Mass Timber: Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain by Michael Germano

MASS TIMBER

EXPANDING THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN DOMAIN Michael A. Germano

Mass Timber: Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain By: Michael A. Germano Chair: N. Nawari, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE Co-Chair: Frank M. Bosworth, PhD, AIA A research project presented to the University of Florida Graduate School of Architecture in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture. Copyright 2018. ii

iii

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all of my professors that have helped me along my path. Each of them have had a profound impact on both my education and career. A special thank you to my research chair Dr. Nawari Nawari and co-chair Frank M. Bosworth, for their guidance and always encouraging exploration. Thank you to my family for always supporting me in my pursuit to become an architect. A very special thank you to my wife, Kacie, for her love and patience. I am lucky to have such a wonderful and supportive companion.

Contents

List of Figures viii Abstract x Introduction 2 Climate Change Current State of Buildings Architecture 2030

4 6 6

Background 10

Carbon Sequestration 14 Sustainable Forestry 16 Afforestation 16 Building Codes + Safety 18 Constructability 20 Structural Considerations 22

Case Studies

Brock Commons Wood Innovation + Design Center Glenwood Riverfront CLT Parking Garage

25 27 29

Proposal 32

Project Narrative 34 Site Selection 34 Prototype 38 Connections 44 Analysis 46

Conclusion 48

Advantages 49 Disadvantages 49 To the Future 50

Bibliography 51 Selected Annotated Bibliography 55 Image Credits 57

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

List of Figures

1.1| Global temperature change relative to preindustrial levels 1880-present. 1.2| U.S. carbon emissions by sector. 1.3| Global population of 2050 per United Nations, 9.8 billion persons 1.4| New York City; Empire State Building reimagined constructed of wood. 1.5| Paris, France 1.6| Orlando, Florida 1.7| Architecture 2030 challenge reduction goals. 1.8| Global carbon expenditure. 2.1| Types of manufactured mass timber products. 2.2| CLT manufacturing equipment. 2.3| Comparable carbon stockpiles in wood vs avoided emissions of using non-wood building materials. 2.4| Converting trees into buildings used to store greenhouse gases and carbon. 2.5| Global sustainable forest inventory. 2.6| American Tree Farm System. 2.7| Forest Stewardship Council. 2.8| Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 2.9| CO2 emissions for a 7.3m beam materials, calculated by the Athena software program.

vii

List of Figures

2.10| Carbon cycle and â&#x20AC;&#x153;zero-wasteâ&#x20AC;? production system. 2.11| Timber charring rates and hourly resistance ratings. 2.12| Construction assembly methods in prefabrication. 2.13| CLT panel assembly. 2.14| Curtainwall detail at CLT floor slab with gypsum board encapsulation method of fire protection. 2.15| Typical CLT structural properties, by material thickness and span direction. 3.1| Concrete vertical circulation shafts for lateral stability and egress. 3.2| Building structural system with fire protection and connection system. 3.3| Panelized exterior wall system. 3.4| Floor slab and column erection during construction. 4.1| Innovative floor system and distribution system. 4.2| Interior lobby of WI+DC. 4.3| WI+DC construction sequence; building core, post & beam system, floor & roof slabs, exterior cladding system. 5.1| Garage cut-away section. 5.2| Garage structural frame.

6.1| Site plan. 6.2| Urban porch, south orange ave. 6.3| Urban yard, across livingston st. 6.4| Urban yard, from building. 6.5| Vertical circulation shafts. 6.6| Building program. 6.7| Building structural plan. 6.8| Enlarged tower structural plan. 6.9| Exterior view looking north on orange ave. 6.10| East exterior elevation. 6.11| View from interior office level. 6.12| Building lobby with exposed structure. 6.13| Exploded building structural systems. 6.14| Column to column connection with pinned steel. 6.15| CLT floor slab to concrete shaft wall connection. 6.16 Exterior wall panel to floor slab connection. 6.17| Parking garage structural connection with double beam system. 6.18| Comparison of prototype building greenhouse emissions as designed with concrete, steel, and timber structural systems. 6.19| Carbon analysis of mass timber prototype building as calculated by Tally program.

viii

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop an understanding of mass timber in design and construction. More specifically, Cross-Laminated Timber(CLT) as a structural material is the primary focus. This new and innovative construction material has already begun to change the way building are designed and constructed around the world. Europe and Canada are on the forefront of innovation and implementation of this new technology. Analysis of case studies and completed buildings illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of mass-timber design construction methods and techniques. In addition, innovative construction methods are being developed around the world to create the most efficient product possible through the prefabrication of construction and modularity. Identifying several key sustainability strategies allows for informed design decisions when creating a prototypical project using best practices for a US market. Using the techniques and design principles identified in research and analysis, a prototypical mixed-use, 20-story tower has been designed to illustrate a sustainable project. Key to the project is the successful implementation of a high-rise structure beyond what current building codes deem acceptable. The research on material properties and prior acceptance in various other jurisdictions have informed the theoretical future acceptance of CLT in all jurisdictions within the United States. The project site is located within the downtown corridor of Orlando, Florida on a currently vacant parcel of land. This project demonstrates a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as compared to a similarly designed building constructed of concrete or steel. Further development and professional community education is needed for greater industry acceptance.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Introduction

“I’d put my money on solar energy... I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” -Thomas Edison

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

1.1 1.3

REMAINING 730 GIGATONS (CO2) ~18 YEARS UNTIL FULLY SPENT EXPENDED 2,075 GIGATONS (CO2) 1.2

1.1| Global temperature change relative to pre-industrial levels 1880-present. 1.2| U.S. carbon emissions by sector. 1.3| Global population of 2050 per United Nations, 9.8 billion persons 3

