A model to predict fire resistance of non‐load bearing wood‐stud walls

The author has developed a series of computer models to predict the fire resistance of wood‐framed walls and floors. The models utilize two‐dimensional heat‐conduction equations and thermo‐physical property data to describe heat transfer through the assemblies. The model for wall assemblies WALL2D, the basic version of the wall model, has already been published in Fire and Materials. Recently, WALL2D has been extended to WALL2DN to analyse heat transfer through insulated walls and walls that experience openings at the joints between adjacent sheets of gypsum board. Since gypsum board shrinks at high temperatures, the joints between adjacent sheets of gypsum board open. Hot fire gases, thereby, enter the openings and heat the edge of the gypsum board and wood studs. The new model WALL2DN simulates the joint opening and describes the resultant effect of openings. The model also calculates heat transfer through insulation in the stud cavity and depicts the effect of insulation on the fire resistance of non‐load bearing wall assemblies. Insulation selected in WALL2DN is glass‐fibre insulation, rock‐fibre insulation, polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam. When walls are exposed to fire, the insulation in the cavity shrinks (and/or melts) and an empty space appears at the interface between insulation and gypsum board. The model simulates this shrinking behaviour of insulation in the cavity. Finally, the model was validated by comparing the predicted results to those from full‐scale standard fire‐endurance tests. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A model for predicting heat transfer through gypsum-board/wood-stud walls exposed to fire

To facilitate the development of cost-effective and flexible design options there is a need to develop models to predict the fire resistance of wood-frame building assemblies. Such assemblies often derive much of their fire resistance from a protective membrane composed of gypsum board. A simple two-dimensional computer model is presented to predict heat transfer through gypsum-board/wood-stud walls exposed to fire. Input data for the thermophysical properties of gypsum board were measured exploying standard bench-scale tests. Input data for wood were selected from the literature. Small-and full-scale fire resistance tests were conducted on gypsum-board/wood-stud wall assemblies to provide data for the validation of the model. The model is shown to predict heat transfer through these walls rather well.     

Thermal properties of gypsum plasterboard at high temperatures

Light timber frame wall and floor assemblies typically use gypsum‐based boards as a lining to provide fire resistance. In order to model the thermal behaviour of such assemblies, the thermo‐physical properties of gypsum plasterboard must be determined. The relevant literature and the chemistry of the two consecutive endothermic dehydration reactions that gypsum undergoes when heated are reviewed. The values determined for the thermo‐physical properties are modified to create smooth enthalpy and thermal conductivity curves suitable for input into a finite element heat transfer model. These values are calibrated within a reasonable range and then validated using furnace and fire test data. The type of plasterboard used in these tests is an engineered product similar to the North American type C board. The temperature at which the second dehydration reaction occurs is altered to be consistent with later research with little apparent affect on the comparison with test results. Values for specific heat, mass loss rates and thermal conductivity for gypsum plasterboard that are suitable for use in finite element heat transfer modelling of light timber frame wall and floor assemblies are recommended. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thoughts and observations on fire‐endurance tests of wood‐frame assemblies protected by gypsum board

Forintek Canada Corp. participated in a series of collaborative research projects with the National Research Council Canada and other organizations to determine fire‐resistance ratings for wood‐frame assemblies used in the construction of Canadian housing and small buildings. Over the course of those studies, Forintek's scientists observed a large number of full‐scale fire‐endurance tests on walls lined on both faces with gypsum board and floor assemblies with gypsum‐board ceilings. Those observations have given Forintek's researchers unique insights into the fire performance of wood‐frame assemblies and fire‐endurance testing. Those insights are the subject of this paper. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effects of subfloor and insulation type and thickness on the fire resistance of small‐scale floor assemblies

This paper discusses the results of 28 fire resistance tests conducted on unloaded insulated and non‐insulated, small‐scale frame floor assemblies using the ULC/ASTM fire exposure time–temperature curve. The frames used include either solid wood joist, wood I‐joist, parallel‐chord wood truss or steel C‐joists. Temperatures were measured throughout the assemblies. All frames were protected on the fire‐exposed side by Type X gypsum board, 16 mm thick. Parameters investigated in this study include the effects of subfloor type (plywood and oriented strand board), insulation type (glass, rock and cellulose) and insulation thickness (90 mm, 180 mm and full cavity). The impact of these parameters on the fire resistance performance of small‐scale floor assemblies is discussed. Copyright © 2000 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance of wood stud shear walls exposed to fire

