Post on 24-May-2020
March 31, 2019
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION FIRE RESISTANCE OF MASS TIMBER LAMINATED ELEMENTS
info@fpinnovations.ca www.fpinnovations.ca
Lindsay Ranger, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.
Christian Dagenais, P.Eng., Ph.D.
Noureddine Bénichou, Ph.D., National Research Council Canada
Client: Natural Resources of Canada (NRCan)
project proposal ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FPInnovations would like to thank Western Archrib, StructureCraft Builders Inc., and Forex Inc. for contributing expertise and materials to this test series. The authors would like to thank the staff at the NRC Fire Laboratory for their hard work and dedication. FPInnovations would also like to thank its industry members and Natural Resources Canada (the Canadian Forest Service) for their continued guidance and financial support.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE
MASS TIMBER CONTRUCTION:
FIRE RESISTANCE OF MASS TIMBER LAMINATED
ELEMENTS
PROJECT NO. 301013085
REVIEWER
Christian Dagenais, P.Eng. Ph.D., Senior Scientist Building Systems – Sustainable Construction
APPROVER CONTACT INFORMATION
Sylvain Gagnon, P.Eng.
Manager
Building Systems - Sustainable Construction
sylvain.gagnon@fpinnovations.ca
AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Lindsay Ranger, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.
Scientist
Building Systems - Sustainable Construction
(343) 292-6342
lindsay.ranger@fpinnovations.ca
Disclaimer to any person or entity as to the accuracy, correctness, or completeness of the information, data, or of any analysis thereof contained in this report, or any other recommendation, representation, or warranty whatsoever concerning this report.
Follow us:
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 i
project proposal i
project proposal i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
3. TECHNICAL TEAM ................................................................................................................................................. 1
4. PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
4.1 X-LVL wall ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.1.1 Instrumentation .................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 2x8 DLT Wall .................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.2.1 Instrumentation .................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 2x6 DLT Wall .................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.3.1 Instrumentation .................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 2x6 GLT Floor ...............................................................................................................................................10
4.4.1 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................................................12
4.5 2x8 GLT Floor ...............................................................................................................................................13
4.5.1 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................................................15
5. RESULTS..............................................................................................................................................................15
5.1 X-LVL Wall ....................................................................................................................................................15
5.1.1 Encapsulation ......................................................................................................................................18
5.2 2x8 DLT Wall ................................................................................................................................................18
5.2.1 Encapsulation ......................................................................................................................................21
5.3 2x6 DLT Wall ................................................................................................................................................21
5.4 2x6 GLT Floor ...............................................................................................................................................25
5.5 2x8 GLT Floor ...............................................................................................................................................29
6. CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................................33
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX I – X-LVL WALL GYPSUM DETAIL.............................................................................................................35
APPENDIX II – 2X8 DLT WALL GYPSUM DETAIL .......................................................................................................40
APPENDIX III – 2X6 DLT WALL PLYWOOD AND GYPSUM DETAIL ............................................................................43
APPENDIX IV – 2X6 GLT FLOOR DETAILS ..................................................................................................................46
APPENDIX V – 2X8 GLT FLOOR DETAILS ...................................................................................................................51
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 ii
project proposal ii
project proposal ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. X-LVL glue application............................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. X-LVL pressing panels ............................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3. X-LVL wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.) .............. 3
Figure 4. X-LVL wall joint detail ............................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 5. X-LVL wall unexposed side, gap at joint ................................................................................................... 4
Figure 6. X-LVL wall exposed side, gap at joint ........................................................................................................ 4
Figure 7. X-LVL wall exposed side before testing .................................................................................................... 4
Figure 8. X-LVL wall unexposed side before testing ................................................................................................ 4
Figure 9. X-LVL wall embedded thermocouple depths ........................................................................................... 5
Figure 10. X-LVL wall Joint thermocouple depths ..................................................................................................... 5
Figure 11. 2x8 DLT wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.) .......... 6
Figure 12. 2x8 DLT wall exposed side before test ..................................................................................................... 6
Figure 13. 2x8 DLT wall unexposed side before test ................................................................................................. 6
Figure 14. 2x8 DLT wall dowel placement ................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 15. 2x8 DLT wall edge of assembly ................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 16. 2x8 DLT wall embedded thermocouple depths ....................................................................................... 7
Figure 17. 2x8 DLT wall joint thermocouple depths .................................................................................................. 7
Figure 18. 2x6 DLT wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.) .......... 8
Figure 19. 2x6 DLT wall during construction ............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 20. 2x6 DLT wall exposed surface before test ................................................................................................ 9
Figure 21. 2x6 DLT wall unexposed surface before test ............................................................................................ 9
Figure 22. 2x6 DLT wall embedded thermocouple depths ..................................................................................... 10
Figure 23. 2x6 DLT wall joint thermocouple depths ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 24. 2x6 GLT floor dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in in.) ...... 11
Figure 25. 2x6 GLT floor during construction .......................................................................................................... 12
Figure 26. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed side splines installed ...................................................................................... 12
Figure 27. 2x6 GLT floor exposed surface before test ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 28. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed surface before test ........................................................................................ 12
Figure 29. 2x6 GLT floor embedded thermocouple depths .................................................................................... 13
Figure 30. 2x8 GLT floor dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in in.) ...... 14
Figure 31. 2x8 GLT floor exposed surface before test ............................................................................................. 14
Figure 32. 2x8 GLT floor unexposed surface before test ........................................................................................ 14
Figure 33. 2x6 GLT floor embedded thermocouple depths .................................................................................... 15
Figure 34. LVL wall average thermocouple temperatures ...................................................................................... 16
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 iii
project proposal iii
project proposal iii
Figure 35. LVL wall joint temperatures ................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 36. X-LVL wall at the end of the test ............................................................................................................ 17