Urban Rural =100 million persons

Climate Change

Introduction

Since the Industrial Revolution, the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere have increased by 40%.1

During the same period, the global average temperature has steadily been on the rise. As of 2016, the global average temperature is 0.99°C above 1880 levels.2 [1.1] The United Nations has set forth the Paris Climate Agreement between all member countries to limit further temperature rise to no more than 2°C.3 Moderate estimates from the Mercator Research Institute on Global

Commons and Climate Change forecast approximately 18 years before humans have caused irreversible damage to the climate.4 [1.2] The traditional building materials of the 20th century, predominately concrete and steel, have largely contributed to this rapid increase in greenhouse gases and global warming. As Ned Cramer states, “Architects face a choice: to remake the built environment so that it produces no CO2, or to carry on, business as usual, and live with the consequences.”5 The building industry represents approximately one-third of total worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.6 Architects have a professional responsibility to find solutions that address this crisis. Fundamentally, to reverse climate change the carbon footprint of buildings must be drastically reduced. By leveraging the benefits that timber construction provides, carbon sequestration and low embodied energy, while simultaneously maintaining smart growth and density in cities, maybe the course of climate change may be redirected.

Tall Buildings Currently 50% of the world population lives in urban centers and it is estimated that by 2050, this number will rise to 70%.7 [1.3] With the global population expected to reach 9.7billion people by 2050, critical resource management must be addressed.8 Cities provide a greater population density and thus a higher efficiency of resource distribution, use and management. To maintain the higher densities, buildings must occupy a smaller urban footprint while accommodating many uses and inhabitants. Thus, buildings must maintain verticality. Towers constructed of Mass Timber structural systems are a direct replacement for primarily steel and concrete building systems. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(Mayo 2015, ix) (NASA n.d.) (United Nations 2015) (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change n.d.) (Cramer 2017) (Templeton 2007, 1) (Michael Green Architecture 2017, 22) (United Nations 2017)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.4| New York City; Empire State Building re-imagined constructed of wood. 1.5| Paris, France 1.6| Orlando, Florida 5

Introduction

Climate change is impacting the way the world operates. As the global population continues to grow, new buildings will continue to be in demand. The way these buildings are designed and

constructed are of paramount importance. Timber construction is a viable option to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

Current State of Buildings When humanity first began building to create shelter, wood was the material of choice.9 Over time however, humans began to evolve and their needs for stronger, more dependable shelter changed. Advancements in technology produced stronger and more durable materials such as concrete and steel. Today, steel and concrete are the predominate structural building elements for large and tall buildings.10 Timber, however, is beginning to make a comeback through new, and innovative products and design techniques. Currently, humanity is experiencing a new building revolution. Modern society is dealing with two major issues concurrently; housing a growing global population and mitigating global climate change.11 Buildings must adapt to the external forces of the sustainability movement to curb the effects of global warming and climate change. Advancements in technology have allowed wood construction to make a comeback in the building industry. Mass timber products are enabling wooden structures to grow to new heights and span greater distances.

Architecture 2030 Architecture 2030 is a global non-profit organization created in 2002. Founder and Architect Edward Mazria established the organization in response to the global climate crisis with the goal of promoting sustainable design solutions. Meeting the Architecture 2030 Challenge, achieving carbon-neutral buildings by the year 2030, will require a shift in construction practices.12 [1.8] Buildings are the leading contributor to greenhouse emissions in the United States.13 Annually, buildings in the United States release 2,358MMT of carbon-dioxide (CO2) or equivalent greenhouses each year.14 [1.7] To better understand the magnitude of such a large number,

9 10 11 12 13 14

(Mayo 2015, 8) (Michael Green Architecture 2017, 22) (Dangel 2017, 5) (Architecture 2030 n.d.) (Templeton 2007, 1) (Architecture 2030 n.d.)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

70%

80%

90%

CARBON NEUTRAL

TODAY

2020

2025

2030

FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY REDUCTION

RENEWABLE

FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY CONSUMPTION

THE 2030 CHALLENGE

1.7

INDUSTRY 21.1% BUILDINGS 44.6% [2358 MMT CO2e] TRANSPORTATION 34.3% 1.8

1.7| Architecture 2030 challenge reduction goals. 1.8| Global carbon expenditure.

Introduction

buildings in the United States produce the equivalent of over five hundred million cars every year.15 In addition to the atmospheric carbon released by the construction process, the transportation and manufacturing of conventional construction materials is energy intensive and places a growing strain on the environment. To reduce global warming and climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced and methods of storing captured greenhouse gases must be identified.16

Research Questions 1. How can architecture address climate change? 2. What are the limitations of using mass timber, specifically cross-laminated timber, as a building structural system? 3. Can timber structure construction lower the carbon footprint of buildings?

15â&#x20AC;&#x192; (United States Environmental Protection Agency 2017) 16â&#x20AC;&#x192; (Michael Green Architecture 2017, 22)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Background

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wood is the mother of matter... she renews herself by giving, gives herself by renewing.â&#x20AC;? -Carl Andre

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

2.1

2.2 2.1| Types of manufactured mass timber products. 2.2| CLT manufacturing equipment.

