Which construction type is associated with a high content of wood in structural members that can contribute to fire intensity?

Which construction type is associated with a high content of wood in structural members that can contribute to fire intensity?

• A. Type I
• B. Type II
• C. Type III
• D. Type IV

Answer: (D)

Heavy timber construction uses large, solid wood members for the main structural framework. That means a high content of wood in the structural system, which serves as a substantial fuel source during a fire and can drive higher heat release and more intense involvement of the structure. While the thick timber can develop a protective char layer that helps preserve the member’s integrity for a time, the overall amount of wood present means more energy is available to feed the fire, increasing fire intensity. Other construction types rely on noncombustible materials for the structure (and thus have less fuel load) or mix noncombustible exterior walls with interior wood, but they don’t contain the same mass of wood in structural members as heavy timber does. So the description matches heavy timber construction.

Heavy timber construction uses large, solid wood members for the main structural framework. That means a high content of wood in the structural system, which serves as a substantial fuel source during a fire and can drive higher heat release and more intense involvement of the structure. While the thick timber can develop a protective char layer that helps preserve the member’s integrity for a time, the overall amount of wood present means more energy is available to feed the fire, increasing fire intensity. Other construction types rely on noncombustible materials for the structure (and thus have less fuel load) or mix noncombustible exterior walls with interior wood, but they don’t contain the same mass of wood in structural members as heavy timber does. So the description matches heavy timber construction.