Figure 37. X-LVL wall exposed side after failure ...................................................................................................... 17
Figure 38. X-LVL wall unexposed side after failure ................................................................................................. 17
Figure 39. X-LVL wall cross-section .......................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 40. 2x8 DLT wall average thermocouple temperatures ............................................................................... 19
Figure 41. 2x8 DLT wall temperatures at joint ........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 42. 2x8 DLT wall exposed face after test ...................................................................................................... 20
Figure 43. 2x8 DLT wall burn-through ..................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 44. 2x8 DLT wall burn-through cross-section ............................................................................................... 21
Figure 45. 2x8 DLT wall charring along length of board .......................................................................................... 21
Figure 46. 2x6 DLT wall during test ......................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 47. 2x6 DLT wall exposed face during test ................................................................................................... 22
Figure 48. 2x6 DLT wall average thermocouple temperatures ............................................................................... 23
Figure 49. 2x6 DLT wall temperatures at joint ........................................................................................................ 24
Figure 50. 2x6 DLT wall at the end of the test ......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 51. 2x6 DLT wall exposed surface after hose stream ................................................................................... 24
Figure 52. 2x6 DLT wall joint after test .................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 53. 2x6 DLT wall charring of boards ............................................................................................................. 25
Figure 54. 2x6 DLT wall charring of dowels ............................................................................................................. 25
Figure 55. 2x6 GLT floor average thermocouple temperatures .............................................................................. 26
Figure 56. 2x6 GLT floor removal from furnace ...................................................................................................... 27
Figure 57. 2x6 GLT floor exposed surface after test ................................................................................................ 27
Figure 58. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed surface after test, deflection ......................................................................... 27
Figure 59. 2x6 GLT floor temperatures at top of joints ........................................................................................... 28
Figure 60. 2x6 GLT floor localized smoke penetration through base layer cement board ..................................... 28
Figure 61. 2x6 GLT floor removal of cement board. Localized charring at plywood joints. .................................... 28
Figure 62. 2x6 GLT floor Type C joint (butt) after test............................................................................................. 29
Figure 63. 2x6 GLT floor residual depth .................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 64. 2x8 GLT floor average thermocouple temperatures .............................................................................. 30
Figure 65. 2x8 GLT floor assembly removal from furnace ...................................................................................... 30
Figure 66. 2x8 GLT floor exposed surface after test ................................................................................................ 30
Figure 67. 2x8 GLT floor temperatures at top of joints ........................................................................................... 31
Figure 68. 2x8 GLT floor condition of Type C joint (butt) ........................................................................................ 31
Figure 69. 2x8 GLT floor charring along Type C joint (butt) .................................................................................... 31
Figure 70. 2x8 GLT floor condition of Type B joint .................................................................................................. 32
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 iv
project proposal iv
project proposal iv
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. LVL wall average thermocouple measurements .................................................................................... 16
Table 2. Encapsulation time for X-LVL wall .......................................................................................................... 18
Table 3. 2x8 DLT wall average thermocouple measurements ............................................................................. 19
Table 4. Encapsulation time for 2x8 DLT wall ...................................................................................................... 21
Table 5. 2x6 DLT wall average thermocouple measurements ............................................................................. 23
Table 6. 2x6 GLT floor average thermocouple measurements ............................................................................ 27
Table 7. 2x8 GLT floor average thermocouple measurements ............................................................................ 31
Table 8. Summary of laminated mass timber fire test results ............................................................................. 33
Table 9. Maximum measured charring rate ......................................................................................................... 33
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 1 of 55
project proposal 1
project proposal 1 1. INTRODUCTION
Laminated timber structural elements are gaining popularity as mass timber options since they can provide an
economical and readily available alternative to cross-laminated timber (CLT), namely for use in upper mid-rise
buildings (7 to 11 storeys). These types of assemblies include nail-laminated timber (NLT), dowel-laminated
timber (DLT), screw-laminated timber (SLT), glued-laminated timber panels (GLT), and structural composite
lumber plates (SCL). There is very limited or no fire test data available on most of these types of assemblies, in
particular for vertical service shaft applications (e.g., exit stairs, elevators shafts, etc.) in balloon-frame
structures. There is a need for fire performance data to demonstrate that these assemblies can be safely used in
the construction of taller and larger buildings and can meet required fire-resistance ratings (FRR) defined in the
National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) [1].
2. OBJECTIVE This project assesses the fire resistance of laminated timber structural systems as wall and floor assemblies.
Full-scale tests were conducted to assess structural fire resistance and charring behaviour. This research could
be used to expand current fire design provisions and support inclusion of these types of assemblies into Annex B
of CSA O86 [2].
3. TECHNICAL TEAM Lindsay Ranger, P.Eng., M.A.Sc. Scientist, Building Systems
Christian Dagenais, P.Eng., Ph.D. Senior Scientist, Building Systems
Samuel Cuerrier-Auclair, M. Sc. Scientist, Building Systems
Olivier Baes Principal Technologist, Building Systems
Antoine Henry Principal Technologist, Fibre Composites
Noureddine Bénichou, Ph.D. Principal Research Officer, National Research Council Canada
4. PROCEDURE Full-scale tests were carried out to assess the fire resistance of mass timber assemblies in accordance with
CAN/ULC-S101 [3]. The assemblies included:
1. X-LVL wall with 2 layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides.
2. 2x8 DLT wall with 1 layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides.
3. 2x6 DLT wall with 1 layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and 15.9 mm (⅝ in.) Type X gypsum board on the
unexposed side.
4. 2x6 GLT floor with 1 layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and 2 layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on the
unexposed side.
5. 2x8 GLT floor with 1 layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and 2 layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on the
unexposed side.
Testing was conducted at the National Research Council (NRC) Fire Laboratory in Ottawa, ON for tests 1, 2, 4 and
5. Test 3 was conducted at QAI Laboratories in Vancouver, BC.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 2 of 55
project proposal 2
project proposal 2
4.1 X-LVL wall
X-LVL is an SCL plate system using cross-laminated layers of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The X-LVL wall
consisted of two panels which were constructed at the FPInnovations laboratory at Laval University using LVL
manufactured by Forex Inc. in Amos (Quebec). Four 45 mm (1 ¾ in.) LVL 2580Fb-1.55E panels were glued on
face and pressed together at FPInnovations’ laboratory using a phenol-resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) structural
adhesive conforming to glue-laminated timber standards [4] and as per the adhesive supplier’s
recommendations. Gluing and pressing the panels during construction are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The
outer laminations were oriented in the vertical direction (strength direction), and the two inner laminations
were in the perpendicular direction. Details of the panels are shown in Figure 3. Each panel measured
3,048 mm (10 ft.) high x 1,285 mm (6 ft.) wide. Panel 1 was slightly wider due to a tongue joint.
