On fire, Is wood construction a mistake?

Fire resistance is essential in construction. By comparing materials such as concrete, timber, plywood and steel, we can determine which ones offer the best fire safety.

How do different materials react to fire?

Wood: a flammable material

Wood is easily flammable, although it can be treated to improve its fire resistance. However, it is still vulnerable in fires and can release dangerous gases.

Glulam: improved but still vulnerable

Glulam is stronger than conventional wood, but it is not completely fire safe. It is still susceptible to damage in large fires.

Steel in the face of fire

Steel does not burn, but loses structural strength at high temperatures. It needs special coatings to improve its fire performance, which makes it more expensive.

Concrete and its fire resistance

Concrete is naturally fire resistant, maintaining its structural integrity without releasing toxic gases. It is a safe and durable option, especially in extreme situations.

So why is wood still the main building material in some countries?

Over-standardization and fire risk

Over-standardization in construction has led to the adoption of fast, low-cost methods and materials without adequate consideration of their fire resistance. In regions where execution times and reduced costs are prioritized, safety can be compromised by using materials that are not suitable for resisting high temperatures. This increases the risk that, in fire situations, buildings may collapse rapidly or release hazardous substances.It is essential that current standards are reviewed to prevent the urgency to meet deadlines and reduce costs from jeopardizing people's safety.

Conclusion

Safety in construction must be a priority, and concrete, because of its natural fire resistance, is the most reliable option compared to other materials such as wood or steel. The over-standardization of processes has led to the use of materials that do not always comply with safety standards, increasing the risks in case of fire.