Anna Walsh

Toxicity of contents in building fires
By
Anna Walsh
BRANZ, sponsored by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), recently researched the toxic smoke inhalation hazards of building contents in building fires – a primary cause of death and injury.
Toxicity of contents in building fires
Image of Assessing the long-term performance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in New Zealand
Research Report

SR485 Assessing the long-term performance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) in New Zealand

This research aimed to determine which method of ageing and mechanical testing offered the most practical measure of durability for SIPs having timber-based face layers to support the future assessment...
  • Product testing
Free
Cover page of a BRANZ study report titled ‘Testing an evaluation method for structural insulated panels (SIPs)’
Research Report

SR429 Testing an evaluation method for structural insulated panels (SIPs)

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have become increasingly popular internationally, driven by the demand for fast, affordable and energy-efficient building solutions. SIPs construction is increasing in New Zealand, but there is...
  • Durability
Free
Cover page of a BRANZ study report on the performance of magnesium oxide boards in New Zealand, contains an image of various materials
Research Report

SR472 Performance of magnesium oxide (MgO) boards in New Zealand

MgO boards are used as an alternative to traditional sheet materials such as those made with fibre-cement and gypsum. In New Zealand, there are examples of MgO boards used in...
  • Material
Free
Cover page of a BRANZ study report on the fire performance of structural insulated panels, featuring flames
Research Report

SR468 Fire performance of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for residential buildings

Construction using structural insulated panels (SIPs) has been suggested as one possible solution to New Zealand’s urgent need for fast, affordable and quality homes. SIPs for residential construction have a...
  • Passive fire protection
Free
image of the front cover of Fire-safe use of timber construction II - partial timber linings, contains image of smoke
Research Report

Fire-safe use of timber construction II

A variety of New Zealand made Pinus radiata engineered wood products were tested in a cone calorimeter to determine key combustion properties, including time to ignition and heat release rate...
  • Timber
Free
Cover page of a BRANZ study report on engineered wood products, with a house‑shaped graphic
Research Report

SR438 Perspectives on the use of structural engineered wood products and adhesives in New Zealand: Results of an industry survey

This report summarises the results of an industry survey asking practitioners about their experience with structural engineered wood products (EWPs) and adhesives. EWPs are used extensively in construction overseas and...
  • Timber
Free
Cover page of a BRANZ study report titled ‘Toxicity of combustible building materials – scoping study’ with a triangular graphic over smoke
Research Report

SR454 Toxicity of combustible building materials - scoping study

Inhalation of smoke and combustion products is one of the primary causes of death and injury in building fires. This hazard is heightened by the increasing use of synthetic materials...
  • Fire hazards
Free
Quality

Performance of magnesium oxide (MgO) boards
The aim of this research is to better understand how generic magnesium oxide (MgO) boards perform in different building applications in New Zealand. In New Zealand, MgO boards are used...
Start date:  2 Dec 2019
Completed on  31 Mar 2022
Resilience

Toxicity of combustible building materials in fires - scoping study
This study will review international data and research on the toxicity of building materials and contents, to understand the extent to which these materials contribute to the risk of incapacitation...
Start date:  1 Apr 2019
Completed on  30 Jun 2020