Bringing Mass Timber Mainstream: Unpacking Market Challenges and Opportunities
Course Overview The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector that is expanding the use of advanced wood construction. Change, however, often presents new challenges, and the more widespread adoption of new technologies can be impeded by knowledge gaps and market forces. This expert panel will examine several important factors that can impact the decision to build with wood including insurance, financing and supply chain considerations, and identify both the challenges and opportunities they present. Learning Objectives Identify key market barriers to the adoption of mass timber construction, including insurance, financing, supply chain limitations, and knowledge gaps. Understand how project feasibility for mass timber is influenced by revenue uncertainty, cost premiums, and risk tolerance in development decisions. Learn strategies to de-risk mass timber projects through early collaboration, improved data sharing, supply chain planning, and policy incentives. Course Video Speakers Bio David Messer Director Climate Smart Buildings Alliance (EllisDon) David Messer is the Director of the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance, a joint initiative of EllisDon, RBC, Mattamy Homes and Atkins Réalis aimed at leading and accelerating the transition to a net zero buildings sector. Through CSBA David is leading projects aimed at increasing and removing barriers for the use of lower carbon building materials, as well as projects to increase building standards and the pace of building retrofits. David was previously the Executive Director of the Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities Office where he led two initiatives aimed at accelerating the circular economy, Our Food Future, an Infrastructure Canada funded smart cities project, and COIL (Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad), a circular business accelerator that worked with over 160 organizations to scale circular solutions in the food, environment and construction/demolition sectors. David has a long history of working on technology, policy and systems change as part of the Governments of Ontario and Alberta, within industry associations and as a consultant in the private sector. Scott Cameron President Skov Mass Timber Scott has over 30 years of experience in construction. Starting as a laborer and working his way through to General Superintendent, Project Director and an independent Consultant on Mass Timber Construction. As an accomplished public speaker, leader, and mentor, he has led many high performing teams and prides himself on being a collaborative problem solver. With decades of experience in ICI and residential construction, Scott has shifted his focus to multifamily Mass Timber construction to confront the housing crisis. Having been involved in many institutional and commercial Mass Timber projects, multiple 6 storey Multi Family projects, and the only two completed Encapsulated Mass Timber buildings in Canada after the 2018 code changes, Scott is one of the leading experts in North America on Mass Timber. As an outspoken advocate for Mass Timber, Scott promotes education and information sharing within the Mass Timber community. Having worked in B.C. and Ontario, Scott provides interactive presentations on Mass Timber construction to Developers and GC at project inception. The goal is not only to help navigate the unknowns when deciding between Mass Timber and conventional construction, but also to support the construction process to save time and cost. This led to SKOV Mass Timber Ltd, a consulting firm focused on Mass Timber to support Developers and GCs through the preconstruction process to project completion. With his experience, the aim is to bridge the skill gaps with education, information, and support for constructability reviews, schedule development, trade sequencing and support through the construction process. He is currently working with a Construction Management firm in BC on a portfolio of Mass Timber projects and supports other developers and GCs nationwide through preconstruction. Kevin Grosskopf Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Durham School of Architecture, Engineering & Construction University of Nebraska Dr. Kevin R. Grosskopf is a Professor at the Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction at the University of Nebraska. Dr. Grosskopf received his Ph.D. from the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction at the University of Florida in 1998. He has served in various capacities in the commercial and utility industry and is a licensed Building Contractor in the State of Florida. Dr. Grosskopf has developed research expertise in building safety and sustainability including IAQ, energy efficiency, and, post-disaster response and recovery. More recently, Dr. Grosskopf transitioned to related areas in building prefabrication and construction workforce development. Dr. Grosskopf has received $8.1M in grants and endowments, including highly competitive contract awards from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DoD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and, the Department of Labor (DOL). In addition, Dr. Grosskopf has written (or contributed to) 4 books, 35 research reports and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, including top tier journals of the ASCE, ASTM and ASHRAE. Dr. Grosskopf has also given more than 100 invited presentations including guest lectures and presentations in more than 20 countries. Dr. Grosskopf formerly served as the Associate School Director for ACCE-accredited construction management and ABET-accredited construction engineering programs on both Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Dr. Grosskopf has also served as P&T chair for construction programs. Dr. Grosskopf has served on the ASC National Board and has coordinated two ASC Annual International Conferences (2009 and 2011). Annabelle Hamilton Executive Director WoodWorks BC Annabelle is the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC Team, overseeing active engagement, technical support and strategic development of initiatives that support the growth and awareness of Mass Timber in the BC market. Prior to joining WoodWorks, Annabelle built her career in the private sector, working for several Vancouver based multi-family Developers successfully leading projects from concept to completion.
