2001 ASD Supplements - unprotected PDF - American Wood Council

PP-26OTHER CONSIDERATIONS6.3 Fire PerformanceVery few elements of modern structures can be called“fire-proof.” Even in buildings where the major structuralmembers are noncombustible, most of the furnishingsare flammable. It is for this reason that much of theattention in modern building codes addresses issues relatedto containing and limiting fires, rather than simplycalling materials combustible and noncombustible.While this topic is fairly complex for other types ofproducts, fire performance is relatively straightforwardfor poles and piles. Poles are generally used in cross-sectionalsizes that qualify as heavy timber construction inthe model codes. On this basis, timber poles compare favorablywith other construction materials in their performanceunder fire conditions. Piles are generally not exposedto fire conditions unless they extend substantiallyabove the groundline.This Supplement does not address fire performancein an all-inclusive manner — it is merely an attempt toalert designers to the need to address fire performanceissues in the design of their structures.AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL