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What is the required moisture content for fire retardant treated wood for structural panels?

  1. 12%

  2. 15%

  3. 19%

  4. 22%

The correct answer is: 15%

Fire retardant treated wood is specifically designed to reduce the flammability of building materials. The required moisture content for these wood products is crucial because it affects their fire performance as well as their structural integrity. A moisture content of 15% is specified because it provides a balance between maintaining the effectiveness of the fire retardant treatment while ensuring that the wood does not warp or crack excessively during drying. If the wood is too dry, it may not perform optimally in terms of resistance to fire. Conversely, a higher moisture content could lead to mold growth and decay, which compromises the structural integrity of the wood. This specific standard helps to ensure that the treated wood performs as intended in both fire safety and construction applications.