Fire Design Methods for Timber Frame Assemblies – an Improved Model for the Separating Function Method

In consequence of the revision of the Eurocodes, verification methods based on calculation models of the fire resistance of timber elements are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the aspiration of resource-efficient construction methods leads to the application of renewable materials - which are usually combustible - in multi-storey timber buildings. For timber elements, such as cross laminated timber (CLT) or timber frame assemblies (TFA), the possibilities to calculate the fire resistance according to EN 1995-1-2 (2004) are strictly limited. Manufacturer-neutral design methods lead to greater flexibility compared to producer specific approval documents. While the structural engineer already applies calculation-based verification methods for the load-bearing capacity of timber elements, calculation models for the separating function are often unknown or not used in practice. This paper describes a holistic and expandable calculation model for the Separating Function Method (SFM) which is applicable until 120 min fire resistance and further extensions for the practical use of the existing model in prEN 1995-1-2.     «

In consequence of the revision of the Eurocodes, verification methods based on calculation models of the fire resistance of timber elements are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the aspiration of resource-efficient construction methods leads to the application of renewable materials - which are usually combustible - in multi-storey timber buildings. For timber elements, such as cross laminated timber (CLT) or timber frame assemblies (TFA), the possibilities to calculate the fire...     »