Mass timber construction has experienced tremendous growth in the US over the past decade, and California is no exception. Now with expanded code provisions for mass timber buildings in the July 2021 California Building Code (CBC) updates, the construction of tall mass timber structures up to 18 stories is possible. These provisions are based on three new construction types introduced in the 2021 International Building Code—Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C—with CBC amendments. This event, intended for building officials and plan reviewers who are assessing specific projects as well as building designers working on mass timber designs, will address practical details related to implementing the provisions in California. Following a review of mass timber’s fire performance, the State Fire Marshall’s office will describe the process undertaken to adopt the new provisions, and why the California Building Standards Commission unanimously approved them. An interactive discussion on project approvals, plan reviews, and building official interactions on mass timber buildings will lend key insights into what those having jurisdictional authority can look for on project submittals, and what those submitting project drawings can expect for review and feedback. Building officials and designers can expect to take away the knowledge they need to assess and pursue mass timber projects.
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Review the mass timber and tall mass timber code provisions in the International Building Code and California Building Code and understand their application to office, commercial, and multi-family projects.
- Highlight the extensive testing that led to the creation of three new tall mass timber construction types, and describe the roles of these tests in evaluating the fire performance and safety of mass timber in high-rise structures.
- Discuss the fire-resistance design of exposed mass timber elements and assemblies, noting applicability and code compliance for topics such as construction types, connections, and firestopping details.
- Introduce key lessons learned and common questions related to plan review and site inspections of mass timber projects.