CBPB (Cement Based Particle Board) is NOT "non-combustible"

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

CBPB (Cement Based Particle Board) is NOT non-combustible as was originally reported and tested as the testing used a modified test for the testing, and the use of modified tests are not allowed by the standard under which it was tested.

Here is an article about the issue:

From: Building Code E-Newsletter [mailto:newsletter@codeconsult.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 4:32 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: CBPB letter

Vandergriff Code Consulting Services
35 Cottonwood Canyon Road
La Luz, NM 88337-9335
Office/fax (575)-434-1980
Cell (575)-430-8752
pvandergriff@codeconsult.org

WARNING!

Products being sold as non-combustible that failed to meet the test!

October 25, 2008

Dear Building Related Professional;

In August of this year I sent out an electronic newsletter to thousands of building professionals around the United States as well as some countries who utilize the International Building Code (IBC) and products designed to meet safety standards in accordance with the provisions of that code. This is a free newsletter which is sent out monthly via internet email and you are quite welcome to receive it. If you are not on our email list and would like to be, please send an email to newsletter@codeconsult.org and we will be glad to include you in all future issues.

In the August issue, we pointed out that the product commonly known as CBPB (Cement Based Particle Board) is being sold and passed off for non-combustible material. The test data provided shows that the test was modified so that the product could give the appearance of meeting ASTM E 136. It does not.

Even though this information has been known since 2006, it continues to be approved in many areas of the country for that purpose. As the product is known not to pass the required tests, this is fraud in its worst form. I am calling upon all building officials, plan reviewers and inspectors to stop allowing the use of this product where non-combustible materials are required.

“To continue to allow the use of non-compliant materials makes those of us within the industry party to that fraud.”

If you wish to read a full copy of the newsletter article, including a letter from one of the distributers of the material apologizing for the fact that it is now realized that this product does not meet the non-combustible standard, you may do so by typing the following information into your web browser and it will take you directly to that newsletter issue on my web site.

http://www.codeconsult.org/index_009.htm

I implore you to take action in your communities to address this issue now and help our industry to avoid another black eye in the public arena.

Sincerely,

Patrick C. Vandergriff