A Summary of Mass Timber

Background

Mass Timber is a type of construction strategy that employs the use of large-scale, solid wood panels or elements to create a building structure. This technique, in its current form, is a relatively new process. Historically, timber construction used large diameter trees to create beams and columns. The mass timber techniques of today, use a variety of engineered wood products. According to reThink Wood, a wood industry think-tank, mass timber can be categorized into five main groups as follows1 [2.1]:

Cross-Laminated Timber[CLT] layers of dimensional lumber glued together at 90-degree orientations to create structural panels with excellent dimensional stability and strength. [2.2]

Nail-Laminated Timber[NLT or Nail-Lam] dimensional lumber of consistent size face-to-face and nailed together for a desired width or length.

Glue-Laminated Timber[Glulam or GLT] layers of dimensional lumber laminated together with all grains running parallel with the length of the product.

Dowel-Laminated Timber[DLT] like nail-laminated timber, however nails are replaced with wooden dowels that are friction fit to hold the boards together.

Structural Composite Lumber[SCL] layered veneers, flakes, or strands of graded wood together with adhesive to create blocks of formed wood that are then cut to desired dimensions. Common products include laminated veneer lumber [LVL] and laminated strand lumber [LSL]. In addition, all the mass timber products listed above can be combined with other materials to stimulate further innovation. 1â&#x20AC;&#x192; (RethinkWood n.d., 2-4); (Dangel 2017, 98-107)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

2.3

2.4

2.3| Comparable carbon stockpiles in wood vs avoided emissions of using non-wood building materials. 2.4| Converting trees into buildings used to store greenhouse gases and carbon. 13

Carbon Sequestration

Background

There are two major carbon sinks on this planet, forests and bodies of water. A carbon sink refers to something that is able to capture carbon from the atmosphere and store it. Effectively removing greenhouse gases from Earth’s atmosphere.2 Forests are excellent at capturing carbon in large quantities and lowering the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. One tree can trap as much as half of its dried weight in carbon through the process of photosynthesis3. Globally, forests have captured and removed countless tons of carbon from the air. Every cubic meter of lumber product produced can store between 1 to 1.6 tons of carbon, approximately the amount of greenhouse gases produced by a home for two months.4 According to research conducted by Project Drawdown, a non-profit global think-tank committed to reducing the global carbon footprint, forests have the potential to remove more than 22-gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere by the year 2050.5 [2.3] As a tree ages, it begins to grow slower. Younger, faster growing forests can sequester carbon at a higher rate.6 Subsequently, an older tree can hold a great amount of carbon but is no longer as efficient at capturing it. This captured carbon however, is only trapped if the tree continues to exist as a mass. Decaying dead trees and forest fires release large amounts of carbon back into the air quickly.7 As is seen with the extreme seasonal fires that spread throughout the United States, too many unattended forests can turn into giant “carbon bombs” as they burn and release all the carbon that was captured at once. One solution to this problem lies with sustainable management of forests and harvesting timber. Old growth forests may contain more captured carbon than younger forests, but they are also much more susceptible to releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere at any moment. As described by Ulrich Dangel, harvested wood products will contain all the carbon it has captured to the time of harvesting. Therefore, by constructing with wood, buildings can be turned into carbon storage devices.8 [2.4]

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

(Dangel 2017, 24) (Mayo 2015, 8) (Michael Green Architecture 2017, 22); (United States Enivornmental Protection Agency 2017) (Hawken 2017, 129) (Mayo 2015, 8) (Dangel 2017, 24) (Dangel 2017, 50-52)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

2.5

2.6

2.5| Global sustainable forest inventory. 2.6| American Tree Farm System. 2.7| Forest Stewardship Council. 2.8| Sustainable Forestry Initiative. 15

2.7

2.8

Sustainable Forestry

Background

Approximately 30% of the Earth’s land area is covered in forest.9 Sustainable commercial forestry focuses on rapidly growing trees and high harvest rates while protecting global forest inventory.10 This is a benefit to both wood construction and carbon reduction. Sustainable practices mitigate the risks of deforestation due to the greater use of wood products in construction. While only 7% of the global forests are plantations, they currently produce 60% of all commercially used wood.11 [2.5] Sustainable forestry practices currently produce nearly zero-waste in the manufacturing of wood products.12 Nearly 99% of every tree is utilized, and as much as 70% of the energy required to produce timber products is supplied by biomass, or wood as fuel.13 There are a number of wood certification organizations around the world. Most commonly, in North America, the Forest Steward Council [2.7], Sustainable Forestry Initiative [2.8], and the America Tree Farm System [2.6] oversee and regulate the sustainable forestry process. These organizations verify that forest plantations and lumber producers meet the stringent standards of sustainability. According to the United Nations, sustainable forest management is the “stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems.”14 Sustainable forest management and harvesting allow for rapid renewability of timber and an almost constant high rate of carbon capture.

Afforestation Afforestation is the process of establishing forest growth on land that had previously lacked naturally occurring growth. For the last 75 years, forest stocks in the United States have been on the rise.15 According to Project Drawdown, continual forest growth will reduce the global carbon levels 18-gigatons by the year 2050.16 Large scale forest plantations supply commercial wood product producers with material. In most cases, these new forest plantations are sprouting up 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

(Dangel 2017, 12) (Mayo 2015, 8) (Hawken 2017, 132) (Dangel 2017, 54) (Mayo 2015, 9) (Dangel 2017, 30) (Dangel 2017, 54) (Hawken 2017, 132-134)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

2.9

2.10 2.9| CO2 emissions for a 7.3m beam materials, calculated by the Athena software program. 2.10| Carbon cycle and â&#x20AC;&#x153;zero-wasteâ&#x20AC;? production system. 17

Background

on land that has already been cleared for agricultural use to support the growth another crop. The commercial growth and production of wood products dramatically increase global carbon

sequestration levels. During the 1990’s through the 2000’s U.S. carbon sinks in forestland grew by 33%.17

