Julie Gedde-Dahl is head of the cluster’s specialist group “Future building solutions”. The group has long wanted to take a closer look at documentation and requirements related to fire resistance in wooden buildings, and now the preparations are underway in earnest.
Useful theme meeting
– “We had a very useful meeting in the specialist group at Mjøstårnet recently. We got a review of current issues and challenges with Norwegian regulations and standards for fire resistance that are relevant to take a closer look at. In addition, three companies shared their experiences with testing and documentation needs, and we had good reflections in groups,” says Julie Gedde-Dahl. She says that the Norwegian Wood Cluster will continue to work on the topic based on the input received at the meeting.
Specialist expertise in place
– We are fortunate to have Leif Tore Isaksen with us in this work, who is the head of fire and safety at Sweco Norway. He is also the head of RIF’s expert group on fire. In other words, Leif Tore is a very strong professional resource in the area, and he will play a key role in the development of the project,” says Gedde-Dahl.
Opportunities and challenges
– There is a great need for documentation for tall wooden buildings. The regulations are function-based and for buildings over 4 storeys, documentation is required in each individual case to show that the building can maintain satisfactory load-bearing capacity and stability throughout a complete fire cycle. “As there are more and more tests that can be used to verify fire safety with the use of wooden structures, the question is whether it is possible to prepare preaccepted solutions for buildings up to and including six storeys,” says Leif Tore Isaksen, Sweco Norway.
– Several of our member companies have already indicated that they want to participate in the further planning of such a project. Going forward, the cluster will lead the process of developing the project plan and maintaining a dialog with relevant stakeholders. We expect that it is possible to set up a useful project in this area to meet the wishes of member companies in the cluster,” says project manager Julie Gedde-Dahl in Norwegian Wood Cluster.