Green Construction through Wood: Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada
Course Overview Advancing mass timber construction is critical to achieving Canada’s climate, housing, and economic goals. This course explores how innovative wood-based building systems – supported by programs such as Construction through Wood (GCWood) – are transforming the construction sector by enabling low-carbon, high-performance buildings. Drawing on insights from federal initiatives, industry leaders, and regional experts across Canada, the session examines the technical, regulatory, and market barriers to adoption, including fire performance, seismic design, supply chain capacity, and workforce readiness. It also highlights emerging opportunities in prefabrication, modular construction, and hybrid systems, while showcasing policy tools, demonstration projects, and the national Mass Timber Roadmap that are accelerating uptake. Designed for architects, engineers, contractors, and policy professionals, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and collaborative efforts required to scale mass timber construction across diverse Canadian markets. Learning Objectives Understand the role of mass timber in achieving net-zero emissions, addressing housing demand, and supporting the forest economy. Identify key barriers to mass timber adoption, including technical performance, regulatory challenges, supply chain limitations, and market awareness. Evaluate how programs such as GCWood and demonstration projects support innovation, de-risk technologies, and advance building codes. Course Video Speakers Bio Jean-Francois Levasseur Director, Industry Relations & Innovation Programs / Directeur, Relations avec l’industrie et programmes d’innovation Natural Resources Canada Graduating from the University of Ottawa’s Chemical Engineering program, Jean-Francois started his career in a variety of increasing roles in Kraft pulp mills, including mill process and environmental engineer positions. He then joined Environment and Climate Change Canada where he led on numerous aspects of environmental regulatory regimes applicable to Canada’s forest sector. At Natural Resources Canada since 2009, he has led in the design and implementation of various funding programs supporting strategic R&D, innovation and capital investments that accelerate the transformation of the Canadian forest sector towards the Bioeconomy: the Pulp & Paper Green Transformation (PPGTP); the Forest Innovation Program (FIP); the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program (IFIT), and; the Green Construction through Wood program (GCWood). Together, these programs provided more than $1B to support energy efficiency improvements, green energy production, and the commercialization of innovative products, transformative technologies and new wood based green building and mass timber demonstrations. Scott Jackson Director, Conservation Biology Forest Products Association of Canada As the Director of Conservation Biology, Scott works with member companies, governments and partners to develop and communicate policy positions on a range of files related to forest management, biodiversity conservation, including fish, wildlife and at-risk species, and climate change mitigation and adaption. He also supports FPAC’s efforts to promote the forest sector’s commitment to science-based sustainable forest management, as well as its contributions to Canada’s social and economic standing. Scott has been working for over 20 years in the field of forest management and natural resource policy. Most recently, he has worked as an independent consultant and as the Director of Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations with Forests Ontario, a not-for-profit organization committed to forest restoration, stewardship, education and awareness. Scott has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science (Biology) from Queen’s University and a Master of Forest Conservation degree from the University of Toronto. Steven Street Executive Director WoodWorks Ontario In his current role as Executive Director of WoodWorks Ontario, Steven leads a dynamic team, bringing value and new opportunities to the program’s partners in the wood industry. With many high-profile projects moving wood construction into the mainstream, knowledge transfer and market acceptance have never been more important to the wood industry. The construction sector has entered a new era of rapid industrialization, shifting from site-built to factory-built methodologies. Building code advances in the last few years are catalyzing the types of materials, approaches and buildings available for development. In this age of great change we can influence how we build, with new sustainability targets and an obligation to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. Shawn Keyes Executive Director WoodWorks BC Shawn is an accomplished structural engineer and the Executive Director of WoodWorks BC. With a rich background in engineering, project management, and business administration, Shawn offers dynamic leadership, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team of experts advancing wood construction across the province. He joined WoodWorks in 2022 after a decade-long, distinguished career in consulting where he worked on pioneering timber projects across Canada at a