INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
E
IMO
SUB-COMMITTEE ON FIRE PROTECTION
46th session
Agenda item 5
FP 46/5/3
26 November 2001
Original: FRENCH
UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS TO SOLAS CHAPTER II-2 AND
RELATED FIRE TEST PROCEDURES
Proposed revision of the interpretation of the FTP Code concerning tests for surface
flammability of jointings and mastics (resolution A.653(16) - §7)
Submitted by France
SUMMARY
Executive summary:
This document proposes a change in the interpretation of the FTP
Code on tests for surface flammability of jointings and mastics. The
proposal contemplates the case where jointings and mastics are visible
as strips less than 2 cm wide for which the test plate is not suitable.
Action to be taken:
See paragraph 9
Related documents:
FTP Code and resolution A.653(16) - §7
1
France has frequently applied resolution A.653(16), entitled "Recommendation on
improved fire test procedures for surface flammability of bulkhead, ceiling and deck finish
materials".
2
Like any material used to improve the interiors of ships, jointings and mastics must first
undergo a test for surface flammability (resolution A.653(16) and, if applicable, a smoke and
toxicity test.
3
Paragraph 7 of resolution A.653(16), and specifically paragraph 7.2, describes the
characteristics of the specimens:
"The specimens should be 155(+0/-5) mm wide by 800(+0/-5) mm long, and should be
representative of the product."
4
The test for surface flammability of jointings and mastics is thus performed on the applied
product, in the thickness as used, on a steel plate of approximately 800mm x 155mm by 1mm,
thus complying with the provisions of paragraph 7 of resolution A.653(16). However, only a
very limited number of jointings and mastics meet the acceptability criteria in
resolution A.653(16).
For reasons of economy, this document is printed in a limited number. Delegates are
kindly asked to bring their copies to meetings and not to request additional copies.
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FP 46/5/3
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5
In addition, jointings and mastics are generally visible in ships as strips less than 2 cm
wide. The test plate is thus not representative of the actual dimensions of these products.
6
In practice, therefore, it seems that the provisions of paragraph 7 of resolution A.653(16)
are not satisfactory and have two major disadvantages:
.1
the preparation of specimens does not take account of their actual application, and
.2
the preparation of specimens does not allow selectivity of the products tested in
terms of fire safety.
7
France has thus taken upon itself to develop a test plate which can satisfy the two
objectives set out in paragraph 6 and has carried out a series of tests. The tests are described in
annex 1. As a result, a satisfactory test plate was identified. The design of the test plate is shown
in annex 2.
8
In the light of the results of the tests carried out by France, it is proposed that the
interpretation of the FTP Code concerning tests for surface flammability of jointings and mastics,
as defined in resolution A.653(16) should be amended with respect to paragraph 7 of the
resolution as proposed in annex 3.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
9
The Sub-Committee is invited to examine the proposal set out in paragraph 8 and to take
such measures as it considers appropriate.
***
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FP 46/5/3
ANNEX 1
PREPARATION OF TEST PLATES FOR SURFACE FLAMMABILITY TESTS
OF JOINTINGS AND MASTICS
1
Like any material used to improve the interiors of ships, jointings and mastics must first
undergo a surface flammability test (resolution A.653(16)) and, if applicable, a smoke and
toxicity test.
The test for surface flammability of jointings and mastics is thus performed on the applied
product, in the thickness as used, on a steel plate of approximately 800mm x 155mm by 1mm.
2
To make the test more representative of the actual application, it was proposed to cover
the test plate prepared as indicated above with a second steel plate of the same dimensions, but
with an opening 600mm long and 20mm wide along the central line, 100mm from each end, in
order to expose the product to be tested.
However, this type of test plate, which took full account of the reality of application of such
products, was not sufficiently selective and led to the majority of products being validated, apart
from the worst.
3
In the AFNOR X65M working group on "Fire safety in the maritime sector", the National
Test Laboratory, in association with a manufacturer, undertook a series of tests on 4 mastics,
identified as A, B, C and D. These products are widely used in the building industry and have
been subjected to tests designed to show their behaviour when exposed to fire and thus classify
them according to an index used in that industry. This classification is on a scale from M1 (best
performance in fire) to M4 (poor performance in fire).
