Analysis of fire safety compliance of high-rise buildings built with glued laminated timber structures and cross laminated timber

<jats:p>The present study analyzes the regulatory framework and technical challenges associated with the design of high-rise buildings (H &gt; 25 m) utilizing glued laminated timber structural systems (Glulam) and cross laminated timber (CLT) within the context of the Bulgarian regulatory environment (NCTPNOBP, ZUT). The criteria for fire resistance (REI R 120) and reaction-to-fire class (A2) are examined, adherence to which necessitates the full encapsulation of timber elements with non-combustible materials. The principles of charring behavior, delamination, and connection performance under fire exposure are critically assessed. The study concludes that, under current national requirements, the application of tall timber buildings in Bulgaria remains practically unfeasible without the introduction of innovative technical solutions demonstrating equivalent fire safety performance.</jats:p>