Figure 1. X-LVL glue application Figure 2. X-LVL pressing panels
Panel 1 had a 75 mm (3 in.) tongue in the third ply, with a corresponding groove in Panel 2. A cross-section of
the LVL panels, illustrating the joint configuration, is given in Figure 4. When the panels were installed in the
furnace the joint was sealed with firestop caulking. During installation, the panels could not be tightly fit
together; additional firestop caulking was added at the joint, but a prominent gap remained as shown in Figure 5
and Figure 6. The joint was to be tightly fit with 8x160/80 screws drilled straight through the tongue and
groove, 38 mm (1.5 in.) from the edge of the Panel 2, spaced 305 mm (12 in.) o.c.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 3 of 55
project proposal 3
project proposal 3
Figure 3. X-LVL wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.)
Figure 4. X-LVL wall joint detail
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 4 of 55
project proposal 4
project proposal 4
Figure 5. X-LVL wall unexposed side, gap at joint Figure 6. X-LVL wall exposed side, gap at joint
Two layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board were installed on both sides of the assembly. Gypsum board
layouts for the X-LVL test are given in Appendix I. 55 mm (2 ¼ in.) Type S screws were used to install the gypsum
board at 305 mm (12 in.) o.c., 38 mm (1 ½ in.) from edges. The face layer joints and screws were tapped and
mudded. The exposed and unexposed faces of the assembly before the test are shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8.
Figure 7. X-LVL wall exposed side before testing Figure 8. X-LVL wall unexposed side before testing
4.1.1 Instrumentation
Fiberglass insulated thermocouples (Type G/G-24-KK) were installed at five locations labelled A through E,
indicated in Figure 3. Seven thermocouples were installed at each location, as shown in Figure 9. This included
at both interfaces between the LVL and gypsum board, as well as mid-depth in the first and second LVL ply
(22 mm and 67 mm) and at each glue line (45, 90, and 135 mm). Two thermocouples were installed in the joint,
760 mm (30 in.) from the top, at depths of 45 mm and 112 mm (as shown in Figure 10). Thermocouples were
installed on the unexposed side of the wall in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101. Deflection was measured at nine
points on the unexposed side.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 5 of 55
project proposal 5
project proposal 5
Figure 9. X-LVL wall embedded thermocouple depths Figure 10. X-LVL wall Joint thermocouple depths
4.2 2x8 DLT Wall
The 2x8 DLT wall, manufactured by StructureCraft Builders Inc. (in British Columbia), consisted of two panels
with total dimensions of 3,048 mm (10 ft.) high x 3,658 mm (12 ft.) wide. The SPF #2 lumber boards were
181 mm deep; they were planed down from 184 mm prior to manufacturing. The wall used 650 mm (25 ½ in.)
long, 20 mm diameter beech dowels, staggered at 400 mm (15 ¾ in.) o.c. The two panels were attached
together using Assy Screws 3.0 Φ 8 x 160 mm spaced 305 mm (12 in.) o.c, 38 mm (1.5 in.) from the joint,
installed at 45o. The dimensions of the assembly are shown in Figure 11.
One layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board was installed on both sides of the assembly. Gypsum board
layouts for the 2x8 DLT test are given in Appendix II. 57 mm (2 ¼ in.) Type S screws were used to install the
gypsum board at 305 mm (12 in.) o.c., 38 mm (1 ½ in.) from edges. The joints and screws were tapped and
mudded. The exposed and unexposed faces of the assembly are shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13. The
installation of the dowels is shown in Figure 14, and one of the DLT panels is shown in Figure 15.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 6 of 55
project proposal 6
project proposal 6
Figure 11. 2x8 DLT wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.)
Figure 12. 2x8 DLT wall exposed side before test Figure 13. 2x8 DLT wall unexposed side before test
A B
C
D E
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 7 of 55
project proposal 7
project proposal 7
Figure 14. 2x8 DLT wall dowel placement Figure 15. 2x8 DLT wall edge of assembly
4.2.1 Instrumentation
Fiberglass insulated thermocouples (Type G/G-24-KK) were installed at five locations labelled A through E,
indicated in Figure 11. Six thermocouples were installed at each location, as shown in Figure 16. This included
at both exposed and unexposed interfaces between the DLT and gypsum board, and at depths of 15, 25, 50, and
75 mm. Two thermocouples were also installed in the joint 760 mm (30 in.) from the top, at depths of 15 mm
and 75 mm (as shown in Figure 17). Thermocouples were installed on the unexposed side of the wall in
accordance with CAN/ULC-S101. Deflection was measured at nine points on the unexposed side.
Figure 16. 2x8 DLT wall embedded thermocouple depths Figure 17. 2x8 DLT wall joint thermocouple depths
4.3 2x6 DLT Wall
The 2x6 DLT wall, manufactured by StructureCraft Builders Inc. (in British Columbia), consisted of two panels,
with total dimensions of 2,743 mm (9 ft.) high x 3,658 mm (12 ft.) wide. The SPF #2 lumber boards were
137 mm deep; they were planed down from 140 mm prior to manufacturing. The wall used 650 mm (25 ½ in.)
long, 20 mm diameter beech dowels, staggered at 400 mm (15 ¾ in.) o.c. The two panels were attached
together using Assy Screws 3.0 Φ 8 x 160 mm screws spaced 305 mm (12 in.) o.c., 150 mm (6 in.) from either
end, 38 mm (1.5 in.) from the joint, installed at 45o. The dimensions of the assembly are shown in Figure 18.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 8 of 55
project proposal 8
project proposal 8
The exposed side was unprotected, and the unexposed side had one layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and one
layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type X gypsum board. The plywood and gypsum board layout for the 2x6 DLT test are
given in Appendix III. The plywood came preinstalled on the assembly with a 175 mm (6 ⅞ in.) strip left to cover
the joint. The strip was installed with 63 mm (2.5 in.) nails in two lines staggered at 150 mm (6 in.) o.c. An 8 mm
(5/16 in.) gap was left between the strip and preinstalled plywood, on either side. The wall during construction
is shown in Figure 20. 57 mm (2 ¼ in.) Type S screws were used to install the gypsum board at 305 mm (12 in.)
o.c., 38 mm (1 ½ in.) from edges. The joints and screws were tapped and mudded. The exposed and unexposed
faces of the assembly are shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21.
