Fire resistance of light timber-framed walls

Collier, P. C. R. (1995) Fire resistance of light timber-framed walls. [Proceedings Paper]

The fire resistance of a load bearing light timber-framed wall is usually established by testing a full sized specimen. However, due to limitations in the size and loading capacity of available test equipment and the cost of testing, it is impractical to test all possible combinations of loading and dimensional variations. This paper describes the development and application of an empirical method, based on a tested prototype, that allows extrapolation to similar constructions, which may be of a different height and/or load bearing capacity. The method requires a fire resistance test on a prototype load bearing wall to prove both the fire performance of a particular lining system and the extent of structural damage to the studs. This lining configuration can then be applied to different sizes of timber frames with the knowledge that the damage, at the end of a specified period of fire resistance, will be the same as in the prototype test. The design of new walls is based on the residual load bearing capacity of the damaged studs, permitting a wide range of walls of different loads and heights to be generated simply by varying the stud size to support the new load. In combination with a similar method for design of light timber-framed floors for fire resistance, which is presented as the second paper of this pair, a guide has been established for design of multi-storey timber buildings. The principal application to date in New Zealand and Australia has been in residential construction, where the prevailing fire regulations have been met using light timber frame lined with gypsum plasterboard as the main construction materials.

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Abstract

The fire resistance of a load bearing light timber-framed wall is usually established by testing a full sized specimen. However, due to limitations in the size and loading capacity of available test equipment and the cost of testing, it is impractical to test all possible combinations of loading and dimensional variations. This paper describes the development and application of an empirical method, based on a tested prototype, that allows extrapolation to similar constructions, which may be of a different height and/or load bearing capacity. The method requires a fire resistance test on a prototype load bearing wall to prove both the fire performance of a particular lining system and the extent of structural damage to the studs. This lining configuration can then be applied to different sizes of timber frames with the knowledge that the damage, at the end of a specified period of fire resistance, will be the same as in the prototype test. The design of new walls is based on the residual load bearing capacity of the damaged studs, permitting a wide range of walls of different loads and heights to be generated simply by varying the stud size to support the new load. In combination with a similar method for design of light timber-framed floors for fire resistance, which is presented as the second paper of this pair, a guide has been established for design of multi-storey timber buildings. The principal application to date in New Zealand and Australia has been in residential construction, where the prevailing fire regulations have been met using light timber frame lined with gypsum plasterboard as the main construction materials.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. TH1073 N277 1995 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	wood
AGROVOC Term:	fire resistance
AGROVOC Term:	construction materials
AGROVOC Term:	experimental design
AGROVOC Term:	analysis
AGROVOC Term:	engineers
AGROVOC Term:	building industry
AGROVOC Term:	development projects
Geographical Term:	New Zealand
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2025 05:17
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2025 01:11
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1190

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