The four mastics are as follows:
•
•
•
•
A:
B:
C:
D:
non-fire-proofed product, classified M4,
non-fire-proofed product, classified M4,
fire-proofed product, classified M2,
fire-proofed product, classified M1
Each mastic was deposited on a steel plate 800mm x 155mm by 1mm to a depth of 3mm. For
each product, three plates were prepared in this way. They were then covered with a steel plate
of the same dimensions, but in which the opening 600mm x 20mm was made either at one end,
or 50mm or 100mm (the existing situation) from the end. Each test plate prepared in this way,
once dried, was subjected to the classic test under resolution A.653(16).
4
The results are listed in the table below. The denominations 0, 50 and 100 refer to the
600mm long and 20mm wide opening made at 0, 50 and 100mm from the edge of the test plate.
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ANNEX 1
Page 2
Opening/
material
A
B
C
D
CFE
(kW/m2)
0
50
<4.3
<4.3
*
*
<3.1
<3.1
*
*
100
Qsb
(MJ/m2)
0
50
*
*
*
*
1.3
1.5
*
*
3.4
1.8
*
*
100
Qt
(MJ)
0
50
*
*
*
*
1.7
1.7
<0.05
<0.05
2.9
1.7
<0.05
<0.05
100
qp
(kW)
0
50
100
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
3.2
2.5
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
6.6
2.4
<0.1
<0.1
*Criterion not applicable due to non combustion of the sample.
As a reminder, the acceptance criteria for this type of product are:
•
•
•
•
Critical flow of energy on extinction (CFE) ≥20.0 kW/m2.
Mean heat for sustained combustion Qsb ≥ 1.5 MJ/ m2.
Total heat liberated (Qt) ≥ 0.7 MJ.
Maximum calorific output (qp) ≥ 4.0 kW.
The position at 100mm is shown to be not in the least selective.
The only two satisfactory positions for all the tests are 0 and 50 mm.
5
An additional test was then performed with the pilot flame in an incident position in the
0mm configuration on the material with the best fire rating, D. There was combustion and spread
of the flame which meant that it did not satisfy the criteria. For the 50mm, with the pilot flame in
an incident position, there was no combustion.
6
France therefore proposes that only the 50mm configuration should be used. In order to
preserve the symmetry of the test plate, it is proposed to extend the length of the opening to
700mm in order to keep 50mm at each end.
***
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FP 46/5/3
ANNEX 2
PROPOSED TEST PLATE FOR JOINTINGS
AND MASTICS VISIBLE IN STRIPS LESS THAN 2 CM WIDE
The design of the steel plate placed over the jointings and mastics would be as follows:
800 mm
700 mm
155 mm
20
mm
50
mm
***
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50
mm
FP 46/5/3
ANNEX 3
PROPOSED INTERPRETATION OF THE FTP CODE
Proposed revision of the interpretation of the FTP Code concerning tests for surface
flammability tests of jointings and mastics, as defined in resolution A.653(16), entitled
"Recommendation on improved fire test procedures for surface flammability of bulkhead, ceiling
and deck finish materials".
(The new text is underlined)
7.
Specimens
7.1
Number required
Three specimens should be tested for each different exposed surface of the product
evaluated and applied.
7.2
Dimensions
The specimens should be 155(+0/-5) mm wide by 800(+0/-5) mm long, and should be
representative of the product.
7.2.1 Specimen thickness: materials and composites of normal thickness 50mm or less should
be tested using their full thickness, attaching them , by means of an adhesive if appropriate, to the
substrate to which they will be attached in practice. For materials and composites of normal
thickness greater than 50mm, the required specimens should be obtained by cutting away the
unexposed face to reduce the thickness to 50(+3/-0)mm.
7.2.2 Form of specimens: in the case of jointings or mastics visible in strips less than 2cm
wide, the test plate should be covered with a second steel plate of the same dimensions, but with
an opening 700mm long and 20mm wide along the central line, positioned 50mm from each end,
in order to expose the product to be tested.
7.3
Composites
Assembly should be as specified in 7.2. However where thin materials or composites are
used in the fabrication of an assembly, the presence of an air gap and/or the nature of any
underlying construction may significantly affect the flammability characteristics of the exposed
surface. The influence of the underlying layers should be recognized and care taken to ensure
that the test result obtained on any assembly is relevant to its use in practice.
____________
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