TJI Type Joists + Fire
TJI Type Joists + Fire
(OP)
I've heard people talk about how these types of wooden joists, the ones with a plywood/OSB web, don't hold up well in a fire.
I'm just about to do some searching on the internet...but I was wondering if any of you have had any direct experience with how well these types of joists resist fire.
I'm just about to do some searching on the internet...but I was wondering if any of you have had any direct experience with how well these types of joists resist fire.






RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
Dik
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
The implication to me is that even with "fire resistant" glue, elevated temperatures will lower the joist capacity before the fire reaches the joist through the assembly. That's the problem.
I agree with dik here. You might try calling Truss Joist, or similar manufacturers and see if you can get an applied load performance curve relating to temperature. Don't know that they will accommodate you, but it can't hurt to ask.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
Dik
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
It makes sense just thinking about it that they wouldn't last long in a fire...but its always nice to hear some 1st hand experiences.
It would be interesting to hear the opinions of the firefighters vs. TJI rep
I just find it odd that there are obviously safety issues with this floor system, but I see homes being built with them all the time with no added fire protection...seems like the building codes should have addressed this already
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
He felt the local fire fighter training college would benefit from a module taught by a structural engineer to provide an overview of the common structural framing type systems in use and their relative performance under fire situations.
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
BA
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
I have even heard of jurisdictions that make the homeowner post on a front window that the house has wood beam floors and/or roof trusses. Theoretically this informs the fire fighter of any possible problems.
From my experience, most fire fighters do not enter a residence unless they feel there are people involved. They just stand back and hose it down until they can safely walk in. Makes sense to me.
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
I am not a firefighter and I admire that they put their life on the line everyday!!! But the economics say that we use the minimal resources when building. Sure we could build a house that was virtually fireproof - all concrete or fully sprinklered. Like that is going to happen!!!
Our local county tried to get sprinklers in all new houses. That quickly went down the tubes.
And actually how many newer homes burn?? With modern electric services, smoke alarms, etc - not too often where I live - except for the village idiot that fries a turkey in/on his garage/deck or dumps hot fireplace ashes in his garbage. Both happened recently. Admittedly, lightning has gotten a few - but not very often.
IMHO - I would just break out windows and stick the hose in - save myself and maybe/maybe not the building - but its not my building so I don't really care - as long as no one is in there. Take it up with insurance company.
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire
Mike...I didn't look for the exact reference for fire rated assemblies that you mentioned, but I did find a few.
http://www.woodbywy.com/literature/1500.pdf
The most of I've ever seen added to the joists is a single layer of gypsum...clearly this is the absolute minimum, but I've seen many unfinished basements with exposed joists. Maybe the building inspectors need to be educated a bit more on the matter.
RE: TJI Type Joists + Fire