General Information

Abstract

This European Standard specifies a test method for determining the ability of a vertical protective membrane, when used as a fire resistant barrier, to contribute to the fire resistance (loadbearing capacity R) of loadbearing vertical structural building members fabricated from steel, concrete, steel/concrete composites or timber. The method described is applicable to any type of vertical protective membrane, which can be associated with a separate bracing membrane.
The vertical protective membrane can be either separated from or attached to the structural building member and is self-supporting. This test method is applicable to vertical protective membranes where there is a gap and a cavity between the vertical protective membrane and the structural building member, otherwise alternative test methods prEN 13381-3, EN 13381-4, EN 13381-6 or prEN 13381-7 should be used as appropriate.
This test method and assessment is not applicable to the following:
a) all situations where the cavity is to be used as a service or ventilation shaft;
b) all situations where the vertical protective membrane acts as a bracing membrane.
This European Standard contains the fire test which specifies the tests which shall be carried out whereby the vertical protective membrane together with the structural member to be protected is exposed to the specified fire. The fire exposure, to the standard temperature/time curve given in EN 1363-1, is applied to the side which would be exposed in practice.
The test method makes provision, through specified optional additional procedures, for the collection of data which can be used as direct input to the calculation of fire resistance according to the processes given in EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 and EN 1995-1-2.
This European Standard also contains the assessment which provides information relative to the analysis of the test data and gives guidance for the interpretation of the results of the fire test, in terms of loadbearing capacity criteria of the protected vertical structural member.
The results of the fire test and the assessment can be applied, with certain defined provisions, to vertical structural building members which can be beams, columns or a combination of both and / or which could form part of a separating element or partition.
The limits of applicability of the results of the assessment arising from the fire test are defined, together with permitted direct application of the results to different structures, membranes and fittings.
In special circumstances, where specified in national building regulations, there can be a need to subject the protection material to a smouldering curve. The test for this and the special circumstances for its use are detailed in Annex B.
Tests should be carried out without additional combustible materials in the cavity.

Status
Published
Publication Date
23-Sep-2014
Withdrawal Date
30-Mar-2015
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
03-Sep-2025
Completion Date
17-Sep-2026

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Overview

EN 13381-2:2014 (CEN) specifies a standardized fire test method to determine the contribution of a vertical protective membrane to the fire resistance - specifically the loadbearing capacity (R) - of loadbearing vertical structural members made from steel, concrete, steel/concrete composites or timber. The standard applies to self‑supporting vertical membranes that are separated from or attached to the structural member with a gap/cavity. It defines furnace exposure (EN 1363‑1 time/temperature curve), instrumentation, test procedures and how test data may feed directly into Eurocode fire‑resistance calculations (EN 1992‑1‑2, EN 1993‑1‑2, EN 1994‑1‑2, EN 1995‑1‑2).

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Test scope and exclusions
    • Applicable only where a cavity exists between membrane and structural member.
    • Not applicable when the cavity is used as a service/ventilation shaft or when the membrane acts as a bracing element.
    • Tests must be carried out without additional combustible materials in the cavity.
  • Test set‑up and equipment
    • Specification of furnace, test frame, supporting construction and furnace closure.
    • Standardized specimen preparation, support/restraint conditions and optional variations.
  • Instrumentation and measurements
    • Furnace temperature and pressure monitoring (EN 1363‑1 curve).
    • Temperatures of specimen surfaces and cavity; optional additional sensors for calculation input.
    • Guidance on observations, termination criteria and safety precautions.
  • Assessment and data use
    • Procedures to interpret test results against loadbearing capacity criteria.
    • Optional procedures to collect data suitable for direct use in Eurocode fire‑resistance calculations.
    • Limits of applicability and permitted extrapolations to other members, sizes and fittings.
  • Special cases
    • Annex B defines a smouldering (slow heating) test where required by national regulations.

Applications

  • Certification and performance testing of vertical fire protection systems and claddings.
  • Input data generation for structural fire engineering using Eurocode methods.
  • Design and assessment of protected columns, beams or combined members and partitions.
  • Verification for retrofitting and specifying vertical protective membranes in buildings to meet required fire‑resistance ratings.

