Abstract:
This paper focuses the fire performance of timber and timber structures and discusses
possible approaches to mitigate the fire risk in timber buildings, with special relevance to
the case of timber roofs.
Furthermore, it highlights a number of issues concerning the implications for timber
durability and mechanical properties resulting from the exposure to fire itself and high
temperatures, active fire protection equipment and firefighting tactics, namely those
involving the use of water, and passive fire protection measures, namely fire retardant
treatments. These issues need be considered by those involved in the assessment and
safeguard of ancient timber buildings.
