Sans10177 1

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ISBN 978-0-626-37048-0
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
Fire testing of materials, components and

elements used in buildings
Part 1: General introduction to the methods

of test
Published by the South African Bureau of Standards

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Tel: +27 12 428 7911 Fax: +27 12 344 1568
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SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
Amdt 1 2005 Amended to change the designation of SABS standards to SANS
standards with no technical changes.
Foreword
This South African Standard was prepared by National Committee SABS/TC 021/SC 03, Fire
safety – Fire properties, testing and classification for buildings, in accordance with procedures of the
South African Bureau of Standards, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement
This edition is technically identical to the first edition (SABS 0177-1:1991).
Annex A (Guidelines on terms used in the trade) is for information only.
This document is referenced in the National Building Regulations and Building Standards
Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).
Compliance with this document cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.
Reaffirmed and reprinted in December 2018.

This document will be reviewed every five years
and be reaffirmed, amended, revised or withdrawn.
© SABS
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Contents
Page
Foreword
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................... 3
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 3
3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 4
4 Purpose of tests, reporting and responsibility .................................................................. 5
4.1 Purpose of tests ...................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Reporting ................................................................................................................. 5
4.3 Sponsor's responsibility .......................................................................................... 6
4.4 Testing authority's responsibility ............................................................................. 6
5 Notes on SANS 10177-2 .................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Fire resistance ......................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Vertical and horizontal fixed room-dividing elements ............................................. 6
5.3 Load-bearing walls .................................................................................................. 7
5.4 Fire-protective building elements (fire-check building elements) ............................ 7
5.5 Columns .................................................................................................................. 7
5.6 Fire doors, doors and shutters ................................................................................ 7
5.7 Roofs and roof assemblies ...................................................................................... 8
5.8 Presumed performance of building elements and components
under fire conditions ................................................................................................ 8
6 Notes on SANS 10177-3 .................................................................................................. 9
7 Notes on SANS 10177-4 .................................................................................................. 9
8 Notes on SANS 10177-5 .................................................................................................. 10
9 Notes on SANS 10177-6 .................................................................................................. 11
Tables 3 to 14 ....................................................................................................................... 12-25
Annex A (informative) Guidelines on terms used in the trade ............................................ 26
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2 © SABS
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Edition 1.1
Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings
Part 1:
General introduction to the methods of test
1 Scope
This part of SANS 10177 covers the general introduction to and information and explanatory notes
in respect of the test methods detailed in SANS 10177-2 to SANS 10177-7.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions that, through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this part of SANS 10177. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this part of SANS 10177 are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards
indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards can be obtained
from the South African Bureau of Standards.
SANS 1253, Fire-doors and fire-shutters.
SANS 10100-1 (SABS 0100-1), The structural use of concrete – Part 1: Design.
SANS 10100-2, The structural use of concrete – Part 2: Materials and execution of work.
SANS 10145 (SABS 0145), Concrete masonry construction.
SANS 10177-2, Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings – Part 2: Fire
resistance test for building elements.
SANS 10177-3:2005, Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings – Part
3: Surface fire index of finishing materials.
SANS 10177-4:2005, Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings – Part
4: Fire index of floor coverings.
SANS 10177-5, Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings – Part 5:
Non-combustibility at 750 °C of building materials.
SANS 10177-6, Fire testing of materials, components, and elements used in buildings – Part 6:
Non-combustibility at 300 °C of electrical insulation materials.
SANS 10177-7, Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings – Part 7: Fire
test for fire-check properties of building elements.
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3 Definitions1)
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply:
3.1
acceptability
ability to meet set requirements
3.2
combustible (in the case of a building material)
combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5
3.3
combustible (in the case of a rigid electrical insulation material (other than cable insulation))
combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-6
3.4
fire-protective building element
fire-check building element
a dividing element that satisfies the requirements for stability and integrity only, for a stated period
(see 5.4)
3.5
fire resistance
the period for which a building element or component will comply with the requirements for stability,
integrity and insulation when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-2
NOTE 1 Fire resistance is expressed in terms of minutes, and the following are the only acceptable
ratings: 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240.
NOTE 2 Fire resistance is not necessarily directly related to combustibility, surface spread of flame, etc.
3.6
flammable
capable of undergoing combustion in the gaseous phase with emission of light during or after the
application of an igniting source
NOTE The use of the term "inflammable" is deprecated; the term "flammable" is accepted in international
usage.
3.7
non-combustible (in the case of a building material)
non-combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-5
3.8
non-combustible (in the case of a rigid electrical insulation material (other than cable insulation))
non-combustible when tested in accordance with SANS 10177-6
NOTE The use of the term "incombustible" is deprecated; the term "non-combustible" is accepted in
international usage.
1) For terms used in the trade, but not in this standard, see annex A.
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3.9
partition
a non-structural internal separating element of height less than that of floor to ceiling and generally
of light construction
NOTE A partition may be demountable.
3.10
surface fire index
a classification given to a surfacing material (of thickness exceeding 0,5 mm) when the material is
tested in accordance with SANS 10177-3 or SANS 10177-4. The surface fire index is the arithmetic
mean of the spread of flame index, the heat contribution index and the smoke emission index
4 Purpose of tests, reporting and responsibility

