DCT VulcanWool Rocks Timber Fire Test Again!

A collaborative team of innovative product suppliers, including DCTech, Forest Wood Products Australia, pro clima, NeXTimber® by Timberlink, ROCKWOOL Australia, and Xlam Australia, has successfully conducted a crucial fire resistance test at the CSIRO facilities in North Ryde, achieving outstanding results for lightweight timber frame construction.

Test Configuration and Objectives

This recent test utilised a vertical (wall) configuration based on AS 1530.4. The setup involved 90 x 35 mm timber framing covered with 75 mm of ROCKWOOL and DCTech VulcanWool (stone wool). The primary goal was to meet the National Construction Code’s requirements for fire-protected timber. Specifically, the test aimed to assess the incipient spread performance by measuring the wall cavity temperature beneath the stone wool, ensuring that it remained below 250°C for at least 45 minutes.

Groundbreaking Test Results

The test results significantly exceeded expectations. ROCKWOOL and DCTech VulcanWool stone wool showcased exceptional fire protection capabilities, easily surpassing the 45-minute criterion. The test continued for over two and a half hours, a remarkable achievement for lightweight timber framing.

Significance for the Construction Industry

This test represents a significant advancement in building materials technology, offering architects, engineers, and builders a promising alternative to traditional fire protection methods. The findings suggest that stone wool could become a transformative solution for fire safety and efficiency in lightweight timber frame construction. Mr Dunn, CEO of the Timber Development Association, said the result has tremendous application to the fire resistance of timber-framed mid-rise buildings as well as the fire protection of houses in bushfire flame zones.

Please contact us for further details regarding the use of DCT VulcanWool, as an alternative to 2 layers of 13 mm thick, fire-protective grade plasterboard, to meet the deemed to satisfy requirements for fire protected timber construction. DCT VulcanWool now offers the trifecta of fire protection, thermal and acoustic insulation.

Total System Solutions from DCTech

The test also incorporated the ProctorPassive Wraptite SA class 4 self-adhered vapour permeable membrane used for weather-tightness. SFS insulation washers and associated fasteners were also used for this test, remaining embedded into the timber studs, even after the insulation was removed for final inspection.

Details of DCTech’s total systems solutions for CLT, including DCT VulcanWool, Class 4 vapor permeable Proctor Wraptite membranes, non-combustible insulation fixings and Nvelope rainscreen sub framing can be found in our free to access comprehensive technical library.  https://dctech.com.au/products/mass-timber-walls/