Fire Rating is a measure of the duration (expressed in minutes and generally indicated by the letter “F” followed by the number of minutes, e.g., F30, F60, F90, F120, etc.) that a building element can withstand exposure to fire while maintaining its structural integrity and limiting the spread of flames and heat. In timber engineering, achieving an appropriate fire rating is essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of timber structures.
Timber’s Fire Performance
Timber shows a favorable and predictable behavior under fire conditions due to its controlled charring rate. As timber is exposed to fire, it chars at a consistent and predictable rate, which forms an insulating layer. This char layer slows down the penetration of heat, protecting the internal structure from rapid temperature increases.
Additionally, timber acts as an excellent insulation material. In the event of a fire, the exterior temperature of a timber element can exceed 300°C. Thanks to this material the internal temperature can remain below 30°C even after several minutes. This thermal performance significantly enhances the safety of timber buildings, maintaining habitable conditions and reducing the risk of structural collapse.
Design Considerations
Designing for fire rating in timber structures involves meticulous attention to all components. We focus particularly on connections, which are the most complex parts to design. Connections must be engineered to maintain their strength and integrity during a fire, ensuring that structure remains stable and safe.
Ergodomus’s Expertise in Fire Rating
At Ergodomus, we are highly proficient in addressing fire rating requirements for timber structures. We integrate fire safety into every phase of the design process. This includes selecting suitable timber materials and designing strong, resilient connections. We collaborate closely with architects and other design professionals to develop solutions that meet fire safety standards and enhance the aesthetic and structural performance of the building. Our expertise ensures that our timber buildings are both beautiful and exceptionally safe, capable of withstanding fire exposure effectively.
Source: UNI EN 1995-1-2: Design of timber structure – Part 1-2 – Structural fire design