielding an insulating char when activated by heat or flame. These materials are designed to safeguard the structural integrity of steel under fire conditions and to maintain safe temperatures for a specified period.

The standard covers the specifying, manufacturing, testing, labeling, transportation, delivery and storage (including shelf life), installation, and inspection. Architects, specifiers, and building owners will now be able to incorporate reference to it in construction documentation.

ASTM E2924 was developed by Subcommittee E06.21 on Serviceability, part of Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings.

“Intumescent coatings are a vital component in the modern building design of structures such as schools, hospitals, residences, offices, petrochemical, and manufacturing plants,” said committee member Philip Mancuso. “In the event of a fire, the steel load is compromised and devastating failures can occur. It is important intumescent coatings be properly specified, installed, and inspected in order to ensure life safety.”

However, the subcommittee’s work is not done, he explained.

“ASTM E2924 was designed to be expanded upon,” said Mancuso. “E06.21 also hopes to develop product-specific test methods and standards.”

To this end, specifiers, manufacturers, and representatives of both inspection agencies and accredited testing laboratories are invited to join E06.21.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/astm-approves-standard-for-intumescent-coatings-to-protect-steel-in-fire/

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