Moisture management for tall wood buildings

Mass timber structures are entering the discussion for many projects in North America, and increasingly for taller buildings. This is, in part, due to recent code changes allowing for combustible construction in taller structures. However, interest in the industry is driven by a larger trend—the need for fast action...
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Demystifying fire-retardant-treated wood specifications

A step-by-step guide to writing a strong specification for generic fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) for specifiers. The history of FRTW, how it is manufactured, and how it compares to steel, concrete, and painted/coated wood products helps create a context to better understand when to use specific products in specific situations....
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DCA3: Designing fire-rated I-joist assemblies

For years, Design for Code Acceptance #3 (DCA3) has been the go-to resource for anyone working with I-joist assemblies. I-joist (WIJ) assemblies were added to DCA3 in 2001 and were intended to promote the usage of engineered lumber by simplifying the associated design, specification, and permitting processes.
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WRB-AB sheathing streamlines wall assembly and cladding compatibility

With the variety of cladding materials available today, and designers’ penchants to combine styles and textures, it is essential to specify building envelope controls that are compatible with multiple cladding types. This balancing act between aesthetic preferences and air and moisture management is where gypsum-integrated water-resistive barrier-air barrier (WRB-AB)...
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Fire resistance and prevention in wood buildings

Mass timber buildings are capable of providing a level of fire-resistance comparable to steel and concrete. Building code changes are allowing more projects to capitalize on the cost, schedule, and environmental advantages of wood construction. As the popularity of wood grows, construction safety practices are also receiving greater emphasis...
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