"We test as per international standards, such as BS 8414, NFPA 285 and CAN/ULC-S134"
Ensayos de Fuego a Gran Escala para una Construcción Más Segura
Our Large-Scale Fire Laboratory for Façades has been featured in the JAKE programme on EITB, showcasing how TECNALIA is working to increase building safety. In the report, our colleague Pablo Garmendia Altuna, head of the laboratory, explains how fire spread tests are carried out on façade systems and their impact on the development of safer and more sustainable solutions for the construction sector.
This laboratory, located in Azpeitia, is the only one of its kind in Spain and has state-of-the-art equipment that enables it to carry out tests in accordance with international standards, such as BS 8414, NFPA 285 and CAN/ULC-S134, among others.
These tests enable real fires to be simulated on façades up to 10 metres high, assessing vertical and horizontal fire spread, particle fallout and heat penetration, which contributes towards product approval in highly regulated markets.
Comprehensive façade characterisation services
This infrastructure is part of the Fire Digital Laboratory, which offers comprehensive façade characterisation services, including reaction to fire, structural resistance, smoke toxicity and fire performance simulations.
Standards applied in façade testing
- BS 8414-1 and BS 8414-2 (United Kingdom)
- NFPA 285 (United States)
- CAN/ULC-S134 (Canada)
- ISO 13785-2 (International)
- EN 13501-1 and EN 13501-2 (Euroclass for fire reaction and resistance)
- EN 1364-1, EN 1364-3, EN 1364-4 (Fire resistance of construction elements)
Don't miss the full video of the JAKE programme, showcasing the laboratory in action and the interview with Pablo Garmendia:
See the report on EITB [eitb.eus]
