ASTM E69 Combustible Properties Testing for Treated Wood by Fire Tube
ASTM E69 applies to fire-tube testing for combustible qualities of wood that have been treated to lessen flammability. This test method is concerned with the qualities of treated wood rather than the performance of a fabrication utilized as a construction part.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM E 69 combustible properties testing is the standard test method for determining the combustibility of treated wood utilizing the fire tube apparatus, and it measures the weight loss, ignition, and combustion properties of fire retardant-treated wood specimens at specified fire tube apparatus conditions. The standard test method for determining the combustible properties of treated wood, as specified in ASTM E 69, outlines the specimen preparation and fire tube apparatus conditions required for determining the combustible properties of treated wood, and this standard is applicable for the evaluation and verification of fire retardant-treated wood and fire retardant wood treatments.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM E 69 is a standard that tests the combustibility of treated wood by subjecting specific wood specimens to specific thermal conditions in the fire tube apparatus, in order to determine the effectiveness of fire retardant treatments on wood materials.
ASTM E 69 combustible properties testing evaluates:
- Weight loss and combustion characteristics of fire-retardant-treated wood specimens
- Time to ignition and flame persistence of treated wood under defined fire-tube conditions
- Comparative combustibility of fire-retardant treatment formulations on wood substrates
- Effect of treatment retention level, wood species, and application method on combustibility
- Compliance against defined combustibility requirements for fire-retardant-treated wood
Applications
- Fire-retardant treated lumber and timber for building and construction applications
- Treated wood products for roof assemblies, wall framing, and interior applications
- Fire-retardant wood treatment formulation development and effectiveness assessment
- Building code compliance testing for fire-retardant treated wood products
- Wood treatment suppliers and manufacturers requiring ASTM E 69 combustibility test data
Benefits
- Provides reliable combustibility data for fire-retardant-treated wood treatment evaluation
- Supports building code compliance and fire authority approval for treated wood products
- Identifies fire-retardant treatment deficiencies before product installation
- Delivers traceable combustibility test records for engineering and regulatory submissions
- Reduces fire risk by verifying fire-retardant wood treatment effectiveness early in approval
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Treated wood specimens prepared to defined dimensions and conditioned per ASTM E 69 requirements.
1Fire-Tube Thermal Exposure
Specimens subjected to defined thermal conditions within calibrated fire-tube apparatus.
2Combustion Observation
Weight loss, ignition time, flame persistence, and combustion behavior observed and recorded.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
Combustibility data assessed against defined criteria to determine test compliance result.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Fire-retardant treated lumber, timber, and wood products for building applications |
| Specimen Geometry | Defined treated wood specimen dimensions per ASTM E 69 requirements |
| Exposure Conditions | Defined thermal conditions within calibrated fire-tube apparatus per ASTM E 69 |
| Measured Parameters | Weight loss, time to ignition, flame persistence, and combustion characteristics |
| Measured Outputs | Weight loss, ignition data, flame persistence observations, and test compliance result |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Calibrated fire-tube apparatus per ASTM E 69 specifications
- Precision analytical balance for pre- and post-exposure weight measurement
- Temperature monitoring and control system for defined thermal exposure
- Timing system for ignition and flame persistence duration measurement
- Specimen conditioning chamber with temperature and humidity control
- Data acquisition and test reporting system
Results and Deliverables
- Weight loss measurements before and after fire-tube thermal exposure
- Time to ignition and flame persistence duration data for all tested specimens
- Combustion behavior observations under defined fire-tube conditions
- Test compliance result assessed against defined fire-retardant treated wood requirements
- ASTM E 69 combustibility test report
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E69 evaluates the combustible properties of treated wood with a fire-tube device. It helps to determine how chemical treatment influences ignition behavior, flame characteristics, and combustion response during controlled laboratory fire exposure.
ASTM E69 helps compare the fire performance of treated wood materials. It shows whether preservative or fire-retardant treatments affect combustibility. This supports safer material choices for building, industrial, and specialty wood applications.
ASTM E69 is often used for chemically treated wood, preserved lumber, and fire-retardant wood products. These are important in construction, utilities, transportation, and industrial settings where it is necessary to assess combustible behavior.
ASTM E69 testing places treated wood samples in a fire-tube device under controlled conditions. It then studies how the wood burns, the growth of flames, and other fire traits to evaluate its flammable properties.
ASTM E69 tests combustible behavior in controlled lab settings. It may not accurately reflect real fire situations. Factors like ventilation, product shape, installation conditions, and mixed materials can influence how wood performs in a fire.
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