This paper presents the results of seven full‐scale fire resistance tests conducted on load‐bearing gypsum board protected, wood stud shear wall assemblies. The experimental studies were conducted to determine the effects of placement of shear membrane and type of insulation on the fire resistance of such assemblies. Details of the results, including the temperatures and deflections measured during the fire tests, are presented. Results from the studies indicate that the placement of shear membrane and insulation type significantly influence the fire resistance of such wood stud shear wall assemblies. Copyright © 2000 Crown in the right of Canada.     

Sound‐transmission‐class and fire‐resistance ratings for wood‐frame floors

A collaborative government‐industry research programme was carried out at the National Research Council Canada to develop new sound‐transmission classes and fire‐resistance ratings for wood‐frame floor assemblies protected by gypsum‐board ceilings. Forintek Canada Corp., the Canadian Wood Council, and five manufacturers of wood I‐joists participated in the programme on behalf of the wood industry. Fire‐resistance ratings developed through the research programme range from 30 min to 1h: sound‐transmission classes range from 20 to 65. Many of the ratings will be published in the next edition of the National Building Code of Canada. This paper highlights some of those sound‐transmission class and fire‐resistance ratings and describes how they were derived from data obtained through the research programme. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determining thermal properties of gypsum board at elevated temperatures

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Center for Better Living have formed a collaboration to assess the performance and failure mechanisms of gypsum wall assemblies under real fires/furnace conditions. These measurements are being used to compile an experimental database necessary to validate models that could be used to predict their performance and ultimate failure under various design fires. A critical component of the database is thermal property data of gypsum board. The present paper describes the results of an effort to quantify thermal properties of gypsum board. The thermal conductivity specific heat mass loss and linear contraction for gypsum board types widely used in the U.S.A. and Japan were measured both at room temperature and at elevated temperatures. The gypsum board types tested include Type X and Type C from the U.S.A. and Type R and Type F from Japan. Results indicate that the difference in thermal properties of all gypsum board samples tested in the present study is not significant particularly at elevated temperatures. A large difference in linear contraction among gypsum board samples was observed at elevated temperatures, implying a significant difference in mechanical behavior at fire temperatures. The experimental data set provides valuable information that can be used to model the behavior of gypsum board at elevated temperatures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal modelling of gypsum plasterboard assemblies exposed to standard fire tests

Gypsum plasterboards are widely used for compartmentation and for retarding the spread of fire in buildings. Although numerous heat transfer studies have been conducted, literature indicates there are extensive differences in the thermal properties used in these studies. Comprehensive experimental and numerical analyses have been conducted to elucidate the leading factor in the ablation of a gypsum board system when it is exposed to the standard fire resistance test. A methodology based on both simultaneous thermal analysis and computational modelling is proposed to understand the behaviour of a gypsum plasterboard when the boundary temperature increases quickly as one side of the wall is subjected to the standard ISO 834. Finally, four different wall assemblies made of a commercial fireproof plasterboard system are exposed to the standard test. The temperature on the unexposed face is examined to validate the computational model of the plasterboard. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Advances in modelling heat transfer through wood framed walls in fire

Described in this paper are advances made in modelling heat transfer through wood framed walls in fire. Previously unpublished experimental results are also given. This type of modelling is used for the determination of the performance of fire safety systems, such as wood framed wall barriers, in accordance with new performance‐based building regulations being introduced around the world. Advances include a discrete modelling method for radiative heat transfer in cavities with re‐entrant corners and gaps formed by the shrinkage of stud cross‐sections. It has been shown that the formation of the gaps can prevent temperatures rising in the fire side of studs by as much as 100–200°C. A simple means of modelling heat transfer by the movement of moisture and vapour, involving the modification of conductivity values has been developed. Sloughing of gypsum board sheets has been satisfactorily modelled assuming that a sheet sloughs when the temperature on the surface opposite the fire reaches the melting point of glass fibres in the gypsum board; that is, approximately 700°C. Recommendations on thermal properties obtained independently by other researchers are presented. Overall, the advances improve temperature predictions and broaden the range of walls that can be modelled including staggered stud walls as well as ordinary cavity walls. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal properties of lightweight‐framed construction components at elevated temperatures

