Diversify Your Structural Portfolio: Wood in Low-Rise Commercial Construction

Sponsored by Ontario Structural Wood Association

We will explore the use cases for incorporating more wood into a sector that is typically dominated by structural steel construction. We will look at Light Wood Framing (LWF), Structural Composite Lumber (SCL), Mass Timber (MT) as well as Hybrid Systems that incorporate, which can include all or some of the above, as well as structural steel. What is important is using the right material in the right application. But perhaps more importantly is where NOT to use a material. Several examples from the CWC Publication “Low-Rise Commercial Construction in Wood: A guide for Architects and Engineers”, as well as real project examples from the presenter.

Identify strengths and weaknesses of various wood products.

Learn to select the right wood material/system for the most efficient and cost effective structure.

Highlight critical details and identify potential red flags to ensure a successful project.

Provide useful examples, resources and tools for the practitioner to add to their “tool belt”.

Alex is a Professional Engineer, Senior Associate, and Barrie Team Lead for Tacoma Engineers. Alex has been with Tacoma Engineers since 2012. As a Senior Structural Engineer and Project Manager, Alex has been the Primary Structural Engineer and Specialty Structural Engineer on a wide variety of wood projects in the Commercial, Institutional, Multi-Family, Agricultural and Residential Sectors.