EFFECT OF PROPRIETARY FIRE-INHIBITING SUBSTANCE ON THE FLAMMABILITY OF TREATED SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE

This investigation evaluates the contribution toward self-extinguishment of fires made by a fire inhibitor incorporated into the conventional pressure treating process. The purpose of these studies was to make possible the writing of a satisfactory specification covering the performance of fire-retardant coating materials. Experimental materials and equipment were described. Various sized specimens of southern yellow pine pre-coated with three preservatives and a fire inhibiting additive, an aromatic ester of phosphoric acid, were burned in the fire test cabinet for various time periods. The internal temperature of the burning specimen was measured. After, burning weight-loss measurements were taken. Temperature investigations were made. Weathered specimens were also burned in the same manner. The results of the weight-loss studies and temperature investigations show that incorporation of the fire inhibitor confers a built-in fire quenching action to timber treated with creosote and creosote-tar solutions. The same additive mixed into creosote-petroleum solutions appears to be non-operative. Narrower timbers bolted together sustain considerably more damage than larger timbers when both have the same pre-treatment with the additive.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1960

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 209-241
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 61
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fire retardants; Wooden bridges
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052344
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1974 12:00AM