4.1 Purpose of tests
The test methods detailed in SANS 10177-2, SANS 10177-3, SANS 10177-4, SANS 10177-5,
SANS 10177-6 and SANS 10177-7 are designed to test the performance of building materials,
components and elements under fire conditions.
4.2 Reporting
4.2.1 Each test report shall contain at least the following:
a) the date and the report number: the date shall be written in the approved ISO manner. The
report number shall consist of a combination of the code number that identifies the testing
authority or the particular department or division of the testing authority (e.g. 653), the contract
number (e.g. 80707), when applicable, and the report identification number (e.g. U2613).
– Example of date: 1981-06-05.
– Example of full report number: 653/80707/U2613.
The report number shall relate the report and any other relevant documentation to one specific
sample only, and in case of queries, the full number and date shall be quoted;
b) the name and address of the sponsor, supplier or manufacturer;
c) the trade name or descriptive name of the product tested and, if the product is available in
various dimensions, the identifying dimension of the sample tested. The descriptive name of the
product shall be applicable to one specific type of the product only;
d) the details of the product tested: if the sponsor does not wish to have details of the product
revealed in a test report, he shall nevertheless make such details available to the testing
authority, who shall treat the information as confidential;
e) the test method used: the test method shall be referred to by the appropriate test method
number only. Any deviations from the procedure that are requested by the sponsor shall be set
out in detail (see 4.4.3);
f) observations made during the test that may be indicative of the behaviour of the product in a
fire;
g) the duration of the test, if applicable; and
h) compliance or non-compliance with set requirements or particular ratings.
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4.2.2 The report shall be typed on the approved stationery of the testing authority and shall be
signed by an authorized officer of the testing authority.
4.2.3 Should a more detailed report, additional to the initial test report, be requested by the
sponsor, such additional report shall be numbered in the same way as the initial report, but with the
letter "A" added after the last digit of the report number.
4.3 Sponsor's responsibility

4.3.1 The sponsor shall be responsible for the delivery of the test sample(s) to the test laboratory.
4.3.2 The sponsor shall be responsible for the correct erection of the specimen. Although it is
permissible that he contract the erection work to the testing authority or to a third person, he shall
retain the responsibility for correct erection.
4.3.3 The sponsor shall provide the testing authority with a full description and details of the
sample, including drawings (if required) and proposed applications.
4.3.4 The sponsor shall give the testing authority a written request for the tests to be carried out.
4.3.5 The sponsor shall provide the testing authority with reasonable proof that he is legally
entitled to have the test(s) carried out on the commodity covered by his request.
4.3.6 The sponsor shall use a report only under the conditions laid down by the testing authority.
(Such conditions may be printed on the reverse side of the report.)
4.3.7 The sponsor shall be responsible for the removal of the specimens after the test(s). He may,
however, contract this work to the testing authority or to a third person.
4.4 Testing authority's responsibility

4.4.1 The testing authority shall provide the sponsor with an estimate of the cost, the date of the
test (if applicable) and the date of completion of the work, including the report.
4.4.2 The testing authority shall treat the samples with reasonable care and shall report to the
sponsor any damage that may have occurred prior to the test.
4.4.3 The testing authority shall carry out the test(s) strictly in accordance with the relevant test
method(s), unless otherwise agreed between the sponsor and the testing authority (see 4.2.1(e)).
5 Notes on SANS 10177-2

5.1 Fire resistance
The test method detailed in SANS 10177-2 is aimed at determining the fire resistance rating of
building (structural) elements.
5.2 Vertical and horizontal fixed room-dividing elements
5.2.1 Cognizance shall be taken of the following:
a) If a fixed room-dividing element is of symmetrical cross-section, only one test is required.
b) If the element is of non-symmetrical cross-section, the test shall be carried out on the side that is
considered to be less fire resistant when exposed to fire. The decision about which side is less
fire resistant shall be subject to agreement between the sponsor and the testing authority.
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c) If the element is of non-symmetrical cross-section and it is not possible to agree on or establish

which side is less fire resistant, two specimens (one from each side) shall be tested.
d) If the element is of non-symmetrical cross-section but only one side is likely to be exposed in an
actual fire, a test shall be carried out on the side likely to be exposed to the fire. This fact shall be
prominently reflected in the report.
5.2.2 The fire resistance rating of a room-dividing element shall be based on the period for which it
complies simultaneously with all three requirements, namely stability, integrity and insulation, when
tested either as a load-bearing or as a non-load-bearing component. The fire resistance shall be
expressed as a single value only.
5.3 Load-bearing walls
5.3.1 A load-bearing wall designed to support a structural member having a fire resistance rating
that is higher than the fire resistance rating required for such a wall when used as a room dividing
element, shall be tested under the appropriate conditions given in 5.2.1.
5.3.2 The fire resistance rating of an element such as that referred to in 5.3.1 shall be based on
the period for which it complies with the requirements for integrity and insulation and the period for
which it complies with the requirements for stability. The fire resistance rating shall be expressed as
a dual value, for example:
– insulation/integrity 30
– stability 60
5.4 Fire-protective building elements (fire-check building elements)

