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Thermal-structural behavior of wood truss floor assemblies under standard and natural fire conditions.

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Title: Thermal-structural behavior of wood truss floor assemblies under standard and natural fire conditions.
Authors: Ali, Syed Muhammad Shamaim1 (AUTHOR), Gernay, Thomas1 (AUTHOR) tgernay@jhu.edu
Source: Fire Safety Journal. Sep2026, Vol. 163, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Finite element method, Fire exposure, Computer simulation, Thermal stresses, Char, Fire resistant materials, Ventilation
Abstract: Wood truss floor assemblies are widely used in residential construction, yet their fire response remains insufficiently understood and is largely informed by empirical observations from standard fire tests. While numerical models can complement costly full-scale testing to evaluate fire performance across different designs and fire scenarios, robust modeling approaches are still lacking. Herein, the thermal-structural behavior of wood truss floor assemblies was numerically investigated under standard and natural fire scenarios. Finite element models were validated against eight full-scale ASTM E119 furnace tests on 1-h rated assemblies, with agreement in failure times and time-deflection behavior. The trusses failed structurally due to tensile failure of the bottom members, which experienced extensive charring. Parametric studies showed that fire resistance is governed primarily by truss bottom member size, while moisture content and wood strength have smaller influence. The performance of the truss assemblies was then analyzed under natural fire for different compartment sizes, fuel loads, and opening factors. The assembly response ranged from failure before 60 min to survival through burnout, depending on fire severity, with ventilation conditions playing a key role. These findings provide insights to optimize design of wood truss floor assemblies for improved fire performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:Wood truss floor assemblies are widely used in residential construction, yet their fire response remains insufficiently understood and is largely informed by empirical observations from standard fire tests. While numerical models can complement costly full-scale testing to evaluate fire performance across different designs and fire scenarios, robust modeling approaches are still lacking. Herein, the thermal-structural behavior of wood truss floor assemblies was numerically investigated under standard and natural fire scenarios. Finite element models were validated against eight full-scale ASTM E119 furnace tests on 1-h rated assemblies, with agreement in failure times and time-deflection behavior. The trusses failed structurally due to tensile failure of the bottom members, which experienced extensive charring. Parametric studies showed that fire resistance is governed primarily by truss bottom member size, while moisture content and wood strength have smaller influence. The performance of the truss assemblies was then analyzed under natural fire for different compartment sizes, fuel loads, and opening factors. The assembly response ranged from failure before 60 min to survival through burnout, depending on fire severity, with ventilation conditions playing a key role. These findings provide insights to optimize design of wood truss floor assemblies for improved fire performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03797112
DOI:10.1016/j.firesaf.2026.104884