In Europe, and in several other countries around the world, the fire resistance is expressed though a classification according to specific criteria. Normally the fire resistance classification is followed by number which is the limit in minutes, such as 30, 60, 90 120 or 180, that shows the time the performance criteria is fulfilled during a standardized fire test. Most used classification are:
R –load bearing function
Capacity of a structure to maintain its required mechanical resistance in case of fire.
E – Integrity
Protection from fire and smoke but does not reduce the transfer of dangerous radiant heat in the event of a fire (integrity only performance)
I – Insulation
The ability of a separating element of building construction when exposed to fire on one side, to restrict the temperature rise of the unexposed face to below specified levels
W – Radiation
The ability of the element of construction to withstand fire exposure on one side only, so as to reduce the probability of the transmission of fire as a result of significant radiated heat either through the element or from its unexposed surface to adjacent materials
The criteria can be combined, for specific component or system:
EI
Not – load bearing element that can offer protection from fire, hot gases and smoke and radiant heat for a defined period of time
REI
Load bearing element that can offer mechanical resistance and protection from fire, hot gases and smoke and radiant heat for a defined period of time
EW
Not – load bearing element that can offer offers an integrity performance (protection from fire and hot gases and smoke) whilst reducing transfer of dangerous radiant heat.
In other regions, the classification can be different, but the general concepts are the same or very similar for all the fire test standards and classifications.
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