IIE Lunchtime Seminar - Dr Angus Law (University of Edinburgh)

Abstract: Engineers and architects are increasingly using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as a material of choice. CLT has many advantages but, unlike conventional construction materials such as steel and concrete, it is combustible. The use of this material therefore poses fire safety challenges for engineers, regulators and fire services. In response to these challenge, researchers around the world are attempting to understand more about how timber burns under different conditions. Angus will present work conducted at his former institution (the University of Queensland) that involved small scale testing on samples of timber, through to large scale testing in conjunction with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.

Bio: Dr Angus Law is the BRE Lecturer in Fire Safety Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. An alumnus of the University of Edinburgh, Angus worked for four years at Ove Arup and Partners as a Fire Engineer and spent two years at the University of Queensland as a lecture. Angus has worked on projects across multiple sectors (healthcare, transport, defence, education, residential) and has expertise in concrete, steel and timber construction. He has conducted research on design fire methodologies, fire performance of unusual structures, concrete material behaviour at high temperature, and cross laminated timber. Angus returned to the UoE in 2016 to work with Building Research Establishment in developing and delivering their research agenda.