Research and testing are needed to evaluate the contribution of massive timber elements to room/compartment fires with the types of structural systems that are expected to be found in tall buildings (e.g. CLT, etc.). Previous research has shown that timber elements contribute to the fuel load in buildings and can increase the initial fire growth rate. This has the potential to overwhelm fire protection systems, which may result in more severe conditions for occupants, fire fighters, property and neighboring property.
The contribution of timber elements to compartment fires needs to be quantified and compared against other buildings systems to assess the relative performance. The contribution of exposed timber to room fires should be quantified for the full fire duration using metrics such as charring rate, visibility, temperature and toxicity. This will allow a designer to quantify the contribution, validate design equations and develop preventing or delaying involvement in the fire (e.g. gypsum, thermal barrier) needs to be characterized.
Research Goal: Quantify the contribution of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) building elements (wall and/or floor‐ceiling assemblies) in compartment fires and evaluate the relative performance of CLT systems compared to other buildings systems commonly used in tall buildings.
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