Structural Fire Design-Statement on the Design of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Abstract

Recently, some comments about Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) appeared in journals, online press and lobby documents that highlighted “inconsistencies” of the product when it comes to its fire safe use. The actual document summarizes relevant fire characteristics of CLT, which were brought up, and addresses them accordingly with respect to common understanding, established experience, European standardization and available design guidance. This document shows that currently fire design is not fully covered by codes, but safe design is possible using additional sources as guideline and state of the art documents. The authors of this document share the opinion with CEN/TC 250/SC5/WG4 that fire safe design of CLT is achieved when actual state of the art guidance is followed.