ASTM E937/E937M-93(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM E937/E937M-93(2023): Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Steel by Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members defines laboratory procedures for evaluating the corrosive effects of sprayed fire-resistive materials on steel structural members. This standard provides a systematic way to assess whether the presence of SFRM-a critical passive fire protection product-affects the corrosion behavior of steel components to which it is directly applied, both in normal service and under simulated fire exposure conditions.

Adhering to ASTM E937/E937M ensures that SFRM applications do not compromise the longevity and integrity of building structural steel due to corrosion, thus contributing to the safety and durability of structures.

Key Topics

• Corrosion Testing: The standard outlines procedures for measuring corrosion on bare, shop-coated, and galvanized steel that have been treated with SFRM.
• Test Materials: Both fibrous and cementitious SFRMs are included, provided they are directly applied to the steel surface.
• Laboratory Environment: The method is strictly laboratory-based, using controlled temperature and humidity conditions to simulate environmental exposure.
• Measurement and Reporting: Corrosion is quantified through weight loss calculations of steel specimens. Data such as the type, thickness, and density of SFRM, and steel grades used must be reported.
• Applicability of Units: The method accommodates testing and reporting in either SI or inch-pound units, although results from different systems must not be combined.
• Serviceability Assessment: The results provide an indication of the relative service life and protective performance of SFRMs with respect to corrosion control.

Applications

ASTM E937/E937M-93(2023) is widely used in:

• Building Construction: Screening SFRMs for their potential corrosive effects before specifying them for structural steel in commercial, industrial, or institutional projects.
• Product Evaluation: Supporting manufacturers and quality assurance laboratories in verifying that SFRM formulations do not adversely affect the substrate steel.
• Fire Safety Compliance: Ensuring that passive fire protection systems provide necessary fire resistance without sacrificing the durability of structural steel due to corrosion.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Helping asset owners evaluate and select protective systems that minimize the risk of steel degradation in both new and retrofitted buildings.

Related Standards

• ASTM E119: Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials-used for evaluating fire-resistance performance.
• ASTM E605/E605M: Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials-provides procedures for characterizing the applied SFRM.
• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions-standard reference for definitions of key terms used in building and construction-related ASTM standards.

Employing ASTM E937/E937M in conjunction with these related standards leads to a comprehensive approach to passive fire protection, combining corrosion resistance, fire performance, and material quality assurance for robust steel structural member protection.

Keywords: ASTM E937, corrosion testing, sprayed fire-resistive material, SFRM, steel structural members, fire protection, building safety, passive fire protection, steel corrosion, laboratory test method.