Searching for Fire Rated Cement Board? Here’s Why Aestuver Is the Industry Gold Standard

Cement fire boards from Aestuver product family are a leading solution for those searching for high-performance fire protection panels. Produced by James Hardie Europe GmbH (part of the James Hardie Group),  fireproof cement board delivers exceptional passive fire protection in demanding environments like tunnels, buildings, and industrial applications.

What is an Aestuver cement fire board?

Aestuver fire protection boards are cement-based, glass-fiber reinforced lightweight concrete panels specifically engineered for superior fire resistance. First developed in the 1980s and continuously improved, these fire resistant cement boards provide reliable protection against intense heat, helping to maintain structural integrity during fires.

Classified as non-combustible (A1 according to DIN EN 13501-1), Aestuver boards withstand extreme temperatures without igniting, releasing toxic gases, or losing their protective properties. They are tested to meet rigorous international standards, including various time-temperature fire curves such as ISO 834, RWS (up to 180 minutes), HC/HCM, ZTV-ING, and EBA. This makes them ideal for achieving high fire ratings, including configurations that support 2 hour fire rated cement board performance (e.g., EI120, R120, HC120, HCM120, RWS120 or equivalent, depending on thickness and system design).

Which fire rated cement board to choose?

Aestuver range of cement fire boards consists of three main products:

Aestuver fire protection board (sometimes referred to as Aestuver BSP) - is a standard cement fire board used for applications with cellulosic fire curve. These include partitions, shaft walls, fire rated ceilings assemblies, fire proteciton of structural steel or fireproofing of concrete. 

Key characteristics:

• Density: Approximately 690–980 kg/m³
• Thermal conductivity: 0.183 W/mK (for 20mm thickness)
• Compressive strength: 9 N/mm² (for 20mm thickness)
• Flexural strength: 3.5 N/mm² (for 20mm thickness)

These properties enable Aestuver to provide extended fire endurance, often in the range of 60 to 240 minutes, depending on the application and board thickness (available from 10 mm to 60 mm).


Aestuver T - this fire classified cement board is used mostly in tunnel applications, for requirements under ZTV-ING and EBA fire curve, and also for the steel encasement under hydrocarbon fire curve. 



Aetuver Tx - it's the most engineered fire rated cement board for most challanging fire scenarios like HCM and RWS in tunnels. It can withstand even 1350°C during RWS fire.  

Why Choose Aestuver for Fireproof Cement Board Needs?

Unlike standard cement boards that offer only non-combustibility, Aestuver stands out with numerous fire resistance applications like partition walls, suspended ceilings, encasement of steel, just to name a few.
The unique formula of our high quality cement board for fireproofing results in international approvals under EU regulations and compliance with ASTM E84. 

Aestuver boards excel in preventing issues like concrete spalling in tunnels or rapid weakening of steel (which loses most strength above 400–500°C). They are certified under European Technical Assessments (ETA), such as for Aestuver Tx variants, confirming their reliability as fireproof cement board solutions.

Key Applications of Aestuver Fire Resistant Cement Board

Aestuver cement fire boards are versatile and used across multiple sectors:

- Tunnel cladding and protection - Protecting concrete structures in road and rail tunnels from hydrocarbon fires (HC/HCM curves) and preventing fire induced concrete spalling.
- Structural fire protection - Encasing steel beams, columns, concrete elements, and timber for enhanced fire rated cement board performance.
- Fire rated walls, partitions, and ceilings - Creating EI-rated (integrity and insulation) systems, including shaft walls, suspended ceilings, and long-span designs.
- fire rated electrical enclosures, escape routes, and ventilation shafts  - Preventing heat transfer through installations that penetrate fire compartments.
- Other uses - Fire-resistant linings in buildings, maintenance walkways, and more.

Their fire resistant cement board qualities make them suitable for both new builds and retrofits, with options for direct concreting (permanent formwork) or independent fixing.

Superior Durability and Practical Benefits of Fireproof Cement Board

All Aestuver boards offer unmatched resilience:

- Freeze-thaw and water-resistant (as per EN 12467, highest exposure class Type X per EAD 350142-00-1106).
- Weather-resistant for harsh, humid environments like tunnels.
- Abrasion-resistant and easy to clean with high-pressure jets, steam, or brushes (per DIN EN ISO 11998).
- Low dust during installation, easy to cut and handle with standard tools.
- Lightweight yet strong, with board sizes like 2600 x 625 mm or 2600 x 1250 for efficient installation.

These features ensure long-term performance without degradation, even in exposed conditions.

Compliance, Certification, and Safety

Aestuver meets top global standards, including ETA certifications, ASTM E84 (flame spread and smoke developed index of 0), and various project-specific tests (impact, jet flame, etc.). As part of James Hardie, production adheres to EN ISO 9001:2015 (quality) and EN ISO 14001:2015 (environment).

If you're seeking a proven cement fire board manufacturer or fire rated cement board with exceptional performance - especially for high-demand applications requiring 2 hour fire rated cement board capabilities - Aestuver fire protection panels deliver unmatched fire resistance, durability, and versatility. They provide cost-effective passive fire protection that can prevent catastrophic damage and save lives.

For more details, technical data sheets, or project-specific advice, explore the official Aestuver resources or contact their expert team. Prioritizing the right fire resistant cement board today ensures safer structures tomorrow.