International comparison of fire safety code on prevention of fire spread between buildings: Target at opening and façade

Abstract

Using wood as construction materials is important for sustainable living, and Japanese government has been promoting extensive use of wood as building materials recently. However, wood is a combustible material. Therefore, extensive use of wood in buildings also involves fire risks. On the other hand, the construction of larger-scale timber building is enabled recently in some foreign countries. In this study, we would like to examine the requirements of external fire spread between buildings by comparing methods and basis of their safety codes.