PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.1.6.3.Structural Mass Timber Elements (See Note A-3.1.6.3.)
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection and Articles 3.2.2.16. and 3.2.3.19., a building or part of a building
permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to include structural mass timber elements,
including beams, columns, arches and wall, floor and roof assemblies, provided they comply with Sentences (2) and (3).
(2) Structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (1) shall
(a) except as provided in Sentence (4), be arranged in heavy solid masses containing no concealed spaces,
(b) have essentially smooth flat surfaces with no thin sections or sharp projections, and
(c) except as provided in Sentence 3.1.6.17.(1), conform to the minimum dimensions stated in Table 3.1.6.3.
(3) Adhesives used in structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (1) that are constructed of cross-laminated
timber shall conform to the elevated temperature performance requirements in ANSI/APA PRG 320, “Standard for
Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber.”
(4) Concealed spaces are permitted within structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (2) and need not
conform to Sentence 3.1.6.4.(1) provided the concealed spaces are,
(a) sprinklered and divided into compartments by fire blocks in conformance with Subsection 3.1.11.,
(b) completely filled with rock or slag fibre insulation conforming to CAN/ULC-S702.1 “Standard for Mineral Fibre
Thermal Insulation for Buildings, Part 1: Material Specification,” and having a density not less than 32 kg/m3,
(c) if horizontal, lined with not less than a single layer of 12.7 mm thick Type X gypsum board or noncombustible
material providing an encapsulation rating of not less than 25 min, or
(d) if vertical, lined with not less than a single layer of 12.7 mm thick Type X gypsum board or noncombustible material
providing an encapsulation rating of not less than 25 min and vertically divided into compartments by fire blocks in
conformance with Subsection 3.1.11.
Table 3.1.6.3.
Minimum Dimensions of Structural Mass Timber Elements in Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction
Forming Part of Sentences 3.1.6.3.(2), 3.1.6.8.(1) and 3.1.6.17.(1)
Structural Wood Elements Minimum Thickness, mm Minimum Width x Depth, mm x mm
Walls that are not fire separations or exterior walls
96 —
(1-sided fire exposure)
Walls that require a fire-resistance rating, but are
192 —
not fire separations (2-sided fire exposure)
Floors(1) and roofs (1-sided fire exposure) 96 —
Beams, columns and arches (2- or 3-sided fire
— 192 x 192
exposure)
Beams, columns and arches (4-sided fire exposure) — 224 x 224
Notes to Table 3.1.6.3.:
(1) The minimum dimensions for floor assemblies are also applicable to mezzanines and exterior balconies.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.