Who should use this standard

  • Fire testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
  • Structural and fire safety engineers
  • Manufacturers of fire protection membranes and claddings
  • Architects, specifiers and building authorities responsible for fire‑resistance compliance

Related standards

  • EN 1363‑1 (standard fire resistance furnace/time‑temperature)
  • EN 1992‑1‑2, EN 1993‑1‑2, EN 1994‑1‑2, EN 1995‑1‑2 (Eurocode fire design methods)
  • Other parts of EN 13381 series (Parts 1, 3–8) for horizontal membranes and applied protections

Keywords: EN 13381‑2:2014, vertical protective membrane, fire resistance, loadbearing capacity R, test method, cavity, EN 1363‑1, Eurocode, structural fire engineering.

Relations

Effective Date
01-Oct-2014
Effective Date
25-Aug-2026
Effective Date
25-Mar-2026
Effective Date
11-Mar-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026
Effective Date
28-Jan-2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

EN 13381-2:2014 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 2: Vertical protective membranes". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a test method for determining the ability of a vertical protective membrane, when used as a fire resistant barrier, to contribute to the fire resistance (loadbearing capacity R) of loadbearing vertical structural building members fabricated from steel, concrete, steel/concrete composites or timber. The method described is applicable to any type of vertical protective membrane, which can be associated with a separate bracing membrane. The vertical protective membrane can be either separated from or attached to the structural building member and is self-supporting. This test method is applicable to vertical protective membranes where there is a gap and a cavity between the vertical protective membrane and the structural building member, otherwise alternative test methods prEN 13381-3, EN 13381-4, EN 13381-6 or prEN 13381-7 should be used as appropriate. This test method and assessment is not applicable to the following: a) all situations where the cavity is to be used as a service or ventilation shaft; b) all situations where the vertical protective membrane acts as a bracing membrane. This European Standard contains the fire test which specifies the tests which shall be carried out whereby the vertical protective membrane together with the structural member to be protected is exposed to the specified fire. The fire exposure, to the standard temperature/time curve given in EN 1363-1, is applied to the side which would be exposed in practice. The test method makes provision, through specified optional additional procedures, for the collection of data which can be used as direct input to the calculation of fire resistance according to the processes given in EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 and EN 1995-1-2. This European Standard also contains the assessment which provides information relative to the analysis of the test data and gives guidance for the interpretation of the results of the fire test, in terms of loadbearing capacity criteria of the protected vertical structural member. The results of the fire test and the assessment can be applied, with certain defined provisions, to vertical structural building members which can be beams, columns or a combination of both and / or which could form part of a separating element or partition. The limits of applicability of the results of the assessment arising from the fire test are defined, together with permitted direct application of the results to different structures, membranes and fittings. In special circumstances, where specified in national building regulations, there can be a need to subject the protection material to a smouldering curve. The test for this and the special circumstances for its use are detailed in Annex B. Tests should be carried out without additional combustible materials in the cavity.

This European Standard specifies a test method for determining the ability of a vertical protective membrane, when used as a fire resistant barrier, to contribute to the fire resistance (loadbearing capacity R) of loadbearing vertical structural building members fabricated from steel, concrete, steel/concrete composites or timber. The method described is applicable to any type of vertical protective membrane, which can be associated with a separate bracing membrane. The vertical protective membrane can be either separated from or attached to the structural building member and is self-supporting. This test method is applicable to vertical protective membranes where there is a gap and a cavity between the vertical protective membrane and the structural building member, otherwise alternative test methods prEN 13381-3, EN 13381-4, EN 13381-6 or prEN 13381-7 should be used as appropriate. This test method and assessment is not applicable to the following: a) all situations where the cavity is to be used as a service or ventilation shaft; b) all situations where the vertical protective membrane acts as a bracing membrane. This European Standard contains the fire test which specifies the tests which shall be carried out whereby the vertical protective membrane together with the structural member to be protected is exposed to the specified fire. The fire exposure, to the standard temperature/time curve given in EN 1363-1, is applied to the side which would be exposed in practice. The test method makes provision, through specified optional additional procedures, for the collection of data which can be used as direct input to the calculation of fire resistance according to the processes given in EN 1992-1-2, EN 1993-1-2, EN 1994-1-2 and EN 1995-1-2. This European Standard also contains the assessment which provides information relative to the analysis of the test data and gives guidance for the interpretation of the results of the fire test, in terms of loadbearing capacity criteria of the protected vertical structural member. The results of the fire test and the assessment can be applied, with certain defined provisions, to vertical structural building members which can be beams, columns or a combination of both and / or which could form part of a separating element or partition. The limits of applicability of the results of the assessment arising from the fire test are defined, together with permitted direct application of the results to different structures, membranes and fittings. In special circumstances, where specified in national building regulations, there can be a need to subject the protection material to a smouldering curve. The test for this and the special circumstances for its use are detailed in Annex B. Tests should be carried out without additional combustible materials in the cavity.

