Advice
Dimensional control of mass timber elements is stringent, should be explored and re-evaluated within the boundaries of safety and performance.
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Fabrication
Roles
Advice
Mass panel installation advice: — Full scale mockup is a benefit, allows best practices to be developed and solutions identified prior to construction. — “Install prefab guardrail systems between columns on the perimeter and pre-determine tie-off points for worker safety” — Manufacturers need to clearly identify and locate balanced panel lifting points. — Pre plan and optimize truck load stacks, delivery schedules and erection sequencing
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
Involve the mass timber supplier early. (Small contributions in connection designs can make a difference in erection speed).
Advice
“Constant and frequent communication” encouraged all to take ownership of project and actively contribute.
Advice
Ensure precise prefabrication of structural elements.
Advice
Steel connectors should be the responsibility of the same party that owns the timber manufacturing scope. They should be modelled at the same time, resulting in the purchase of the correct parts.
Advice
Unless you control or understand the flow of material and information from “forest to frame”, you will have blind spots; you will be derailed by cost, schedule, quality, or all three. For…
Image c/o: StructureCraft
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
The challenge in getting people on the project team early is figuring out WHO to get in early.
Advice
Suppliers want to sell you the best option but you need to know what you want first. Bring suppliers in early, but only make decisions once you know what you want.
Advice
Water damage is a major issue that is not yet adequately solved, and results in schedule slippage. There must be a method to protect the timber products from rain and swelling during construction. Improperly coated connections cause problems.