Advanced wood building systems form a significant market opportunity for use of wood in taller and larger buildings, which are currently required to be of non-combustible construction in accordance with provisions set forth in Part 3 of Division B of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC).
In order to evaluate the surface burning characteristics of massive timber assemblies, flame spread tests on CLT assemblies have been conducted in accordance with ULC S102 test method. Three series of 3-ply CLT panels of 99 mm in thickness, V2 stress grade as per ANSI/APA PRG-320 (i.e., manufactured with Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) lumber) have been evaluated for flame spread and smoke developed classification. Fully exposed CLT specimens (99 mm) provided much lower flame spread ratings (FSR of 40), when compared to thinner similar products.