Fire resistance behaviour of lightweight‐framed assemblies is determined by defining the thermal and structural performances of the assembly when exposed to fire. To adequately model thermal behaviour in a lightweight wood‐framed assembly, thermal properties of the components of the assembly at elevated temperatures must be well defined. This paper presents results of measurements of thermal properties at elevated temperatures of construction materials commonly used to build lightweight wood‐framed assemblies that were conducted at the National Research Council of Canada since 1990. The test results, in graphical form, are given as a function of temperature for thermal conductivity, specific heat, mass loss and thermal expansion/contraction for wood, gypsum and insulation. In addition, the effects of temperature on the thermal conductivity, specific heat, mass loss and thermal expansion/contraction of these materials are discussed. Finally, in addition to providing a resource of information, this paper also identifies the additional thermal property tests required to complete the matrix of information. Copyright © 2005 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simplified correlations of gypsum board thermal properties for simulation tools

The current work proposes for the first time an integrated set of simplified correlations for the thermal properties, i.e. effective thermal conductivity, effective specific heat and effective density, of commercial gypsum boards as a function of temperature that can be easily incorporated in dedicated computational tools in order to simulate the fire behavior of a gypsum board. The proposed correlations are based on experimental data purposely performed in the frame of this work, as well as on literature experimental data and theoretical approximations. The applicability and the accuracy of the correlations are established by simulating the fire behavior of various types of gypsum boards exposed to different fire conditions. For the validation of the developed correlations, an in‐house developed code is utilized, taking into account thermal properties produced by the proposed correlations. The predictions are compared with two published sets of experimental data, as well as with one experimental data set performed in the current work. The results indicate that the proposed correlations can be reliably utilized in computational tools in order to accurately predict the fire behavior of commercial gypsum boards. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling thermal performance of gypsum plasterboard‐lined light timber frame walls using SAFIR and TASEF

Gypsum plasterboard is commonly used as a lining material on lightweight timber or steel framing. Gypsum contains moisture, both free and chemically bound in its crystal structure. The dehydration of the gypsum and decomposition of calcium carbonate absorb heat giving gypsum plasterboard fire resistant qualities. This paper discusses the suitability of the finite element heat transfer program SAFIR for modelling plasterboard‐lined light timber frame assemblies and its limitations. The default material properties in SAFIR for gypsum plasterboard do not give good results and ‘smoothing’ of enthalpy curves has insignificant effects on the results but substantially reduces processing time. Modelling with SAFIR gives similar results to prior modelling using the program TASEF with slight differences. Both programs give better overall results for slower developing fires and furnace tests than more rapidly growing fires. Reasonable, slightly conservative results for thermal analysis of heat transfer through the walls and into timber studs can be achieved using the parameters suggested in this paper. More sophisticated and detailed models incorporating mass transfer, effect of fasteners, gaps between lining sheets and ablation are required to achieve better comparisons. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of gypsum board type (X or C) on real fire performance of partition assemblies

This paper compares the responses of wall‐size partition assemblies, composed of either type X or type C gypsum wallboard panels over steel studs, when each was exposed to an intense room fire. The exposures lasted from the time of ignition to beyond flashover. Heat flux gauges provided time histories of the energy incident on the partitions, while thermocouples provided data on the propagation of heat through the partitions and on the progress toward perforation. Visual and infrared cameras were used to image partition behaviour during the fire exposure. Contraction of the seams of the two types of assemblies occurred under similar thermal conditions on the unexposed surface. However, there were noticeable differences in cracking behaviour. Reduced scale experiments were performed in conjunction with the real‐scale fire tests to provide insight into the contraction and cracking behaviour of the different gypsum board types. Results obtained from these experiments are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Temperature distribution in a nailed gypsum-stud joint exposed to fire

Performance of wood-stud walls depends on the integrity of nailed connections between the sheathing and the framing members. The performance of nailed connections has been studied at room temperature, but the effects of intense thermal loads, such as those from fire, are still poorly understood. This study examines the temperature distribution within nailed joints exposed to fire; this information is essential in modeling strength and stiffness of connections in wall systems. The finite-element method was used to determine the effects of wood density, nail size, and type of gypsum board on temperature distribution within a set of connections. Temperature distributions were verified in nailed joints exposed in fire tests conducted in accordance with ASTM E119-88. The principal path of heat flow through the connection was along the nail, rather than directly through the interface between gypsum board and wood. Wood species, type of gypsum board, and nail length did not change temperature distribution significantly.     

