WALL2D: A model for predicting heat transfer through wood-stud walls exposed to fire

WALL2D, a two-dimensional computer model for predicting heat transfer through uninsulated wood-stud walls protected by gypsum board, has been under development at Forintek for several years. This paper describes major revisions which improve the description of heat transfer through the entire assembly, but, most notably, across the cavity. WALL2D's predictions for time-dependent temperature profiles in wood-stud walls are in very good agreement with the results of both small- and full-scale fire resistance tests. Although further refinement of WALL2D will continue, the model, in its current form, is suitable for application to fire safety engineering design.