Timber Shrinkage and Facade Design #facadeengineering

Mass Timber Structures: Opportunities and Challenges

While the sustainability and aesthetic appeal of mass timber are undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge the technical challenges it brings. Beyond the well-documented concerns around fire safety, acoustics, and water vulnerability, timber shrinkage poses a significant risk over time.

Unlike materials like steel or aluminium, timber can experience substantial shrinkage, which may exceed the thermal expansion of aluminium façade profiles or the live load deflection values of a steel frame. This discrepancy introduces complex design and coordination challenges for façade engineers and other disciplines.

As exciting as mass timber structures are, they also bring a host of risks that the industry might not yet be fully prepared to address. Are we ready to tackle these challenges at scale?

#MassTimber #FacadeEngineering #ConstructionChallenges #SustainableDesign

[davidjoesphlonergan]

I’m so in love with the content - keep it coming Eugene 👍

[wojciechturek]

Let’s not forget about expansion and contraction of other materials simultaneously to structure
I’d say it’s not fair to say about one without saying about another