A numerical study of gypsum plasterboard behaviour under standard and natural fire conditions

Gypsum plasterboards are the most widely used passive fire protection for timber structures, especially in the case of light timber frame construction. Understanding the complex thermo‐physical behaviour of plasterboard at elevated temperature is vital in the performance‐based design of any structure adopting gypsum as passive fire protection (PFP). Numerous heat transfer studies have been conducted over the years where attempts have been made to simulate the fire performance of gypsum‐protected assemblies, subject to standard fire exposure. However, contradictory thermal properties for gypsum plasterboard are apparent throughout. As a result, it is unclear from a practitioner's perspective as to which studies represent reasonable properties for design purposes. In recognition of this the authors present a numerical study highlighting the consequences of adopting many of the differing property sets available in the literature, the sensitivity of temperature development resulting from deviations from the assumptions that underpin such properties, and the consequences of adopting plasterboard properties derived from standard fire tests, in natural fire situations. The study presents heat transfer simulations conducted using the finite element software TNO DIANA coupled with both laboratory and natural fire tests conducted on Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Engineered Floor Joists (EFJs). It is found from this study that plasterboard properties are highly sensitive to the assumed free and chemically bound moisture contents. Minor percentage changes are shown to have a significant influence on the temperature development of SIPs exposed to standard furnace fires, while some of the most accepted plasterboard properties available in the literature are found, in some cases, to be non‐conservative when adopted in simulations of SIPs. More interestingly, it is also found that the properties of plasterboard available in the literature, largely derived from standard fire tests, are not independent of the heating rate. As a result, when such properties are applied to natural fire problems significant inaccuracies can occur. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Charring of protected wood studs

The charring of wood studs has been studied in the cone calorimeter at constant heat flux 50 kW/m² and compared to data from full-scale furnace wall tests. The wood studs were unprotected or protected by gypsum plasterboards on the exposed side. Similar charring depths were found and the data analysed mainly in terms of fire exposure. A simple small-scale technique was developed to measure the heat transfer through protective boards and the charring depth of wood studs. These properties are essential for the load bearing capacity of wood frame structures. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fire protection of wood by different gypsum plasterboards

Cone calorimeter tests were performed on specimens made of pieces of wood and pieces of gypsum plasterboards protecting the wood against the heat. The thermal behaviour of the gypsum plasterboards of different origin was studied by determining the time to onset of charring and the charring rate of wood. The specimens were exposed to a constant heat flux of 50 kW/m². The test results show that the time to onset of charring is more dependent on the board thickness than the area weight of the boards. The charring rate is fairly well predicted both by the board thickness and area weight, the latter being slightly better as a prediction parameter. The mechanical board properties needed in order to fully understand the fire protection from gypsum plasterboards were not studied in this investigation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Fire performance of non-load-bearing double-stud light steel frame walls: Experimental tests,numerical simulation,and simplified method

Double-stud light steel frame (LSF) walls provide an enhanced insulation performance when exposed to fire conditions. However, the behavior of different configurations of such assemblies under fire is not well understood. Thus, this study aimed to assess the fire resistance of non-load-bearing double-stud LSF walls subjected to ISO834 standard fire. The walls were lined with one or two type F gypsum plasterboards on each side, using cavity uninsulated or insulated with ceramic fiber. The experimental tests revealed that a wider cavity slows the heat transfer through the cross-section, delaying the temperature rise on the unexposed surfaces. The use of ceramic fiber insulation substantially increases the fire resistance of the wall and when the cavity is partially filled with this material, if the blanket is placed towards the exposed side, enhanced insulation fire resistance is achieved. Based on the finite element method, a numerical validation was conducted using a special hybrid approach that used experimental temperature values inside the cavities or insulation blankets. This approximation was essential to improve the numerical results. Also, the employment of an air layer, located at specific regions of the models, helped to improve the numerical results, introducing an extra thermal resistance. A new simplified approach was proposed based on the improved design model available in the literature, and the results obtained are consistent with the experimental results. The predicted insulation fire resistance of the numerical and simplified methods agreed well with the experimental results and useful information is supplied to support further numerical and experimental studies.