This presentation demonstrates how the fire performance requirements in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for Class 1a, Class 2, 3 & 9c as well as Class 5,6 9a & 9b buildings can be met. In this context, the presentation provides verified construction details that utilise the BCA's deemed-to-satisfy provisions.

1. Fire Safety and Performance of Wood In Multi-Residential and Commercial Buildings

2. Learn more about wood at UTAS Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood Graduate Certificate in Timber (Processing & Building) 4 units, part time, online Areas covered include: Wood science Design for durability and service for life Timber as a renewable resource Sustainable design and construction Engineered wood products International technologies and developments Plus, selected topics of individual interest More information: Associate Professor Greg Nolan (03) 6324 4478 or enquiries@arch.utas.edu.auwww.csaw.utas.edu.au

3. Learning Objectives After this presentation you should be able to: Identify which Fire Hazard Properties apply in various situations Understand how to use timber in multi-residential and commercial buildings Outline the effectiveness of timber members and timber connections during fire For architects - AACA Competencies: Design Documentation

4. This Presentation Fire Hazard Properties Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10a MRTFC and Commercial Buildings Overview Timber properties during fire Connection performance during fire Calculation methods to predict timber capacity

5. Fire Resistance in the BCA

6. Topics Fire Hazard Properties Clause C 1.10: Specification C1.10 Clause: C1.10: Specification C1.10a MRTFC and Commercial Buildings Overview Timber properties during fire Connection performance during fire Calculation methods to predict timber capacity

8. Solid timber handrail or skirting?

9. Timber- faced solid core door or fire door?

10. Joinery, cupboard shelving etc.?

11. Paints, varnishes, etc. or adhesivesyes No requirements no Covering - Floor, Wall & Ceiling Other Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10a

12. Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10 Materials1? All other materials, including timber sarking Flammability Index ≤ 5 Spread-of-Flame Index ≤ 9 and Smoke-Developed Index2 ≤ 8 1 Additional requirements apply to fire isolated exits, public entertainment theaters, public halls etc. refer to BCA for details 2 Only for materials with a Spread-of-Flame Index > 5

13. Specification C1.10 – Fire Hazard Properties of Timber More species can be found on: www.woodsolutions.com.au

14. Topics Fire Hazard Properties Clause C1.10: Specification C1.10 Clause C1.10: Specification C1.10a MRTFC and Commercial Buildings Overview Timber properties during fire Connection performance during fire Calculation methods to predict timber capacity

16. Solid timber handrail or skirting?

17. Timber- faced solid core door or fire door?

18. Joinery, cupboard shelving etc.?

19. Paints, varnishes, etc. or adhesivesyes No requirements no Coverings - Floor, Wall & Ceiling Other Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10a

20. Specification C1.10a Specification C1.10a Wall / Ceiling Floor Lift Sprinklered? yes no Critical Radiant Flux Critical Radiant Flux and Smoke Development Rate ≤ 750 percent minutes

21. Specification C 1.10a: Floors -Fire Hazard Properties of Timber More species can be found on: www.woodsolutions.com.au

22. Specification C1.10a Specification C1.10a Wall / Ceiling Floor Lift Sprinklered? Sprinklered? yes no yes no Group Number Critical Radiant Flux Critical Radiant Flux and Smoke Development Rate ≤ 750 percent minutes Group Number and smoke growth rate index or average specific extinction area < 250 m²/kg

23. Specification C 1.10a: Walls / Ceiling Fire Hazard Properties of Timber More species can be found on: www.woodsolutions.com.au

24. Clause Specification C1.10a: Lifts Specification C1.10a Wall / Ceiling Floor Lift Floor, Wall/Ceiling? Sprinklered? Sprinklered? yes no yes no floor wall/ceiling Group Number Critical Radiant Flux Critical Radiant Flux and Smoke Development Rate ≤ 750 percent minutes Group Number and smoke growth rate index or average specific extinction area < 250 m²/kg Critical Radiant Flux ≥ 2.2 kW/m² Group Number 1 or 2

25. Topics Fire Hazard Properties Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10a MRTFC and Commercial Buildings Overview Timber properties during fire Connection performance during fire Calculation methods to predict timber capacity

26. MRTFC - Overview – Multi – Residential – Timber –Frame –Construction M R T F C

28. Class 1 buildings (houses or dwellings attached side by side)

29. Class 2 buildings (flats and units above one another as well as side by side)

30. Class 3 buildings (residential parts of hotels, motels, accommodation for students, aged and disabled)

31. Class 9c buildings (buildings for the aged)

32. Performance criteria in these classes focuses on:

33. Fire resistance

34. Sound resistance

36. A SOU is a part of a building that is occupied by one owner, lessee or other occupant

39. The walls, floors and ceilings bounding compartments are constructed to meet “Fire Resistance Levels” (FRLs) to prevent the spread of fire

42. A systems approach is used to meet needs which can be broken up into:

43. Wall framing systems

44. Floor/ceiling framing systems

45. Each system uses a number of common concepts to maintain continuity at intersections between elements and at penetrations, including:

46. Fire resistant joints

47. Cavity barriers

49. Load bearing frames are typically made from 90x45 timber framing

50. The frames can be prefabricated as required

51. The system is easy to handle and erect onsite

52. Insulation is used extensively between studs or in the cavity

53. It must be non-combustible (BCA Requirement)

54. Fire grade plasterboard is built up in layers to meet fire requirements

55. Fibre cement sheet can be used in combination with plasterboard

59. Non-combustible sound insulation is placed within the joist depth

60. Resiliently mounted ceiling battens are fixed transversely to the joists to isolate sound from the structure above

62. Methods of doing this include:

63. Fire resistant joints

64. Cavity barriers

67. The joint is made by adding extra pieces of timber to the joint between the elements

68. The extra timber adds fire resistance because when it burns it forms an insulative char layer on the surface – this slows burning in the core of the timber and in doing so provides fire resistance for a period of time

69. In general, the more pieces of timber added to the joint, the longer the joint will last.

71. Typical example: intersection between a wall separating SOUs and a non-fire rated external brick veneer wall

72. Cavity barriers can be made by:

73. timber battens

74. appropriate sheet linings

75. moisture repellent mineral wool

76. Light gauge steel profiles Cavity barrier using sheet lining Example prior to brick veneer being laid

77. Fire Rated Shafts Use fire shafts to avoid services in fire/sound rated walls

78. Topics Fire Hazard Properties Specification C1.10 Specification C1.10a MRTFC and Commercial Buildings Overview Timber properties during fire Connection performance during fire Calculation methods to predict timber capacity

79. Unprotected Timber Exposed to Fire

81. Experiments show it commences later and is at a slower rate

85. Protection of fixings is required and can be via:

86. surface protection or

87. embedding fixings under plugs

89. Charring Rate for Unprotected Timber

90. Depth of Char for Unprotected Timber

92. Depends on density / magnitude of applied load / timber grade / dimensions

94. Alternative Method Protect the timber with plasterboard

95. Timber can be effectively used in buildings that are exposed to fire The key to the correct use of timber is detailing in accordance with relevant Australian standards and industry manuals (e.g. Timber Design Guides) Conclusions

97. Updates include details for columns in walls and improved junction details

99. More Information