July 22, 2010
London Fire Authority Chairman Criticises Use of Timber Frame Construction
BAR5.10
22nd July 2010
LONDON FIRE AUTHORITY CHAIRMAN CRITICISES USE OF TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION
The chairman of the London Fire Authority has criticised the growing use of timber-frame construction in high rise buildings following an investigation into last year’s major fire in Peckham that destroyed a half-completed 5 storey timber frame building and badly damaged adjacent blocks of flats.
The fire in Peckham followed a number of devastating fires of timber-framed projects over recent years and there is growing concern over the fire risk of multi-storey timber frame buildings. Brian Coleman, chairman of the London Fire Authority, has questioned the use of timber frame for multi-storey buildings saying: “I have always been a stern critic of high rise timber frame buildings having seen in my own area the results of a blaze. I personally wouldn’t allow any high rise timber buildings – there needs to be a review of regulations.”
Coleman also poured cold water over the timber industry’s assurances that the main risk is during construction. He said: “Supporters of timber frame buildings say once they’re built they’re completely safe. But we know people drill holes in walls which damages the building fabric and allows the timber to become exposed.”
An investigation carried out by the BBC has found that potentially dangerous timber frame buildings are proliferating with 29 out of the 32 London boroughs having no idea of how many buildings have been constructed using timber frame.
The use of timber frame for multi-storey construction grew following fire testing of a six storey timber framed building carried out by BRE in 1999. The test report said that the fire was effectively contained and the findings have been promoted by the UK Timber Frame Association as justification for relaxing building regulations on timber frame construction.
However, what was not reported until 2003 was that in the early hours of the morning after the test, the fire re-ignited and completely destroyed to top four storeys of the building. By then, timber frame multi storey buildings were being built throughout the UK, particularly for the social housing market.
“Quite simply, timber is a combustible material. This is a fact that was recognised when, following the Great Fire of London in 1666, the 1667 Building Act was introduced banning building with timber frames,” said Graham Mackenzie, chairman of the British Association of Reinforcement. “It is interesting to note the many of the recent timber buildings that have been destroyed by fire have been replaced by reinforced concrete buildings. Reinforced concrete does not burn and offers up to four hours inherent fire resistance which is available during and after construction.”
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