Fire simulation test and analysis of laminated bamboo frame building

A fire simulation experiment of a full-scale room unit model was carried out to study the fire safety of lightweight glue-laminated bamboo (glubam) frame buildings. Wooden crib with its quantity determined based on typical fire load intensity for residential buildings was stacked and ignited in the experimental room unit. The test was finished after 1 h. Temperature histories of several points on walls and upper floor slab, fire behavior of the over-all structure and the damage to the members were examined. Numerical simulation was conducted using fire-driven fluid dynamics software Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The simulated results were compared with the experimental observations, demonstrating that the FDS is a useful tool to provide visual simulation of the experimental testing. Fire design measures using gypsum boards and rock wool insulation suggested for the new bamboo building are found adequate from this research.

► A unique full-scale glubam building room model fire simulation test was conducted.
► Results provide design confidence and validation of fire safety for modern bamboo buildings.
► Research can guide future design of laminated bamboo buildings.
► Computer simulation using FDS was carried out and compared satisfactorily with the test results.