FIRE CHIEFS HAVE CONCERNS OVER THE USE OF TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

A recent position paper from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) sets out concerns with the use modern methods of construction (MCC) particularly the use of engineered mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminate timber (Glulam).

The Modern Methods of Construction Policy Position Statement show that the fire chiefs concerns centre on a lack of understanding about the performance of MMC especially the lack of research and test data available to provide reassurance on fire performance. In addition, the NFCC is concerned about the structural stability of mass timber construction as a result of fire. It has called for tightened rules for the testing of MMC.

Whilst NFCC recognised the role that MMC can play in reducing the environmental impact of construction it said that “this must not be at the expense of safety.”

NFCC chair Mark Hardingham said: “It is vitally important to make sure that products and technologies are safe for use, including their likely performance in a fire, before they are used in the built environment.

Stephen Elliott, chair of the British Association of Reinforcement, said: “The fire nor long-term performance of engineered mass timber construction have not been fully tested or proven. What is proven is that timber burns.”

He continued: “Timber construction is designed to meet the 30 minutes fire resistance required by the Building Regulations. In comparison, concrete offers an inherent fire resistance of over four hours. This gives building occupants more time to escape and provides fire fighters with greater structural reassurance to allow them to fight and control the blaze.

Cross laminated timber is being touted as a structural option for multi-storey construction as a layer of charring is thought to prevent the structural component from burning. However, charring is burning and will have a significant impact on structural integrity. To say that charring is not burning is being disingenuous.”