Although lightweight, bullet-resistant fiberglass panels can contend with the heaviest materials when it comes to cost-effective security solutions. Fiberglass can outperform structural steel in terms of strength on a pound-to-pound basis, and the installation costs are dramatically lower than those of metallic armor plating. Consequently, ballistic-grade fiberglass panels are now one of the leading security solutions for robust architectural installations.
However, many intersecting considerations must be made when diagnosing materials for architectural projects. Many building codes establish mandatory levels of fire-resistance for components intended for use in both aesthetic and structural areas of building construction. Failure to provide passive fire protection for a standard period could render materials unsuitable for use in certain structures.
In this blog post, Armortex will explore the fire rating of ballistic-grade fiberglass panels in more depth.
Testing Fiberglass Panels According to ASTM E119
ASTM E119 is one of many standards established by ASTM International; a world leader in testing standardization for construction and engineering. This standard refers to the flammability of construction materials with a wide scope:
“The performance of walls, columns, floors, and other building members under fire exposure is an item of major importance in securing constructions that are safe, and that are not a menace to neighboring structures nor to the public.”
Ensuring that materials conform to this statement requires a thorough understanding of their fire-resistive properties under various exposure conditions and situations. The standard testing method involves isolating a sample in a furnace at specified temperatures for a set length of time. Burners in the furnace are positioned to achieve thermal uniformity across the entire test piece, which gives a good indication of the material’s fire-responsiveness in extreme temperatures. Localized flame testing can be carried out after this baking period to interrogate more dynamic responses to flame impingement and non-uniform thermal peaks.
Armortex fiberglass panels are engineered by weaving together discrete strands of reinforced fibers from individual roving, in a painstaking process followed by a resin-impregnation period. This composite mix of materials can be tailored for enhanced ballistic resistance across UL Levels 1 – 8. Our level three panel each boasts a one-hour fire rating according to ASTM E119-00a. We guarantee these ratings with a two-year warranty, ensuring absolute peace of mind that your new building materials will perform in the line of fire.
Fiberglass Panels from Armortex
Armortex is a global supplier of ballistic-grade fiberglass panels based in the U.S. Our panels are available in a choice of styles and sizes, each one designed to capture incoming projectiles and protect your personnel. Our UL level three panels are also 1-hour fire-rated to ensure a minimum of one-hour passive fire protection, providing a raft of security benefits for your architectural project.
If you would like more information about using Armortex fiberglass panels, simply contact a member of the team today.
