Use of X-ray computed tomography for real-time studies of the fire progress in wood

ABSTRACT

Examining the progression of fire in wood and wood-based materials on a laboratory scale is a challenging endeavour owing to practical constraints inherent to real fire scenarios. Factors such as the rate of fire spread, its intensity, duration, and the extent of its impact on timber structures are notably influenced by the quantity of timber surfaces exposed within a given building. Non-structural timber surfaces encompass decorative or flat linings on walls, ceilings, and flooring. The objective of this research was to devise a methodology that combines X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning with concurrent fire testing of wood, enabling the assessment of the fire's course and its deleterious effects on timber materials. The overarching goal of this novel tool is to expand our understanding of the fire behaviour exhibited by emerging and modified wood materials. To achieve this, a specialized fire chamber was integrated with an X-ray CT scanner to enable simultaneous fire testing and scanning procedures. In this study, one transversal and one cross-sectional surface of Norway spruce wood were subjected to fire, and the progression of the fire was scrutinized using CT scanning. As the density of the combusting wood material substantially decreased due to carbonization induced by pyrolysis, the advancement of the carbonized front was thoroughly investigated throughout the entire material volume. Ultimately, the findings indicate that CT scanning holds promise as a valuable tool for investigating the behaviour of solid wood, wood-based products, or other lignocellulosic materials when subjected to fire conditions.

KEYWORDS:

• CT
• non-destructive testing
• timber

Acknowledgements

Regarding funding, the authors gratefully acknowledge the significant support of the CT WOOD – a Centre of Excellence at Luleå University of Technology for the development of X-ray computed tomography applications for use in the forest products industry.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CT WOOD.