These tests were performed to support the approval and construction of a tall wood building in Quebec City (13-storey). While a calculation methodology is provided in Chapter 8 (Fire) of the CLT Handbook [3], the Association des Chefs en Sécurité Incendie du Québec (ACSIQ), the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) and other stakeholders requested these tests be performed so that they could witness the actual fire performance of the specified assemblies. As such, the main objective was to demonstrate at least a 2 h FRR of the CLT assemblies, which is the minimum required rating as prescribed by the National Building Code of Canada [4] for structural elements and fire separation walls of exit stair ways and elevators shafts in tall buildings (greater than 6 storeys).
Numerous representatives from Quebec and Ontario were present for either one or both days of testing, including RBQ, the Cities of Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec City as well as fire services personnel from Montreal, Ottawa and Gatineau. FPInnovations, Nordic, the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), and CHM fire consultants were also in attendance.