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Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quizonline at ronblank.com to receive creditFR Wood in Today’s Buildings© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2009awp06iAn AIA ContinuingEducation ProgramCredit for this course is1 AIA HSW CE Hour5660 New Northside Dr NW., Suite 1100 /Atlanta, GA 30328 / Phone: 678-627-2280jrvirnich@archchemicals.com / useFRTW.com

An American Institute of Architects (AIA)Continuing Education ProgramApproved Promotional Statement:Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute ofArchitects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of thisprogram will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates ofCompletion are available for all course participants upon completion of the courseconclusion quiz with +80%.Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBAThis program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuingprofessional education. As such, it does not include content thatmay be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement bythe AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material ofconstruction or any method or manner of handling, using,distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

An American Institute of Architects (AIA)Continuing Education ProgramCourse Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with afinal exam.Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE HourCompletion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you canprint one upon successful completion of a course or from yourRonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receivingyour Certificate please send requests to certificate@ronblank.comDesign professionals, please remember to print yourcertificate of completion after successfully completing acourse conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sentto the email address you have provided in yourRonBlank.com account.Please note: you will need to complete the conclusionquiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit

Course DescriptionFire resistant (FR) wood products are essential to reducing injuryand damage resulting from fires. This one hour online courseallows the design professional to develop and understanding of thepurpose and application of FR wood. This course also highlightsthe manufacturing process, FR wood features and required codespecification. Designers will be able to identify where FR wood isused and possible new design options. This course will concludewith a brief 10 question quiz.

Learning ObjectivesAt the conclusion of this course, the participantwill be able to:1. Describe FR wood and how it works2. Identify what the model codes require3. Describe how FR wood is manufactured4. Review the features of FR wood5. Identify where FR wood is used and how itis specified6. Examine design options

FR wood products are not newbut they can provide a numberof present-day benefits

FR Wood in Today’s Buildings• Traditional applications• New opportunities with engineered wood products (EWPs)• Urban Wildland Interface requirements• Retrofit of existing buildings

The Purpose of Fire Retardant WoodTo reduce injury and damage resulting fromfiresPrimarily by• Reducing the spread of flames and smokedevelopment• Showing no significant progressivecombustion in a 30-minute test

Reasons for FR Wood SpecificationMeet building codes with an acceptablesubstitute for noncombustible material• Limit damage in buildings with valuable contents• Protect buildings remote from fire protectionservices• Safety measure — increase escape time• Avoid sprinklers• Bring existing buildings up to code• Add fire protection to light construction

• Schools• Hotels• Airports• Military bases• Shopping centers• Restaurants• Sports stadiums• Multi-family homes• Museums• Convention centersTypical Buildings

Types of Treatments• Pressure-treated: Interior― Must be shielded from directprecipitation―FR is water-soluble• Pressure-treated:――ExteriorCan be exposed to weatherUseful for meeting Urban WildlandInterface codes• Surface-applied treatment― Shielded from direct precipitation― Especially for OSB, EWPs, andretrofits

Common ApplicationsInterior FR Wood• Trusses• Roof sheathing• Wall sheathing• Interior framing• Backing for mechanicalpanels• Blocking for hand rails,wall fixtures• Stairwell constructionInterior FR wood should notbe exposed to continualwetting

Common ApplicationsExterior FR Wood• Exterior decks• Balconies• Stairways• Shakes & shingles• Siding• Trim & molding• Open air roof systems• Soffit & fascia• Construction staging• ScaffoldingExterior FR wood should not beused in attic space environmentsor in ground contact

FR Wood in Noncombustible Type Construction• Model codes permit use of FR wood in specificcomponents and/or locations as an alternatefor noncombustible materials in cases wherecombustible materials, including untreatedwood, are not permitted• Type IV Heavy Timber (HT) constructionpermits untreated wood of sufficientdimensions

Authoritative Sources Recognizing FR Wood• Code evaluation organizations‣ IAPMO Evaluation Service‣ ICC Evaluation Service• American Wood Protection Association (AWPA)‣ Standard P17 Fire Retardant Formulations‣ Standard U1 covers treating procedures; commodityspecification H focuses on fire retardants• Factory Mutual

