7. Predictable Performance Under Fire

Building in a Bushfire area? Timber can still be used successfully.

Timber performs in a known and measurable way during a fire.

What does that mean? Timber behaves in a certain way when exposed to fire, allowing us to measure the time we have to defend a home, and due to its thermal qualities it insulates the inhabitants rather than heating them. In contrast to steel, which can heat up and buckle, timber framing is a great option in bushfire-prone areas.

When exposed to fire, large timber elements form a protective char layer on the surface. This layer helps protect the timber beneath, allowing it to retain structural capacity for longer.

By following fire design guidance that complies with the National Construction Code, designers can account for timber’s behaviour and help ensure the structure performs as intended during a fire.

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