Figure 18. 2x6 DLT wall dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in ft.)
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 9 of 55
project proposal 9
project proposal 9
Figure 19. 2x6 DLT wall during construction
Figure 20. 2x6 DLT wall exposed surface before test Figure 21. 2x6 DLT wall unexposed surface before test
4.3.1 Instrumentation
Fiberglass insulated thermocouples (Type K) were installed at five locations labelled A through E, indicated in
Figure 18. Five thermocouples were installed at each location, as shown in Figure 22. This included at the
interface between the DLT and plywood, and at depths of 38, 50, 75, and 100 mm. Thermocouples were
intended to be installed at similar depths to the 2x8 DLT assembly, but due to an oversight, they were instead
installed at the depths as indicated. Two thermocouples were also installed in the joint 685 mm (27 in.) from
the top, at depths of 15 mm and 75 mm (as shown in Figure 23). Thermocouples were installed on the
unexposed side of the wall in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101. No deflection measurements were taken.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 10 of 55
project proposal 10
project proposal 10
Figure 22. 2x6 DLT wall embedded thermocouple depths Figure 23. 2x6 DLT wall joint thermocouple depths
4.4 2x6 GLT Floor
The 2x6 GLT floor, manufactured by Western Archrib (in Alberta), consisted of eight Spruce-Pine panels using a
melamine-formaldehyde (MF) adhesive conforming to glue-laminated timber standards [4]. The panels were
planed and factory sealed. In order to evaluate the performance of three different joints (which incorporated a
fixed 6 mm (¼ in.) construction gap), the panels were designed for either an 88 mm (3.5 in.) surface spline
(Type A), a 50 mm (2 in.) surface spline (Type B), or a butt-joint (Type C). For surface spline joints, a 38 mm (1 ½
in.) deep notch was cut at each corner. The panels were generally 603 mm (1 ft. 11 ¾ in.) wide, except the panel
on the west end which measured 300 mm (11 ¾ in.) wide to fill the remaining width of the furnace. All panels
were 3,937 mm (12 ft. 11 in.) in length and 130 mm (5 1/8 in.) deep (except at notches). The overall dimensions
of the assembly are shown in Figure 24. The assembly during construction is shown in Figure 25 and Figure 26.
The exposed face was unprotected. The unexposed side was covered with 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and two
layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board to replicate a concrete topping. The plywood and cement board layout,
as well as spline details for the 2x6 GLT test are given in Appendix IV. The splines were installed with 76 mm
(3 in.) nails spaced 300 mm (12 in.) o.c., one on either side of the joint. The exposed and unexposed faces of the
assembly are shown in Figure 27 and Figure 28.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 11 of 55
project proposal 11
project proposal 11
Figure 24. 2x6 GLT floor dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in in.)
N
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 12 of 55
project proposal 12
project proposal 12
Figure 25. 2x6 GLT floor during construction Figure 26. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed side splines installed
Figure 27. 2x6 GLT floor exposed surface before test Figure 28. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed surface before test
4.4.1 Instrumentation
Fiberglass insulated thermocouples (Type G/G-24-KK) were installed at three mid-span locations near each
spline type, indicated in Figure 24 as A, B, and C. Five thermocouples were installed at each location, as shown
in Figure 29. This included at the plywood and cement board interfaces, and at depths of 15, 25, and 50 mm, all
75 mm (3 in.) away from the joint. One thermocouple was also installed at each joint, at the top of the butt-joint
or beneath the plywood spline, at the edge of a panel. Thermocouples were installed on the unexposed side of
the floor in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101. Deflection was measured at nine points on the unexposed side.
6 mm gap
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 13 of 55
project proposal 13
project proposal 13
Figure 29. 2x6 GLT floor embedded thermocouple depths
4.5 2x8 GLT Floor
The 2x8 GLT floor, manufactured by Western Archrib (in Alberta), consisted of six Spruce-Pine panels using
melamine-formaldehyde (MF) adhesive conforming to glue-laminated timber standards [4]. The panels were
planed and factory sealed. In order to evaluate the performance of three different joints (which incorporated a
fixed 6 mm (¼ in.) construction gap), the panels were designed for either a 88 mm (3.5 in.) surface spline (Type
A), a 50 mm (2 in.) surface spline (Type B), or a butt-joint (Type C). For surface spline joints, a 38 mm (1 ½ in.)
deep notch was cut at each corner. The panels were 605 mm (1 ft. 11 ⅞ in.) wide. All panels were 4,845 mm
(15 ft. 10 ¾ in.) in length and 175 mm (6 ⅞ in.) deep (except at notches). The overall dimensions of the assembly
are shown in Figure 30.
The exposed face was unprotected. The unexposed side was covered with 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood and two
layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board to replicate a concrete topping. The plywood and cement board layout
and spline details for the 2x8 GLT test are given in Appendix V. The splines were installed with 76 mm (3 in.)
nails spaced 300 mm (12 in.) o.c., one on either side of the joint. The exposed and unexposed faces of the
assembly are shown in Figure 31 and Figure 32.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 14 of 55
project proposal 14
project proposal 14
Figure 30. 2x8 GLT floor dimensions and thermocouple locations, from unexposed side (dimensions in in.)
