Trends in Regulation of Wood Construction and Products: An Insurance Company Viewpoint

Authors

  • Robert B. Boyd

Keywords:

Heavy timber construction, joisted construction, fire safety, hazards, mill construction, automatic sprinkler systems, steel framing, plastics, reinforced concrete, woodworking industry

Abstract

The historical development of fire insurance companies was discussed with emphasis on their negative attitude towards wood construction. The fire-safety advantages of heavy timber over joisted flooring were examined. Various types of conventional nineteenth-century pitched roof constructions displayed fire-safety disadvantages, such as large unprotected loft volumes and large numbers of framing members. With the invention of the automatic sprinkler system, either heavy timber or joisted construction was feasible. This was confirmed by Factory Mutual loss analysis studies. Unless special protection was provided, tests proved wood superior to both steel framing and plastics. Compared to other industries, the fire loss history of the woodworking industry has been high.

References

Bainbridge, John. 1952. Biography of an idea. Doubleday.n

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Published

2007-06-05

Issue

Number 1 / Spring 1977

Section

Research Contributions

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