Mass Timber structures post-fire - Interim report - Case studies of repair after a fire with sprinkler suppression

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

Interim report presents case studies addressing how to repair and recertify mass timber structural systems after a fire event, specifically considering subsequent water damage introduced by sprinkler suppression. It outlines the research context, explains the gap in technical guidance identified through a Phase 1 literature review and gap analysis, and sets an overall goal to develop practical repair and recertification guidance. The work compiles research activities up to the application of repairs to fire-damaged timber, supporting safer decisions for occupants, firefighters, and property protection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages57

Reading Time2 h 24 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

1 Introduction

2 Research goal

3 Experimental test program

3.1 Fire tests

3.2 Specimens

INTERIM REPORT – Mass Timber structures post-fire: Case studies of repair after afire with sprinkler suppression Final Report by: Daniel Brandon, Jonas Niklewski, Konrad Wilkens, and Panos Kotsovinos Halliwell Fire Research London, England, United Kingdom December 2025 © 2025 Fire Protection Research Foundation 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, [MA 02169 | Web: www.nfpa.org/foundation | Email: foundation@nfpa.org](MA 02169 | Web: www.nfpa.org/foundation | Email: foundation@nfpa.org) Foreword With mass timber structural systems being increasingly used in tall and large buildings, the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) initiated a series of research projects to help address fire safety challenges of mass timber buildings. Previously completed projects include a review of mass timber building fire performance, identification and prioritization of research needs, and experimental and modelling works to quantify the contribution of cross laminated timber (CLT) building elements to compartment fires. These projects focused on fire safety and protection of occupants, fire fighters, and property during a fire. A topic that has not been well addressed is the repair of mass timber after a fire event. Mass timber buildings are expected to resist significant structural failure or collapse during and after a fire. However, as a Phase 1 literature review and gap analysis showed , there is a lack of technical information and guidance on how to repair andrecertify a mass timber structure after a fire. Therefore, the FPRF is undertaking this research program with an overall goal to develop guidance on repair and recertification of mass timber structures after a fire with subsequent water damage. This serves as the first report of this study and documents the research up through applying the repairs to the fire damaged timber. The Fire Protection Research Foundation expresses gratitude to the report authors Daniel Brandon, Jonas Niklewski, Konrad Wilkens, Panos Kotsovinos , who are with Halliwell Fire Research located in London, England, United Kingdom. The Research Foundation appreciatesthe guidance provided by the Project Technical Panelists, the funding provided by the project sponsors, and all others that contributed to this research effort. The content, opinions and conclusions contained in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Fire Protection Research Foundation, NFPA, Technical Panel or Sponsors. The Foundation makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein. About the Fire Protection Research Foundation The Fire Protection Research Foundation plans, manages, and communicates research on a broad range of fire safety issues in collaboration with scientists and laboratories around the world. The Foundation is an affiliate of NFPA. About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free. Keywords: mass timber, fire testing, post-fire repair Report number: FPRF-2025-12 Project Manager: Amanda Kimball Project Technical Panel Carl Baldassarra, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates David Barber, Arup Ken Bush, Marland State Fire Marshal’s Office (IFMA Representative) Bruce Campbell, Jensen Hughes Christian Dagenais, FPInnovations Robby Dawson, NFPA Sean DeCrane, IAFF Erica Fischer, Oregon State University Ben Johnson, SOM Matt Hoehler, NIST Pay Layton, Clemson Steven Lohr, Retired Fire Chief, Hagerstown, MD Fire Depar

FAQs

What problem does this interim report address for mass timber buildings after a fire?

It addresses the lack of technical information and guidance on how to repair and recertify a mass timber structure after a fire, including the effects of subsequent water damage from sprinkler suppression.

What is the overall goal of the research program described in the report?

To develop guidance on repair and recertification of mass timber structures after a fire, accounting for subsequent water damage.

What does the interim report include in terms of research progress?

It documents research up through applying the repairs to the fire-damaged timber, supported by experimental work such as fire tests and specimen information.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Đào

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