Figure 31. 2x8 GLT floor exposed surface before test Figure 32. 2x8 GLT floor unexposed surface before test
6 mm gap
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 15 of 55
project proposal 15
project proposal 15
4.5.1 Instrumentation
Fiberglass insulated thermocouples (Type G/G-24-KK) were installed at three mid-span locations near each
spline type, as indicated in Figure 30. Five thermocouples were installed at each location, as shown in Figure 33.
This included at the plywood and cement board interfaces, and at depths of 25, 50 mm, and 75 mm, all 75 mm
(3 in.) from the joint. One thermocouple was also installed at each joint, at the top of the butt-joint or beneath
the plywood spline, at the edge of a panel. Thermocouples were installed on the unexposed side of the floor in
accordance with CAN/ULC-S101. Deflection was measured at nine points on the unexposed side.
Figure 33. 2x6 GLT floor embedded thermocouple depths
5. RESULTS
5.1 X-LVL Wall
The X-LVL test was conducted on December 11, 2018 at NRC. A 200 kN/m load was applied. The initial
maximum deflection was 1.5 mm at mid-height. Around 1 h 20 min the first layer of gypsum was observed to
begin falling off. After 2 h the second layer began to fall off. The assembly failed structurally at 3 h 54 min due
to excessive out-of-plane deflection. A 3-h FRR was achieved. The maximum deflection at failure was 350 mm
at mid-height. Temperatures did not increase on the unexposed side. Average temperatures of the embedded
thermocouples are presented in Figure 34. The condition of the assembly after the test is shown in Figure 36,
Figure 37, and Figure 38.
Table 1 presents the average maximum temperature reached and the average time the 300oC temperature was
reached (to indicate charring had occurred) for each thermocouple depth. An average charring rate is also
given, which was calculated based on thermocouple depth and the average time to reach 300oC. The charring
rate was slower in the beginning of the test while the gypsum board was still in place. The assembly charred up
to the 90 mm depth. The joint temperatures are shown in Figure 35.
After the test, a cross-section was cut at the location of apparent deepest charring, near the bottom of the
furnace. The cross-section is shown in Figure 39. Furnace pressure is negative near the bottom of the furnace
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 16 of 55
project proposal 16
project proposal 16
and typically correlates to areas of deeper charring. The minimum residual depth was approximately 50 mm
(2 in.), suggesting that one LVL lamination was remaining.
Figure 34. LVL wall average thermocouple temperatures
Table 1. LVL wall average thermocouple measurements
GB/LVL 22 mm 45 mm 67 mm 90 mm 135 mm 180 mm LVL/GB
Unexposed
Maximum Temperature (
oC)
950 1,162 1,123 995 783 79 43 18
Time 300oC Reached
(min) 53.3 127.3 157.6 177.3 196.3 - - -
Charring Rate (mm/min)
- 0.30 0.43 0.54 0.63 - - -
Note: The onset of charring was taken as 53.3 min when calculating charring rates
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 17 of 55
project proposal 17
project proposal 17
Figure 35. LVL wall joint temperatures
Figure 36. X-LVL wall at the end of the test Figure 37. X-LVL wall exposed side after failure
Figure 38. X-LVL wall unexposed side after failure Figure 39. X-LVL wall cross-section
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 18 of 55
project proposal 18
project proposal 18
5.1.1 Encapsulation
Encapsulation time was taken as the time that the average of the thermocouples between the gypsum board
and the LVL on the exposed side increased 250oC or any one point increased 270oC, whichever is less, as is
currently being considered for acceptance into the NBCC for encapsulated mass timber construction [5] as per
the new standard test method CAN/ULC S146 [6] (under-development/review). The encapsulation time for two
layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board directly attached to the X-LVL was determined to be 47.4 min
based on a single point. The average time to reach 250oC was 49.7 min. The times, for 250oC and 270oC
temperature increases, were reached at each of the thermocouple location is given in Table 2. For other mass
timber products, such as CLT, using two layers of 12.7 mm (½”) Type X gypsum can increase fire resistance by 60
min [2].
Table 2. Encapsulation time for X-LVL wall
Thermocouple Location A B C D E Average
Time to 250⁰C (min) 47.8 52.4 46.3 48.2 53.8 49.7
Time to 270⁰C (min) 49.3 53.9 47.4 49.6 55.4 51.1
5.2 2x8 DLT Wall
The 2x8 DLT test was conducted on November 6, 2018 at NRC. A 450 kN/m load was applied. The initial
maximum deflection was 1.5 mm at mid-height. 1 h 20 min in to the test gypsum began to fall off. The
assembly failed structurally at 3 h 20 min due to excessive out-of-plane deflection. A 3-h FRR was achieved. The
maximum deflection at failure was 620 mm at mid-height. Temperatures on the unexposed side increased less
than 1oC. Average temperatures of the embedded thermocouples are presented in Figure 40. The condition of
the assembly after the test is shown in Figure 42.
Table 1 presents the average maximum temperature reached and the average time the 300oC temperature was
reached (to indicate charring had occurred) for each thermocouple depth. An average charring rate is also
given, which was calculated based on thermocouple depth and the average time to reach 300oC. The charring
rates were slower earlier in the test while the gypsum board was still in place. The assembly charred up to the
75 mm depth. The temperatures in the joint are shown in Figure 41.
