5.1.1 In particular, the selected standard exposure condition simulates the condition of total continuous engulfment of a member or assembly in the luminous flame (fire plume) area of a large free-burning-fluid-hydrocarbon pool fire. The standard fire exposure is basically defined in terms of the total flux incident on the test specimen together with appropriate temperature conditions. Quantitative measurements of the thermal exposure (total heat flux) are required during both furnace calibration and actual testing.

5.1.2 It is recognized that the thermodynamic properties of free-burning, hydrocarbon fluid pool fires have not been completely characterized and are variable depending on the size of the fire, the fuel, environmental factors (such as wind conditions), the physical relationship of the structural member to the exposing fire, and other factors. As a result, the exposure specified in these test methods is not necessarily representative of all the conditions that exist in large hydrocarbon pool fires. The specified standard exposure is based upon the best available information and testing technology. It provides a basis for comparing the relative performance of different assemblies under controlled conditions.

5.1.3 Any variation to construction or conditions (that is, size, method of assembly, and materials) from that of the tested assembly is capable of substantially changing the performance characteristics of the assembly.

5.2.1 The procedures for testing loaded columns stipulate that the load shall be applied axially. The applied load is to be the maximum load condition allowed under nationally recognized structural design criteria unless limited design criteria are specified and a corresponding reduced load applied.

5.2.2 The procedure for testing unloaded steel column specimens includes temperature limits. These limits are intended to define the temperature above which a steel column with an axially applied design allowable load would fail structurally.

5.2.3 The procedure for unloaded specimens also provides for the testing of other than steel columns provided that appropriate acceptance criteria have been established.

5.3.1 The procedure for testing loaded specimens stipulates that the beam shall be simply supported. Application of restraint against longitudinal thermal expansion depends on the intended use, as specified by the customer. The applied load is intended to be the allowable design load permitted for the beam as determined in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

5.3.2 The procedure for testing unloaded beams includes temperature limits for steel. These limits are to define the temperature above which a simply supported, unrestrained beam would fail structurally if subjected to the allowable design load. The procedure for unloaded specimens also provides for the testing of other than steel and reinforced concrete beams provided that appropriate acceptance criteria have been established.

5.3.3 It is recognized that beam assemblies that are tested without load will not deflect to the same extent as an identical assembly tested with load. As a result, tests conducted in accordance with the unloaded beam procedure are not intended to reflect the effects of crack formation, dislodgement of applied fire protection materials, and other factors that are influenced by the deflection of the assembly.

1.6.1 Full information on the performance of assemblies constructed with components or of dimensions other than those tested.

1.6.2 An evaluation of the degree to which the assembly contributes to the fire hazard through the generation of smoke, toxic gases, or other products of combustion.

1.6.3 Simulation of fire behavior of joints or connections between structural elements such as beam-to-column connections.

1.6.4 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of the test assembly.

1.6.5 Procedures for measuring the test performance of other structural shapes (such as vessel skirts), equipment (such as electrical cables, motor-operated valves, etc.), or items subject to large hydrocarbon pool fires, other than those described in 1.1 .

1.6.6 The erosive effect that the velocities or turbulence, or both, generated in large pool fires has on some fire protection materials.

1.6.7 Full information on the performance of assemblies at times less than 5 min because the rise time called out in Section 5 is longer than that of a real fire.