BS EN 1365-1:1999 specifies a method of testing the fire resistance of load bearing walls. It is applicable to both internal and external walls. The fire resistance of external walls can be determined under internal or external exposure conditions.
The fire resistance performance of load bearing walls is normally evaluated without perforations such as glazing. If it can be demonstrated that the design of the opening is such that load is not transmitted to the perforation, then the perforation need not be tested in the loaded condition.
If perforations are to be included the effects of these will need to be separately established. The performance of fire resistant glazing is addressed in EN 1364-1.
This test method is not applicable to:
- curtain walls (non-loading external walls suspended in front of the floor slab) which are considered specifically in prEN 1364-3
- walls containing door assemblies which shall be tested to EN 1634-1
- non-separating load bearing walls which, in short widths, can be tested as columns to EN 1365-4.
This European standard is used in conjunction with EN 1363-1.