Fire Resistance Testing and Classification

Scope of service

CSI’s Fire Resistance Laboratory performs experimental testing and fire resistance classification activities on construction systems and building components, both load-bearing and non-load-bearing, intended for fire compartmentation and the protection of areas subject to fire prevention regulations.

The activities include the assessment of elements and systems with separating and non-separating functions, used in civil and industrial buildings, according to applicable national and European standards.

Accreditations and authorizations

CSI is a laboratory authorized by the Italian Ministry of the Interior pursuant to Ministerial Decree 26 March 1985 and is accredited by Accredia for carrying out fire resistance tests and classifications on load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements, both horizontal and vertical.

CSI has been operating in the field of fire resistance since 1988, performing tests and classifications according to applicable national and European standards. The Laboratory has developed specific expertise in experimental fire resistance assessments according to the Italian Ministry of the Interior Decree of 16 February 2007 and the relevant European technical standards.

Experience and fields of application

CSI has extensive experience in the experimental assessment of fire resistance performance for a wide range of construction systems, including:

  • masonry walls, block walls and prefabricated systems;
  • lightweight walls;
  • floors and slabs in different construction configurations, including concrete, steel-concrete composite, timber systems and systems with lightweight infill elements;
  • vertical structural elements in timber, mixed timber-board systems and prefabricated reinforced concrete modules.

These services are complemented by testing and qualification activities for special protection and compartmentation systems, including protective systems for structural elements according to the EN 13381 series, fire safety systems and components, fire dampers, balconies, walkways and curtain walls.

Systems subject to testing and classification

CSI provides testing and classification services for the following systems:

  • Fire doors (UNI EN 1634-1)
  • Hardware for doors and windows (UNI EN 1634-2)
  • Smoke control doors (UNI EN 1634-3)
  • Masonry walls, block walls and prefabricated walls (UNI EN 1365-1)
  • Floors and slabs (UNI EN 1365-2)
  • Beams (UNI EN 1365-3)
  • Balconies and walkways (UNI EN 1365-5)
  • Staircases (UNI EN 1365-6)
  • Masonry walls, block walls, prefabricated walls and lightweight walls (UNI EN 1364-1)
  • Suspended ceilings (UNI EN 1364-2)
  • Curtain walls in partial and full configuration (UNI EN 1364-3 and UNI EN 1364-4)
  • Lift landing doors (UNI EN 81-58)
  • Protective membranes (UNI EN 13381-1)
  • Passive and reactive protection systems for reinforced concrete structures (UNI EN 13381-3)
  • Passive protection systems for steel structural elements (UNI EN 13381-4)
  • Reactive protection systems (intumescent coatings) for steel structural elements (UNI EN 13381-8)
  • Fire dampers (UNI EN 1366-2)
  • Penetration seals (UNI EN 1366-3)
  • Linear joints (UNI EN 1366-4)
  • Service ducts and cable trays (UNI EN 1366-5)
  • Raised access floors (UNI EN 1366-6)
  • Safety storage cabinets (UNI EN 14470-1)

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 Examination of the application and documentation sent by the Company, listed in the "Special rules" specific to the product to be certified. Any deficiencies and significant deviations from the requirements, found at this stage, will be communicated so that the appropriate changes can be introduced before the assessment visit is carried out. Upon request, CSI will appoint an inspector to visit the organisation to verify the conformity of the product, process or service. If the results of the visit include non-conformities or observations, a corrective action plan will be required to meet the requirements for the issue of the product certificate. After all the non-conformities that may have emerged from the assessment visit have been passed, and after the positive outcome of the laboratory tests, certification will be granted. The issue of the certificate will be followed by surveillance visits to verify that compliance is being maintained. The frequency of surveillance visits and laboratory tests, if any, is fixed by the special rules applicable. The certification shall have the validity defined in the specific special rules, on expiry the contract shall be deemed to be tacitly renewed unless terminated by one of the two contracting parties 4 (four) months before the expiry date. Tool to enhance the agri-food and forestry sectors, increasing market confidence... Tool to certify the capability of an organization to gain and maintain steadily, service standard declared to the public... Formal act of a third-party body that certify the conformity of the product technical reference documents, marketing deed to enhance and diversify the product... For years the training offered by IMQ group represented a point of reference for professional development and the update of freelance and employees. Second and third-party, inspections and testing: expert auditors capable to understand the situation of the company... CSI brand is valuable tool to enhance your brand and distinguish your products on the market, as an epitome of safety and quality. CSI brand assures that the product, before it reaches the market, has been subjected to all the needed test to verify the compliance to the standards’ requirements by a third-party body. CSI brand means also safeguard for the makers in terms of protection for damage caused by a defected product. Product certified by CSI are easily exportable, because of the relationship and the support of other European and international certification bodies.