US model building codes recognize multiple construction types using mass timber. These code provisions stipulate, among other fire safety requirements, minimum fire-resistance ratings for building elements and fire protection of connections. Among the numerous means provided by building codes for establishing fire-resistance ratings, the calculation approach is the primary focus of this course. The AWC National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS) and the AWC Fire Design Specification for Wood Construction (FDS) provide the necessary design guidance for establishing the fire-resistance rating of wood building elements using the calculation approach. In this course, NDS and FDS provisions applicable to fire design of mass timber are presented. Examples of how these provisions can be used in design of wood members and connections are also given.
By the end of the course, you should be able to do the following:
- Examine model building code requirements for fire safety of mass timber construction.
- Identify code-referenced standards and other design guidance that can be used to demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements.
- Explore the content of these design standards and understand how to use the standards in fire design of mass timber structures.
- Specify fire protection for connections between fire-resistance-rated wood members.