After the test, the wall was disassembled. There was one spot where charring reached the unexposed side of
the DLT, but did not penetrate the gypsum board, shown in Figure 43 and Figure 44. The spot was located near
the bottom of the wall, where furnace pressure is negative. Boards were pulled apart to assess charring
throughout the assembly, as shown in Figure 45. The average residual depth varied from approximately 63
(2 ½ in.) to 75 mm (3 in.). A few other localized spots of deeper char penetration were noted.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 19 of 55
project proposal 19
project proposal 19
Figure 40. 2x8 DLT wall average thermocouple temperatures
Table 3. 2x8 DLT wall average thermocouple measurements
GB/DLT 15 mm 25 mm 50 mm 75 mm
181 mm DLT/GB
Unexposed
Maximum Temperature (
oC)
956 956 938 857 580 25 21
Time 300oC Reached
(min) 19.8 70.4 83.2 115.8 158.6 - -
Charring Rate (mm/min)
- 0.30 0.39 0.52 0.54 - -
Note: The onset of charring was taken as 19.8 min when calculating charring rates
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 20 of 55
project proposal 20
project proposal 20
Figure 41. 2x8 DLT wall temperatures at joint
Figure 42. 2x8 DLT wall exposed face after test Figure 43. 2x8 DLT wall burn-through
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 21 of 55
project proposal 21
project proposal 21
Figure 44. 2x8 DLT wall burn-through cross-section Figure 45. 2x8 DLT wall charring along length of board
5.2.1 Encapsulation
Encapsulation time was taken as the time that the average of the thermocouples between the gypsum board
and the DLT on the exposed side increased 250⁰C or any one point increased 270oC, whichever is less, as is
currently being considered for acceptance into the NBCC for encapsulated mass timber construction [5] as per
the new standard test method CAN/ULC S146 [6] (under-development/review). The encapsulation time for one
layer of 15.9 mm (⅝ in.) Type X gypsum board directly attached to the DLT was determined to be 16.9 min based
on a single point. The average time to reach 250oC was 18.1 min. The times, for 250oC and 270oC temperature
increases, were reached at each of the thermocouple location is given in Table 2.
Table 4. Encapsulation time for 2x8 DLT wall
Thermocouple Location A B C D E Average
Time to 250⁰C (min) 16.3 19.5 17.9 17.5 19.3 18.1
Time to 270⁰C (min) 16.9 20.4 18.5 18.0 20.0 18.8
5.3 2x6 DLT Wall
The 2x6 DLT test was conducted on February 21, 2019 at QAI Laboratories. A 121 kN/m load was applied (the
maximum applicable load of the test facility). The test was stopped after 2 h 8 min to conduct a hose stream
test; it had not reached structural failure by this point. At least a 2-h FRR was achieved. The assembly during
the test is shown in Figure 46 and Figure 47. A hose stream test was conducted in accordance with CAN/ULC-
S101 once the assembly was removed from the furnace. Typically a hose stream test is conducted on a
secondary assembly since the time of fire exposure prior to the hose stream test need only be half the time of
the FRR desired.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 22 of 55
project proposal 22
project proposal 22
Figure 46. 2x6 DLT wall during test Figure 47. 2x6 DLT wall exposed face during test
The maximum temperature increase on the unexposed side was 24oC. Average temperatures of the embedded
thermocouples are presented in Figure 48.
Table 5 presents the average maximum temperature reached and the average time the 300oC temperature was
reached (to indicate charring had occurred) for each thermocouple depth. An average charring rate is also
given, which was calculated based on thermocouple depth and the average time to reach 300oC. The assembly
charred up to the 50 mm depth. The temperatures in the joint are presented in Figure 49. There is some
uncertainty about the depth that the 15 mm joint thermocouple was ultimately installed at, it may have been as
deep at 38 mm. The temperatures at this thermocouple rose very quickly early in the test to match the furnace
temperatures; a gap was noted at the joint before the test.
The condition of the assembly after the test is shown in Figure 50 and Figure 51. Any loose char was removed by
the hose stream test, exposing one layer of the wood dowels. Following the test the wall was disassembled.
The gypsum board was removed; the condition of the joint from the unexposed side is shown in Figure 52.
Boards were pulled apart to assess charring throughout the assembly, as shown in Figure 53 and Figure 54. The
average residual depth was approximately between 50 and 60 mm. Near the joint, localized charring resulted in
a residual depth of between 35 mm to 50 mm.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 23 of 55
project proposal 23
project proposal 23
Figure 48. 2x6 DLT wall average thermocouple temperatures
Table 5. 2x6 DLT wall average thermocouple measurements
38 mm 50 mm 75 mm 100 mm Plywood 137 mm
Unexposed
Maximum Temperature (
oC)
658 635 247 90 38 40
Time 300oC Reached
(min) 69.4 87.5 - - - -
Charring Rate (mm/min)
0.55 0.57 - - - -
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 24 of 55
project proposal 24
project proposal 24
Figure 49. 2x6 DLT wall temperatures at joint
Figure 50. 2x6 DLT wall at the end of the test Figure 51. 2x6 DLT wall exposed surface after hose stream
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 25 of 55
project proposal 25
project proposal 25
Figure 52. 2x6 DLT wall joint after test Figure 53. 2x6 DLT wall charring of boards
Figure 54. 2x6 DLT wall charring of dowels
5.4 2x6 GLT Floor
The 2x6 GLT floor test was conducted on January 24, 2019 at NRC. A 4.8 kPa load was applied. The initial
maximum deflection was 6 mm at mid-span. The test ran for 2 h 32 min at which point the test was stopped
due to excessive deflection; structural failure was not reached. A 2-h FRR was achieved. The maximum
deflection at failure was 413 mm at mid-span. Temperatures on the unexposed side did not increase. Average
temperatures of the embedded thermocouples are presented in Figure 55. The embedded thermocouple depth
temperatures were generally consistent for each assembly, with temperatures slightly lower near the butt-joint
at the 25 mm (1 in.) and 50 mm (2 in.) depths. The floor assembly coming off the furnace is shown in Figure 56.
The condition of the assembly after the test is shown in Figure 57 and Figure 58.
Table 6 presents the average maximum temperature reached and the average time the 300oC temperature was
reached (to indicate charring had occurred) for each thermocouple depth. An average charring rate is also
given, which was calculated based on thermocouple depth and the average time to reach 300oC. The assembly
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 26 of 55
project proposal 26
project proposal 26
charred up to the 50 mm depth. The average temperature rise at the plywood surface was 33oC, and 8oC at the
cement board. The joint temperatures are presented in Figure 59.
A secondary objective of this test was to evaluate the performance of the different joint types. No flame-
through was observed at any of the joints, suggesting that all three details were sufficient. The thermocouples
at the Type C (butt-joint with a 6 mm gap) were 38 mm (1 ½ in.) deeper (closer to the unexposed surface) than
for the other two spline joints. Temperatures in the Type C joint increased by 61oC, whereas temperatures rose
more than 500oC in the other two joint types (Type A and B), thus suggesting that the butt joint performed the
best at preventing charring from occurring within the construction gap. Butt-joints are easier to construct since
no additional profiling of the panels is necessary nor is there a need to install a spline; from a construction and
cost standpoint, it is the preferred design.