Embodied Energy + Carbon Footprint Embodied energy is the amount of energy resources required to produce, transport, and maintain a material throughout it useful life cycle. This is measured in the amount of greenhouse gases produced or released into the atmosphere as a by-product of a certain material; the unit of measure is the CO2 or CO2-equivalent. [2.9] Buildings that have been constructed and operate with a neutral carbon footprint are considered “net-zero” buildings.18 Net-zero buildings combine sustainable

design practices and innovation with low embodied energy construction materials. These buildings operate with a smaller energy demand, thus reducing the total amount of greenhouse gases produced during the lifespan of the building. Timber production is inherently carbon negative or neutral based on the harvesting and milling processes. According to Joesph Mayo, sustainably harvested and produced wood products is considered a “zero-waste” industry. [2.10] Trees capture CO2 as they grow. In contrast, global concrete production releases five times as much carbon into

the atmosphere as the entire airline industry.19 Once considered extremely difficult and costly

net-zero design and construction is becoming the standard building practice. If approximately 10% of buildings are net-zero by the year 2050, 7.1-gigatons of CO2 can be offset globally.20

Building Codes + Safety Cross-Laminated Timber(CLT) is relatively new to the industry, research and development started during the 1990’s primarily in Austria and Germany.21 Because of the short amount of time in the market, mass timber advocates have been working against the current building codes around the world. Slowly jurisdictions in the United States are beginning to recognize CLT in building codes with the adoption of new building codes that allow CLT as an acceptable building material. In 2016, the International Building Council assembled a committee to research a proposed expansion of 17 18 19 20 21

(Hawken 2017, 129) (Hawken 2017, 84) (Michael Green Architecture 2017, 12) (Hawken 2017, 85) (Mohammad, et al. 2012, 3)

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

2.11

2.12

2.13

2.11| Timber charring rates and hourly resistance ratings. 2.12| Construction assembly methods in prefabrication. 2.13| CLT panel assembly. 19

Background

CLT in the 2021 building code update. The largest misconception of mass timber is that because 22

it is wood, it will burn quicker than concrete and steel. The large scale and mass of wood protects the core of the wooden structural element through the charring process. Wood will only burn to a certain depth before the charred layer of wood protects the structural core from burning.23 The char rate of wood has been well documented and material thickness can easily be used to provide a fire resistive rating.24 CLT and other mass timber products are able to achieve 2-hour ratings in testing. [2.11] When combined with additional materials such as Type X gypsum board even greater ratings can be achieved.25 Research is still underway to determine the ultimate strength and capabilities for the various mass timber products. While this research is ongoing, wood has already proven to be a viable and competitive alternative to steel and concrete construction.26

Constructability Cross-Laminated Timber and most other mass-timber products are manufactured in controlled production facilities. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines cut and mill the panels and beams to exact design measurements. This high level of precision minimizes the amount of on-site manipulation required during construction, reducing job site waste. When these tight tolerances are combined with proper design, integration, and planning the construction process achieves maximum efficiency and effectiveness.27 [2.12] Pre-fabrication and assembly of large building components greatly reduce the amount of time and labor required to construct a building on site. On average, a reduction of 20% in the construction schedule and 2% cost savings can be achieved when compared to traditional building methods.28 Reductions in construction time equates to a decrease in total project cost with reduced labor costs, diverted financing interest, and earlier rental start dates. In one instance, Brock Commons, an 18-story residential building, was constructed in 70 days on site using a crew of only nine workers.29 This speed of construction is essential for projects on tight schedules with hard deadlines, such as a university dormitory. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

(March 2017) (Silva, Branco and Lourenço 2014, 6) (Karacabeyli and Douglas 2013, 300) (Havel 2016, 5) (Dangel 2017, 168) (Smith, Griffin and Rice 2015, 35-36) (Smith, Griffin and Rice 2015, 45) (naturally:wood 2017, 5)

Background

2.14

2.15 2.14| Curtainwall detail at CLT floor slab with gypsum board encapsulation method of fire protection. 2.15| Typical CLT structural properties, by material thickness and span direction. 21

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Structural Considerations

CLT uses many smaller members of wood that are laminated together. Depending on the geographical location of the project or manufacturer, these wood members can be made from a variety of softwoods, including pine, spruce, fir, and larch.30 Because of the cross-lamination of wood grains, the finished panel is dimensionally stable in all directions. This allows CLT panels to be exceptionally strong in both the minor and major axis of a panel. [2.13] The bi-directional load carrying ability of CLT makes it suitable for multiple applications, such as floors, roofs, and walls in multi-story buildings.31 The panels can span long distances by simply increasing the number of laminations. [2.15] When combined with glu-lam beams, the possibilities are almost endless. CLT structural systems are much lighter than both concrete and steel systems. This reduction in weight means that the magnitude of structural foundations, typically constructed of concrete, can be drastically reduced. However, because the building is lighter, there is a concern for overturning and uplift issues in high wind locations. These concerns can be easily addressed with typical high wind zone attachment and strapping methods. When properly designed and detailed, timber structures are superior in most cases to traditional concrete and steel systems.32

30 (Dangel 2017, 101) 31 (Mohammad, et al. 2012, 2) 32 (March 2017) 22

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Case Studies

Case Study

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Case Study

Brock Commons

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Acton Ostry Architects Volume of Wood - 78,858 ft3 CO2 Offset - 2,432 mTons

