Fire Tests of Load-Bearing, Light-Steel-Framed Wall Systems Insulated with Polyurethane Foam

Abstract

This paper presents the details of three fire tests conducted on light-steel-framed (LSF), load-bearing wall systems, which consist of polyurethane insulation injected into the cavities of the steel frame between two or three layers of gypsum fibreboard. To investigate the thermal and structural performance limits under standard fire conditions, observations were made during the tests, and temperatures and vertical displacements were recorded. Although combustible insulation was used, the results obtained are promising for the application of studied LSF wall systems in buildings, where fire resistance of more than 60 min is required.

Keywords

• light-steel-frame walls
• fire tests
• polyurethane thermal insulation
• gypsum fibre boards
• high temperatures
• fire resistance ratings