leading design firm. Shawn is a licensed professional engineer in BC and ON. He holds masters degrees in both engineering and business, with a M.Eng. from Carleton University and an MBA from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Rory Koska Executive Director WoodWorks Alberta Rory Koska has over 30 years of experience in the design and building industry in Alberta. He is a graduate of the Architectural Technologies at NAIT. Rory worked with Igloo Building Supplies Group Ltd as a senior truss designer on residential and commercial buildings and later ran his own consulting firm. Rory has led the WoodWorks Alberta program for over 15 years and has brought the program through many milestones. The Alberta regional program has evolved into a conduit between industry innovation and the design community. Under Rory’s direction the WoodWorks Alberta program has established itself an invaluable resource for communities and the construction industry interested in building with wood. David Porter Program Coordinator WoodWorks Atlantic In 2019, David joined the Maritime Lumber Bureau as the Program Coordinator for the WoodWorks Atlantic program. He works with architects, engineers, developers, building/fire officials and government, to increase the use of wood in non-residential projects. He has been involved in the design and construction of many wood projects built in Atlantic Canada, providing technical support for both light wood frame and mass timber. Simon Bellavance Technical Advisor Cecobois Simon T. Bellavance holds a bachelor’s degree in wood engineering from Laval University, specializing in wood structures. Before becoming a technical advisor at Cecobois, he served as the technical lead for value-added wood products at Chantiers Chibougamau. In addition to his responsibilities in quality control and continuous improvement, he participated in several research and development projects for the
From Vision to Reality: Solutions for Beautiful, Sustainable, Attainable Housing
Course Overview As the push for sustainable residential development intensifies, mass timber is increasingly taking a central role in how we reshape city building approaches. This session will delve into why we are pursuing a national residential portfolio based on mass timber, addressing the material’s impact in reducing carbon footprints, its status as a renewable resource, and the challenges surrounding its implementation for a large-scale residential portfolio. We will explore how transparency in supply chains and construction methods can unlock better outcomes for the built environment. The discussion will also address key challenges in delivering mass timber projects at this scale, from procurement complexities to cost-effective strategies. Lastly, we will chart the way forward by examining how prefabrication, structural systems, and repeatable typologies can advance the competitiveness and feasibility of mass timber, positioning it as a cornerstone of attainable housing and a sustainable construction future. Learning Objectives Understand the strategic importance of mass timber in city building and how it supports long-term sustainability goals, housing affordability, and market transformation. Analyze key challenges in the building with mass timber in a portfolio context—from supply chain limitations to procurement complexities—and explore innovative strategies for advancing timber design and construction. Explore the role of prefabrication and material properties in delivering cost-effective timber projects and repeatable building typologies. Evaluate carbon reporting and the transparency of value chains in the timber industry, while discussing the potential for timber to drive a sustainable future. Consider the intersection of timber construction with local guidelines and how structural engineering and urban design principles can align with broader industry goals for competitiveness and diversity. Course Video Speakers Bio Nina Boccia Director of Marketing KPMB Nina Boccia is a marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience creating dynamic and engaging content that connects to vision and values. She previously served as an associate editor at Azure Magazine and managing editor of its sister publication, Designlines, where she interviewed and reported on the best minds in design and architecture. Through her work in arts and culture in Toronto, she has held various leadership positions; creating and overseeing programming, marketing initiatives, and fundraising efforts. She has spearheaded and managed national marketing efforts including branding campaigns, partnerships, and content strategies. Nina is passionate about sharing stories that are purpose-driven, facilitate important conversations, drive investment in community and culture, illustrate the transformative power of design, and champion the people creating meaningful impact. Geoffrey Turnbull Director of Innovation and Sustainability Kindred Works As Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Kindred Works, Geoff Turnbull champions an evidence-based, holistic approach to creating beautiful, sustainable, and high-performing development projects. Geoff came to Kindred Works with a broad background in architecture, business, film, computation, and real estate development, including serving as director of KPMB LAB, the sustainability-focused