Fire Testing of Glue-Laminated Beam-to-Column Connections

Abstract

Mass timber is increasing in popularity all over the world due to the advantages such as shorter erection time and lower carbon footprint. However, unlike other commonly used construction materials such as steel or concrete, wood is a combustible material. Beam-to-column connections provide building stability, regardless of construction material. The structural integrity of these connections during a fire can help maintain stability of the building throughout a fire and thereby improve the structural performance of a building during fire. Glue-laminated beam-to-column connections typically utilize steel plates and screws to transfer force demands. The presence of steel within wood connections can increase the complexity of the heat transfer mechanisms and therefore char rates. In addition, during the cooling phase of a fire, thermal wave propagation can continue through the joint in addition to the potential for smoldering. Due to all of these complexities, a research program was conducted to test three different glue-laminated beam-to-column connections under fire conditions (both heating and cooling phases). This paper summarizes the results as well as makes recommendations for future research due to gaps in knowledge.