MSc/MASc Student in Post Fire Smoldering Propensity of Canadian Wood Species

at  UBC Faculty of Forestry

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified MSc student to join our research team focused on fire safety for timber structures. The proposed research will assess the smoldering propensity of various wood species that are either currently used or have the potential to be used in Canadian timber construction.
Recent work on fires in mass timber compartments has led to increased confidence in the self-extinction of flaming combustion of exposed timber surfaces. However, smoldering has been reported after the extinction of flames in a multitude of timber compartment fire tests. Smoldering is the solid phase carbon oxidation of char and occurs localized, usually near joints, intersections such as in connections.

The long-term goals of this proposed research are to provide engineers and architects with information and tools to reduce the probability and intensity of smoldering events after fire. Additionally, the information should provide more confidence to the fire service to successful manage buildings after a fire event. The project objectives are:

• Collect timber species and engineered timber types that can be expected in construction
• Subject samples to a smoldering test with different heating intensities and durations
• Develop a ranking system or determine a parameter that may be used to describe smoldering propensity across wood species and type

The successful candidate will be directly supervised by Dr Felix Wiesner at UBC and play an important role in establishing the fire safety laboratory at UBC. Co-supervision will be by Dr. Christian Dagenais from Université Laval.
This is a full-time, two-year MSc/MASc scholarship position. The base stipend will be $23,000 with the potential of further income from teaching assistant roles and merit-based stipends. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with leading experts in fire safety engineering and timber structures through the Canadian Wood Construction Research Network (CWCRN).

QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for the position:

• A bachelor’s level degree, or equivalent*, is required
• The applicant should have a background in fields related to fire safety engineering, wood science, timber engineering or heat and mass transfer
• Working experience with engineered timber structures would be considered an asset
• The ideal candidate will have experience in experimental design, strong analytical skills, an independent work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of success in group collaboration
• the equivalent consideration varies by country – please consult https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/check-your-eligibility for country-specific recommendations. Appropriate qualifications should be associated with clear evidence of research ability or potential.

Please refer the Job description for details