research group at leading Canadian architecture firm KPMB Architects. A licensed architect (OAA) who holds the LEED AP and CPHD designations, he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance from Dalhousie University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto. Adam Gerber Principal ASPECT Structural Engineers Adam is the CEO and Principal of ASPECT Structural Engineers and a leader in mass timber engineering. His engineering achievements cover a variety of unique and complex structures utilizing different building materials, and he has a breadth of hands-on and technical experience unique in the field. Adam earned his master’s degree in structural and earthquake engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2016, where his research focused on the development of timber-concrete composite technology and vibration performance of floors. Prior to and throughout his degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia, Adam gained experience in the design and construction of timber structures as a carpenter, foreman, estimator, and, ultimately, structural engineer. This experience enables him to view projects from the perspective of designers, builders, and project managers, leading the creation of cost-effective, constructible, and efficient solutions. Adam is deeply committed to sustainability and is a certified Passive House Consultant. A respected public speaker, he has shared his insights on mass timber at numerous industry conferences, including BuildEx Vancouver, the World Conference on Timber Engineering, and the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland. Laurence Holland Associate KPMB Laurence has worked on several projects that draw on his expertise in urban design, community consultation, and multi-family residential design, along with his proficiency in communication and policy analysis. In addition to leading the design of several projects within the Kindred Works residential portfolio, he was a key member of the interdisciplinary Downsview Framework Plan team, working on the intersection of resilient landscapes, sustainable mobility systems, and architecture. Working closely with Indigenous design partners and community members, Laurence led the award-winning design of the Resilient Duplex for Fort Severn First Nation. Outside his project responsibilities, Laurence has led the establishment of funding opportunities and education programs for equity-deserving groups as part of KPMB’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. He is also a sessional lecturer at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design at the University of Toronto.
Custom Steel Connections for Mass Timber: Understanding the Basics Step by Step
Course Overview As mass timber construction continues to grow in popularity, understanding how structural connections work is essential for anyone involved in the design and construction process. This course introduces custom steel hangers as a practical and flexible solution for connecting timber beams and columns, explaining why they are sometimes preferred over off-the-shelf options. Using clear, visual examples, participants will be guided through how forces travel through a connection, what needs to be checked to ensure safety, and how factors like fire performance and moisture are considered in real projects. No advanced engineering background is required to follow along and gain valuable insight into this important aspect of mass timber design. Learning Objectives Explain the difference between predesigned and custom steel hangers, and describe situations where a custom connection offers practical advantages in mass timber construction. Describe in plain terms how structural loads travel through a steel hanger assembly, from the supported beam through to the primary supporting member. Recognize why eccentricity occurs in hanger connections and understand, at a conceptual level, how it affects the design of the surrounding structure. Identify key real-world considerations for custom steel connections in mass timber, including fire protection strategies and the importance of accounting for wood shrinkage. Course Video Speakers Bio Patrick Geers Senior Structural Designer & Head of Quality Control Western Archrib Patrick Geers brings over 24 years of expertise in mass timber engineering to his role at Western Archrib, where he leads the design of innovative structural systems and maintains the company’s exceptional quality standards. A passionate carpenter with degrees from both Canadian and German institutions, Patrick combines hands-on craftsmanship with advanced engineering knowledge. His international career spans positions in Austria and Germany, providing him with unique cross-cultural perspectives on structural design and community-centered architecture. Patrick currently serves on multiple technical committees including the CSA 086 Committee for Wood Design Standards and acts as an industry advisor to the ARTS group at the University of Alberta. His work focuses on creating sustainable structures that navigate challenging environments while connecting communities. Through his leadership in both technical innovation and quality assurance, Patrick continues to advance the possibilities of mass timber construction for buildings that serve as community anchors and exemplars of sustainable design.
