en-ca

Webstore

WoodWorks Software

Searching for: Wood

Searching results for “Wood”

All Articles News Courses Events Publications

353 results found...

Sort By

Building Science for Wood Buildings

Resource Description

This 8-lecture module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of thermodynamics and hydrodynamics as they apply to wood buildings. It equips students with a foundational understanding of building science, emphasizing the critical role of energy efficiency, air tightness, and moisture control in modern construction.

The module addresses the evolving demands of taller and larger wood buildings and highlights the impact of prefabrication on envelope assemblies and modern manufacturing methods. Content is specifically aligned with NBCC Divisions 5 and 9, ensuring relevance to structural and enclosure design standards. The package includes lecture slide deck; instructor lecture notes; and sample questions for assessment.

This resource is designed for architectural design educators aiming to deepen knowledge for their students in high-performance wood building envelopes and contemporary construction strategies.

Acknowledgments

Reviewers

Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These teaching materials were developed by Scius Advisory and BIM One with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited.

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

Prefabrication of Wood Buildings

Resource Description

This module provides an introduction to wood prefabrication, exploring its various levels and methods to give students a fundamental understanding of the advantages, disadvantages, and market factors that influence its successful implementation. Designed for students in structural engineering or related disciplines, the module can be delivered flexibly as four blocks of 90–120 minutes, two blocks of 3–4 hours, or a single full-day session.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors

Dr. Guido Wimmers

Reviewers

Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

BIM for Wood Buildings – An Introductory Guide

Resource Description

This resource provides educators with an accessible introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of wood construction. It explains core BIM concepts, outlines the implications of adopting BIM, and demonstrates its value for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The guide serves as a clear starting point for teaching BIM practices to students in architecture and engineering, with practical examples to support classroom discussion.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors

Scius Advisory and BIM One

Reviewers

Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

Considerations in the Design & Prefabrication of Mass Timber Buildings for Architects

Resource Description

This resource is intended to provide educators with a clear framework for teaching the principles of mass timber design and prefabrication. The content is organized into four modules that highlight foundational knowledge, technical design considerations, early construction strategies, and sustainability. Together, these modules support students in developing a holistic understanding of how mass timber projects are conceived, designed, and delivered.

Module 1 – Introduction & Project Planning Provides an overview of mass timber, highlights the advantages of prefabrication, and outlines key early-stage considerations for optimizing design.
Module 2 – Design Optimization Considerations Explores critical aspects of design including structural performance, fire protection, acoustics, and vibration.
Module 3 – Early Construction Strategies Focuses on Building Information Modeling (BIM), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), systems integration, and best practices for building envelope and moisture management.
Module 4 – Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Examines the importance of carbon accounting, introduces available LCA tools, and discusses broader sustainability and biophilia considerations.

Acknowledgments

Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These teaching materials were developed by university professors with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited.

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

Condensed Timber Engineering Module for Hybrid Course

Resource Description

This module series is designed for use in 3rd- or 4th-year steel design courses, providing an efficient way to introduce key wood design concepts within a steel-focused curriculum. It represents a condensed version of the full 10-lecture undergraduate wood design course, distilling the essential principles, methodologies, and applications into a streamlined format. The series can be delivered over approximately four 50-minute lectures, making it suitable for integration into existing course schedules without requiring extensive additional class time. Each module is structured to offer clear explanations, practical examples, and relevant exercises, ensuring that students gain a solid understanding of wood design fundamentals while complementing their study of steel structures.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors

Dr. John Gales Dr. Chorlton Bronwyn

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These teaching materials were developed by university professors with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content remains the intellectual property of the respective author(s) and is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited.

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

An Overview of Sustainable Forestry in Canada for Architecture and Engineering Students 2022

Resource Description

Canada: A Forest Country

With 362 million hectares of forest, Canada is the third-most forested country in the world.

Acknowledgments

Prepared by:

The Mass Timber Institute at the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design for the Canadian Wood Council.

Lead Authors

Monique Dosanjh
Shan Shukla
Sanjana Patel
Dr. Anne Koven

Usage and Citation Guidelines

Coming soon

CIVE480 Timber Structures 2019

Resource Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to wood and timber engineering, covering materials, structural applications, and design principles. Historical and modern timber structures are examined, with practical design examples provided throughout to reinforce key concepts. Students will explore sawn lumber, panel products, and engineered wood products such as glulam, structural composite lumber, and CLT, along with their applications and design considerations. The course also covers lateral load-resisting systems, member design for bending, tension, and compression, as well as connections, fasteners, and fire safety design.

Low‐Rise Commercial Mass Timber Design Case Study

Resource Description

This case study presents a 3-storey mass timber office building designed with a Glulam post-and-beam main structural system supporting CLT floor and roof panels. It has been developed as a teaching resource for educators, providing comprehensive engineering calculations for the primary structure, detailed analyses and design of CLT shear walls, and full calculations for all major connections.

To support practical learning, sample construction documents are included at the end of the case study, offering concrete examples of how the design can be implemented. The resource is complemented by a fully detailed architectural and structural Revit model, giving educators a complete digital representation of the project that can be used in teaching or demonstration settings. An accompanying Design Example further illustrates the application of design principles, helping students connect theory with real-world practice.

