Friday, September 7, 2007

Re: [papercreters] Re: flammability

Fire proofing is not a problem with CEB or adobe - it just does not burn or smolder!  I am a designer for tradeshows and display - fireproofing is part of my obligation.  Has anyone tried Borax in the papercrete mix.  I use this in 3-d papermache coatings and it passes the flame/smodler test by firemarshals.  We do one of a kind setups and are subject to strict standards.  We are only checked on the final stage.  Firemarshals are only concerned with non burn or smolder - do not really care what of or how it is made.
 
I went to a CEB demo in San Antonio.  A firemarshal asked for a fire demo.  As he stood at the microphone and admonished the man who gave the simpleminded demo - Jim stood behind him at the wall constructed at the beginning of the demo with a torch - full throttle!  The wall was not even phased.  The firemarshal looked over his shoulder as the laughter of 200 men got louder.  He was insulted!  The firemarshal then explained that what he wanted was consistent list of materials used and who certified that the blocks were built to the approved formula.  Otherwise each house would have to be checked as a standalone.  The owner would suffer the cost.
 
Maybe you should call your papercrete house an art object!  Public art!  Then ask the firemarshal to approve it!
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: slurryguy
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 7:14 AM
Subject: [papercreters] Re: flammability

I agree with Spaceman here. If you can perform a personal
demonstration and get an inspector to sign off based on that it will
be optimal for you.

If you need to get official lab testing performed, I see two
alternatives.

1. Take a sample (or few) that you've created to the lab and let
them conduct whatever tests are appropriate on that and get a written
report that you can file with your building department.

2. Give the lab your recipe, mixing instructions, and drying
instructions. They can then perform their tests on samples that they
have created themselves.

Option 1 will be the simplest and likely the cheapest. However, the
lab will only be able to document how the sample that you gave them
performed. They won't be able to offically verify what is in the
sample. It will not be practical for them to confirm that the
contents of your samples are what you claim. This has the
disadvantage that your testing will only be valid for your own use.
It will be difficult for others to take a copy of your lab testing
and use it elsewhere.

Option 2 will be far more univeral but will be more difficult and
probably more expensive. Since the lab will be able to document the
contents of their own samples, they will be able to claim that anyone
that creates a block using the same ingredients and techniques should
get similar performance. This will be a vastly easier report for
others to take advantage of.

What you choose to do is clearly your choice. I encourage you to AT
LEAST ASK THE LAB about what they would charge for option 2. You
just might happen to find a lab that will perform option 2 for
minimal extra expense.

Food for thought.

----------------------
Spaceman wrote:

I have never seen any lab reports on papercrete smoldering, just
strength tests. Why not take a pc panel and a 2x4 and drywall panel,
and a torch, and do the test, maybe in his presence? He's a state
inspector, right? Did he give you an idea of what he would consider
acceptable "lab data"? Maybe something from NMSU would satisfy him.

Spaceman

Mikey Sklar wrote:
Does anyone have "official" flammability data for papercrete? I have
been asked by my building inspector to present lab data for
flammability. Ideally I would see this as a mix chart of sand/clay/
cement/borons to paper ratios. I see plenty of web pages showing the
1:1 ratio of paper to cement will smolder. Even more stating the 1:4
ratio of paper to cement will not burn. I am just looking for
something to take away liability from my building inspector.

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.7/992 - Release Date: 9/6/2007 8:36 AM
__._,_.___

Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___

at 8:13 AM