Timber and wood-based products are used consistently in both single family homes and low rise multi-residential timber-framed construction (MRTFC). However, owing to a perceived fires risk, their use in commercial buildings higher than two storeys is severely limited by Building Code of Australia (BCA) regulations. In addition, as a result of recent devastating bushfires the number of restrictions placed on timber used in and around buildings has increased.
A recent project investigated some fire-related issues that limit the use of timber and wood products in design and construction:
- Applications of timber in bushfire-prone areas
- Fire Hazard Properties for timber in Class 2 to 9 buildings
- Extension of Class 2 (MRTFC) timber concession to include Class 3 (resorts, hotels)
- Timber facades on Class 2 to 9 buildings
- Effects of thin veneers on fire retardant MDF substrate
Researchers also conducted multiple tests to increase our understanding of how different timber species and building methods respond to fire.
The project is helping the timber industry provide appropriate products for applications for which they have been either restricted or not used at all.