After the test, the floor was disassembled. Figure 60 and Figure 61 show the condition of the assembly as the
layers of cement board were removed. A sample was cut at the butt-joint to assess charring within the joint,
shown in Figure 62. The average residual depth was approximately 50 mm, as shown in Figure 63. A few
localized spots of deeper char penetration, with a residual depth of 30 mm were noted.
Note: data not included for Type C location at 12.7 mm between 115 -120 min., and at 50 mm after 140 min, due to malfunction.
Figure 55. 2x6 GLT floor average thermocouple temperatures
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 27 of 55
project proposal 27
project proposal 27
Figure 56. 2x6 GLT floor removal from furnace Figure 57. 2x6 GLT floor exposed surface after test
Figure 58. 2x6 GLT floor unexposed surface after test, deflection
Table 6. 2x6 GLT floor average thermocouple measurements
15 mm 25 mm 50 mm Plywood Cement Board
Unexposed
Maximum Temperature (oC) 975 920 808 54 31 23
Time 300oC Reached
(min) 27.3 51.7 94.7 - - -
Charring Rate (mm/min)
0.55 0.48 0.53 - - -
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 28 of 55
project proposal 28
project proposal 28
Figure 59. 2x6 GLT floor temperatures at top of joints
Figure 60. 2x6 GLT floor localized smoke penetration through base layer cement board
Figure 61. 2x6 GLT floor removal of cement board. Localized charring at plywood joints.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 29 of 55
project proposal 29
project proposal 29
Figure 62. 2x6 GLT floor Type C joint (butt) after test Figure 63. 2x6 GLT floor residual depth
5.5 2x8 GLT Floor
The 2x8 GLT floor test was conducted on March 4, 2019 at NRC. A 7.2 kPa load was applied. The initial
maximum deflection was 11.5 mm at mid-span. Structural failure occurred at 3 h 8 min; failure originated in the
Type B panels. A 3-h FRR was achieved. The maximum deflection at the end of the test was 357 mm at mid-
span. Temperatures on the unexposed increased 4oC. Average temperatures of the embedded thermocouples
are presented in Figure 64. The embedded thermocouple depths were generally consistent for each assembly,
except at the 25 mm (1 in.) depth where there was some variability, which is indicated by the variability in the
average plot. The floor assembly coming off the furnace is shown in Figure 65. The condition of the assembly
after the test is shown in Figure 66.
Table 7 presents the average maximum temperature reached and the average time the 300oC temperature was
reached (to indicate charring had occurred) for each thermocouple depth. An average charring rate is also
given, which was calculated based on thermocouple depth and the average time to reach 300oC. The assembly
charred up to the 75 mm depth. The average temperature rise at the plywood surface was 30oC and 21oC at the
cement board. The joint temperatures are presented in Figure 67.
No flame-through was observed at any of the joints, suggesting that all three details were sufficient. The
thermocouples at the Type C (butt-joint) were 38 mm (1 ½ in) deeper (closer to the unexposed surface) than for
the other two spline joints. Temperatures in the Type C joint increased by 77oC, whereas temperatures rose
more than 350oC in the other two joint types (Type A and B). As in the 2x6 GLT floor test, the Type C joint (butt)
was the best performer because it limited temperatures within the construction gap. The condition of the Type
C joint after the test is shown in Figure 68 and Figure 69.
The sides of the panels were inspected after the test, but no sample was cut from the assembly. It was difficult
to assess the residual depth from the sides of the panels, because greater charring occurred within the
construction gaps. Figure 70 illustrates the condition of the Type B joint after the test.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 30 of 55
project proposal 30
project proposal 30
Note: Data not included for Type A and B location at 25, 50, and 75 mm after 170 min due to malfunction.
Joint Type A after 175 min and Type B after 180 min also removed.
Figure 64. 2x8 GLT floor average thermocouple temperatures
Figure 65. 2x8 GLT floor assembly removal from furnace Figure 66. 2x8 GLT floor exposed surface after test
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 31 of 55
project proposal 31
project proposal 31
Table 7. 2x8 GLT floor average thermocouple measurements
25 mm 50 mm 75 mm Plywood Cement Board
Unexposed
Maximum Temperature (
oC)
934 815 555 45 40 23
Time 300oC Reached
(min) 73.3 95.3 153.6 - - -
Charring Rate (mm/min)
0.34 0.52 0.49 - - -
Figure 67. 2x8 GLT floor temperatures at top of joints
Figure 68. 2x8 GLT floor condition of Type C joint (butt) Figure 69. 2x8 GLT floor charring along Type C joint (butt)
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 32 of 55
project proposal 32
project proposal 32
Figure 70. 2x8 GLT floor condition of Type B joint
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 33 of 55
project proposal 33
project proposal 33
6. CONCLUSION A series of five full-scale fire resistance tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of different types of
laminated mass timber elements with varying degrees of protection. All of the assemblies performed well with
no burn-through to the unexposed side during the tests. All of the assemblies achieved at least a 2-h FRR. A
summary of the results is presented in Table 8.
Table 8. Summary of laminated mass timber fire test results
Assembly Details
Protection Load
(% ratio) Structural
Failure
Fire Resistance
Rating
X-LVL wall 2 layers 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides
200 kN/m 3 h 54 min 3 h
2x8 DLT wall 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides 450 kN/m 3 h 20 3 h
2x6 DLT wall 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 15.9 mm (⅝ in.) Type X gypsum board on unexposed
121 kN/m > 2 h 8 min1
2 h
2x6 GLT floor 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 2 layers 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on unexposed
4.8 kPa > 2 h 32 min2
2 h
2x8 GLT floor 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 2 layers 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on unexposed
7.2 kPa 3 h 8 min 3 h
1 Structural failure not reached. Test duration 2 h 8 min.
2 Structural failure not reached. Test duration 2 h 32 min.
A summary of the maximum measured charring rates is given in Table 9, all of which stayed below 0.65 mm/min
which is the one-dimensional charring rate prescribed in CSA-O86 for solid timber, glulam, and SCL [2]. The
results suggest that the specified one-dimensional charring rate of 0.65 mm/min could be used for these types
of mass timber assemblies.
