Project Description
This project was undertaken as part of the TF2000 program and incorporated three trial tests followed by a large scale test within the TF2000 timber frame building at BRE, Cardington. The experimental program was to investigate the performance of timber stairs within a full-scale timber frame building subject to a realistic fire event within the stair enclosure.
Approved Document B of the England and Wales Building Regulations states that a single stair servicing a building of the height of the TF2000 building should be constructed from materials of limited combustibility. The Scottish Technical Standards would require that the enclosure, stairs, landing and lobby floors all be constructed of non-combustible materials. Timber does not fall into either of these
categories. It was the intention of the project that the results of the stair tests provide data to assist regulators in the UK to initially influence change, and then harmonise their technical guidance in support of their Building Regulations.
Chiltern Fire’s Involvement
TF2000 was a collaborative project involving BRE, Government, TRADA Technology Ltd and the timber industry. Chiltern International Fire Ltd was responsible for all fire testing that was performed during the project including the stair fire test. This included all technical input, sizing of fire loads, instrumentation and running of the tests.
Download the TF2000 Stair Test Summary Report.
PDF: PS9: Stair Fire Test
