A proposed new standard currently being developed by ASTM International Committee E05 on Fire Standards will establish a test protocol for assessing fire performance of decks and other horizontal exterior structures where combustibles beneath the structure can ignite. The proposed standard, WK17025, Test Method for Evaluating the Under-Deck Fire Test Response of Deck Structures, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E05.14 on External Fire Exposures.
 
“As the occurrence of wildland-urban interface fires appears to be on the rise, it is clear that improved fire performance of structures is needed in these locations,” says Robert Tichy, senior research engineer, Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University.
 
Tichy also notes that, as new exterior construction materials emerge in the marketplace, they will need to be evaluated to assure conformance with building code requirements. The proposed standard will be used by product proponents and their testing laboratories.

For further technical information, contact Robert Tichy, Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. (phone: 253/529-0900; bobtichy@msn.com). Committee E05 meets June 22-25, 2008, at the June committee week in Denver, Colo. For membership or meeting information, contact Thomas O’Toole, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9739; totoole@astm.org).

Release #7829