Fire safety is an important concern in all types of construction. The high level of national concern for fire safety is reflected in limitations and design requirements in building codes. These code requirements and related fire performance data are discussed in the context of fire safety design and evaluation in the initial section of this course. Because basic data on fire behavior of wood products are needed to evaluate fire safety for wood construction, the second major section of this course provides additional information on fire behavior and fire performance characteristics of wood products. The course concludes with a discussion of fire-retardant treatments that can be used to reduce the combustibility of wood. (Publication Source: US Forestry Service, Wood Handbook, Chapter 18, April, 2010 Edition)

Topics: Fire Safety Design and Evaluation Types of Construction Ignition Sources and Flame Spread Exterior Fire Exposure in Wildland and Urban Settings Fire Growth Within Compartment Containment to Compartment of Origin Fire-Performance Characteristics of Wood Thermal Degradation of Wood Heat Release and Smoke Charring and Fire Resistance Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Pressure Treatments Performance Requirements Fire-Retardant Coatings Fire Test Standards

Intended Audience: This course is intended for Structural, Civil, Materials, Construction, Transportation, and other engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of wood as an engineering material.