The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made significant advancements in building safety research through its National Fire Research Laboratory (NFRL), which was completed in 2015.
The NFRL allows researchers to conduct large-scale fire experiments that simulate real-world conditions, helping engineers gather critical data on how structures perform during fires.
These insights have contributed to changes in building codes across North America, as reported by NIST.
By testing full-scale structures in fire conditions, engineers are able to better understand the effects of fire on building elements.
NIST’s work focuses on ensuring that buildings are safer during fires and that structural failure is less likely to occur.
One of the key areas of research at NFRL has been the study of cross-laminated timber (CLT), a relatively new construction material that has shown promise in the construction industry.
In 2017, NIST researchers, in collaboration with other organizations, conducted large-scale experiments to evaluate how CLT holds up during fire exposure.
The experiments led to revisions in building codes and standards, allowing for the expanded use of CLT in construction.
This research helped address safety concerns about using wood materials in multistory buildings and demonstrated that CLT can support large structures while maintaining safety during fires.
In 2019, NIST conducted an investigation into how steel walls perform under both earthquake and fire conditions, an essential area of research given the potential for gas or electrical fires after seismic events.
These experiments simulated the impact of earthquakes followed by fires, showing how aftershocks can compromise structures already weakened by flames.
NIST’s findings have provided valuable guidance for constructing buildings with steel walls that can better withstand both the side-to-side forces of earthquakes and the potential fire hazards that may follow.
NIST has also focused on the performance of steel-reinforced concrete floors, which are commonly used in steel-framed buildings.
In 2022, NIST conducted full-scale fire tests to determine how these floors behave during fire exposure.
Researchers found that the minimum steel reinforcement required by current building standards may not be sufficient to prevent collapse in fire conditions.
This research has provided essential data for improving both building design and the accuracy of computer models used to predict building performance during fires, allowing for safer, more resilient designs in the future.
The National Fire Research Laboratory (NFRL) at NIST has made significant contributions to building safety through its large-scale fire experiments.
The facility enables researchers to test structures under realistic fire conditions, providing critical data that informs building codes and safety standards.
Recent experiments on cross-laminated timber, steel walls in earthquake-prone areas, and steel-reinforced concrete floors have led to improvements in building materials and design practices, making buildings safer and more resilient.
NIST’s work continues to influence building safety codes across North America, ensuring better protection during fire-related events.
