This paper presents the data and the results of seven fire tests performed on glue laminated timber columns in a compartment built especially for the tests and in which timber wood cribs created a so-called natural fire. These tests are part of a research programme titled “burnout resistance” to establish a new methodology to better describe performance of structural elements during the whole duration of a fire. Comparisons with similar tests made in a fire resistance furnace allow comparing charring rates observed in standard conditions and in natural fires.
The support from the French Federation of insurers FRANCE ASSUREURS is gratefully acknowledged.