The new BC building code allowing six-storey buildings with a single egress stairwell has raised valid concerns about fire safety and evacuation. But did you know that using ๐๐๐ง (๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ) for fire-resistant cores could be a smart solution? Hereโs how CLT addresses these concerns:

1. ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ: When exposed to fire, CLT chars on the outside, creating a protective layer that insulates the interior wood, maintaining structural integrity longer than materials like steel, which can rapidly weaken under heat. This controlled burn gives emergency personnel more time to respond and ensures safer egress routes for occupants.
2. ๐๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Unlike concrete, which requires up to 28 days to cure, CLT can be installed immediately, speeding up construction timelines and reducing fire risk during the build phase.
3. ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ: CLT remains structurally sound during fire events, providing a durable, load-bearing core for stairwells and other key exit routes. This ensures that, even in extreme conditions, these vital areas are protected for longer.
4. ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: CLT offers not just fire resistance but a greener building alternative, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of your project .
By utilizing CLT for fire-resistant cores, we can enhance safety, protect lives, and meet the demands of modern building codes. Itโs not just about innovationโit’s about creating safer, more sustainable buildings for the future.
Pro Tip for the GCโs: This reduced fire risk entitles you to reductions in your builderโs insurance costs. Ask Mass Timber Services how!