Building Height - 178ft. | 2017

Located in Vancouver, Brock Commons is an 18-story residential university building. As the tallest completed timber building in North America, the architects and engineers had to demonstrate that mass timber construction does not pose an increased fire risk. In order to accomplish this several strategies were used. First, to separate the assembly occupancy on the ground floor, the building was designed with a concrete podium and vertical circulation shafts. [3.1] Second, the wood structure is then encapsulated with fire-rated gypsum board, as shown in the diagram to the right.[3.2] To facilitate faster construction, assembly was made more efficient with the use of prefabrication and modular systems. The images to the right show a panelized wall system being installed [3.3] and the single story glu-lam columns supporting the CLT floor slabs. [3.4] The columns were fitted with steel to and bottom connectors in the factory. The caps fit together at each floor level to receive the floor slab and column above creating a rigid connection. This allowed for a rapid erection time of only 70 days at 2 floors per week.1

1â&#x20AC;&#x192; (naturally:wood 2017, 5)

Case Study

3.3 3.1

3.4

3.2

3.1| Concrete vertical circulation shafts for lateral stability and egress. 3.2| Building structural system with fire protection and connection system.

3.3| Panelized exterior wall system. 3.4| Floor slab and column erection during construction.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Case Study Wood Innovation + Design Center

At the time of construction, the Wood Innovation

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. - MGA

the building. Prior to the construction of this

Volume of Wood - 53,643 ft

CO2 Offset - 1,519 mTons

Building Height - 97ft.

Completed October 2014

+ Design Center was the tallest wood building in North America. Located in British Columbia, this building was at the forefront of modern timber construction. Working with the British Columbia Building Code Council, the building received special exemptions to proceed as a test build and the 2012 BC Building Code was amended to accommodate the techniques and designs of building, the only wooden buildings in Canada permitted to 6-stories were residential.1 The structural system utilizes a glu-lam post and beam system. The CLT floor slabs span between in a staggered stacking pattern to conceal and distribute the building systems. The gaps between CLT slabs allow conduit and piping to be routed underneath the floor. The building is then wrapped in a curtainwall system that allows to the timber structure to be seen from both the interior and exterior of the building.

1â&#x20AC;&#x192;

(naturally:wood 2015, 4)

Case Study

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.1| Innovative floor system and distribution system. 4.2| Interior lobby of WI+DC.

4.3| WI+DC construction sequence; building core, post & beam system, floor & roof slabs, exterior cladding system. 28

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Case Study Glenwood Riverfront CLT Parking Garage

Located in Springfield, Oregon, this building

SPRINGFIELD, OREGON - SRG

at mid-span to pick up the 6 5/8” thick, 10’x30’

206,000 sq.ft. - 360 parking stalls Project in progress

uses timber in an innovative way to create an above ground parking structure. Most commonly, parking garages utilize concrete or steel structural systems to achieve the large spans and heavy loads needed to accommodate vehicular traffic. To meet the requirements for this project, engineers developed a system of post-tensioned glu-lam beams with 60-foot structural bays. [5.1] Smaller support beams were then placed CLT floor slabs. A concrete topping and sealer where then added to protect the wood from the wear of vehicular traffic. [5.2]

Case Study

5.1

5.2

5.1| Garage cut-away section. 5.2| Garage structural frame.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Proposal

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Project Narrative

Site Selection

The goal of this project is to create a more

Further incorporating a sustainable approach,

sustainable building. Investigating innovative

the site location has been chosen for its

construction practices is just the beginning.

proximity to mass transit and community

Taking the ideals of reduced carbon footprints

destinations. [3.1] Adjacent to the site is the

further, the building is designed to be a vertical

LYNX bus central station. LYNX provides mass

live, work, play community incorporating

transit within the city and surrounding areas. In

residential, office and retail spaces. Drawing

addition to the bus station, the development of

inspiration from the timber structure that

the SunRail train station connects the project

supports the building, the program mimics

site with the greater Central Florida area. These

nature, and the structure of a tree. The ground

features help the residents and workers of the

floor supports community through the urban

building reduce their dependence on personal

porch [6.1, 6.2] and urban yard [6.3, 6.4].

vehicles, thus reducing the carbon footprint of

These organizing concepts create a sense of

not only the building but also the end users.

shelter at the street level on the porch, and a sense of privacy in the yard. Similar to how the forest floor creates communities amongst the trees, residents can take advantage of these features to bring a little bit of suburban living to the city. Furthermore, the office levels are the arteries of the tree, carrying information and capital throughout the building. The residential tower brings people high up into the canopy of the city and shelters them from the chaos of the street. These connections provide the building occupants the opportunity to minimize their carbon footprints as well.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

6.1

1| LYNX Central Station 2| SunRail Train Station 3| Juice Bike Share 4| LYNX Bus Stop

6.1| Site plan. 6.2| Urban porch, south orange ave. 6.3| Urban yard, across livingston st. 6.4| Urban yard, from building. 35

Proposal

6.2

6.3

6.4 36

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

APARTMENTS

RA GE

OFFICES

6.5 1

L TAI

6.6

330' - 0"

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6.5| Vertical circulation shafts. 6.6| Building program. 6.7| Building structural plan. 6.8| Enlarged tower structural plan.

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6.7

Proposal 9

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Prototype

6.8

The prototype building structural design utilizes a post and beam timber system with 30’ bays. The adjoining parking garage structure incorporates 60’ bays with double 36” deep long-span glulam beams and smaller 28” deep glulam support beams to hold up the staggered floor slab panels. The larger bay allows for a greater functionality for vehicular traffic. Two concrete stair and elevator shafts [6.5] provide vertical circulation and shear strength in both the tower and the lower office block of the building. [6.6] The overall concept test how multiple systems of timber construction interact with each other. The office block of the building explores the use of curtain wall systems in conjunction with large scale timber panels. Meanwhile, the residential tower explores prefabrication of panelized wall systems to build taller faster. From the exterior, the building is clad in typical fashion while revealing glimpses of the timber structure inside. The interior leaves the timber structure exposed to be experienced by all. 38

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

6.9

6.10 6.9| Exterior view looking north on orange ave. 6.10| East exterior elevation.

