Effect of Construction Method on the Fire Behavior of Sandwich Panels with Expanded Polystyrene Cores in Room Fire Tests

Abstract

Room fire tests are conducted, according to the ISO 9705 or ISO 13784-1 protocols, on steel-skinned sandwich panels with expanded polystyrene (EPS) cores. The thickness of the panel cores, grade of EPS, and construction methods of fixing the panels are varied. During the fire tests, the temperature profiles within the panels are measured to determine the onset of EPS melting and possible flame spread within the panels. Temperature profiles within the room, heat release rate from the room, and ceiling heat flux are also measured. It is found that the construction methods that best restrict pyrolysis gases and molten EPS from leaking out of the panel skins into the room enclosure give the greatest resistance to fire spread and prevent the occurrence of flashover.