This article in Canadian Consulting Engineer describes the most important innovations that were implemented at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George, BC to meet design and safety criteria.
Concentrating mainly on newer mass timber construction methods, such as cross-laminated timber, this article discusses how wood and timber materials have increased in popularity as building components. The article compares CLT reaction to fire and its fire resistance ratings to that of steel and concrete. Read the article here
When assistant deputy chief Ray Bryant heard about construction of the world’s tallest wood building in the world in Vancouver, his reaction was predictable. “I thought it was an insane idea,” Bryant said. As Len Garis and Karin Mark write, an understanding of the compartment-style construction changed Bryant’s mind and he now considers the student residence building extremely safe.
A building is never more vulnerable to fire than during its construction – particularly when exposed wood is present. But a growing focus on best practices in Canada and around the world could help reduce these risks and prevent these types of devastating construction-site fires.
Wood’s comeback as a construction material of choice is changing how we build in Canada. At the same time, the increased popularity of wood has drawn attention to the added fire risk during the earliest stage in a building’s life.
