Fire Performance

Timber has the unique property of forming a charcoal layer on the surface, which slows down the rate of burning.  In this way, timber retains its strength and shape for some considerable time in a fire.  Large section Glulam members will not burn out by themselves but need an external flame source to continue burning.  Unprotected metals, while rated non-combustible, lose their strength quickly under fire and collapse suddenly. » The rate of charring for Glulam beams has been established by controlled testing and can be calculated at .65 mm per minute.  Thus, in half an hour a large section Glulam beam will sustain 20mm of char on surfaces exposed to flame. » The fire resistance of timber increases as the structural size increases and the exposed area ratio decreases. » When a fire is brought under control; before major damage occurs, Glulam members will frequently still be usable; subject to cosmetic repairs. » Even though timber does burn, any contribution from a burning structure to the fire is insignificant compared with the contribution of the building’s contents which constitute the main fire load. » These factors clearly show that Red Stag TimberLab Glulam structural systems provide fire-safe buildings.  International building codes therefore provide calculation formulae for the design of fire-resistant Glulam members commercial jumping castle for sale.