Wood is making a comeback in civil engineering. It has been used in construction for thousands of years, easy to produce and transport it. Wood is one of the longest standing building materials. However, in the mid to late 1800s, engineers began replacing it with concrete and steel, as they were gaining a reputation for strength and durability. Timber was no longer the material for big projects.
Things might be changing, today, wood is making a comeback: mass timber, is a new way of using wood. This structural system is made of solid heavy timber and engineered wood members and it is most often used for wall, ceiling and roof panels.
It is sustainable, cost-effective and schedule friendly.
Lower carbon emissions
Over the next ten years, around 80 to 90 percent of the carbon emitted from new construction will be embodied carbon i.e. the emissions associated with building construction.
Building with mass timber can reduce a structure’s carbon footprint as wood is a lower carbon material. Mass timber is a renewable material that can be sourced locally from sustainably managed forests, a huge benefit when compared to steel or concrete which may need to travel long distances.
Reduced cost and schedule
Using mass timber in buildings can also speed up the construction of the project because it requires less labour, equipment and tools. In construction this is a holy trinity, as time is money. The wood can be detailed, designed and prefabricated in an offsite workshop. As it is relatively light it can be lowered into place, reducing time and contributing to a more cost-effective system.
Enhanced performance and safety
Mass timber panels, posts and beams are glued together under high pressure. It is a strong and reliable building material that can even be compared to concrete. Mass timber used within buildings may also feature a composite structural frame.
Mass timber also has fire-resistant properties that are inherent to timber. During a fire, a char layer forms on the material, which creates a protective layer around the wood, preventing further damage.
Design aesthetics
The aesthetics of a building material should never be ignored as they can add a striking effect to a new building. Mass timber may be left unfinished. This can add a rustic, natural and even streamlined look, while eliminating added costs such as wall finishes. The aesthetic nature of wood allows for unique architectural designs to stand out in building interiors and exteriors.
Considerations and limitations
When it comes to building with mass timber, experienced design and construction teams as required to ensure they add value to the clients project.
Building for a better society
As civil engineers, we aim to improve societies. We have recognised that we’re accountable to future generations, for the carbon we emit today. Combatting climate change by reducing carbon emissions is a critical focus area for industries and companies across the world. Mass timber could be an important step in reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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