Chapter 4 - Notes

Question 1

Large wood members have greater resistance to fire than unprotected steel. T/F

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In heavy timber frame construction, wood columns do not rest directly on floor beams. T/F

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What are fire cut beam ends?

Answer 3

Beam ends cut at an angle and then inserted into the outer wall so that if it burns in a fire, it won’t topple the supporting wall when it falls.

Question 4

Why does Heavy Timber construction receive relatively favorable treatment from building codes and insurance companies?

Answer 4

Because of their greater capacity to absorb heat, large timbers are much slower to catch fire and burn than smaller pieces of wood. When exposed in fire, a beam will continue to support its load long after a steel beam would. If the fire isn’t too long, beams can be sandblasted to remove char and continue in service. It’s one-hour fire-resistance rating is equivalent to steel, concrete, or masonry.