The performance of gypsum plasterboard assemblies is typically evaluated in accordance with standardised test methods such as BS476, AS1530 or ASTM E119. Standard time-temperature curves give good comparison between tested materials. However, they do not have a decay phase, may be conservative for long duration fires, and generally provide a poor representation of 'real' building fires. It is not common knowledge that test time-temperature relationships, such as ISO834, have not significantly changed since they were originally formulated in the early 1930's. Results from this project question the suitability of current standard testing to determine the fire resisting performance of gypsum plasterboard assemblies. An urgent need exists to prove the performance of building elements when exposed to temperatures that differ significantly from standard furnace tests. Computer modelling was found to inaccurately predict the performance of gypsum plasterboard assemblies exposed to more severe temperatures than the standard fire. With the adoption of performance based design within fire engineering, it is becoming increasingly important to ascertain the difference between product comparison and fire resisting performance.
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