Beyond Prescriptive Testing: GPA Leads Research into the Real-World Fire Performance of Drywall Partitions
The Gypsum Products Association (GPA) has announced the initial findings of a major research initiative investigating how real-world fixtures and heavy applied eccentric loads impact the fire resistance of non-loadbearing drywall partitions. The research objective was to develop the knowledge, understanding along with reassurance that when a partition is loaded with a significant load they can maintain fire resistance performance.
Standard fire resistance testing for drywall partitions is traditionally conducted under, prescriptive conditions governed by BS EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1364-1:2015. While these laboratory standards ensure systemic consistency, the baseline test specimens inherently lack the everyday fixtures, fittings, severe vertical loads common to actual residential and commercial builds
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