(4 min read)
The Importance of EN 1365-1:2012 for Load-bearing Wall Fire Resistance Testing for SIPs
On 10th April 2024, Hemsec SIPs panels achieved FR30 (30-minute fire resistance test) & FR60 (60-minute fire resistance test) in new, more stringent, fire resistance tests to BS EN 1365-1:2012 for residential applications. The tests were carried out at Efectis UK and will enable customers to achieve improved fire-resistant performance with Hemsec SIPs.
Hemsec upgraded the existing fire resistance test from BS 476 pt21:1987, FR60, to meet market demands moving towards the more stringent test BS EN 1365-1:2012.
SIP panel FR30 Fire Resistance test was also added to our product certification using standard 12mm gypsum plasterboard. By updating the new FR60 to more stringent standards and adding FR30 for residential builds, Hemsec SIPs can offer better design flexibility for fire-resistant performance.
What is Fire Resistance in building materials?
Fire resistance is the ability of a material to withstand the effects of fire, or to resist ignition and burning. This characteristic is crucial as it determines how long structural elements and components within a building can function during a fire, providing critical time for evacuation and reducing the damage to the property.
The ability of a building structure to withstand fire, at least long enough for safe evacuation and effective intervention, can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic loss.
In construction and building safety, fire-resistant materials are both a regulatory requirement and a fundamental component of modern design, construction and safety planning.
While no practical building material is truly fireproof, well-constructed houses and buildings can help prevent tragedies by using materials, systems and build up’s that offer fire-resistant performance.
What are Fire Resistance Ratings and Standards in Construction?
The goal is to construct a building that slows down the spread of fire, allowing occupants to escape and giving emergency responders time to arrive. This is why materials are rated in respect of how long it would take fire to affect their structural abilities.
To ensure building materials meet necessary safety standards, they are subjected to fire resistance tests which assess performance under controlled conditions.
By understanding fire ratings and fire performance, architects, builders and SIPs installers can make informed choices about the materials they use, significantly enhancing the safety of the buildings they design and construct.
What is BS EN 1365-1:2012 for fire resistance?
BS EN 1365-1:2012 is a crucial European standard that specifies the method of testing the fire resistance of load-bearing walls, both internal and external applications. The test measures a wall’s ability to resist the spread of fire from one side to another while maintaining its load-bearing capacity.
What does BS EN 1365-1 Fire Resistance Test include?
The fire resistance test outlined in EN 1365-1 focuses on several key areas:
- Loadbearing Capacity (R): The walls ability to maintain a load. This is determined by measuring the vertical deflection of the wall.
- Insulation (I): The test evaluates how well the wall insulates and prevents the transmission of heat to the unexposed face. This is determined by measuring the temperature rise of the unexposed face of the wall with thermocouples.
- Integrity (E) refers to the wall’s ability to continue functioning without developing cracks or openings through which flames or hot gases can pass.
Hemsec Fire Resistance Testing
Efectis UK tested Hemsec Residential SIPs panels with a thickness of 142 mm, consisting of a perimeter frame (C16 grade softwood), a core (rigid urethane foam), facings (OSB), and splines (OSB). Battens, referenced as C16 softwood grade battens with dimensions 38 x 25 mm, are fixed to the exposed face of the SIP panel. The total load applied was 40kN, on a 3000 mm high sample.
- For FR30 (30 minutes fire resistance test) Knauf gypsum based plasterboard 12mm thick was through-fixed to the battens.
- For FR60 (60 minutes fire resistance test) Knauf gypsum based Fire Panel 15mm thick was through-fixed to the battens.
Gypsum board, also known as plasterboard or drywall, is the most commonly used fire-resistant interior finish and is commonly used to achieve FR30. Fireline gypsum board is treated with additives to improve its fire-resistance property, making it suitable to achieve FR60.
Are Hemsec SIPs panels Fire Rated?
What did Hemsec SIPs Fire Resistance Tests Achieve?
The FR60 test passed the 60-minute fire resistance and Hemsec stopped the test prior to failure at 66 minutes, achieving 10% over the test requirement, to allow for full examination rather than burning to failure. The 142mm Hemsec SIP panel achieved a fire resistance classification under 13501-2:2023 of REI60.
The FR30 test passed the 30-minutes fire resistance and Hemsec stopped the test prior to failure at 40 minutes. The 142mm Hemsec SIP panel achieved a fire resistance classification under 13501-2:2023 of REI30.
The extended field of application includes:
a) decrease in height.
b) increase in the thickness of the wall.
c) increase in the thickness of component materials.
d) decrease in linear dimensions of boards or dimensions of panels of but not thickness.
e) decrease in stud spacing.
f) decrease in distance of fixing centres.
g) decrease in the applied load.
h) increase in the width provided that the specimen was tested at full width or 3m wide, whichever is the larger.
Please feel free to download the Hemsec Fire Resistance Classification Reports for FR30 & FR60 here for more information.
The Hemsec team are here to give you assistance – If you’re interested in how our SIPs panels are #ReshapingTheBuiltEnvironment for a more #SustainableFuture, contact us today.
Written by Juliette Mullineux, Product Manager.
About Hemsec
Hemsec is committed to reshaping the built environment, together, for a better tomorrow.
We are a leading UK-based insulated panel manufacturer. Since 1928, we have been one of the largest and longest-standing insulated panel manufacturers in the UK.
Hemsec SIPs are extensively tested for Structural, Acoustic, and Thermal performance, including Fire Resistance, and are BBA-certified to give our customers confidence in our superior quality standards. By combining structural and insulating properties, Hemsec SIPs can be used alongside a wide range of construction materials as load or non-load-bearing structures. This improves energy performance and reduces wall thicknesses, which helps to maximise internal space and minimise energy bills.
What are SIPs (structural insulated panels) used for?
SIP panel applications include:
- Energy Efficient SIP Homes
- SIPs Residential Park Homes
- SIP Hotel and Leisure Facilities
- SIP Commercial Buildings
- SIPs Cabins, Annexes and Extensions
- SIPs garden Rooms and Outbuildings
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To find out more about Hemsec insulated panels and how we can support you with your build requirements, please contact us today.