Fire-Rated Systems Design and Construction Guide

Planning and designing buildings that provide good fire protection, are cost-effective, meet code and make the best use of building materials can be challenging. The lack of standardized construction and insurance rating practices, as well as the rapid advance of construction technology, add to this challenge.

This publication is designed for: architects, engineers, builders, designers

This publication provides an overview of cost-effective fire-rated construction systems using wood and wood structural panels. It includes basic information about fire protection and fire-related information from the 2021 International Building Code (IBC).

Key sections include:

• Fireproof vs. firesafe

• The basics of fire protection

  • Safety criteria

  • Protection methods

  • Meeting building codes

• How to build for fire protection (Fire rated assemblies)

  • Wall systems

  • Floor and roof systems

  • Fire protection of floors

  • Structural glued laminated timber (glulam)

  • How building areas can be increased

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.