Table 9. Maximum measured charring rate
Assembly Details
Protection Maximum
Charring Rate (mm/min)
X-LVL wall 2 layers of 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides 0.63
2x8 DLT wall 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C gypsum board on both sides 0.54
2x6 DLT wall 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 15.9 mm (⅝ in.) Type X gypsum board on unexposed
0.57
2x6 GLT floor 1 layer of 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 2 layers 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on unexposed
0.55
2x8 GLT floor 1 layer 12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood, 2 layers 12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board on unexposed
0.52
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 34 of 55
project proposal 34
project proposal 34
REFERENCES
[1] "National Building Code of Canada," Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. National Research
Council Canada, Ottawa, ON, 2015.
[2] CSA, "CSA-O86-14: Engineering Design in Wood," CSA Standards, Mississauga, ON, 2014.
[3] CAN/ULC-S101-14. Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials, Toronto, ON: Underwriters
Laboratory of Canada (ULC), 2014.
[4] "CSA O122-16. Structural Glued-Laminated Timber.," CSA Group, Toronto, ON, 2016.
[5] "National Building Code of Canada Proposed Change 1027. NBC15 Div.B 3.1. Encapsulated Mass Timber
Construction," Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, 2017.
[6] "CAN/ULC S146. Standard Method Of Test For The Evaluation Of Encapsulation Materials And Assemblies Of
Materials For The Protection Of Structural Timber Elements. Under Development," Underwriters
Laboratories Canada Inc., Ottawa, ON, 2018.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 35 of 55
project proposal 35
project proposal 35
APPENDIX I – X-LVL WALL GYPSUM DETAIL
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 36 of 55
project proposal 36
project proposal 36
X-LVL Wall
Exposed Side Base Layer Gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 37 of 55
project proposal 37
project proposal 37
X-LVL Wall
Exposed Side Face Layer Gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 38 of 55
project proposal 38
project proposal 38
X-LVL Wall
Unexposed Side Base Layer Gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 39 of 55
project proposal 39
project proposal 39
X-LVL Wall
Unexposed Side Face Layer Gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 40 of 55
project proposal 40
project proposal 40
APPENDIX II – 2X8 DLT WALL GYPSUM DETAIL
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 41 of 55
project proposal 41
project proposal 41
2x8 DLT Wall
12.7 mm (½ in.) Type C Gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft.
Exposed Side
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 42 of 55
project proposal 42
project proposal 42
2x8 DLT Wall
Unexposed Side
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 43 of 55
project proposal 43
project proposal 43
APPENDIX III – 2X6 DLT WALL PLYWOOD AND GYPSUM DETAIL
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 44 of 55
project proposal 44
project proposal 44
2x6 DLT Wall
12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood Layout. Dimensions in ft. Unexposed Side
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 45 of 55
project proposal 45
project proposal 45
2x6 DLT Wall
15.9 mm (⅝ in.) Type X gypsum Layout. Dimensions in ft. Unexposed Side
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 46 of 55
project proposal 46
project proposal 46
APPENDIX IV – 2X6 GLT FLOOR DETAILS
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 47 of 55
project proposal 47
project proposal 47
2x6 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood layout. Dimensions in ft. Unexposed Side.
63 mm (2 ½ in.) 8d nails spaced 305 mm (12 in.) o.c. in both directions and in the field.
150 mm (6 in.) along edges. Installed 25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 48 of 55
project proposal 48
project proposal 48
2x6 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board base layer layout. Dimensions in ft. Unexposed Side.
32 mm (1 ¼ in.) wood screws spaced 200 mm (8 in.) o.c. around perimeter and 300 mm (12 in.) in the field.
25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 49 of 55
project proposal 49
project proposal 49
2x6 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board face layer layout. Dimensions in ft. Unexposed Side
32 mm (1 ¼ in.) wood screws spaced 200 mm (8 in.) o.c. around perimeter and in the field.
25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 50 of 55
project proposal 50
project proposal 50
2x6 GLT Floor
Spline Panel Details.
Spline Type A
Spline Type B
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 51 of 55
project proposal 51
project proposal 51
APPENDIX V – 2X8 GLT FLOOR DETAILS
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 52 of 55
project proposal 52
project proposal 52
2x8 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) plywood layout. Dimensions in in. Unexposed Side.
63 mm (2 ½ in.) 8d nails spaced 305 mm (12 in.) o.c. in both directions and in the field.
150 mm (6 in.) along edges. Installed 25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 53 of 55
project proposal 53
project proposal 53
2x8 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board base layer layout. Dimensions in in. Unexposed Side.
32 mm (1 ¼ in.) wood screws spaced 200 mm (8 in.) o.c. around perimeter and in the field.
25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 54 of 55
project proposal 54
project proposal 54
2x8 GLT FLOOR
12.7 mm (½ in.) cement board face layer layout. Dimensions in in. Unexposed Side.
32 mm (1 ¼ in.) wood screws spaced 200 mm (8 in.) o.c. around perimeter and in the field.
25 mm (1 in.) from edges.
SOLUTIONS FOR UPPER MID-RISE AND HIGH-RISE MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
Fire Resistance of Mass Timber Laminated Elements
Project No. 301013085 55 of 55
project proposal 55
project proposal 55
2x8 GLT Floor
Spline Panel Details.
Spline Type A
Spline Type B
project proposal 1
OUR OFFICES
Pointe-Claire
570 Saint-Jean Blvd.
Pointe-Claire, QC
Canada H9R 3J9
(514) 630-4100
Vancouver
2665 East Mall
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1Z4
(604) 224-3221
Québec
1055 rue du P.E.P.S.
Québec, QC
Canada G1V 4C7
(418) 659-2647
info@fpinnovations.ca www.fpinnovations.ca