Title: Fire Resistance

Author(s): ACI Committee E-4

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 25

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 812-816

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/15593

Date: 2/1/1929

Abstract:
That reinforced concrete has a high degree of resistance to building fires has been demonstrated by its performance in service. There are enough exceptions to its good record, however, to show that some precautions arc necessary in the construction of reinforced concrete buildings intended to resist fires. The degree of fire resistance that must be attained for satisfactory service will depend, of course, on the severity, duration, and extent of the fire which may attack the structure. So far there are comparatively few data from which these fire characteristics may be determined. The best information available is contained in reports of fires in buildings' and some data of more specific nature derived from the tests at the National Bureau of Standards to determine the intensity and duration of fires in buildings. These tests are still in progress but have already given data of value in comparing actual fires with testing procedure. These comparisons can now proceed with somewhat greater assurance of uniformity for within the last few months an American tentative standard has been established whereby the severity of fire effects on materials and construction may be determined by tests. And from test results experienced persons can judge the severity of building fires by comparison.