External cladding designed only to keep flames from penetrating (e.g. glazing, sheet metal, etc.)
may be tested for stability and integrity rating only. The period for which an element complies
simultaneously with the requirements for stability and integrity shall be given in the report together
with a statement that the insulation requirements have not been satisfied.
5.5 Columns
5.5.1 In the test a column shall be exposed to fire conditions from all sides.
5.5.2 The fire resistance rating of a protected column relates to stability only. That is the period for
which such a column can carry its design load.
5.5.3 If the spaces between columns are to be filled in with walls required to have a specified fire
resistance rating, the testing authority shall certify the suitability or otherwise of such combinations.
5.6 Fire doors, doors and shutters

NOTE Requirements for fire doors are specified in SANS 1253.
Any door or shutter that is not a fire door may be tested and certified under conditions analogous to
those used for the testing of fire doors. The report, however, shall state that such door is not a fire
door in terms of SANS 1253.
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5.7 Roofs and roof assemblies

The fire resistance rating of a roof and of a roof assembly, when determined in accordance with
SANS 10177-2, shall be based on stability and integrity only. The unexposed face temperature
measured shall, however, be included in the report.
5.8 Presumed performance of building elements and components under fire

conditions
5.8.1 Materials to be used
The materials referred to in tables 3 to 14 shall be as follows:
5.8.1.1 class 1 aggregate: coarse aggregate of foamed slag, blast furnace slag, pumice, burnt
clinker, crushed limestone and crushed brick, or burnt clay product.
5.8.1.2 class 2 aggregate: coarse aggregate of gravel or crushed natural stone other than
limestone.
5.8.1.3 plaster: a layer of specified plaster at least 12 mm thick.
5.8.1.3.1 CS: cement-sand plaster.
5.8.1.3.2 GS: gypsum-sand plaster.
5.8.1.3.3 VG: vermiculite-gypsum or perlite-gypsum plaster.
5.8.2 Fire resistance
Each building element and component listed in tables 3 to 14 (inclusive), may be presumed to have
the fire resistance stated in the relevant table, provided that the element conforms in all respects to
the relevant detailed description given in that table.
5.8.3 Properties
Each concrete component may be presumed to have the properties given in SANS 10100-1 and
SANS 10100-2 provided that it is designed in accordance with the relevant provisions of that
standard.
5.8.4 Listed building element, components and methods of construction
Only such building elements, components and methods of construction for which sufficient test data
are available are listed in tables 3 to 14. The lists will, if necessary, be updated when new evidence
on performance becomes available.
5.8.5 Unlisted building elements, components and methods of construction
The fact that a building element, component or method of construction is not covered in tables 3 to
14 should not be construed to mean that such element, component or method shall not be used.
However, the fire rating of any such element, component or method shall be ascertained by test,
and the results of the test used to ascertain its acceptability or otherwise.
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5.8.6 Acceptability of building elements and protective layers
The acceptability of any element or protective layer, whose dimensions or thickness deviate from
the dimensions or thickness stated in tables 3 to 14, shall be ascertained by test before such
element or protective layer is used.

6.1 The indices for finishing materials other than those on external surfaces are calculated in
accordance with 5.1 to 5.4 of SANS 10177-3:2005 and, by reference to table 1 below, each such
material is placed in one of classes 1 to 5.
6.2 For a finishing material on external surfaces (walls and roofs), only the indices for heat
contribution and spread of flame are used for the computation of the surface fire index, particularly if
the smoke emission index is high. Smoke generation is of less significance in materials on external
surfaces than in materials used internally.
6.3 For the classification of a finishing material into one of classes 1 to 5, none of the four indices
(If, Ih, Is and F) calculated for the material shall exceed the appropriate value given in table 1.
Table 1 — Classification of finishing materials
1 2 3 4 5
Maximum values of indices
Spread of Heat contribution Smoke emission Surface fire
Class
flame index index index index
If Ih Is F
1 0,1 0,1 0,2 0,1
2 0,7 0,8 1,0 0,6
3 1,5 1,7 2,0 1,2
4 3,5 3,8 4,0 2,9
5 5,5 5,8 6,0 4,5

7.1 The indices for floor-covering materials are calculated in accordance with 6.1 to 6.4 of
SANS 10177-4:2005 and, by reference to table 2 below, each such material is placed in one of
classes 1 to 5.
7.2 For the classification of a floor-covering material into one of classes 1 to 5, none of the four
indices (If, Ih, Is and F) calculated for the materials shall exceed the appropriate value given in
table 2.
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Table 2 — Classification of floor covering materials
1 2 3 4 5
Maximum values of indices
Spread of Heat contribution Smoke emission Surface fire
Class
flame index index index index
If Ih Is F
1 0,2 0,2 0,15 0,1
2 1,0 0,9 0,9 0,7
3 2,1 2,1 2,1 1,7
4 3,9 3,9 3,9 3,3
5 5,0 5,0 5,0 4,5

