Computer modelling is increasingly essential for mid‑ and high‑rise timber buildings, long‑span structures, and advanced timber systems—applications where traditional hand calculations are no longer sufficient. Yet many engineers and researchers still lack clear guidance and reliable input data for modelling mass timber structures, and existing software tools often fall short for complex or hybrid systems.
To address these gaps, FPInnovations released the first‑of‑its‑kind Modelling Guide for Timber Structures in 2022, developed with contributions from more than 100 international experts.
🔗 Access the Modelling Guide: https://web.fpinnovations.ca/modelling/
Building on that foundation, FPInnovations has now launched a new web‑based database that provides the essential input parameters needed for the design, modelling, and analysis of timber structures. This database was developed through a collaboration of about 70 international experts and supported by FII, CWC, NSERC, and NRCan.
🔗 Explore the Database: https://database-for-timber-structures.fpinnovations.ca/
The database underwent extensive technical review by CWC, WoodWorks BC, WoodWorks Ontario, Fast + Epp, StructureCraft, Glotman Simpson, Nordic Structures, and Moses Structural Engineers. It was officially released on May 28, 2026, and is already being used in several research and design projects.
Next steps include expanding the database with additional critical information and developing application examples to support engineers and researchers in modelling timber structures.
This project was made possible in part by the financial support of Forest Innovation Investment (FII), the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), and NSERC. This database features research that was made possible in part by the financial support of NRCan.
For more information contact:
Zhiyong Chen , Lead Scientist
zhiyong.chen @fpinnovations.ca
