My second principle is the same principle that I have written about in relation to AI and general intelligence.
If the timber only chars, it might remain stable but may not be suitable for compartmentation as smoke can break through at joints.. Our response is to:.- Use engineered timber in lower buildings with a decreased risk of vertical propagation.. - Involve specialist contractors and fire specialists from early stages to ensure the material’s structural integrity in the event of fire and robust co-ordination between disciplines.. - Engage early with statutory bodies, supply chain, and timber contractors.. - Consider the use of sacrificial layers of timber to protect the rest of the structure and potentially result in self extinguishment.. - Use timber fire treatment such as intumescent paint to prevent the spread of fire and reduce the amount of smoke produced, taking account of the impact on recyclability.. - As a last resort, consider full fire bonding if there is a risk of debonding of layers.
This scenario is appropriate in multistorey residential buildings.. Other general concerns when using CLT include:.- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).- Shortage of construction expertise.
- MEP co-ordination.Conclusions for the industry.
Timber is a renewable material that has the potential to help decarbonise new buildings.
However, should the industry move towards using more timber construction, local supply may not be able to meet demand leading to a less sustainable product..DfMA combines off-site manufacture with on-site assembly, using precision in pre-fabrication to drive on-site efficiency in both installation and operation.
Standardisation of M&E parts and equipment leads to efficiencies of scale in both procurement and manufacture, and efficiencies of labour in the application on site of simple, safe, repeated, standard tasks.. We apply the principles of DfMA to every M&E building services project we work on, regardless of scale or sector.We look beyond the usual to find efficiency and deliver increased value by taking a fresh look at existing M&E design approaches – and improving on them.. M&E consultancy and engineering.
Bryden Wood is an integrated company.Our M&E engineers work alongside architects and other disciplines in highly collaborative project teams, from the earliest stages and through projects, meaning that M&E building services are never an afterthought or an add-on.
(Editor: Wireless Books)