8.1 The test method detailed in SANS 10177-5 is designed to determine whether a building
material complies with the requirements for non-combustibility given in standards for such materials.
8.2 A non-combustible rating of a material does not, however, imply that the material has good
fire-resistance properties, or vice versa; nor does it imply that such material will not burn under any
conditions.
8.3 The building materials listed in 8.4 are, either singly or in combination with one another,
presumed to be non-combustible in terms of the test for non-combustibility given in SANS 10177-5.
Any addition of organic or other combustible material may render the listed material combustible in
terms of the test. Materials not listed are presumed to be combustible unless proved otherwise by
the test.
8.4 The following is a list of non-combustible building materials:

a) aluminium;
b) brass;
c) bricks (burnt clay, lime-sand, cement-sand);
d) cement (portland, blastfurnace, etc.);
e) ceramic (solid);
f) ceramic fibre (with less than 5 %(m/m) resin content);
g) clay (burnt or unburnt);
h) concrete;
i) fibre-cement (mineral fibres);
j) fibre-cement products (with less than 7,5 %(m/m) combustible additives);
k) furnace slag;
l) glass (solid);
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m) glass fibres (spun, woven or wool, with less than 5 %(m/m) resin content);
n) gypsum (with less than 7,5 %(m/m) paper or other combustibles);
o) lime;
p) metals (other than the alkaline metals);
q) mineral wool (with less than 5 %(m/m) resin content);
r) mortar (lime, cement, gypsum);
s) perlite;
t) porcelain;
u) pumice;
v) rock wool (with less than 5 %(m/m) resin content);
w) sand;
x) steel (cast or rolled);
y) stone (natural); and
z) vermiculite.
NOTE The metals listed may be considered to be non-combustible as extruded, cast or rolled sections,
sheets or plates, but not when in the form of a powder, shavings, etc.

9.1 The test method detailed in SANS 10177-6 is designed to determine whether rigid electrical
insulation material complies with the requirements for non-combustibility laid down in standards for
electrical appliances and other electrical commodities.
9.2 Compliance with the said requirements does not, however, imply that such material will not
burn under any conditions.
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Table 3 — Structural walls: fire resistance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum thickness, excluding plaster, for fire resistance of
Construction and materials mm
240 min 180 min 120 min 90 min 60 min 30 min 20 min
Solid bricks of clay
a) unplastered ................................ 190 190 110 90 90 90 90
b) plastered .................................... 150 150 90 90 90 90 90
Solid concrete blocks:
a) class 1 aggregate:
1) unplastered ........................... 215 215 120 90 90 90 90
2) plastered ............................... 190 190 100 90 90 90 90
b) class 2 aggregate:
1) unplastered ........................... – – 180 130 100 100 100
2) plastered with VG .................. – – 120 100 100 100 100
Solid siliceous aggregate with at
least 10 % of vertical reinforcement:
a) no plaster ................................... 180 150 100 100 75 75 65
b) CS or GS, 15 mm thick .............. 180 150 150 100 75 75 65
c) VG or sprayed asbestos,
15 mm thick ................................ 125 100 75 75 65 65 65
1)
Hollow concrete masonry units :
equivalent thickness2) (excluding
plaster), min., for fire resistance
rating of
a) unplastered ................................ 90 73
b) plastered .................................... Not recommended 73 73
1) Applicable only to hollow units that form a wall having not more than one cell in any vertical plane
through its thickness. (See also SANS 10145.)
2) Equivalent thickness – the solid wall thickness that would be obtained if the same amount of concrete
contained in a hollow unit were recast without core holes.
NOTE 1 In this table any reference to plaster means plaster applied to both sides of the wall, except in the
case of an external wall where the plaster may be applied to the internal face only.
NOTE 2 Where no value is given, no reliable information is available regarding fire resistance.
NOTE 3 VG shall have a mix ratio in the range 1,5 to 2:1 by volume.
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Table 4 — Non-structural walls and partitions: fire resistance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Solid construction:
a) bricks of clay:
1) unplastered ........................... 190 150 110 90 90 75 75
2) plastered ............................... 150 110 90 90 75 75 75
b) bricks of concrete or lime-sand:
1) unplastered ........................... 180 150 120 100 90 75 75
2) plastered ............................... 150 120 100 90 75 75 75
c) solid concrete blocks:
1) class 1 aggregate
i) unplastered ..................... 150 120 100 75 75 50 50
ii) plastered with CS or
GS .................................. 150 120 100 75 75 50 50
iii) plastered with VG ........... 100 100 75 65 50 50 50
i) unplastered ..................... 150 150 150 100 75 50 50
ii) plastered ......................... 150 150 150 100 75 50 50
d) monolithic concrete:
i) unplastered ..................... 150 110 90 75 75 75
ii) plastered ........................
i) unplastered ..................... 215 190 150 90 75 75
ii) plastered .........................
e) Hollow concrete blocks
(equivalent thickness):
i) unplastered ..................... 150 150 100 100 100 50 50
ii) plastered with CS or
GS .................................. 150 150 100 75 75 75 75
i) unplastered ..................... 150 150 150 125 125 125 125
ii) plastered ......................... 125 125 100 100 100 75 75
f) no-fines concrete:
plastered with CS
or GS ..................................... 150 150 150 150 150 150 150
2) wood-wool slabs
plastered both sides with
CS or GS .............................. – – – – 75 50 50
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Table 4 (concluded)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cavity construction
cavity wall consisting of inner and
outer leaves of brick or solid blocks
of clay, concrete or lime-sand, the
outer leaf of thickness at least
100 mm and the inner leaf of
thickness ........................................ 100 100 75 75 75 75 75
Hollow stud construction of steel
or timber studs, and on each side:
a) expanded metal
1) plastered with CS or GS to a
thickness of ........................... – – – – 20 12 10
2) plastered with VG to a thick-
ness of ....................................... – – 25 20 12 12 10
b) perforated plasterboard of thick-
ness of at least 10 mm
1) plastered with CS or GS to a
thickness of ........................... – – – – 12 12 10
2) plastered with VG to a thick-
ness of .................................. – – 25 25 10 10 10
NOTE 1 Where no value is given, no reliable information is available regarding the fire resistance.
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Table 5 — Hollow stud construction of steel and timber studs: fire resistance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1)
Minimum cladding thickness
Stud Size of mm
Type
spacing stud 2)
Type of wall of 9,5 12,7 2 × 9,5 9,5 + 12,7 2 × 12,7 12,7
stud
mm mm Fire resistance
minutes
Gypsum plasterboard:
non-structural Steel 400 50 × 30 – 30 60 60 60 –
63,5 × 30 – 30 60 60 60 60
600 50 × 30 – 30 – – 60 –
63,5 × 30 – 30 – – 60 –
63,5 × 30 – 20 – – – –
Timber 600 75 × 38 – – 30 – 30 –
Gypsum plaster-board:
structural Timber 400 114 × 38 – – 30 – 30 –
600 114 × 38 – – – – 30 30
Fibre-cement boards
(unpressed):
non-structural Steel 400 63,5 × 30 20 30 – – – –
63,5 × 30 30 – – – – –
600 63,5 × 30 20 20 – – – –
63,5 × 30 30 – – – – –
Timber 400 75 × 38 30 30 – – – –
600 75 × 38 – 30 – – – –
1) Same thickness or combination of thicknesses – face and reverse side.
2) Glass-fibre-reinforced gypsum boards.
NOTE 1 Screw spacing for each layer of cladding shall not exceed 220 mm.
NOTE 2 Joints of layers shall be staggered.
NOTE 3 When no value is given, no reliable information is available regarding the fire resistance.
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Edition 1.1
Table 6 — Presumed fire resistance of structural steel

