An assessment of a pressure impregnated,full-penetration,fire resisting chemical treatment for Laminated Veneer Lumber

Abstract

Since 1901, there have been over 260 bushfires in Australia and over 825 known civilian and firefighter fatalities. The present study assessed the material properties and fire resistance qualities (to BAL 29) of a full-penetration, pressure impregnated, intumescent fire retardant treated Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) for use in building environments not exposed to weathering – i.e. subfloor systems. The testing was carried out in accordance with AS3959:2009 utilising a Cone Calorimeter device at a National Association of Testing Authorities accredited laboratory. The results indicate that the samples subjected to testing meet the criteria of AS/NZS3837 Appendix F, meeting the necessary performance criteria for bushfire-resisting materials. The full-penetration, pressure impregnated, intumescent fire retardant treated LVL is suitable for the construction of structures in bushfire prone areas to Bushfire Attack Level 29 (BAL29).