Timber Façade Structures: Using Thermal Analysis to Prognosticate the Ignition Resistance of Flame-Retarded Timber

Abstract

The development of a methodological approach to detecting the presence of flame retardants in building materials and products and finding their concentration is an essential part of the performance evaluation of flame retardants for timber. The above issue is a relevant constituent of supervision over fire safety compliance at construction facilities. Thermal analysis was used in this research project to (1) detect the presence of flame retardants in timber, and (2) identify methods of their application. Comparative experiments were conducted to detect the presence and effectiveness of flame retardants applied to the surface and inner layers of specimens of timber planken (façade board) at a construction facility. Relevant values, characterizing the thermal decomposition of timber specimens, enable predicting the heat flux rate that triggers ignition. A quick test, conducted to check the flammability of specimens, confirmed the authors’ hypothesis. The study revealed principal (relevant) thermo-analytical criteria for the fire resistance of timber impregnated with combustion retardants using different methods of impregnation. A methodological approach to studying relevant thermo-analytical characteristics was developed to evaluate the efficiency of (1) fire resistance of timber products and (2) fireproofing techniques. Flammability and combustibility of timber impregnated with fire retardants was prognosticated. It was revealed that the proposed methodology can monitor the efficiency of fireproofing applied to façade structures made of pine timber.