Proposal

6.11

6.12 6.11| View from interior office level. 6.12| Building lobby with exposed structure.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

6.13| Exploded building structural systems.

Proposal

1| Post & Beam glu-lam structure 2| CLT floor panels

6.13

3| CLT wall panels

4| Exterior building envelope 5| Concrete circulation shafts

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain CONRETE TOPPING

GLULAM COLUMN

6.14

WATERPROOF MEMBRANE

STEEL COLUMN CONNECTOR INSERT

CLT PANEL

THREADED ROD CONNECTED THROUGH CLT STEEL COLUMN CONNECTOR RECEIVER

6.15

SLOTTED BOLT CONNECTION TO ALLOW MOVEMENT DRAG STRAP ATTACHED TO CLT SLAB

CLT FLOOR SLAB STEEL ANGLE LEDGER CONCRETE VERTICAL CIRCULATION SHAFT

6.16 GYPSUM WALL BOARD EXTERIOR FINISH

FLOOR FINISH

GYPCRETE SUBFLOOR

SHEATHING / WEATHER BARRIER INSULATION

LAG SCREW THRU EXTERIOR WALL PANEL CLT WALL PANEL

CLT FLOOR SLAB 8" 4x4x3/8 STEEL ANGLE @ 48"

6.14| Column to column connection with pinned steel. 6.15| CLT floor slab to concrete shaft wall connection. 6.16 Exterior wall panel to floor slab connection. 6.17| Parking garage structural connection with double beam system. 43

Proposal

Connections

The connection possibilities of timber construction are almost endless. Compiled on the previous page are several critical connections that would occur in a building, translated to timber construction. Details such as column to floor connections [6.14], timber floor slabs connecting to concrete shaft walls that allow for the natural drift of dissimilar materials [6.15], and typical exterior envelope details. [6.16] The unique detail below, is a typical connection in the parking garage. The spans in the garage are twice the distance of the rest of the building. For this reason, the long direction requires two glulam beams to support the load. In addition to the heavier loads, moisture issues are a concern in a parking garage that is unconditioned. For this reason, air gaps are left around all wood joints to reduce moisture build up. [6.17] Most commonly, steel brackets and hangers are used in conjunction with bolts and screws. From that starting point any designer can create a connection that meets the building’s needs. As Charles Eames once said, “The details are not the details, they make the design.”

6.17 1" AIR GAP AROUND ALL WOOD JOINTS

GLULAM COLUMN STEEL COLUMN CONNECTOR GLULAM BEAM STEEL SPACER STRAP

CLT PANEL CONCRETE TOPPING

STEEL BEAM HANGER

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

CO2 EQUIVALENT GASES OF SIMILAR BUILDING PROTOTYPES CONCRETE

STEEL

TIMBER 0

6.18

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

METRIC TONS

6.19

6.18| Comparison of prototype building greenhouse emissions as designed with concrete, steel, and timber structural systems. 6.19| Carbon analysis of mass timber prototype building as calculated by Tally program. 45

30,000

35,000

Analysis

Proposal

The success of this project hinged on the validation of the carbon reduction that was predicted. In order to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases that would be emitted during the construction of this building, the building design was first digitally built in the Revit software, then life-cycle analysis program Tally was used. Developed by architectural firm Kieran-Timberlake, Tally is a plug-in for the Revit program that calculates greenhouse emissions, among other sustainability metrics, based on the volumes of known materials. [6.19] The quantities of greenhouse emissions for the different types of building structures were then compared as shown in the graph to the left. [6.18] The mass-timber building simulation produced a total of 9,435 metric tons of greenhouse emissions, while a building constructed of steel would produce 20,175 metric tons and concrete would produce 30,330 metric tons. A mass-timber building can offset over 20,000 metric tons of greenhouse causes gases from the atmosphere, a 31% reduction over typical current building practices. This equates to removing roughly 4,500 cars from the roads each year. Statistically, the building is a success.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Conclusion

This research indicates that buildings

Conclusion

constructed using mass timber elements as the main structural components can achieve

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they significant reductions in CO emissions and 2 shape us.” -Winston Churchill

global warming potential. In addition, using

wood, a rapidly renewable resource, creates a greater capture rate of CO2 as timber is

sustainably harvested around the world.

Particulary important to the evolution of mass timber construction is the Cross-Laminated Timber panel. This technology has allowed the wood building market to catch up to the steel and concrete market. Structurally effecient and sustainably superior; CLT is the future of responsible building design. This research suggests that timber construction can have a dramatic effect in helping achieve carbon-neutral buildings and limiting the global temperature rise to the 2°C prescribed by the Paris Climate Accord. This master’s research project demonstrates the practical application of the mass timber and sustainable design practices discussed through the research.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Advantages

Disadvantages

Mass timber construction has many benefits in

The biggest disadvantage with timber

addition to the stated goal of sustainability for

construction is the general unfamiliarity with

this research. Two other major advantages are

the new technology. Most people have come

the reduction of labor, waste, and construction

to see wood construction with preconceived

time, in addition to project cost savings. Timber

ideas; wood is weak, wood burns, wood rots.

construction does not rely on large numbers of

These issues can and all have been overcome

highly skilled workers to assemble. Wood is one

through various projects around the world

of the easiest materials to work with and does

encompassing virtually every building type.

not require any specialized job site tools. As

Educating the world about how wood has

the skilled labor workforce in the United States

evolved past their concerns of fire and rot will

continues to decline, this will be a major benefit

be the most important way to change these

for the future.

misconceptions.

