Influence of Traditional Plaster Layer on the Combustion Performance of Larch and Korean Pine Wood

This study investigated the effects of traditional plastering on the combustion behavior of timber used in historic structures. Larch and Korean pine specimens treated with the traditional one hemp fibre and five plaster layer technique were tested using a Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA). The plaster layer shortened the time to ignition and promoted fire propagation during the early combustion stage, while markedly reducing the peak heat release rate and toxic gas production and increasing the char yield of the wood specimens. These findings clarify the dual effect of traditional plastering on timber combustion and provide experimental evidence for assessing the fire performance of traditionally plastered components in historic timber buildings.

Aging of Wooden Components in Ancient Timber Structures. Fire Risk and Smoke-Heat Hazards

Based on the aging characteristics of wooden components, this study adopted artificial accelerated aging and fire propagation apparatus (FPA) to examine how aging affects the combustion behaviour, fire risk, and smoke-heat hazards of pine wood commonly used in ancient structures. Wood specimens with dimensions (100×100×10 mm and 300×100×10 mm) matching fire performance tests were prepared, and artificial accelerated photoaging treatment was conducted to obtain aged samples with 0, 60 and 120 aging cycles in accordance with the accelerated aging test protocol for wood materials. The results indicate that pine combustion involves three distinct thermal stages: pyrolysis, smouldering, and flaming, with critical high-risk transition points identified. Aging intensified fire risk and related hazards across all stages, particularly accelerating flame spread on vertical components.