Model Code RequirementsPressure-Treated Interior FR Wood• Flame Spread index≤ 25 and no significantprogressive combustionwithin 30 minutes• Smoke Developed index ≤ 450• Within hygroscopic limits• Strength-tested at high temperatures• Production QC monitored by third-party agency; must bean accredited organization to be acceptable

Model Code RequirementsPressure-Treated Exterior FR Wood• Flame Spread index≤ 25 and no significantprogressive combustionwithin 30 minutes• Smoke Developed index ≤ 450• Within hygroscopic limits• Production QC monitored bythird-party agencyAfter undergoing ASTM D 2898 AcceleratedWeathering Test (800-inch rain test)

Performance Needed to MatchPressure-Treatment:Surface-Applied FR Wood• If a surface treatment can meet the sameperformance parameters as pressure treatment, itwill satisfy most code officials.• The following are performance criteria for interiorpressure-treated wood. There are two other coderequirements for pressure treatments, but surfaceappliedtreatment is a coating so pressureimpregnationis not necessary. It is not saturatedduring treating process, so KDAT is not necessaryeither.

Performance Needed to MatchPressure-Treatment:Surface-Applied FR Wood• Flame Spread index≤ 25 and no significantprogressive combustionwithin 30 minutes• Smoke Developed index ≤ 450• Within hygroscopic limits• Strength-tested at high temperatures• Production QC monitored by third-party agency

The Tunnel TestPart of three similar protocols:ASTM E 84, UL 723, NFPA 255Determines Flame Spread& Smoke DevelopedThe heart of qualifying as FR wood is a Tunnel Test.Test procedure described in three similar protocols.Wood is placed in tunnel. There is visualdetermination of flame spread; sensors measuredensity of smoke.

Tunnel Test Determines Flame Spread Index• Flame spread number is an index – a comparison toresults from asbestos cement board (rated zero) anduntreated red oak (rated 100).• All wood is not the same in burning characteristics.Here are results of tests for various species. Becauseof these differences, it can be important that atreatment is tested on a species it is likely to be usedwith, rather than on an unlikely species with inherentlylow flame spread.• Materials are classified as Class A, B, C, depending onflame spread in tunnel test lasting 10 minutes.

Tunnel Test Determines Flame Spread IndexFlame Spread Index Determines Class100Wood must be Class Ato substitute fornoncombustiblematerials.0Untreated red oakClass C 76-200Examples ofuntreated 75 wood:Class B 26-75Class A 0-25Asbestos cement boardEngelmann Spruce 55Western Red Cedar 69Douglas Fir 90Maple 10425Ponderosa Pine 1050

Flame Spread vs. Fire ResistanceConfusion exists between flame spread and fire resistance.They are different.FR wood has a flame spread rating.FR wood does not, by itself, have an hourly fire resistance rating,however:– If assembly has been tested with untreated wood, you cansubstitute FR wood & get same resistance rating without retesting.– Some assemblies may meet requirements for fire resistance,but can’t be used because they contain combustiblematerials – FR wood can qualify the assembly.

Flame Spread vs. Fire ResistanceFlame SpreadHow quickly flame travels across the surface of amaterialDetermined by tunnel test of surface burningcharacteristicsFire ResistanceHourly fire endurance rating of assemblies, such asdoors, walls, ceilings, and floorsDetermined by testing in accordance with ASTM E 119and E 136Not every variation of every assembly has been tested,so many codes accept the Component Additive Method(CAM) for calculating fire resistance

An example …Using CAMComponentStuds 16″ on center5/8” plywood – interiorRockwool or slag mineral woolbatts weighing not less than¼ lb./sq. ft. of wall surface½″ gypsum boardTime/Min.20151515Assembly Total1 hour 5 min.Add the accepted resistance values of eachcomponent and get a rating for the assembly.Details on CAM available from AmericanWood Council and others

FR Wood Increases Design Flexibility~ Sprinklers ~There are instances when FR wood providesdesigners with more choices.For example, sprinklers. Use of FR wood maypreclude installation of sprinklers. This is handyin places housing artwork or electronicequipment, where inadvertent activation ofsprinklers could cause substantial damage.

