Wood Connections Under Fire Conditions Protected with Gypsum Plasterboard Types A and F

Abstract

The wood behavior varies with temperature, which has a negative effect, being verified by progressive properties degradation. After fire exposure, it is possible to measure the wood char layer and the remaining resistant cross-section area. Based on numerical models and analytical equations, it is possible to study the protection level of wood connections, during fire exposure, and evaluate wood and steel dowels temperature fields in conjunction. The main objective of this work is to verify the fire resistance of unprotected (W-W-W) wood connections and compare the results with protected connections using gypsum plasterboard. According Eurocode 5, part 1-2 the connections could be protected by the addition of wood paneling, wood-based panels or gypsum plasterboard type A, H or F. To obtain conclusions according the application of different type of gypsum plasterboard in the designed W-W-W connections in different densities material, numerical models were building to verify the level of protection in fire action. Design methods require the use of analytical methodologies and computational modelling to predict the fire exposure and the components capacity to resist to this action. Results of the temperature field in the studied connections under fire will be presented, with the measured char layer in unprotected members and comparing the protected efficiency with different types of gypsum plasterboard.