This material is intended to facilitate the instruction of advanced mass timber construction concepts, supporting both the theoretical understanding and practical skills of students. By integrating structural calculations, construction documentation, and digital modeling, it provides educators with a comprehensive, ready-to-use resource for teaching wood-based building design and construction.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors

Structural Design: Carla Dickof, P.Eeng. M.Sc. Fast+Epp
Architectural Design: George Brown College Architectural Technology Program,CADE3002, Class of 2021 – Co-op Students

Reviewers

Structural Design: Nick Bevilacqua, P.Eng, Struct Eng, Fast+Epp
Reed Kelterborn Canadian Wood Council
Yang Du Canadian Wood Council
Ali Mikael Canadian Wood Council
Architectural Design: Dr. Hoda Ganji George Brown College

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These resources were developed collaboratively by Fast+Epp, the Canadian Wood Council, and contributors from George Brown College. They reflect current design and construction practice and were created to support teaching and learning in wood design and architecture.

The resources remain the intellectual property of the respective authors and are provided free of charge for educational purposes. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of an academic setting is strictly prohibited.

When these resources are used in a context that requires citation, please use the following format:

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

Wood as a Structural Material: Properties, Systems, and Design

Resource Description

A structured undergraduate timber engineering course designed to introduce students to the fundamental material properties of wood and the principles of structural design with timber. Each module includes lecture slides, notes, and worked examples.

Module 1 – Physical & Mechanical Properties of Wood.
Covers density, moisture content, cellular structure, shrinkage, strength, stiffness, behavior under stress, test methods, failure modes, and modification factors.
Module 2 – Structural Wood Products and Systems.
Introduces sawn lumber, panel products, and engineered wood products (EWP) such as glulam, structural composite lumber, and CLT. Discusses applications and design considerations.
Module 3 – Axially Loaded Members.
Examines the behavior and design of tension members, compression members, and members subject to combined axial and bending forces, with examples.
Module 4 – Bending Members.
Focuses on the design of members subject to bending, including sawn lumber, glulam, composite beams, and CLT panels.
Module 5 – Shearwalls and Diaphragms.
Discusses lateral load resisting systems, vertical and horizontal bracing, load paths, and the design of light wood frame shearwall and diaphragm assemblies.
Module 6 – Design of Connections.
Introduces fasteners and connection systems, including nails, screws, bolts, dowels, glued-in rods, and proprietary connectors.

This 6-part course provides students with a solid grounding in timber engineering and can be integrated into structural design curricula at the undergraduate level.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors

Dr. Ying Hei Chui
University of Alberta

Usage and Citation Guidelines

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

WoodWorks @ BuildEx

Events

Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025

Woodrise 2025 Registration | Official Program | Offsite Tours

Workshop on Wood Education and Workforce Integration

Date: September 24th, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Duration: 4 hours
Speakers: Alexander Opazo Vega, Blériot Feujofack, Craig Applegath, Ghasan Doudak, Guido Wimmers, Michael David Burnard, Peter Moonen, Pierre Quenneville

Description:

This workshop will bring together international experts to explore advancements in wood design and construction education, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and, most importantly, showcasing and discussing innovative solutions. The workshop will feature perspectives on timber engineering education in New Zealand, the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub and its role in shaping Europe’s future workforce, seismic considerations in timber engineering education in Chile, strategies for integrating design, engineering, and construction in North American wood education, as well as workforce integration and the challenges of engaging young professionals in the field. These discussions will also address key strategies for developing and retaining talent within the sector.

An interactive panel discussion will follow, bringing together all speakers to address the complex landscape of wood education and workforce integration. The panel will explore the evolution of curricula, the integration of emerging technologies, and effective strategies for engaging the next generation in wood design and construction. This will also provide the audience with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through questions and discussion.

The workshop will conclude with a one-hour roundtable dedicated to shaping an international platform for collaboration. This platform is envisioned to bring together leading experts from around the world, harmonize curricula across institutions, and share high-quality resources to elevate wood education globally. By participating in this roundtable, you will help establish the foundation for a lasting network that fosters innovation, strengthens training, and ensures the next generation of manufacturers, architects, engineers, and builders are well-prepared to design, construct, and maintain advanced wood structures.

In preparation for the workshop, a global survey has been developed to gather insights from educators on wood design and construction. The survey aims to explore current practices, challenges, and technological innovations in wood education. Its findings will provide a data-driven foundation for the workshop discussions, focusing on key topics such as post-secondary education structures, curriculum integration, industry partnerships, and the adoption of new technologies in wood education programs. If you are an educator or professional and would like to share your experiences and perspectives, we invite you to complete the survey by clicking on the following link: Survey Link Here!

This workshop promises to be a pivotal event for shaping the future of wood education, combining academic and industry perspectives to create a unified global approach to training the next generation of professionals in the wood sector.

Agenda:

2:00 – 2:10 PM

Introduction – Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT; Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

2:10 – 3:45 PM

Expert presentations
- Innovations in Timber Engineering Education: Insights from New Zealand – Dr. Pierre Quenneville, University of Auckland
- Workforce Integration in Wood Design and Construction: Challenges and Solutions for Engaging Young Professionals – Craig Applegath, DIALOG
- Empowering Graduates: The Role of the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub on Sustainable Built Environment with Renewable Materials – Dr. Michael Burnard, InnoRenew CoE
- Advancing Timber Engineering Education in Seismic Regions: Insights from Chile’s Academic and Research Initiatives – Dr. Alexander Opazo Vega, University of Bío-Bío
- Advancing Wood Education in Canada and North America: Integrating Design, Engineering, and Construction – Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa

4:15 – 5:00 PM

Panel Discussion – Moderated by Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

5:00 – 5:55 PM

Round Table – Led by Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT; Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

5:55 – 6:00 PM

Summary of Activities and Wrap-Up

Featuring:


Blériot Feujofack Manager Wood Education Canadian Wood Council	Peter Moonen National Sustainability Manager Canadian Wood Council

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.