timber framed buildings

[potter 2]

Is anyone aware of current research projects,or published ones,on the fire safety of timber framed dwellings in England. Be it under construction or when occupied,rate of spread of fire ,problems with stability etc.Thanking you all in anticipation.

[boroboy]

There was a report and structural demo on video on timber framed buildings at Cardington in about 2001.  Following this a number of multi storey flats were built.  A few were built in Ipswich where I live.   Not sure where you will find the info other than search the net though?  I think it was the Fire Research Station who carried out the tests on behalf of a builder.  Suggest that would be a good starting point?

[John Webb]

Try www.bre.co.uk - there is some information on Fire Research's work on structural fire protection etc., which you may find of use and contact details if you need further information.

www.communities.gov.uk may also have information - they have their own fire research division derived from the old Home Office FRDG.

[Chris Houston]

The "Colindale" Fire in 2006 prompted a number of articles in building magazine www.building.co.uk

A detailed search using the keywords "timber fire" for articles between June and December 2006 on their website brings up some interesting articles.

[Andy Cole]

Try 'google ing' it?

[Dinnertime Dave]

An article that may interest some - follow the link below.  You can also leave comment.

www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=427&storycode=3093934&c=2&encCode=00000000013837cf

[Fishy]

TRADA (the Timber Research And Development Association) should be able to assist.  Their fire engineering and consultancy 'arm' - see www.chilternfire.co.uk - might be worth a call.

[potter 2]

Lot of useful stuff there thanks.I have gooogled it ,but that hasnt given me anything thats on the go at the moment,,anyone from bre around ?

[John Webb]

There may be things on the go, but the trend these days (particularly if a private company or a trade association is paying for the work) is for the work to be completed and the results then published, rather than broadcasting to the world what you are doing while you are still doing it. In the former manner of working a long look can be taken in private if the results are not what you hoped for or expected them to be.
Informal inquires by telephone can often be more productive than e-mails or Googling.