Five full-scale mass timber fire tests in a multi-story apartment building with promising results will be used to inform code changes.
The International Code Council Ad-hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings conducted the fire scenarios tested in two one-bedroom apartments constructed using mass timber. The test scenarios included various arrangements of exposed and unexposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) with open doors between living and sleeping areas.
In addition, the tests evaluated automatic sprinkler systems effectiveness. A General Technical Report FPL-GTR-247 on the fire tests will be available from the Forest Products Laboratory in the near future.
One finding after one test was that exposed CLT essentially self-extinguished due to the formation of char that protected the underlying wood. In two tests, sprinklers were able to effectively control the fire.
Related Stories
| Apr 4, 2014
Cleveland’s sewer authority to pay developers for green solutions to stormwater runoff
The district’s intent to use natural features to absorb stormwater reflects an urban trend that other cities including Philadelphia and Detroit have embraced.
| Mar 30, 2014
Solar panels on Big Ben intended to spur U.K.’s sustainability targets
Solar panels may soon be installed on the face of Big Ben in London as part of the U.K.'s initiatives to reach its greenhouse gas emissions objectives under the Climate Change Act of 2008.
| Mar 26, 2014
EPA clarifies Clean Water Act in revision that was opposed by developers
The Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled a rule designed to define more clearly which waterways are covered by the Clean Water Act and therefore require U.S. permits for certain activities.
| Mar 26, 2014
Better Buildings Initiative leading to tens of millions of dollars in savings annually, says DOE
Facilities across the nation have been able to shave on average about 2.5% of their annual utility costs through efficiency initiatives spurred by the federal Better Buildings Initiative, according to the Department of Energy’s Maria Vargas.
| Mar 26, 2014
Univ. of Nebraska-Omaha fire could prompt building code changes
A dormitory fire at the University of Nebraska at Omaha that displaced with 42 students (but caused no injuries) could trigger local building code changes.
| Mar 26, 2014
Associated Builders and Contractors wary of federal overtime rules changes
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) cautioned that President Obama’s directive to the U.S. Department of Labor to change federal overtime rules could harm its members.
| Mar 19, 2014
Oklahoma City mandates safe rooms in new schools
The move will affect 24 districts that have schools inside Oklahoma City limits.
| Mar 19, 2014
Green building standards can help building become more storm-resistant
Structures built to green standards have added resilience to destructive storms because green buildings are often constructed with stronger, more sustainable materials than traditional buildings.
| Mar 19, 2014
Ohio Senate passes rule to require state agencies use ANSI standards rather than LEED
The resolution specifically mentions LEED v4, and calls for the U.S. Green Building Council to conform to ANSI.
| Mar 19, 2014
Tucson ignores ADA, building code on city-owned property
The city has been operating a downtown dirt parking lot in violation of its own code and the federal law for years.
