Selecting a construction type is one of the most critical early decisions in any mass timber project. This course will explore approaching construction type selection as an iterative process to arrive at the most appropriate choice. Looking at realized project examples, the session will examine the collaborative process between the architect and structural engineer—highlighting the familiar “push-pull” dynamic between disciplines—and how they can successfully balance design vision, code constraints, and structural efficiency to achieve the owner’s end goal for the occupants. Attendees will also receive practical guidance on how early coordination, iterative modeling, and code interpretation influence material efficiency, occupant comfort and safety, and long-term building performance.
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Identify construction types that permit the use of mass timber and understand how they impact building height, area limitations, and fire-resistance requirements under the IBC.
- Evaluate the structural implications of different construction types, including impacts on grid layout, member sizing, connection design, and structural system selection.
- Analyze how architectural intent (e.g., exposed wood, large openings, spatial layouts) influences structural and fire-resistance design decisions.
- Apply lessons learned from improving interdisciplinary coordination on future mass timber projects.