FR Wood Increases Design Flexibility~ Sprinklers ~Section 8.15.1.2.11 of NFPA 13 Standard:Concealed spaces in which the exposed materialsare constructed entirely of fire-retardant treatedwood as defined by NFPA 703 … shall not requiresprinkler protection.NFPA 13 is referenced by IBC and satisfies theLife Safety Code.

FR Wood Increases Design Flexibility~ Parapets ~Codes often require fire walls in multi-familybuildings to extend through roof.

FR Wood Increases Design Flexibility~ Parapets ~But, by using FR panels on roof on both sides ofcommon walls, this may eliminate requirement forparapets. This can provide a more homey appearance,and fewer roof penetrations so less chance of leaks.IBC:In Type III, IV, and V construction of R-3dwellings, parapet not required if FR panelsextend 4’ on both sides of fire wall.Allows for unbroken, continuous roof line

How Does FR Wood Work?• Passive and automatic attemperatures below 450 o F.• Fire retardant chemicalsreact with combustiblegases and tars andconvert them to carbonchar. This allows the woodto maintain its strengthlonger in a fire.Char insulates underlying woodand slows destruction.• Fire retardant chemicals release carbon dioxideand water vapor which dilute the combustiblegases to help reduce flame spread.

Production of Pressure-Treated WoodAt a wood-treating plant, commonspecies of lumber, timbers, and plywoodare loaded onto tramsand pushed into a largehorizontal treatingcylinder.

Lumber and Plywood Sizes• Size is limited only by treating plant’s abilityto treat, dry, and handle• All common lumber sizes can be treated• All thicknesses of plywood can be treated

Treatable Species• Several species can meet treatingrequirements for lumber and plywood,but typically only one or two areavailable in any particular area.• Accepted species are listed in AWPAStandards or code evaluation reports.

Steps in the Treating ProcessStep 1Dry wood is loaded into cylinderStep 2Initial vacuum pulls out airStep 3Liquid fire retardant chemicalsfill cylinder

Steps in the Treating ProcessStep 4Pressure forces fire retardantchemicals into woodStep 5Remaining liquid emptied for later useStep 6Final vacuum removes excess liquid

Dried After TreatmentCodes require drying to amaximum moisture contentof 15% for plywood, 19%for lumber.This is especially importantfor exterior FR woodbecause heat is neededto lock the chemical in thewood.

Dried After Treatment• Sticks are placed between layers of wood toensure air flow across material.• Temperature limits areimposed to avoiddamage to the woodduring drying.• KDAT process, as wellas treating process, isthird-party monitored.• After treating and drying, strength values maybe different for different brands. Check withmanufacturer when designing with FR wood andwhen allowing brand substitutions.

Quality Control Programs• Fire retardant chemical manufacturers• Maintain QC programs to ensure:−Compliance with qualified third-party program−Highest quality of fire retardant chemicals• FR wood treaters• Perform QC checks for retention, penetration, anddrying schedules• Third-party inspection agencies• Monitor entire production process• Required to meet codes

Use & Handling• Proper Handling• FR wood & wood dust are no more hazardous than untreatedwood• Proper Use• Should not be used in ground contact• Exterior types should not be installed indoors in attic environments• Proper Storage• Protect from physical damage• Use a wrap or covered storage to shield wood from precipitation• Proper Disposal• Dispose in accordance with local, state and federal regulations• Typically, FR wood is not considered a hazardous material andcan be disposed of by regular means

Surface-Applied FR Wood Products• Field-Applied CoatingsSuitable for historical retrofits, upgrading structures,and emergency protection• Factory-Applied Coatings– Coatings with performanceequivalent to pressuretreatment are acceptablein many applications– Can be used to protect EWPs

Factory-Coated OSB for Sheathing• Panels usually coated on one side and four edges −install coated side facing potential fire source• Generally no reduction in strength, but check withmanufacturer for possible change in design values• Economical alternative to FR plywood

Surface-Applied Treatments Differ• Did the coated wood pass the extended30-minute tunnel test?• Was the coating tested on a comparablespecies to that being used?• Has it undergone high-temperaturestrength testing?• Is application QC monitored by aqualified third party?• Has an evaluation report been issued?If YES to all, you can specify withconfidence.

