Evaluating openings exposed to fire
Marine doors, shutters and windows are tested as opening systems mounted in fire-rated bulkheads. During fire exposure, thermal expansion and deformation can create openings between the frame and the moving parts of the system. The testing evaluates whether the opening system continues to maintain the required fire separation despite these mechanical and thermal stresses.
The evaluation includes:
- Integrity of the opening system
- Development of gaps and openings
- Passage of flames or hot gases
- Temperature rise on the unexposed side
Windows are evaluated according to the same overall principles, where the purpose is to maintain the fire separation of the division throughout the required fire rating period.
Fire tests performed by DBI for marine window systems are also accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Defining test scope and certification strategy
Manufacturers often need certification documentation covering multiple configurations or dimensional variations without testing every individual setup separately.
DBI helps customers define relevant test scope and certification documentation by:
- Planning efficient test programmes
- Identifying relevant test configurations and worst-case scenarios
- Documenting fire test results in accredited test reports
This can help manufacturers avoid unnecessary testing while still documenting the required performance range for certification.
Documenting oversized door and shutter systems
Modern marine projects increasingly involve large sliding doors and shutters used for cargo handling and specialised vessel layouts. Some systems exceed the dimensions that can be tested directly in standard furnace configurations.
DBI supports manufacturers in documenting oversized door and shutter systems that cannot be tested directly in standard furnace configurations.
This may involve additional measurements, modelling and extrapolation methods used to evaluate larger configurations based on fire test data.The work is carried out in cooperation with DBI specialists in advanced testing and modelling.
Technical assessments
DBI also makes technical assessments based on fire test results.
Technical assessments can support manufacturers when they need to evaluate dimensional changes, opening directions or alternative configurations without repeating full-scale fire tests.
The assessment is based on practical evaluation of how installation details and configuration changes may influence the fire performance of the tested system.
Technical assessments are regularly used as supporting documentation in certification processes and dialogue with classification societies.
