Develop and Benchmark FDS Numerical Models to Simulate Fundamental Fire Behavior in CLT Structures

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used as the primary structural element for high-rise mass timber buildings. The mass timber buildings that are under construction are largely unprotected as they are not yet equipped with active or passive fire protection systems. With the addition of Types IVA, B, and C, the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) adopted stricter requirements for mass timber buildings that are under construction. However, to date, limited research has been conducted to demonstrate the impact of passive fire protection for CLT buildings that are under construction. To facilitate a better understanding of construction fires and their consequences, it is necessary to develop a numerical modeling solution for the early phases of a CLT construction project, which can be achieved by using building information models (BIM) together with fire dynamics simulation (FDS). Therefore, this study proposes a numerical modeling solution that uses the FDS tool to simulate and assess the fundamental fire behavior in CLT structures. The FDS models are developed and evaluated by benchmarking against the experimental data regarding compartment fire tests. The FDS analysis results are expected to validate the practicality of simulating fire behavior in CLT structures using the numerical model proposed in this study. The overarching goal of this study is to develop a comprehensive numerical modeling solution to simulate and assess fires in CLT buildings that are under construction.