The use of materials of natural origin in the construction of buildings is characteristic of all periods of human history. The most affordable raw material for building structures is wood. There are many technologies for its application in the construction of buildings from Russian log huts and towers to European half-timbered houses. The most difficult and acute problem at all times was the fire-retardant treatment of wooden structures, yet the material is combustible.
Modern construction industry offers innovative technologies to improve the resistance of this material to high temperatures and open flame. Their use allows to use the beneficial properties of wood to a large extent. Studies show that load-bearing metal and reinforced concrete frames under the influence of high temperature lose their stability after 15-20 minutes.
Ways to improve the fire resistance of materials
The most promising direction is the fire-retardant processing of woodenconstructions with special chemical compounds. These compounds are called flame retardants. The practice of their application shows that the rate of wood charring is reduced to a value acceptable for practical use. With a significant thickness, the bearing elements are able to maintain stability for a long time.
Such a fire-retardant treatment of wooden structures can be carried out at the stage of production of finished building parts. For example, a rounded log or profiled beam, solid or glued, is impregnated with fire retardants even at a woodworking enterprise. Buildings in operation are handled by owners or employees of specialized companies.
The principle of action of flame retardants and application methods
Treatment of wooden structures with flame retardant is produced in a variety of ways. At woodworking plants, the soaking of finished elements in solutions is mainly carried out. This technology is the most effective, but requires special equipment and large volumes of formulations. Flame retardants are applied to prefabricated buildings by brush, roller or spray.
Fire retardant treatment of wooden structures by impregnation with chemical compounds is widely used in construction. Its principle of operation is as follows: under the influence of flame and high temperatures, a layer of non-combustible substances forms on the surface. Predominantly foaming occurs, which significantly reducesheat transfer. In addition, there is the formation of substances that displace oxygen.
Checking the effectiveness of technologies
Fire-technical expertise aims to check the degree of fire protection of buildings and structures. Classification of buildings is carried out in accordance with regulatory documentation and legislation. This allows you to identify the level of fire safety of real estate. Based on the conclusion of the commission checks, a set of measures is being developed to increase the degree of fire resistance of buildings.
Checking the fire-retardant treatment of wooden structures is carried out at the stage of their production. Control is carried out in the laboratories of the enterprise or independent research certification centers.
