While alternative solutions have been an important feature of the National Building Code of Canada since 2005, there remains a lack of understanding among building professionals on how to approach their use. As the construction industry evolves, with increasing innovation in design and construction capabilities, new ways of building that may not be well addressed by building codes will emerge.
At the same time, tools for performance testing and simulation are becoming more widespread. In light of the diverse and evolving building industry, alternative solutions that enable new ways of building are likely to become more commonplace. A critical area where alternative solutions may be employed is in the use of mass timber construction.
The introduction of mass timber construction techniques, enabled by a range of engineered wood products, associated connection technologies, and fabrication methods, has resulted in a wide range of possible building solutions that may not have been considered by building codes.
WoodWorks BC has developed a new Guide to help practitioners navigate the Alternative Solutions process.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE.
WoodWorks BC thanks the following authors for their contribution to the Alternative Solutions Guide, an important technical resource for AEC+D professionals in BC and beyond looking for support to expand their use of mass timber construction.
Authors
Joe Krevs, P.L.Eng., RBO, Principal, Ratio Code Consultants Ltd
Jeff Mitchell, M.Eng., P.Eng., CP, Principal, GHL Consultants Ltd
Derek Newby, AIBC, Managing Principal, Perkins + Will, Vancouver and Calgary
Slavica Puzovic, RELi, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Designer, Perkins + Will
Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., PE, Struct.Eng., Technical Director, WoodWorks BC/Canadian Wood Council
Kevin To, M.Eng., P.Eng., ing, CP, Associate, GHL Consultants Ltd
Henning White, P.L.Eng., CFPS, Principal, Ratio Code Consultants Ltd