Fire endurance research at the Forest Products Laboratory

Abstract

Fire endurance research activities and facilities at the FPL concern the ability of a wood member or assembly to withstand the effects of fire while acting as a fire barrier and supporting a load. Fire endurance is generally concerned with the post-flashover portion of the fire. The importance of fire endurance in fire safety is reflected in building code requirements for fire resistance ratings (1 hour, 2 hours, etc...) for building elements. The FPL fire endurance research program is oriented largely toward supporting: (1) the increased use of wood in commercial and multifamily buildings where fire rated assemblies are required by building codes; and (2) the use of new structural wood components. Experience has shown that new wood engineering technologies can conflict with current levels of fire safety.

Citation

White, R. H. 1990. Fire endurance research at the Forest Products Laboratory. Wood design focus. Vol. 1, no. 2 (summer 1990):p. 5-7.