Early Mass Timber Collaboration: A Journey from Design Assists Pre-Construction through Construction
Course Overview In this session attendees will be taken through the evolution of the mass timber structure design for the Sam Centre at the Calgary Stampede. We will explore the varied forms of collaboration from design and pre-construction through construction to completion. During the talk the value of collaboration will be examined from a design assist trade to the early onboarding of a mass timber erector, to the engagement of a mass timber specialists examining topics from erection tolerances to moisture and construction protection, to storage procedures, to fire retardant impregnation, and the aesthetic and performance outcome of each. Particular attention will be paid to how the process of collaboration at the various stages aided the design and successful execution of the mass timber connection details. A tour of the project could also be offered given its proximity to the conference. The Sam Centre is a year-round immersive experience that brings the ‘world of the Calgary Stampede’ – past, present and future – to life through technology, story-making, and Western hospitality. The use of Mass timber was a key strategy in connecting to the history of the Stampede and its historic structures. Sam Centre is a linear volume characterized by a large horizontal pitched roof. The structure uses a repetitive hybrid steel frame with exposed mass timber beams and a Nail Laminated Timber Roof Deck, adding warmth to the interior and creating a distinct profile offering a modern yet durable nod to traditional barn construction. Creating deep overhanging soffits which mitigate heating and cooling loads, the roof also evokes the welcoming verandahs of traditional Alberta architecture. Learning Objectives Learn how design assist supported the design of the mass timber connections and how those details would be built to ensure the structure was built efficiently and effectively. Learn about the importance of bringing on a mass timber erector early in the design process to ensure that the construction system and any tolerances required are correctly captured in drawings. Understand the value of a collaborative approach between design team, consultants, trades, and building science team to ensure all facets of mass timber construction are noted across project phases. Course Video Speakers Bio Jeff Geldart, AAA, OAA Associate Diamond Schmitt Jeff Geldart believes having a thorough understanding of the client’s goals and objectives is critical to developing a design that best meets their needs and expectations. That understanding becomes the root of any great piece of architecture. If the building does not meet the needs of its occupants, then the rest is superfluous. Throughout his professional career Jeff has worked with both institutional and private sector clients. Some of his more notable institutional projects have included work with Wentworth County and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. One Developments, Lifetime Developments and Kylemore Communities are among his residential accomplishments. This broad and range of experience has allowed him to enhance his drive for achieving design excellence while at the same time rigorously working to consistently meet schedules, budgets, and ultimately project execution. Jeff demonstrates a phenomenal capability technically, aesthetically, and managerially on his projects. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2019, Jeff has worked as the Senior Architect on the Ottawa Public Library and Library Archives Canada Joint Facility and the Okotoks Arts and Learning Campus in Alberta. Jeff is currently based in Calgary. Mark Grimes, P.Eng, PMP Senior Project Manager EllisDon Mark Grimes is a Senior Project Manager at EllisDon, originally graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering – Mark moved to Canada in 2010 and has spent the last 15 years working primarily in Alberta on a wide range of projects ranging from highrise tower construction to luxury hydrotherapy spas.
Design Best Practices for Mid-Rise Light Wood Frame Structures
Course Overview Light wood frame (LWF) construction is an accessible, cost-effective, low-carbon solution for mid-rise multi-family buildings. This session will clarify fundamental differences in approach between traditional low-rise LWF construction and modern mid-rise construction methods. LWF is an attractive option for mid-rise development and participants will gain practical insights into design efficiencies, from meeting seismic demands and other key structural considerations to how engineered wood products and specialty hardware can be used to optimize design. The session will also explore prefabrication strategies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities offsite construction presents for streamlined, higher-quality construction. Whether attendees are new to mid-rise wood design or looking to optimize their next project, this session will share valuable information they can apply to their next mid-rise building. Learning Objectives Distinguish key differences between traditional low-rise and modern mid-rise light wood frame construction, including changes in design loads, seismic requirements, and code updates. Apply practical design strategies to optimize mid-rise wood structures—such as efficient stacked framing, engineered wood products, specialty hardware, and solutions for wood shrinkage and differential movement. Evaluate prefabrication and offsite construction methods for mid-rise projects, identifying both challenges and opportunities to improve construction quality, speed, and coordination. Course Video Speakers Bio Sean Henry Director – Mid-Rise, Principal Tacoma Engineers Sean is the Director of Mid-Rise and a Principal at Tacoma Engineers, bringing 20 years of structural engineering experience to the role. Since joining the firm in 2005, Sean has led the design of a wide range of building types, with a particular focus on mid-rise developments including multi-family, seniors and affordable housing projects. He is especially recognized for his expertise in light wood frame construction with multiple projects designed and built since the adoption of 6 storey wood framed buildings in Ontario. He also has extensive experience with cold-formed steel, structural steel, reinforced concrete, precast, and concrete block building systems. Sean focuses on delivering practical, efficient structural solutions that support design intent while meeting the demands of constructability and cost-effectiveness.
