Mass timber, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam), has proven to be a durable and adaptable material. With this material comes some important things to know about mass timber construction in North America. Let’s look at some of the recent findings about this form of wood construction.
5 Things to Know About Mass Timber Construction
What benefits can we see from building with mass timber?
In the USA and Canada, the Mass Timber Report saw a 17% increase in mass timber structures in 2022 compared to 2021. Here’s what we can expect from this steadily growing trend of commercial construction:
- Construction Schedules
- Safety & Sustainability
- Lighter Building Weight
- Embodied Energy
- Disaster Resistance
1) Construction Schedules
The bulk of cost savings in the superstructure comes from cutting down the construction schedule by as much as 25% (Mass Timber Report). This leads to reduced overhead, carrying costs, risk, and earlier occupancy. Contractors also note savings in general conditions despite increased coordination.
2) Safety & Sustainability
Mass timber products often come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) showcasing the safety of their adhesives for health. Some CLT manufacturers have earned “Red List-free” or “Red List-declared” status from the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Declare 4 EPD label. It’s known as one of the most rigorous sustainable building standards.
3) Lighter Building Weight
Achieving up to a 65% decrease in the total building weight in contrast to a concrete alternative offers advantages such as lowered foundation expenses and decreased seismic loading.
4) Embodied Energy
Mass timber boasts significantly lower embodied energy compared to traditional building materials. Specifically, it requires roughly one-third of the embodied energy needed for steel and only about one-fifth of that required for concrete (HGA). This means that in the production process, mass timber generates substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions and consumes less energy, making it a more sustainable option for construction requirements.
5) Disaster Resistance
Engineered wood products boast fire resistance, making mass timber buildings resilient against disasters. Their structural integrity enables superior earthquake resilience compared to conventional high-rise structures.
Building a Better Future with Mass Timber
These things to know about mass timber construction help us to better understand what the future holds. These beautiful structures perform far better than concrete and steel in a variety of ways. For a mass timber project you can be confident in, choose the right team for the job.
Connect with us to start your mass timber construction project with precision and expertise.
