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Knowledge Base
Designed for both industry experts and newcomers across the supply chain, Mass Timber Planning is a platform and knowledge base that addresses mass timber’s implementation, delivery methods, and best practices.
Dedicated to helping developers, engineers, installers, manufacturers, and more, we help you discover the growing power of mass timber’s functionality, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
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We help shape an unparalleled learning environment that is informed by industry experts. Browse through our key posts to stay up-to-date on trends and broaden your knowledge base.
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Advice
Understand all aspects of the process, starting with the design, detailed design, and the fabrication model, all the way through to installation. If there are any parts not fully understood or covered by you or your team, hire expertise to fill the gaps as early as possible.
Advice
Mass timber helps address client’s sustainability targets.
Advice
Cost premiums with mass timber are offset by the more rapid construction process with pre-fabricated construction.
Advice
The timing of contractor engagement impacts the ability to get construction input on structural assembly sequence & detailing.
Advice
Use hybrid structural systems (timber/steel/concrete) to optimize for the best properties of each.
Advice
A bracing plan is important, and has a large effect on installation. Establish a bracing plan early and integrate it into the connection details. A good bracing plan allows the connections to assist with temporary stability and requires over-designing, but saves time, money, headaches, and patching.
Branching Out
Looking for inspiration? Filter your search by the various Roles and Phases to see what industry experts have to say about Mass Timber.
Advice
Prefabrication advantages: — Higher quality components that are more precisely manufactured are produced, which reduces installation time, schedule length, and site deliveries. — Waste on site is reduced, saving disposal costs — Concurrent off site work can take place in controlled conditions. — Change orders are reduced in number — Mass panel penetrations are well lighted up, making MEP runs easier — Negligible shimming and furring and adjustments — Reduced number of fastening steps on site results in the structure being enclosed more quickly
Advice
Use simplified floor plans with stacked units.
Advice
Use HSS tube column connections. This results in smaller cross sections needed for structural purposes and lower column component weight. Additionally, many columns could be installed manually.
Advice
Elimination of beams and column grid optimization reduced the number of pieces and crane lifts required.
Advice
Using a flat slab concept for CLT panels reduced the volume of wood used.
Advice
Limit areas of innovation to the structural system.
Advice
Invite mechanical and electrical trades to assist in design early. (Model will be more complete, also speeds up installation on site).
Advice
Involve the mass timber supplier early. (Small contributions in connection designs can make a difference in erection speed).
Advice
Engage the “authority having jurisdiction” early to ensure timely approval.
Advice
Scrutinize each design proposition to look for pitfalls.
Advice
Involve fire protection engineers.
Advice
Understand the code approval process for tall wood buildings.
Advice
Engage third party experts for guidance.
Advice
“Constant and frequent communication” encouraged all to take ownership of project and actively contribute.
