Fire Spread from Mass Timber Buildings
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Engineering
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that construction with combustible linings present a higher external fire spread hazard than conventional buildings. Now that architects and engineers are seeking to use this material on an ever-larger scale, it is necessary to quantify the relevant hazards, and take steps to mitigate the potential risks.
The external flame from a fire is the key parameter that effect the potential for vertical and horizontal fire spread. The characteristics of this flame are controlled by the excess fuel factor. It is known that where timber linings are provided in a compartment, the excess fuel factor can be substantially affected. This research project will quantify the impact of timber linings on the excess fuel factors, and then conduct a parametric study to investigate how this affects the heat to adjacent areas, and upper levels of a building.
Specifically, a series of fire tests will be conducted that will measure the burning behaviour within a medium-scale room (of the order of 1m) - these tests will be used to quantify the excess fuel factor for a range of conditions. An experimental compartment with propane burners will be used to conduct a highly repeatable parametric study of the heat flux that results from different excess fuel factors.
The project will conclude with a series of workshops (in association with BRE and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety) to disseminate the findings to a wide industry audience. The work will lead to guidance for engineers and regulators to help them decide how best to prevent fire spread between buildings.
The external flame from a fire is the key parameter that effect the potential for vertical and horizontal fire spread. The characteristics of this flame are controlled by the excess fuel factor. It is known that where timber linings are provided in a compartment, the excess fuel factor can be substantially affected. This research project will quantify the impact of timber linings on the excess fuel factors, and then conduct a parametric study to investigate how this affects the heat to adjacent areas, and upper levels of a building.
Specifically, a series of fire tests will be conducted that will measure the burning behaviour within a medium-scale room (of the order of 1m) - these tests will be used to quantify the excess fuel factor for a range of conditions. An experimental compartment with propane burners will be used to conduct a highly repeatable parametric study of the heat flux that results from different excess fuel factors.
The project will conclude with a series of workshops (in association with BRE and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety) to disseminate the findings to a wide industry audience. The work will lead to guidance for engineers and regulators to help them decide how best to prevent fire spread between buildings.
Planned Impact
Key beneficiaries of the research will be the community stakeholders associated to the proliferation of mass timber construction. These include:
- Building owners and occupiers. The threat posed by fire spread is substantial, and reducing this threat will improve the safety of new apartment buildings, and prevent a fire in one building damaging adjacent properties.
- Fire services. Spreading fires represent a significant challenge to their operational fire-fighting techniques.
- Timber producing industry. Reducing the impact of fires and enabling the more widespread use of timber products within the construction industry.
The research will benefit the community of design professionals who are responsible for designing resilient cities (i.e. architects, engineers, and associated regulators). These groups will be able to access the research to ensure that their proposed developments are not at excessive risk of fire spread.
- Building owners and occupiers. The threat posed by fire spread is substantial, and reducing this threat will improve the safety of new apartment buildings, and prevent a fire in one building damaging adjacent properties.
- Fire services. Spreading fires represent a significant challenge to their operational fire-fighting techniques.
- Timber producing industry. Reducing the impact of fires and enabling the more widespread use of timber products within the construction industry.
The research will benefit the community of design professionals who are responsible for designing resilient cities (i.e. architects, engineers, and associated regulators). These groups will be able to access the research to ensure that their proposed developments are not at excessive risk of fire spread.
Organisations
Publications
Arnórsson S
(2020)
The Variability of Critical Mass Loss Rate at Auto-Extinction
in Fire Technology
Bartlett A
(2020)
Influence of excess fuel from timber lined compartments
in Construction and Building Materials
Bartlett A
(2019)
Comparative energy analysis from fire resistance tests on combustible versus noncombustible slabs
in Fire and Materials
Law A
(2020)
The rise and fall of the UK's spandrel panel
in Fire Safety Journal
| Description | Key findings of this research relate to the fire dynamics both within a timber lined compartment and in the plume outside the compartment. The research has quantified the effect that the additional fuel load of Cross Laminated Timber has on the burning during a fire, and quantified that additional radiation that this can cause opposite a compartment and above the compartment of fire origin. The research has also shown that fire spread on tall buildings is implicitly accepted within the design codes within the UK, and that this has implications for the evacuation strategy used in high rise buildings. |
| Exploitation Route | The research will form the foundation for further investigations with a view to developing design guidance. |
| Sectors | Construction |
| Description | The results of this work have led to a growing awareness within the construction sector that fire spread from timber construction is a relevant hazard, and one that should be mitigated. The work has had in impact on the direction of subsequent government research on the question of fire spread in tall buildings. |
| Sector | Construction |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |