A1 & A2 CLADDING – FIRE SAFE RAINSCREEN SYSTEM TESTED TO BS8414
SOTECH RAINSCREEN CLADDING SYSTEMS TESTED TO BS8414 STANDARDS
Sotech’s commitment to authentic engineering capability has been witnessed over several years in the testing and development of products. First successful fire test carried out in 2006 with Optima TFC applied to masonry wall and in 2008 Optima TFC fixed to and supported by a SFS wall. Both tests gained LPCB Red Book Entry.
In response to the British Standard (BS) technical specifications, Sotech has completed fire testing on various Optima Rainscreen systems at BRE, Watford, Element, Dubai and FPA, Gloucester.
The most recent tests to BS8414-2 were carried out on Sotech Optima Edge. (Refer to test reports below for specification requirements.)
What is BS8414-2?
BS 8414-2 refers to the fire performance of external cladding systems and is the test method for non-load bearing external cladding systems fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame.
The BS 8414 test methods were developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). They evaluate whether a cladding system subject to fire breaking out of an opening (such as a window) in an external wall, will result in excessive fire spread up the outside of the building and the potential for fire to re-enter at a higher level.
The tests are carried out in specialist laboratories, and are performed on full-scale systems (rather than small-scale samples) incorporating; joints and corner details, fixings, insulation, firebreaks, cavities and other elements of the system construction.
Our systems have been successfully tested to BS8414 and assessed against BR135, achieving classifications upto A2. BS9414 guidance allows us to extend our BS8414 test date to cover a wider range of compliant A1 build-ups.
Understanding Rainscreen Cladding Fire Classification Ratings
THESE MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR RANGE OF RAINSCREEN SYSTEMS. YOU SHOULD REVIEW THE PRODUCT MANUFACTURES OWN DATASHEET FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION.
A1 NON-COMBUSTIBLE |
A2 – LIMITED COMBUSTIBILITY |
|---|---|
ALPOLIC A1 |
ALPOLIC A2 |
ANODISED ALUMINIUM |
PPC ALUMINIUM |
CORTEN STEEL |
ALUCOBOND A2 |
COPPER |
LARSON A2 |
PRE-PAINT ALUMINIUM |
|
STAINLESS STEEL |
|
ZINC |
The classification is split into three parts, the main classification, the smoke classification and the flaming droplet classification.
The main part of the classification is its letter – A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. A1 (Non-combustible) is the highest level of performance, with F the lowest performance level (No performance determined).
Products classified in A1 and A2 classes are non-combustible materials and from B to F are combustible materials in ascending order.
There is a smoke classification of s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level of performance and s3 is the lowest performance level. There are no smoke requirements for Class E products.
There is a classification of flaming droplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is the highest level of performance and d2 is the lowest performance level.
BS EN 13501-1 provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for all construction products, including products incorporated within building elements. Products are considered in relation to their end use application.
FULL SCALE SYSTEM FIRE TESTING
Full scale system testing involves building a complete model of the proposed build up.
This includes the carrier system, the material, the finish and the firebreaks – and mounting it to a 9 metre demonstration wall to test how it performs under real fire conditions.
The aim of the test is to replicate what would happen if a severe fire broke out a window in a block of flats or a story in a high rise building (above 18m).
What’s important in these tests is that the full cladding system is tested as a whole to confirm its effectiveness in slowing and controlling the spread of fire in tall buildings. For this reason, the test must assess the cavity barriers and fire stopping, the effectiveness of the construction design and the outcome of the materials specified in combination.
How to Arrange Full Scale Rainscreen Cladding Fire Testing
There is a simple three stage process for completing a full scale rainscreen cladding fire test with Sotech and the earlier our partners contact us, the more we’re able to help in the process.
Once confirmed, a certificate will be presented to show that the build-up has passed the BS 8414 fire safety test. This fire testing certificate can then be used to gain suitable insurance.
STAGE 1
Cladding make up is specified in specification document. An expert member of the Sotech technical team reviews the specification in depth and advises on the best possible build-up of individual parts and highlights potential risks, issues and opportunities.
STAGE 2
Sotech organises a full scale test at one of the facilities around the world, booking in the test, arranging for the shipment of all necessary materials and organising the required personnel for the test. Our partners are welcome to join us and attend the test days in person or wait for the full report.
STAGE 3
Full system test is carried out, in confidence that the build up will meet the requirements of the guidance set out in BR 135 – Fire Performance of External Thermal Insulation for Walls of Multi-storey Buildings.
What is the Step by Step Full Scale Fire Testing Process?
1. Test Rig Preparation – Installation of substructure and framing
2. Insulation Installed – Fire-safe insulation and cavity barriers in place
3. Panel Installation (Lower Section) – Rainscreen panels fixed to the rig.
4. Panel Installation (Complete) – Full cladding system installed for testing
5. Ignition Source Ready – A fuel crib, constructed from moisture-controlled softwood battens arranged in an interlaced pattern, is prepared at the base of the rig
6. Fire Ignition – Fuel crib is ignited and quickly produces a controlled fire and begins to impinge on the cladding
7. Peak Fire Exposure – The fire develops to maximum intensity, assessing vertical and lateral fire spread and system performance
8. Post-Test Condition – Cladding system integrity observed after fire extinguished over a monitoring period.
Learn More…
The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.
We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.
IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.
IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:
Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements. All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.
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