Performance Based Fire Engineering Framework for Mass Timber and Hybrid Buildings
Mass timber construction offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional steel and concrete buildings, helping to reduce embodied carbon while improving construction efficiency through off-site manufacture and modern methods of construction. However, its use in Ireland is currently limited by fire safety guidance that restricts the application of mass timber in multi-storey buildings. Leveraging the expertise of a collaborative partnership between AtkinsRéalis, University of Galway and University College Dublin, this project will investigate the fire performance of representative mass timber construction details and assemblies through advanced fire and structural modelling, international benchmarking and stakeholder engagement. The outcomes will support future performance-based design approaches, strengthen AtkinsRéalis’ capability in sustainable building design, and provide the technical evidence required to support future research, testing programmes and the safe adoption of mass timber construction in Ireland.
Lead RPO: University of Galway
Lead PI: Patrick McGetrick
Industry Partners: Atkins Realis
Collaborators
Principal Investigator
Dr Patrick McGetrick,
Associate Professor in Structural Engineering at University of Galway; Principal Investigator in the Timber Engineering Research Group (TERG)
Patrick is a structural engineer with 17 years’ experience across structural design, analysis and dynamics. He is currently an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering and Director of the Timber Engineering Research Group at University of Galway, carrying out research and teaching in timber engineering and sustainable infrastructure systems.
Related content
