Fire Resistance in American Heavy Timber Construction: History and Preservation by Jesse Heitz

Fire Resistance in American Heavy Timber Construction: History and Preservation by Jesse Heitz

This volume presents a history of heavy timber construction (HTC) in the United States, chronicling nearly two centuries of building history, from inception to a detailed evaluation of one of the best surviving examples of the type, with an emphasis on fire resistance. The book does not limit itself in scope to serving only as a common history. Rather, it provides critical analysis of HTC in terms of construction methods, design, technical specifications, and historical performance under fire conditions. As such, this book provides readers with a truly comprehensive understanding and exploration of heavy timber construction in the United States and its performance under fire conditions.

Jesse Heitz is a scholar and former professional firefighter with the Chaska Fire Department, in Chaska, MN. He holds a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN; a MA in War in the Modern World from King's College, London; a MSt in Building History from the University of Cambridge; and will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in Modern History from the University of St. Andrews.