CLT and other timber products are

The second issue that arises from the

manufactured in controlled factory

unfamiliarity of the products is lack of building

environments, construction tolerances are

code acceptance. Currently, building codes

much tighter and there is less job site waste.

are the limiting factor when trying to design

With less wasted product, project material

bigger and taller wood buildings. However,

costs tend to decrease dramatically. Projects

this too is changing as more people and

studied for this research have shown up to

building departments become more educated

43% reduction in total project cost and up to

on the benefits and safety of CLT construction

41% faster construction times as compared

members.

to buildings using steel or concrete structural systems. Building owners will be able to understand the financial benefits of timber construction much easier in most cases than the philosophical sustainability advantages. For this reason, it is always a good idea to help clients see all the advantages that make timber a better option than concrete and steel. 49

To the Future

Conclusion

The future of the built world hinges on the

Cross-Laminated Timber is an emerging

choices we make today. As a profession,

technology that is disrupting traditional building

architects must understand the role we play on

practices. The concrete and steel industries are

shaping that future. The status quo is quickly

slow to adapt and evolve to the changing world.

devolving into a climate catastrophe and we

They are either unwilling or unable to reduce

must exhaust all available options to avert

their carbon footprint to help combat global

further disaster.

warming. For this reason, they are resisting the evolution of construction, building codes, and ultimately large-scale timber construction acceptance. Building codes, however, are starting to acknowledge the benefits and appropriateness of CLT as a viable building material. In 2016, the International Code Council created a committee to investigate how to incorporate mass timber construction into the International Building Code. Wood buildings are limited to 6-stories by the current IBC as a singular Type-IV construction. Proposed for adoption in the 2021 version of the IBC is a new classification model of the Type-IV construction group into three new sub-groups; A, B, and C. These new groups would describe the size and type of fire protection required accommodating buildings up to 20-stories tall. The next steps forward require a concerted effort to educate the public to all the benefits of timber construction. Architects must also evaluate a project to determine if a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs would be better met with a building made of wood. 50

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Bibliography

Architecture 2030. n.d. The 2030 Challenge. Accessed Oct. 07, 2017. http://architecture2030. org/2030_challenges/2030-challenge/. —. n.d. Why The Building Sector? Accessed December 10, 2107. http://architecture2030.org/ buildings_problem_why/.

CallisonRTKL. n.d. “Seattle Mass Timber Tower.” 2017 AIA Seattle Honor Awards Gallery. Accessed December 10, 2017. https://aiaseattle.secure-platform.com/a/gallery/rounds/11/details/8911. Cramer, Ned. 2017. The Climate is Changing. So Must Architecture. October 4. Accessed November 4, 2017. http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/editorial/the-climate-is-changing-so-mustarchitecture_o. Dangel, Ulrich. 2017. Turning Point In Timber Construction: A New Economy. Basel: Birkaüser Verlag GmbH. Evans, Layne . 2013. Cross Laminated Timber: Taking wood buildings to the next level. Continuing Education, reThink Wood. Garis, Len, and Karin Mark. 2017. “Tallest Wood Building Boasts Top Fire-Safety Measures.” Fire Fighting in Canada. February 22. Accessed January 30, 2018. https://www.firefightingincanada. com/structural/timber-tower-24422?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral. Hassoun, Mootassem, and Rijun Shrestha. 2015. Design of Multistory Building with Comparison of Reinforced Concrete and Cross-Laminated Timber(CLT). Thesis, Sydney: University of Technology Sydney. Havel, Gregory. 2016. Fire Engineering. January 1. http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/print/ volume-169/issue-1/features/cross-laminated-timber-structures.html. Hawken, Paul, ed. 2017. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. New York: Penguin Books. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2013. Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Policy Summary, Switzerland: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Jeska, Simone, and Khaled Saleh Pascha. 2014. Emergent Timber Technologies: Materials, Structures, Engineering, Projects. Birkhäuser. Jones, Susan. 2017. Mass Timber: Design and Research. ORO Editions. Karacabeyli, Erol, and Brad Douglas. 2013. CLT Handbook. Leesburg: AWC. Lennartz, Marc Wilhelm, and Susanne Jacob-Freitag. 2016. New Architecture in Wood. Basel: Birkhaüser Verlag GmbH.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Mallo, Maria Fernanda Laguarda, and Omar Espinoza. 2016. Cross-Laminated Timber vs. Concrete/steel: Cost comparison using a case study . Conference Paper, Vienna: Vienna University of Technology. March, Mary Tyler. 2017. “How CLT could change the US building landscape.” Construction Dive. May 8. Accessed January 25, 2018. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/how-clt-could-change-theus-building-landscape/441702/. Mayo, Joseph. 2015. Solid Wood: Case Studies in Mass Timber Architecture, Technology, and Design. New York: Routledge. Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change. n.d. Remaining CO2 budget. Accessed December 10, 2017. https://www.mcc-berlin.net/forschung/co2-budget.html. MetsaWood. n.d. Iconic Buildings Remade: Empire State Building. Accessed December 10, 2017. https://www.metsawood.com/global/Campaigns/planb/cases/wooden-skyscraper/Pages/ wooden-empire-state-building.aspx. Michael Green Architecture. 2017. The Case for Tall Wood Buildings. Vancouver: Blurb. Mohammad, M., Sylvain Gagnon, Eng., Bradford K. Douglas, P.E., and Lisa Podesto, P.E. 2012. “Introduction to Cross Laminated Timber.” Wood Design Focus 3-12. NASA. n.d. Global Temperature. Accessed November 12, 2017. https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/ global-temperature/. naturally:wood. 2017. Brock Commons Tallwood House. Building Case Study, naturallywood.com. naturally:wood. 2015. “Wood Innovation & Design Centre.” Building Case Study. Nordic Engineered Wood. 2015. “Nordic X-Lam Non-Residential Design Construction Guide.” Olson, Deanna H. 2017. People, Forests, and Change: Lessons from the Pacific Northwest. Island Press. Pidcock, Roz. 2016. “Scientists compare climate change impacts at 1.5C and 2C.” Carbon Brief. April 2016. Accessed January 20, 2018. https://www.carbonbrief.org/scientists-compare-climatechange-impacts-at-1-5c-and-2c. Puettmann, Maureen E., and James B. Wilson. 2005. “Gate-to-Gate Life-Cycle Inventory of GlueLaminated Timbers Production.” Wood and Fiber Science. 2017. What is Cross Laminated Timber(CLT)? Performed by Tom Ravenscroft. RethinkWood. n.d. “Mass Timber in North America.” Continuing Education Report. Sanner, Jeff, Todd Snapp, Alejandro Fernandez, David Weihing, Rob Foster, and Michael Ramage. 2017. “River Beech Tower: A Tall Timber Experiment.” Council on Tall Building and Urban Habitat. 53

