Thermo-mechanical behaviour of cross-laminated timber slabs under standard and natural fires

The results presented in this paper are part of a multi-partner collaborative project named 'The epernon Fire Tests Programme', the purpose of which is to analyse the different behaviours of combustible and non-combustible loaded structures when they are tested under standard and 'natural' fires. The project has several objectives, such as quantification of the energy participation of combustible materials in fire tests, the influence of combustible surfaces and ventilation factors on the dynamics of compartment fires, and the thermo-mechanical behaviour of concrete and timber elements under natural fires. This paper focuses on the thermo-mechanical behaviour of cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs under standard and natural fires. The objective is to provide new experimental data on the behaviour of unprotected CLT slabs exposed to fire. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the slabs, particularly aimed at better understanding the mechanical failures of some of the slabs during and after fire exposure.