Three side-by-side photos showing a small concrete fire test structure. In the first image, flames are visible inside the openings. In the second, firefighters in protective gear spray water into the structure. In the third, the fire is extinguished, revealing a charred timber column and burned debris inside.
A set of line graphs showing temperature over time at different depths inside timber columns during fire tests. Multiple colored lines represent measurements at increasing distances from the surface, with outer layers heating and cooling quickly while inner layers heat more slowly and peak later.
A series of photos from multiple fire tests. Images show a small concrete test structure with flames during a fire, timber columns after burning with heavy charring, and close-up views of damaged columns. Some images show columns before fire exposure, while others show columns at failure after different durations.
Diagram showing two pathways of delayed failure in timber columns. For small columns, heat penetration causes strength loss and overall instability, with a note to increase section size as mitigation. For larger columns, smoldering causes localized damage and delayed failure, with a note that rapid intervention after fire is needed.
Timber is increasingly used in taller buildings, but there are fire safety challenges. Assoc Prof Thomas Gernay's new research shows columns can fail hours after a fire due to hidden heat/smoldering. Engineers must design for full fire lifecycle, not just flames. engineering.jhu.edu/news/can-tim...
