Engineered Wood I-Beams Exposed to Fire Part two, new construction, nearly half of all new residential construction utilize engineered wood I-beams, these and other truss floor components are the norm for wood construction. Residential buildings built after 1990 are suspect for haven engineered wood I-beams or some type of truss floor system.
The hazards and risks of engineered wood I-beams is they burn rapidly due to a very high surface to mass ratio characteristic of kindling.
Just like a common truss, the engineered wood I-beam substitute geometry for mass to support the intended load. Engineered wood I-Beams rely on their depth for stability and allow for a reduction of material to carry the intended load. A reduction in mass means a much faster burn time and alot less time to structural failure.
Engineered Wood I-Beams Exposed to Fire Part two, just as a common truss, engineered wood I-beams are dependent on the bonds of its composite parts for stability. The adhesives used in engineered wood I-beams can quickly lose strength and integrity when damaged and weakened by heat exposure and flame impingement. Structural integrity will be compromised by improper cutting or notching of structural members during construcyion. The strength of a engineered wood I-beam is dependent on proper installation which may not be assured in construction practice.
A distinct building advantage of engineered wood I-beams is they can span up to sixty feet with out additional support. That sure will lead to much faster installation in itself, and less costly building material to the builder.
Engineered Wood I-Beams Exposed to Fire Part two, a bad thing is, theres no benefit to extinguish a burning truss, theres no repairing them. Often times the entire floor must be replaced. Fires involving the structural components of a building built with wood truss systems, including engineered wood I-Beams are usual a total loss.
Post 602 - 18 Oct. 2009
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Dale - Great info on engineered wood products. Builders and framers love them, but there are some definite downsides.