Tallwood Design Institute

Project Lead: Erica Fischer (PI)

The goals of this research are to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of timber moment-frame connections during two different fire scenarios: fire and post-earthquake fire. This research will develop the testing methodologies and benchmark data required to develop designs for the fire and post-earthquake performance of timber moment-resisting frame connections.

Technical Advisors: David Barber, Lech Muszynski

 

Abstract: In the U.S., there is limited published information about the performance of through-penetration fire seals in cross-laminated timber floors, where the CLT is unprotected and exposed to the fire side. TDI has partnered with ARUP and the Framework project, a 12-story mass timber building project in Portland, to investigate and test through-penetrations to the ASTM E814 standard. Penetration seals were designed for five different types of penetrations–three-inch OD PVC pipe, four-inch OD stainless steel pipe, four-inch OD cast iron pipe, two-inch OD aquatherm (PP-R), and a one-and-three-fourths-inch threaded steel rod. The penetration seals were installed in five-ply CLT samples produced in the Pacific Northwest. Initial fire tests were conducted at the Western Fire Center in Kelso, Washington in September 2017 using 3M penetration seals and Hilti penetration seals. The results were promising. The remaining testing will be conducted by Hilti in partnership with TDI during the second quarter of 2018.

Project Lead: Lech Muszynski

Abstract: Despite a growing body of empirical evidence generated by European, Japanese and Canadian research on the fire endurance of cross-laminated timber (CLT), a lack of full-scale U.S. testing of structural CLT manufactured within the U.S. is often cited as a major barrier to approval of the new building material for use in tall structures.  Past testing in test furnaces suggests that CLT and glue-laminated timber can outperform both light-frame timber assemblies and steel and concrete elements. This is due, in part, to the fact that in thick CLT panels a layer of charred wood forms on the exposed surface that then serves to insulate and protect the wood behind the char layer. This project will document the flammability of Douglas-fir and spruce-pine-fir CLT panel assemblies produced in the United States.