The fire resistance of light timber frame walls with different load levels and cladding layers

Abstract

Lightweight Timber frame walls (LTFW) are commonly used in residential buildings due to theirlight weight and low construction costs. LTFW are made with solid wood members (studs andtracks) used on buildings, for load-bearing and partition walls. The assemblies are made withsolid stud wood vertical members, usually separated by 400 to 600 mm. The cladding for internalwalls may be developed by wood panels, composite panels and or gypsum panels. The numberof protection layers and insulation materials used in the cavity of the wall depends on the thermaland acoustic efficiency required to the LTFW at room temperature, but also depends on therequired fire rating of LTFW.