Enhancing fire resistance of glulam columns with modified laminas via resin impregnation and compression

Abstract

Wood's vulnerability to combustion compromises its structural integrity during fire incidents, primarily due to a decrease in effective cross-section area. This study investigates the efficacy of impregnation Chinese fir lumbers with a 30 % concentration of borate-containing phenol–formaldehyde resin, coupled with a 30 % compression treatment, employed as exposed side laminas for glulam columns. Full-scale glulam columns underwent one-sided fire exposure to assess the impact of the modified laminas. Results reveal a significant increase in column ignition time by 55–195 s, due to the combined treatment. The charring rate of columns containing a single modified lamina in the fire-side zone decreased from 0.733 to 0.552 mm/min after 60 min of fire exposure and further reduced from 0.503 to 0.351 mm/min after 120 min fire exposure for double modified laminas. Compared to the control, glulam columns containing a single modified lamina showcased a 31 % increase in residual bearing capacity at 60 min fire exposure duration and a 62.1 % increase at 120 min with double modified laminas. ABAQUS simulation results corroborated experimental findings, highlighting substantial enhancement in fire resistance achieved due to the modified laminas in the fire-side zone.