Timber and Off-Site Construction
Course Overview Join WoodWorks and prefab panel supplier, Ron Anderson + Sons, as they discuss strategies for navigating the world of off-site construction, explaining the challenges and benefits of prefabrication and how they impact the design and construction process. Learn about different strategies for navigating code compliance and coordinating with a prefabricated component supplier. The discussion will also cover common constraints like high seismic forces and high efficiency envelopes and how to address these with off-site construction. This one-hour presentation will provide a deeper understanding of the off-site construction process and its implications for your role in designing and constructing wood buildings. Learning Objectives Learn when off-site construction can deliver cost and schedule savings. Learn how to ensure design coordination and specifications align with project requirements and prefabricated component supplier constraints. Learn how construction strategies and detailing are affected when using prefabricated components and how to ensure successful project outcomes. Course Video Speakers Bio Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director WoodWorks BC Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood frame construction. After university, and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures including the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as a Technical Director for Woodworks BC. Jack Downing President and CEO Ron Anderson and Sons Ltd. Wood Framing Jack’s journey in the framing industry spans over 20 years. He joined RAS in 2012 and his adeptness in orchestrating large sites and coordinating multiple crews immediately made him an invaluable asset to the company. His dedication and strong leadership led to his appointment as President and CEO of RAS in 2019. His journey from a skilled professional to respected industry leader exemplifies the ethos of growth and opportunity that defines RAS’s company culture. Under Jack’s leadership RAS is poised for continuous growth and innovation in the construction industry.
Exploring the Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber for Tallwood Construction
Course Overview This session examines the growing potential of point-supported mass timber systems in tall building construction, contrasting them with traditional timber framing and conventional steel and concrete approaches. It highlights regulator advancements, the role of mass timber in addressing mid-density housing needs, and the structural fundamentals of gravity and lateral systems. Through cost and schedule comparisons, design principles like bi-axial bending and punching shear, and insights from ongoing Canadian codification efforts, the presentation offers a comprehensive overview supported by real-world projects such as VAHA Burrard and BCIT Tall Timber. Learning Objectives Evaluate the opportunities and constraints for point-supported mass timber when compared to traditional timber framing schemes. Analyze the schedule and cost benefits of point-supported mass timber systems versus steel and concrete in tall construction projects. Explore state-of-the-art design methodologies and ongoing efforts towards codification in Canada. Course Video Speakers Bio Carla Dickof, P.Eng., M.A.Sc. Associate Principal | Director of Research & Development Fast+Epp Carla Dickof is the Associate Principal & Director of Research and Development at Fast + Epp, where she leads the Testing Team at Fast + Epp’s R&D hub, Concept Lab, and uses the data gleaned from research programs to regularly contribute to academic journals and conferences. Carla completed her Master’s degree studies at the University of British Columbia, where her thesis research focused on hybrid systems, specifically those combining steel and mass timber (CLT). Her experience as an engineer spans commercial, recreational, educational, and residential projects – and, since joining Fast + Epp in 2012, Carla has gained a robust fluency in all major building materials, including concrete, steel, light-framed wood, heavy timber, and mass timber. Her understanding of building physics and materials brings invaluable insights to her projects. Alejandro Coronado, P.Eng. Technical Advisor WoodWorks BC Alejandro Coronado is a Technical Advisor with a multidisciplinary background spanning contracting, supply, and consulting engineering. With both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from BCIT, Alejandro began his career in single-family residential design and steadily advanced to contribute to landmark projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal, the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. Initially drawn to mass timber for its expressive architectural potential, Alejandro quickly recognized its broader value in addressing today’s social and environmental challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction and simple yet effective structural solutions.
Mid rise Engineering Considerations for Engineered Wood Products
Course Overview While many designers are familiar with engineered wood products such as I‐joists and structural composite lumber, it is important to understand the structural requirements associated with each in order to achieve proper performance—especially in mid‐rise Construction. With an emphasis on products used in commercial and multi‐family buildings, this presentation will cover engineered wood product acceptance, testing requirements, lateral design, and proper detailing. Learning Objectives Testing requirements and acceptance of wood I‐joists and structural composite. Lumber (SCL) products; Dimension stability in regards to moisture content changes and the differences between solid wood products. Lateral design, including information on I‐joist diaphragm capacities and the detailing of rim board connections. Fire resistance design, including wood I‐joist assembly requirements and SCL char rate equivalency to solid wood. Course Video Speaker Bio Jeff Olson, P.E., P.Eng. Technical Services Manager – Boise Cascade, Engineered Wood Products Division Boise Cascade White City, OR Jeff is currently the Technical Services Manager for Boise Cascade, Engineered Wood Products division. He has over 30 years of experience in the design and testing of engineered wood products and is licensed as a Professional Engineer in several western Canadian provinces and U.S. states.
