Tensile tests of galvanized steel fixing bands at high temperatures. Commercially called also “Fire Test”.
Our company recently collaborated with the Research Institutes of Sweden to conduct detailed tensile tests on the galvanized steel fixing bands. These tests provided critical insights into the mechanical performance of our products at room temperature and elevated temperatures, a critical factor in ensuring their reliability and safety.
Testing Overview: Methods and Conditions
The tensile tests were performed in accordance with internationally recognized standards:
• SS-EN ISO 6892-1:2019 B for tests conducted at room temperature.
• SS-EN ISO 6892-2:2018 B for tests at elevated temperatures.
For high-temperature testing, the specimens were heated to +300°C and held at this temperature for 10 minutes. A pre-load of 200 N was applied before the test commenced. The tensile tests were carried out at a controlled rate of 3 mm/min, continuing until fracture occurred.
Measurement Uncertainty
The measurement uncertainty associated with the results was calculated in line with EA-4/16, the European Accreditation guidelines on the expression of uncertainty in quantitative testing.
Key points on measurement uncertainty include:
• The reported uncertainty corresponds to a 95% confidence interval around the measured values.
• The uncertainty was determined through quadratic addition of the actual standard uncertainties and subsequent multiplication of the combined standard uncertainty by the coverage factor k=2.
• The total calculated measurement uncertainty for the measured values is summarized here:
Measured value | Measured uncertainty |
Proof strength, Rp0.2 | < 1.0 % |
Key Findings from the Study
The study yielded valuable insights into the performance of galvanized steel fixing bands under different conditions:
• Room Temperature Performance: The material demonstrated high tensile strength and consistent elongation behavior, meeting standard expectations for structural applications.
• Elevated Temperature Performance: At +300°C, the fixing bands maintained a significant portion of their tensile strength. While some reduction in performance was observed compared to room temperature, the results confirmed the material’s reliability in moderate high-temperature environments.
• Reliability: The inclusion of measurement uncertainty provides an additional layer of confidence in the results.
Implications for Product Design and Application
The results highlight the robustness of our fixing bands under both standard and elevated temperature conditions, making them suitable for use in safety-critical applications where heat resistance is a factor.
Partnership with the Research Institutes of Sweden
RISE’s expertise and cutting-edge facility “Chemistry and Applied Mechanics” at Borås, played a pivotal role in ensuring the precision and reliability of these tests. Their rigorous approach to material testing provided actionable data that aligns with our commitment to quality.
We thank the team at RISE for their support and look forward to future collaborations.
Future Directions
This study marks a step forward in our efforts to raise the bar for performance standards in our industry. We will continue leveraging the insights from these tests to refine our products and contribute to the development of industry standards for materials used in high-temperature environments.