Mechanical properties of wood in fire

Summary

The mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) of wood are influenced by the temperature. Eurocode 5 (EN 1995-1-2:2004) gives simplified relationships for mechanical properties of wood as a function of the temperature. These relationships are the basis for advanced calculation methods (e.g. combined thermo-mechanical finite element analysis). In the literature, other relationships can be found that in some cases appear in conflict with the relationships according to Eurocode 5.
In the frame of the ongoing revision of Eurocode 5, the question was raised if the relationships for temperature-dependent mechanical properties of wood given in Eurocode 5 still represent state of the art. The aim of the project is the verification and, if needed, a proposal for the modification of the simplified relationships. The main tools for the project execution are fire resistance tests in model and full-scale combined with thermo-mechanical finite element simulations.

Support

This project is kindly supported by the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), Construction WG Subgroup Fire.