Description

This report covers the second part of a research programme to develop a design method for loadbearing light timber framed walls for fire resistance. 

This report proposes a design procedure whereby results from pilot fire testing can be used to establish a starting point for design of a new wall system, and hence to design a prototype for a full-sized fire resistance test. This report also describes a new procedure whereby a previously tested wall may be subjected to a greater applied load, reducing the structural resistance time to a figure closer to but still greater than the minimum fire resistance requirement. This will enable more efficient use of materials in meeting fire resistance requirements.

The first part of this programme is published as BRANZ Study Report SR 036, entitled 'Design of light timber framed walls for fire resistance'.