How does heat/fire affect wood strength? 1

[mdmiller]

Does heat from a fire damage the structural integrity of sawn lumber, sheathing, and engineered wood (LVL beams, TJI Floor Joists)?

I am inspecting a fire damaged building and the wood does not appear to be charred, but some of it is black with soot. I have poked at it and it feels firm.

Are there any refrences or articles anyone knows of about this subject?

Thanks!!

 

[concretemasonry]

If it just solid sawn wood that is dirty, but not charred since it did not hot enough to ignite (less that 450 degrees) or have a major effect on the properties.

I would worry more about any "man-made" elements that rely on connections and adhesives, glues etc.

If you can, you should remove some suspect elements for destructive testing. That will give you something to "hang your hat" on.

Dick

 

[belowzero]

Hi,
You may find the attached document useful. Wood goes through many stages prior to 450Deg.
Br
Belowzero