columns (mass of steel at least 45 kg/m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum thickness of protection for fire resistance of
Type of protection and materials mm
1)
Solid protection
a) Reinforced concrete not leaner
than 1:2:4 mix containing natural
aggregates:
1) concrete assumed to be non-
load-bearing ............................ 50 38 25 25 25 25 25
2) concrete assumed to be load-
bearing .................................... 75 50 50 50 50 50 50
b) Solid bricks of clay or lime-sand ... 75 50 50 50 50 50 50
c) Solid blocks of foamed slag, or
pumice-concrete, reinforced (see
note 2) in every horizontal joint ..... 62 62 50 50 50 50 50
d) Sprayed asbestos of density
3 3
140 kg/m to 240 kg/m ................ 44 32 19 15 10 10 10
e) Sprayed vermiculite-cement or
perlite-cement ............................... – – 38 32 19 12,5 12,5
Hollow protection (see note 3)
a) Solid bricks of clay or lime-sand,
reinforced in every horizontal joint,
unplastered ................................... 100 75 50 50 50 50 50
b) Solid blocks of foamed slag or
pumice-concrete reinforced (see
note 2) in every horizontal joint,
unplastered ................................... 75 62 50 50 50 50 50
c) Metal lath:
1) with gypsum or cement-lime
plaster of thickness .................. – – 38 25 19 12,5 12,5
(note 4)
2) with VG of thickness ................ 50 35 19 16 12,5 12,5 12,5
(note 4) (note 4)
3) spaced 25 mm from flanges
with VG of thickness ................ 44 32 19 12,5 12,5 12,5 12,5
(note 4) (note 4)
d) Gypsum plasterboard with 1,6 mm
wire binding at 100 mm pitch ........ 44 32 19 12,5 12,5 12,5 12,5
(note 4) (note 4)
1) 9,5 mm plasterboard with
gypsum plaster of thickness ..... – – – – 12,5 12,5 12,5
2) 19 mm plasterboard with
gypsum plaster of thickness .... – – 12,5 10 7 7 7
3) 9,5 mm plasterboard with VG of
thickness ................................. – – 16 12,5 10 7 7
4) 19 mm plasterboard with VG of
thickness ................................. 32 19 10 10 7 7 7
(note 4)
16 © SABS
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 6 (concluded)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Minimum thickness of protection for fire resistance of
e) Metal lath with sprayed asbestos
of thickness .................................. 44 32 19 15 10 10 10
(note 4) (note 4)
f) Vermiculite-cement slabs of 4:1
mix reinforced with wire mesh and
finished with plaster skim. Slabs of
thickness ....................................... 63 44 25 25 25 25 25
g) Asbestos insulation boards of
3 3
density 510 kg/m to 880 kg/m
(screwed to asbestos battens of
thickness 25 mm) ......................... – – 25 19 12 9 9
1) Solid protection means a casing that is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all
joints in that casing made full and solid.
NOTE 2 Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire of thickness at least 2,3 mm, or a steel mesh of
2
mass at least 0,48 kg/m . The spacing of reinforcement shall not exceed 150 mm in any direction.
NOTE 3 Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All
hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
NOTE 4 Light mesh reinforcement required 12,5 mm to 19 mm below surface.
© SABS 17
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 7 — Presumed fire resistance of structural steel beams

