Summary
Exploring the findings of a new study investigating the fire performance of fixings used to secure mechanical and electrical (M&E) services in timber buildings. Find out more about the study here.
As mass timber construction becomes increasingly important in delivering net-zero objectives, it is essential that fire safety guidance, standards and engineering solutions continue to evolve alongside its growing use.
One area that has received relatively little attention is the performance of fixings used to secure mechanical and electrical (M&E) services to timber ceilings during fire. Should these services become detached, they could create entanglement, electrocution and obstruction hazards for building occupants and emergency responders, while also affecting the performance of other building safety systems.
This webinar explored the findings of Preventing Firefighter and Evacuee Entanglement, Electrocution and Obstruction Risks in Timber Buildings on Fire, a study led by Professor James Glockling on behalf of ASBP and the Fire Service Research & Training Trust (FSRTT). The research investigated how different fixing systems perform under fire conditions and identified practical solutions that can improve resilience in mass timber buildings.
Key findings included:
- Heat conducted through fixings can weaken the surrounding timber and reduce retention strength before significant charring occurs.
- Longer, slimmer hardened-steel fixings demonstrated significantly improved performance.
- Larger-diameter fixings were found to lose performance more rapidly under fire conditions than some smaller alternatives.
- Testing under load is essential for understanding fixing behaviour and retention capability during fire conditions.
Professor Jim Glockling and Dale Kinnersley discussed the research findings, the implications for designers and fire engineers, and how the results could help inform future standards, guidance and best practice.
We were also delighted to be joined by Ashley Mather, Senior Fire Engineer, National Fire Chiefs Council and Nigel Rogers, Head of Product at Midfix. The study was funded by The Fire Service Research & Training Trust and supported by The RISCAuthority, with materials kindly donated from KLH and Midfix.
Chapters
00:00:00 An introduction to ASBP and an overview of the project funder, The Fire Service Research Training Trust – Simon Corbey, ASBP
00:07:57 Ashley Mather, The National Fire Chiefs Council – project supporter
00:13:01 Dale Kinnersley, Fire Protection Association/RISC Authority – project supporter
00:28:00 The test procedure and finding the solutions – Jim Glockling, Glockling Consulting
00:47:02 Reflection on the project Nigel Rogers, Midfix
00:52:50 Q&A