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CLT PROVEN FIRE-RESISTANT IN TESTING

PERCEPTIONS THAT CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FIRE HAVE BEEN LAID TO REST FOLLOWING TESTING WORK ON U.S. CLT PRODUCT, SMARTLAM.

It is understood a third-party testing laboratory has recently released a report on fire resistance testing on SmartLam CLT wall and floor panels.

The test protocol entailed ensures the material being tested will sustain the test without passage of flame and that the transmission of heat will not exceed 181 degrees Celsius on the unexposed (non-burning) side of the CLT slab.

SmartLam 5-ply CLT passed the 2-hour fire resistance test, a building industry benchmark and quality assurance point for fire resistance testing. The next possible measurement for fire resistance would be to pass a 3-hour test.

The SmartLam results are significant because so-called “naked” CLT was used, meaning no additional joint sealants or toppings were used in the process, neither were mechanical fasteners deployed to lengthen the test time of the CLT.

The results demonstrate the structural durability/integrity of CLT during a fire, while CLT enhancements such as fire resistive caulking, flame retardant treatments or concrete toppings can also be used to extend fire protection well beyond the 2-hour baseline. ■


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