EN 13381-2:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements; 13.220.99 - Other standards related to protection against fire; 91.080.01 - Structures of buildings in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 13381-2:2014 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ENV 13381-2:2002, ISO 8421-2:1987, EN 1994-1-2:2026, EN 206-2:2026, EN 13381-4:2013, EN 1363-1:2020, EN 1365-1:2012, EN ISO 13943:2023, EN 13381-3:2015, EN 1993-1-2:2024, EN 13381-6:2012, EN 1363-2:1999, EN 1995-1-2:2004, EN 1994-1-2:2005, EN 10080:2005. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

EN 13381-2:2014 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 305/2011, 89/106/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/117. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

EN 13381-2:2014 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.RQVWUXNFLMVNLKPrüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages zum Feuerwiderstand von tragenden Bauteilen - Teil 2: Vertikal angeordnete BrandschutzbekleidungenMéthodes d'essai pour déterminer la contribution à la résistance au feu des éléments de construction - Partie 2: Membranes de protection verticalesTest methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 2: Vertical protective membranes91.080.01Gradbene konstrukcije na splošnoStructures of buildings in general13.220.50Požarna odpornost gradbenih materialov in elementovFire-resistance of building materials and elementsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13381-2:2014SIST EN 13381-2:2014en,fr,de01-december-2014SIST EN 13381-2:2014SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST ENV 13381-2:20031DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 13381-2
September 2014 ICS 13.220.50; 13.220.99 Supersedes ENV 13381-2:2002English Version
Test methods for determining the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members - Part 2: Vertical protective membranes
Méthodes d'essai pour déterminer la contribution à la résistance au feu des éléments de construction - Partie 2: Membranes de protection verticales
Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Beitrages zum Feuerwiderstand von tragenden Bauteilen - Teil 2: Vertikal angeordnete Brandschutzbekleidungen This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 July 2014.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 13381-2:2014 ESIST EN 13381-2:2014

Measurement of properties of vertical protective membranes and components . 30 A.1 General . 30 A.2 Thickness of vertical protective membrane and components thereof . 30 A.3 Density of vertical protective membranes and components thereof . 31 A.3.1 General . 31 A.4 Moisture content of vertical protective membrane and components thereof . 32 Annex B (normative)
Test method to the smouldering fire (slow heating curve) . 33 B.1 Introduction . 33 B.2 Test equipment . 33 B.3 Test specimens . 33 B.4 Termination of test . 33 B.5 Evaluation of the results . 34 Bibliography . 35
b) instrumentation of the test specimen (no more steel plate within the cavity); c) limits of applicability.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association. This European Standard is one of a series of standards for evaluating the contribution to the fire resistance of structural members by applied fire protection materials. Other parts of the standard are: — Part 1: Horizontal protective membranes, — Part 3: Applied protection to concrete members, — Part 4: Applied protection to steel members, — Part 5: Applied protection to concrete / profiled sheet steel composite members, — Part 6: Applied protection to concrete filled hollow steel columns, — Part 7: Applied protection to timber members, — Part 8: Applied reactive protection to steel members. The fire protection capacity of the vertical protective membrane can be nullified by the presence of combustible materials in the cavity behind the membrane. The applicability of the results of the assessment is limited according to the quantity and position of such combustible materials within that cavity. The amount of combustible material permissible in the cavity should be given in national regulations. Caution The attention of all persons concerned with managing and carrying out this fire resistance test, is drawn to the fact that fire testing can be hazardous and that there is a possibility that toxic and / or harmful smoke and gases can be evolved during the test. Mechanical and operational hazards can also arise during the construction of test elements or structures, their testing and the disposal of test residues. SIST EN 13381-2:2014
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