The fire test results of building materials are becoming more and more sought after. Projects will often come to a halt if certain materials don't meet NZBC requirements for fire safety.
To ensure a streamlined specification, BiForm had their solid composite decking fire-rated and now has this information readily available for architects.
The Critical Radiant Flux quantifies the radiant energy a fire needs to sustain flame propagation on a specific material. As stipulated by the NZ Building Code, open pathways, exit ways and fire exits require a minimum Critical Radiant Flux 2.2 k/Wm2. It was found that BiForm's rating of 5.7 k/Wm2 exceeds the Building Code requirement considerably.
This also applies to the requirement in the Verification Method C/VM2 – Framework for Fire Safety Design.
When specifying for decking for areas where fire safety is important, for example, where users are likely to smoke cigarettes, BiForm has had the testing done to justify specification.
Due to it's fire safe properties, BiForm Solid Composite Decking was specified and used at the Auckland International Airport Smoking Area (pictured).