Understanding the New EMTC Provisions in the Ontario Building Code (Webinar)

Thursday, April 27, 2023 – 12:00 – 2:00 (ET)

Click HERE to register through Eventbrite.

This 2-hour technical webinar will begin with an overview of ongoing fire research at the National Research Council of Canada into various performance aspects of mass timber construction and tall wood buildings. From there, code experts from Morrison Hershfield will discuss the new building code provisions related to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC), which is a new construction type in the code, that permit mass timber structures up to twelve storeys in building height. Participants will receive a complimentary electronic copy of the CWC’s recently published “Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code” authored by Morrison Hershfield.

Agenda

12:00 – 12:10

Introduction by Steven Street, Executive Director, Ontario Wood WORKS!

12:10 – 12:40

An overview of the Ottawa Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test Project by Marc Alam, Canadian Wood Council

12:40 – 1:50

A Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code by Dana Scherf and Trisha Ashworth, Morrison Hershfield

1:50 – 2:00

Moderated Q&A

An overview of the Ottawa Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Tests

The presentation will provide an overview of the Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test Project which were conducted during the summer and fall of 2022. Past research on the fire performance of mass timber construction will be reviewed briefly to provide the background necessary to understand how the latest tests support the design of taller and larger mass timber buildings. Each of the five tests performed will be reviewed along with what it means for future mass timber building design.

Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code

Encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) showcases recent advancements in fire safety engineering. These advancements are reflected in recent adoptions of EMTC as a new construction type across various jurisdictions and specifically in Ontario, through O.Reg. 451/22, which became applicable as of July 1, 2022. This presentation introduces designers and authorities to the “Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code.”

The purpose of the guide, and this presentation, is to introduce users to the new provisions governing EMTC in Ontario, so that readers are aware of the content, intent, and application of the new provisions. The guide introduces the new provisions and highlights where new EMTC features align with similar well-known provisions of the OBC for noncombustible construction and where the new provisions differ or are unique. Through highlighting these differences, this guide seeks to broaden awareness of OBC application to the design of this new building type.

Custom event opportunities:

In-office custom presentations:  Do you have a topic you want to learn more about?  Our Technical Team can prepare a full presentation on anything related to wood construction to meet YOUR needs and your schedule.  Contact us today for a virtual or in-person presentation! 

Steven Street, Executive Director: sstreet@wood-works.ca

Brock O’Donnell, Technical Advisor: bodonnell@wood-works.ca