TB117 24

Summary
It has been determined by testing that wood structural
panels, OSB and construction plywood, have equiva-
lent re performance, therefore OSB can replace ply-
wood in published wall and oor assemblies.
TABLE 1

Assembly Rating
Gypsum
Thickness
OSB
Thickness
Partition Wall (a) 14 min. N/A 19/32, 5/8
15 mm
Exterior Wall (b) 45 min.
1/2
12.5mm
3/8, 7/16
11.0 mm
Exterior Wall (c) 1 hour
5/8
15.5mm
7/16
11.0mm
Exterior Wall (d) 1 hour
5/8
15.5mm
7/16
11.0mm
Floor (e) 1 hour
5/8
15.5mm
5/8
15.5mm
1. All Cavities insulated with 3-1/2 Mineral Wool in-
sulation. Studs are 16 on center and OSB is inst-
alled parallel to studs.
2. Assembly (a) has OSB on both sides.
3. Assemblies (b) & (c) have re on the inside.
4. Assembly (d) has OSB on both sides of studs and
covered by gypsum board on both sides under
siding.
5. All gypsum board is Type X or higher.
Background
The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and the
U.S. Model Codes specify that structural sheathing
panels installed in combustible construction have a
re resistance rating depending on the building occu-
pancy and the spatial separation between buildings.
Test Procedure
Using the Warnock Hersey Fire Laboratory (now
part of Intertek Group plc), the Structural Board As-
sociation conducted a series of re performance

comparison tests of OSB versus CSP and sanded ply-
wood in various wall assemblies. These comparative
tests showed that OSB had an equivalent or better
re performance for the same thickness than CSP ply-
wood commonly used in Canada. In addition, full wall
tests in accordance with ULC-S101 and ASTM-E119
Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construc-
tion and Materials were done on load bearing walls
providing data for a 45-minute and 1 hour rating.
APA The Engineered Wood Association sponsored
similar tests in accordance with ASTM-E119 on full
wall systems with similar results. These tests have al-
lowed Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to issue the wall
Design No. U356 for res originating inside a building
and Design No. U344 for res on either side of the
wall.
Recently, the North American consortium of re re-
searchers conducted tests on wall and oor systems
using OSB and plywood at the National Research
Councils re laboratory further substantiating the
equivalent performance of the two structural panels.
Additional Information
Tables in Volume 2 of the 2005 NBCC list a number of
acceptable assemblies incorporating OSB which pro-
vide the re resistance rating, typical sound transmis-
sion class and typical impact insulation class.
Conclusion
The test results provide assurance to designers and
builders that OSB structural panels can be inter-
changed with structural plywood panels where re
endurance is required.
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
STRUCTURAL BOARD ASSOCIATION
Representing the OSB Industry
25 Valleywood Drive, Unit 27, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 5L9
Tel: 905-475-1100 Fax: 905-475-1101 E-mail: info@osbguide.com website: http://www.osbguide.com
ORIENTED STRAND BOARD
FIRE PERFORMANCE
Contents
Surface Flammability of OSB (TB100) ..................................................................2 - 3
OSB Roof Sheathing Safety Study (TB101) ...............................................................4
Negligible or Non Existent Formaldehyde Emissions from OSB (TB102) ..............5
Oriented Strand Board and Waferboard (TB103) ......................................................6
Oriented Strand Board and the Canadian Building Codes (TB104) ....................7 - 8
Installation Instructions for OSB Products (TB105) ..................................................9
Roof Shingle Ridging (TB106) ...........................................................................10 - 11
Marking of OSB and Waferboard Panels (TB107) ............................................12 - 13
OSB in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (TB109) ...............................................14 - 15
Oriented Strand Board in Landlls (TB110) .............................................................16
Permeability of OSB Structural Panels (TB111) ......................................................17
Good Stucco Application Practices (TB112) .....................................................18 - 19
OSB Performance under High Humidity Conditions (TB113) ................................20
Binders and Waxes in OSB (TB114) .........................................................................21
Comparison of OSB and Construction Plywood (CDX) (TB116) .....................22 - 23
Oriented Strand Board Fire Performance (TB117) ..................................................24
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
BOOKLET
ISBN 1-896479-08-1
STRUCTURAL BOARD ASSOCIATION
Representing the OSB Industry
25 Valleywood Drive, Unit 27, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 5L9
Tel: 905-475-1100 Fax: 905-475-1101 E-mail: info@osbguide.com
Website: http://www.osbguide.com
02M0107-TBB01