(mass of steel at least 30 kg/m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1)
Solid protection
a) Reinforced concrete not leaner
than 1:2:4 mix containing natural
aggregates:
1) concrete assumed to be non-
load-bearing ............................ 63 50 25 25 25 25 25
2) concrete assumed to be load-
bearing .................................... 75 50 50 50 50 50 50
b) Sprayed asbestos of density
3 3
40 kg/m to 240 kg/m .................. 44 32 19 15 10 10 10
(note 2) (note 2)
c) Sprayed vermiculite-cement or
perlite-cement ............................... – – 38 32 19 12,5 12,5
Hollow protection (see note 3)
a) Metal lath:
1) with cement-lime plaster of
thickness .................................. – – 38 25 19 12,5 12,5
(note 2)
2) with gypsum plaster of
thickness ................................. – – 22 19 16 12,5 12,5
3) with VG of thickness ................ 32 19 12,5 12,5 12,5 12,5 12,5
(note 2)
b) Gypsum plasterboard with 1,6 mm
wire binding at 100 mm pitch:
gypsum plaster of thickness ..... – – – – 12,5 12.5 12,5
gypsum plaster of thickness .... – – 12,5 10 7 7 7
c) Plasterboard with 1,6 mm wire
binding at 100 mm pitch:
1) 9,5 mm plasterboard nailed to
wooden brackets finished with
gypsum plaster of thickness .... – – – – – 12,5 12,5
2) 9,5 mm plasterboard with VG of
thickness ................................. – – 16 12,5 10 7 7
3) 19 mm plasterboard with VG of
thickness ................................. 32 19 10 10 7 7 7
(note 2)
gypsum plaster of thickness .... – – 12,5 – – – –
d) Metal lath with sprayed asbestos of
3 3
density 140 kg/m to 240 kg/m , of
thickness ...................................... 44 32 19 15 10 10 10
(note 2) (note 2)
18 © SABS
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 7 (concluded)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
e) Asbestos insulation boards of
3 3
density 510 kg/m to 880 kg/m
(screwed to 25 mm thick asbestos
battens) ......................................... – – 25 19 12 9 9
f) Vermiculite-cement slabs of 4:1
mix reinforced with wire mesh and
finished with plaster skim. Slabs of
thickness ....................................... 63 44 25 25 25 25 25
g) GS 12,5 mm thick applied to wood-
wool slabs of thickness ................. – – 50 38 38 38 38
1) Solid protection means a casing that is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all
joints in that casing made full and solid.
NOTE 2 Light mesh reinforcement required 12,5 mm to 19 mm below surface.
NOTE 3 Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All
hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.
© SABS 19
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 8 — Fire resistance of reinforced concrete beams
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Minimum dimension of concrete for fire resistance of
Description mm
240 min 180 min 120 min 90 min 60 min 30 min
Siliceous aggregate concrete:
a) average concrete cover to main
reinforcement ......................................... 651) 551) 451) 35 25 15
b) beam width ............................................ 280 240 180 140 110 18
Siliceous aggregate concrete with cement or
gypsum plaster, 15 mm thick, with light
mesh reinforcement:
reinforcement ......................................... 501) 40 30 20 15 15
b) beam width ............................................ 250 210 150 110 85 70
Siliceous aggregate concrete with VG (see
note) or sprayed asbestos, 15 mm thick, on
light mesh reinforcement securely fixed to
the beam:
reinforcement ......................................... 25 15 15 15 15 15
b) beam width ............................................ 170 145 115 85 60 60
Low-density aggregate concrete:
reinforcement ......................................... 50 45 35 30 20 15
b) beam width ............................................ 250 200 160 130 100 80
1) Supplementary reinforcement, to hold the concrete cover in position, may be necessary.
NOTE VG shall have a mix ratio in the range 1,5 to 2:1 by volume.
20 © SABS
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 9 — Fire resistance of prestressed concrete beams
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Minimum dimension of concrete for fire resistance of
Description mm
a) average concrete cover to tendons ........... 1001) 851) 651) 501) 40 25
b) beam width ................................................ 280 240 180 140 110 80
Siliceous aggregate concrete with vermiculite-
concrete slabs, 15 mm thick, used as
permanent shuttering:
a) average concrete cover to tendons ........... 751) 601) 451) 35 25 15
b) beam width ................................................ 210 170 125 100 70 70
Siliceous aggregate concrete with vermiculite-
concrete slabs, 25 mm thick, used as
permanent shuttering:
a) average concrete cover to tendons ........... 65 50 35 25 15 15
b) beam width ................................................ 180 140 100 0 60 60
Siliceous aggregate concrete with gypsum
plaster, 15 mm thick, light mesh reinforcement:
b) beam width ................................................ 250 210 150 110 85 70
note) or sprayed asbestos, 15 mm thick:
b) beam width ................................................ 170 145 115 85 60 60
note) or sprayed asbestos, 25 mm thick:
a) average concrete cover to tendons ........... 501) 451) 30 25 15 15
b) beam width ................................................ 140 125 100 70 60 60
Lightweight aggregate concrete:
a) average concrete cover to tendons ........... 80 65 50 40 30 20
b) beam width ................................................ 250 200 160 130 100 80
© SABS 21
22
Edition 1.1
SANS 10177-1:2005
Table 10 — Fire resistance of prestressed concrete
floors (siliceous or calcareous aggregate)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Minimum dimension of concrete for
fire resistance of
Floor construction
mm
1) 1)
Solid slab Average cover to tendons .............................. 65 50 40 30 25 15
2)