FR Wood & The Environment• Basic material is wood, a sustainable naturalresource• Plentiful species grown on managedtimberlands• Low-energy requirements for production• Absorption and sequestering of carbon −reduced generation of greenhouse gases• Insulation value − thermal, acoustical,electrical• Treatment extends service life of wood

Green Building Rating Systems• Currently no credits for treatment, unlesstreated wood is accepted as an InnovativeProduct• Can be specified to be certified wood• Other credits possible for wood attributes,particularly in Green Globes ®and NationalGreen Building Standard

Design IssuesThe following considerations can influence thespecification of FR wood:• Building code requirements• Fire concerns• Architectural details, such as avoidance ofsprinklers, parapets• Strength values• Material & installation costs• Ease of jobsite modification & laterrepair/remodeling

SpecificationsThe following points can be included in aspecification of FR wood:• Application, interior or exterior• Qualification tests & ratings• Quality control monitoring• Species• Warranty• Brand nameThree-part model specs available on Internet from manufacturers

?• If a fuel source is present, FR wood will burn.• The important fact to remember is that FR woodwill not support a fire.FR Wood FAQsWill FR wood burn?

?FR Wood FAQsWhat is the difference betweenflame spread vs. fireresistance?• Flame spread is how quickly a fire travels across thesurface; fire resistance is how fast a fire burns throughthe cross section.• For calculating the fire resistance rating for a wallassembly, refer to the Component Additive Method(CAM). This method entails adding the resistancerating of individual components to qualify aresistance rating for the assembly.

?FR Wood FAQsDoes a Class A rating requirethe extended 30-minute test?• To qualify for Class A, a material must have a FlameSpread index of 0-25 and a Smoke Developed index of0-450 in the 10-minute tunnel test. It does NOT have toundergo the 30-minute test.• However, to meet model code requirements for FRtreated wood, a material must not exhibit progressivecombustion in the extended 30-minute test. Class Ais not sufficient by itself.

?Yes. Follow the same procedures you would forpainting or staining untreated wood. However,flammability of the finish should be considered beforeapplication. Follow manufacturers’ recommendations.FR Wood FAQsCan it be painted or stained?

?FR Wood FAQsIs there a reduction instrength compared tountreated wood?The pressure-treating and drying processes cause areduction in strength that varies with treatment,species of wood, applications, and specific properties.With fire retardant coated OSB, it is likely that noreduction is necessary. Check with manufacturer fordetails.

?FR Wood FAQsWhat type of fasteners shouldbe used with FR wood?Galvanized steel hardware is recommended. Althoughthe FR treatment does not increase the corrosion ofbare steel, the galvanizing process provides an extramargin of safety, particularly in wet environmentssuch as with exterior FR wood.

?FR Wood FAQsCan I cut FR wood?Yes. Cutting lengths, drilling holes, and light sandingare permissible. It is not necessary to field-treatcut ends to maintain the flame spread rating. Mostspecies of FR lumber should not be ripped or milled.FR plywood and OSB can be ripped or cross-cut.

Learning Objectives SummaryBy now, you should be able to:1. Describe FR wood and how it works2. Identify what the model codes require3. Describe how FR wood is manufactured4. Review the features of FR wood5. Identify where FR wood is used and how itis specified6. Examine design options

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quizonline at ronblank.com to receive creditFR Wood in Today’s Buildings© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2009awp06iAn AIA ContinuingEducation ProgramCredit for this course is1 AIA HSW CE Hour5660 New Northside Dr NW., Suite 1100 /Atlanta, GA 30328 / Phone: 678-627-2280jrvirnich@archchemicals.com / useFRTW.com