Bibliography

Silva, Catarina, Jorge M. Branco, and Paulo B. Lourenço. 2014. UT System: A Structural System to Build Taller Urban Timber Houses with the Aspired Spatial Flexibility. Confernce Paper, Portugal: School of Engineering, Univeristy of Minho. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, llp. 2013. “Timber Tower Research Project.” Smith, Ryan E., Gentry Griffin, and Talbot Rice. 2015. Solid Timber Construction: Process, Practice, Performance. Construction Case Study, Salt Lake City: University of Utah, College of Architecture and Planning. SRG, KPFF. 2016. Glenwood Riverfront CLT Parking. Springfield, April 4.

Templeton, Peter. 2007. Green Buildings: Benefits to Health, the Environment and the Bottom Line. U.S. Green Building Council. Thomas, T., and Jieying Wang. 2016. Assessment of construction moisture risk for mass timber components in Brock Commons Phase I project. Research, FPInnovations. Timmers, Matthew, Ben Rogowski, John A. Martin, Andrew Tsay Jacobs, Bevan Jones, and James O’Neill. 2015. “Mass Timber High-Rise Design Research.” SEAOC Convention Proceedings. 1-20. United Nations . 2015. The Paris Agreement. International Climate Policy Agreement, Paris: United Nations. United Nations. 2017. “World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision.” United Nations: Department of Economic and Social Affairs. June 21. Accessed January 20, 2018. https://www.un.org/ development/desa/publications/world-population-prospects-the-2017-revision.html. United States Enivornmental Protection Agency. 2017. Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. September. Accessed Decmeber 10, 2017. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gasequivalencies-calculator. WoodWorks! n.d. “Wood Innovation and Design Centre.” Building Case Study. Zakrzewski, Stas, and Graham Finch. n.d. “Succesful Strategies for Profitable, Carbon-Neutral Designs Using Passive House and Mass Timber.” Zizzo, Ryan, Joanna Kyriazia, and Helen Goodland. 2017. Embodied Carbon of Buildings and Infrastructure. International Policy Review, Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Selected Annotated Bibliography

Anotated Bibliography

Dangel, Ulrich. 2017. Turning Point In Timber Construction: A New Economy. Basel: Birkaüser Verlag GmbH. Dangel’s book provides a thorough understanding of the timber industry and advocates for the sustainable qualities of timber construction. Topics covered in this book include sustainable

forestry practices, the production of timber and construction lumber, construction and technology systems, the perception of wood, and the future potential of the timber construction industry. The author also discusses highly relevant, successfully examples from around the world of the topics covered. The book includes many easily understood diagrams and illustrations to visually convey the information.

Lennartz, Marc Wilhelm, and Susanne Jacob-Freitag. 2016. New Architecture in Wood. Basel: Birkhaüser Verlag GmbH. In New Architecture in Wood, the authors provide a brief history of timber construction. The book is a catalog of successfully completed timber projects that utilize state-of-the art technology to create highly innovative designs. Each case study examines the building’s special characteristics, project cost, and provides a carbon analysis based on the quantity of timber used for the project.

Mayo, Joseph. 2015. Solid Wood: Case Studies in Mass Timber Architecture, Technology, and Design. New York: Routledge. Joseph Mayo has compiled a large collection of timber projects from around the world. This book highlights the techniques and methods of timber construction with technical details and analysis of systems. In addition, the author gives a summary of code implications and examples of projects that are testing the limits of timber construction. The book is filled with highly informative detail drawings from projects both completed and in concept.

Michael Green Architecture. 2017. The Case for Tall Wood Buildings. Vancouver: Blurb. Michael Green is a highly regarded architect in the world of mass timber design, and in this book, he makes a statement for the sustainable advantages of timber construction. In North America, Green has completed many buildings that have set and then re-set the standard for mass timber construction. This book is filled with technical information and lessons learned from projects that the author has completed. The author also provides in depth analysis of the current construction market and code implications. 56

Mass Timber || Expanding the Sustainable Design Domain

Image Credits

*all images not cited are by author 58