Overall depth ............................................... 150 150 125 125 100 90
1) 1)
Cored slabs in which the covers are circular or are Average cover to tendons .............................. 65 50 40 30 25 15
higher than they are wide. Not less than 50 % of Thickness under cores ................................... 50 40 40 30 25 20
2)
the gross cross-section of the floor should be of Overall depth ............................................... 190 175 160 140 110 100
solid material
1) 1)
Hollow box section having one or more longitudinal Average cover to tendons .............................. 65 50 40 30 25 15
cavities that are wider than they are high Thickness of bottom flange ............................. 65 50 40 30 25 25
2)
Overall depth ............................................... 230 205 180 155 130 105
1) 1)
Ribbed floor having hollow infill blocks of clay, or Average cover to tendons .............................. 65 50 40 30 25 15
inverted T-section beams with hollow infill blocks of Width of rib, or beam, at soffit ........................ 125 100 90 80 70 50
© SABS
concrete or clay. (A floor in which less than 50 % of Overall depth2) ............................................... 190 175 160 140 110 100
the gross cross-section is of solid material shall be
provided with a 15 mm plaster coating on soffit.)
1) 1) 1) 1)
Upright T-sections Average bottom cover to tendons .................. 100 85 65 50 40 25
Side cover to tendons .................................... 1) 1) 1) 1) 40 25
100 85 65 50
Least width of each down-standing leg .......... 250 200 150 120 90 60
2)
Thickness of flange ..................................... 150 150 125 125 100 90
1) 1) 1) 1)
Inverted channel section Average bottom cover to tendons .................. 100 85 65 50 40 25
50 45 35 25
2)
Thickness of crown ...................................... 150 150 125 125 100 90
1) 1) 1) 1)
Inverted channel section or U-section Average bottom cover to tendons .................. 100 85 65 50 40 25
50 45 35 25
2)
2) Non-combustible screeds and floor finishes may be included in these dimensions.
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 11 — Effect of ceiling treatment on fire resistance
1 2 3 4
Minimum thickness of
finish for an increase in
Ceiling finish fire in resistance of
mm
90 min 60 min 30 min
VG (see note) or sprayed asbestos with light mesh reinforcement
fixed securely to the underside of the slab applied to the soffit of
floor ............................................................................................... 15 10 10
1)
VG (see note) or sprayed asbestos on expanded metal as a
suspended ceiling .......................................................................... 10 10 10
GS or CS on expanded metal as a suspended ceiling to any floor
type ................................................................................................ 15 10 10
1) When suspended ceilings are used, the increased fire resistance only holds if ducts, light-
fittings, etc., do not penetrate the ceiling and if services and combustible materials are kept
out of space between the ceiling and the floor construction above.
Table 12 — Fire resistance of concrete columns (all faces exposed)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
fire resistance of
Type of construction
mm
a) without additional protection ........................ 450 400 300 250 200 150
b) with cement or gypsum plaster, 15 mm thick,
on light mesh reinforcement ......................... 300 275 225 150 150 150
c) with VG (see note) or sprayed asbestos,
15 mm thick, on light mesh reinforcement
securely fixed to the column ........................ 275 225 200 150 120 120
Limestone aggregate concrete or siliceous
aggregate concrete with supplementary
reinforcement in concrete cover ....................... 300 275 225 200 190 150
Low-density aggregate concrete ...................... 300 275 225 200 150 150
© SABS 23
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Table 13 — Fire resistance of concrete columns (one face exposed)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
fire resistance of
Type of construction
mm
a) without additional protection ............................ 300 250 200 150 100 100
b) with VG (see note) or sprayed asbestos,
15 mm thick, on exposed face on light mesh
reinforcement securely fixed to the column ..... 200 150 120 100 90 90
24 © SABS
Table 14 — Fire resistance of reinforced concrete floors (siliceous or calcareous aggregate)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
fire resistance of
Floor construction
mm
Solid slab Average cover to reinforcement ..................... 25 25 20 20 15 15
1)
Overall depth ............................................... 150 150 125 125 100 100
Cored slabs in which the covers are circular or are Average cover to reinforcement ..................... 25 25 20 20 15 15
higher than they are wide. Not less than 50 % of Thickness under cores ................................... 50 40 40 30 25 20
1)
the gross cross-section of the floor should be of Overall depth ............................................... 190 175 160 140 110 100
solid material
Hollow box section having one or more longitudinal Average cover to reinforcement ..................... 25 25 20 20 15 15
cavities that are wider than they are high Thickness of bottom flange 50 40 40 30 25 20
1)
Overall depth ............................................... 230 205 180 155 130 105
Ribbed floor having hollow infill blocks of clay, or Average cover to reinforcement ..................... 25 25 20 20 15 15
inverted T-section beams with hollow infill blocks of Width of rib, or beam, at soffit ......................... 125 100 90 80 70 50
concrete or clay. (A floor in which less than 50 % of Overall depth1) ............................................... 190 175 160 140 110 100
© SABS
the gross cross-section is of solid material shall be

