Firestopping Book Firestopping Book | Page 159

For example, consider filling a nominal joint width of 2.00 inches with a nominal 4-inch width, nominal 4-pcf density insulation. The effective density at the nominal joint width is 8 pcf. Unlike static perimeter joint protection, the effective density of a dynamic perimeter joint protection changes when the nominal joint width changes. When the nominal joint width decreases the effective density increases. Conversely, when the nominal joint width increases the effective density decreases. The maximum reduction in effective density occurs at the maximum joint width. The change in the effective density is expressed as follows. The 8-pcf effective density at the nominal joint width decreases to 5.3-pcf effective density at the maximum joint width. This condition is the worse-case test scenario as it allows a greater heat transfer through the insulation. Conclusion about Movement Cycling Test: While ASTM E2307 allows both static and dynamic perimeter joint protection installations, a greater level of life safety can be achieved by specifying and testing the more severe and necessary condition: dynamic perimeter joint protection. 159