Seismic Solutions for Resilient Wooden Structures
Course Overview Timber structures are getting bigger and higher with the availability of economical mass timber products on the market. Timber is also very attractive to designers in seismic-prone regions because of its advantageous strength-to-weight ratio. However, resilience becomes an issue as traditional ductility strategies are not low-damage and result in loss of stiffness following a seismic event. In this presentation, basic concepts of seismic engineering and structural ductility are reviewed. The drawbacks of typical timber connections designed to provide ductility to timber structures are identified along with the long-term consequences. Resilient seismic dampers provide a solution to this issue. They are self-centering friction devices that do not get damaged within their ultimate capacity. The technology behind the resilient friction dampers is explained along with their application in different structural case studies. Learning Objectives Understand fundamental seismic engineering concepts. Identify limitations of conventional timber ductility strategies. Evaluate the role and performance of resilient seismic dampers. Course Video Speaker Bio Pierre Quenneville Professor of timber design, The University of Auckland CTO, Tectonus Ltd. David Bowick has received many industry honours since he began his career in 1990. His inventive approach to design has made him sought-after, particularly when a project calls for innovative solutions. He is a three-time recipient of the WoodWorks Building the Future engineer award, and has received awards for his work in wood, concrete and architectural steel. Dozens of projects he has worked on have been granted awards in the field of architecture, such as the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the French River Visitors Centre (both recipients of the Governor General’s Award). An avid teacher, David is an adjunct professor in the Masters in Architecture program at the University of Toronto. He is a frequent guest speaker on the topics of architecture and engineering, and contributes to the industry through committees and events. His writing has appeared in several publications, including Concrete Toronto. David is a licensed professional engineer in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick. He is a member of the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee on CAN/CSA-O86, Engineering Design in Wood and a member of the Technical Committee responsible for the Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction.
Shearwall Connections and Lateral Systems for Wood Buildings
Course Overview This comprehensive course delves into the latest advancements in wood shearwall systems and connections, featuring critical updates from the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). This course will cover essential topics, including advancements in lateral systems and rod holdowns, and provide a step-by-step approach to accurately calculating deflection for rod holdowns. Dive into key details on relevant connections and fasteners that enhance performance and resilience. The session will culminate with a overview of the outcomes of a groundbreaking 10-storey mass timber seismic test conducted in San Diego as part of the NHERI Tall Wood Project, showcasing how these innovations perform under real-world conditions. This webinar is designed for engineers, architects, and construction professionals looking to stay current with advancements in seismic design for wood structures. Learning Objectives Gain insights into the latest advancements in seismic and lateral force-resisting systems for timber construction. Learn effective methods for calculating deflection in rod hold-down systems, ensuring compliance with structural performance standards. Explore best practices and expert recommendations for specifying connections in shearwalls to optimize strength and resilience. Understand key findings from the NHERI TallWood test, highlighting lessons from the tallest mass timber building ever tested on a shake table. Course Video Speaker Bio Tim Wagner, P.Eng., MBA Field Engineer Simpson Strong-Tie Tim joined Simpson Strong-Tie in 2014 as an EIT, and earned his Professional Engineering designation in 2018. His primary role is building relationships with specifiers in western Canada, with major focuses on connections, lateral systems fasteners and anchors.
Joining Tradition and Innovation with Mass timber Connections
Course Overview An overview of traditional, state of the art and innovative wood fasteners and connectors. This course is of particular interest to structural engineers and design professionals interested in structural engineering. Learning Objectives Wood Properties and their influence on timber connection design. Overview of traditional, state-of-the-art and innovative fasteners and connectors. Ductility and durability aspects in connection with dowel type fasteners. Modern carpentry – a resurrection of traditional framing through CNC. Best practices for the design of mass timber connections. Course Video Speaker Bio Patrick Geers Senior Structural Designer, Head of Quality Control Western Archrib As the company’s senior engineering designer Patrick is in charge of the design of structural wood systems including fabricated steel connections and hardware He is involved in the development and presentation of building proposals to support sales efforts and cooperates with the production team to develop manufacturing solutions In addition, he is responsible for the supervision of quality control department Patrick has over 17 years experience in the glulam industry an currently sits on CSA 086 Sub-committee.