provided with a 15 mm plaster coating on soffit.)
2) 2) 2)
Upright T-sections Average bottom cover to reinforcement ......... 65 55 45 35 25 15
Side cover to reinforcement ........................... 2) 2) 2) 35 25 15
65 55 45
1)
Thickness of flange ..................................... 150 150 125 125 100 90
2) 2) 2)
Inverted channel section, with radius at intersection Average bottom cover to reinforcement ......... 65 55 45 35 25 15
of soffits and top of leg not exceeding depth of Side cover to reinforcement ........................... 2) 2) 2) 20 15 10
40 30 25
SANS 10177-1:2005
section Least width of each down-standing leg .......... 75 70 60 50 40 30
1)
2) 2) 2)
Inverted channel section or U-section, with radius Average bottom cover to reinforcement ......... 65 55 45 35 25 15
2) 2) 2) 2)
at intersection of soffits and top of leg exceeding Side cover to reinforcement ........................... 40 30 25 20 15 10
depth of section Least width of each down-standing leg .......... 35 25
Edition 1.1
70 60 50 40
1)
1) Non-combustible screeds and floor finishes may be included in these dimensions.
25
SANS 10177-1:2005
Edition 1.1
Annex A
(informative)
Guidelines on terms used in the trade

Listed below are some of the terms used in the trade, but not referred to specifically in this
standard.
A.1
division floor
floor having a specified fire resistance and separating a building into divisions
NOTE The use of the term "fire floor" is deprecated.
A.2
division wall
wall having a specified fire resistance and separating a building into divisions
NOTE The use of the term "fire wall" is deprecated.
A.3
fireproof
this term is deprecated because it is vague. It should be replaced by more appropriate and specific
terms such as "fire resistant", "fire retardant", "flame retardant", etc., as the case may be
A.4
non-flammable
not capable of undergoing combustion in the gaseous phase during or after the application of an
igniting source
NOTE The use of the term "non-flammable" is deprecated.
A.5
partition wall
non-structural internal wall extending from floor slab to floor slab or at least to the underside of the
roof covering, as applicable
A.6
self-extinguishing
it is not possible to provide a standard definition of this term in view of the present state of
knowledge on the properties it covers and of the type of materials to which it can be applied
NOTE The use of this term is deprecated since it may convey a false sense of security.
A.7
wall lining
material of thickness 0,5 mm or more applied to the surface of a wall or partition
______________
26 © SABS

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SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Fire testing of materials, components and

Part 1: General introduction to the methods

Published by the South African Bureau of Standards

This page has been left blank intentionally

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT

SABS – Standards Division

SABS Customer Services provide comprehensive standards-related information on national, regional

This edition is technically identical to the first edition (SABS 0177-1:1991).

Annex A (Guidelines on terms used in the trade) is for information only.

Reaffirmed and reprinted in December 2018.

2 Normative references ....................................................................................................... 3

4 Purpose of tests, reporting and responsibility .................................................................. 5

4.1 Purpose of tests ...................................................................................................... 5

5 Notes on SANS 10177-2 .................................................................................................. 6

5.1 Fire resistance ......................................................................................................... 6

6 Notes on SANS 10177-3 .................................................................................................. 9

7 Notes on SANS 10177-4 .................................................................................................. 9

8 Notes on SANS 10177-5 .................................................................................................. 10

9 Notes on SANS 10177-6 .................................................................................................. 11

Tables 3 to 14 ....................................................................................................................... 12-25

Annex A (informative) Guidelines on terms used in the trade ............................................ 26

This page is intentionally left blank

Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings

SANS 1253, Fire-doors and fire-shutters.

SANS 10145 (SABS 0145), Concrete masonry construction.

NOTE A partition may be demountable.

4 Purpose of tests, reporting and responsibility

– Example of date: 1981-06-05.

– Example of full report number: 653/80707/U2613.

b) the name and address of the sponsor, supplier or manufacturer;

g) the duration of the test, if applicable; and

h) compliance or non-compliance with set requirements or particular ratings.

4.3 Sponsor's responsibility

4.4 Testing authority's responsibility

5 Notes on SANS 10177-2

5.2 Vertical and horizontal fixed room-dividing elements

5.2.1 Cognizance shall be taken of the following:

a) If a fixed room-dividing element is of symmetrical cross-section, only one test is required.

c) If the element is of non-symmetrical cross-section and it is not possible to agree on or establish

5.3 Load-bearing walls

5.4 Fire-protective building elements (fire-check building elements)

5.6 Fire doors, doors and shutters

5.7 Roofs and roof assemblies

5.8 Presumed performance of building elements and components under fire

5.8.1 Materials to be used

The materials referred to in tables 3 to 14 shall be as follows:

5.8.1.3 plaster: a layer of specified plaster at least 12 mm thick.

5.8.1.3.1 CS: cement-sand plaster.

5.8.1.3.2 GS: gypsum-sand plaster.

5.8.1.3.3 VG: vermiculite-gypsum or perlite-gypsum plaster.

5.8.2 Fire resistance

5.8.4 Listed building element, components and methods of construction

5.8.5 Unlisted building elements, components and methods of construction

5.8.6 Acceptability of building elements and protective layers

6 Notes on SANS 10177-3