FPInnovations has recently published several valuable resources and publications that cover a broad range of topics.
Canadian CLT Handbook, 2nd edition
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is increasingly used in the sustainable construction of tall buildings and has a firm footing in the mass-timber-building global movement. FPInnovations and its partners are leading the knowledge transfer of the most up-to-date CLT technical information to the design and construction community.
The building- game-changing, Canadian CLT Handbook was funded by the Government of British Columbia’s Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) agency; the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Natural Resources Canada, Structurlam, Nordic Structures, the Québec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks; the Province of Alberta, and the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE).
FPInnovations and its partners first delivered Canadian and U.S. versions of the handbooks in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Since then, new research and regulations make a revised comprehensive how-to handbook essential. The 2019 edition includes the new CLT provisions in the Canadian Standards Association’s Standard in Engineering Design in Wood. An extra chapter provides a state-of-the-art design prototype of an eight-storey mass-timber building.
Copies of the Canadian English-language Handbook are available at web.fpinnovations.ca/clt
Design Guide for Timber-Concrete Composite Floors in Canada
Mass timber is increasingly being used in construction as the advantages of this material are constantly being highlighted. The many health benefits of wood have well been proven, not to mention its environmental benefits in the context of the fight against climate change.
Extensive research on the many properties of wood in construction, including through the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), has led to the development of design details to facilitate the increased and safe use of this material in various construction projects. They have also opened the door to hybrid uses aimed at a better response from innovative building systems.
As part of its research work on wood buildings, FPInnovations has recently launched a Design Guide for Timber-Concrete Composite Floors in Canada. This technique, far from being new, could prove to be a cost-competitive solution for floors with longer-span since the mechanical properties of the two materials act in complementarity.
Illustrated Guide for Designing Wood-Frame Buildings in Alberta to Meet the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings
With funding from the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, FPInnovations released a how-to energy guidebook for the design and construction of wood-frame and mass-timber buildings in Alberta before the province’s recent big announcement.
Alberta announced in January that it will give the green light for the construction of wood buildings using encapsulated mass-timber construction (EMTC) of up to 12 storeys province-wide, starting this spring. The change is in advance of the new National Building Code of Canada being released later this year, which is also expected to allow for the construction of 12 storey wood buildings.
The guide, titled Illustrated Guide for Designing Wood-Frame Buildings in Alberta to Meet the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings”, provides solutions for the building envelope of both light-wood frame and mass-timber buildings.
The 40-page colour guide covers a range of wood‐based exterior wall and roof assemblies, as well as various thermal insulation materials. It also addresses key considerations for designing a building envelope with long‐term durability in Alberta’s varied climate.
To obtain a copy, you may contact library@fpinnovations.ca.
Guide on bioheat from forest feedstocks for clean and affordable energy
Canada is a winter nation resulting in Canadians spending millions of dollars each year to pay for necessary heat. With increasing heating costs and climate change becoming top of mind, communities are taking a more serious look at energy alternatives. One of the top choices for energy alternatives is bioheat. To support a movement towards using bioheat, A Solid Wood Bioheat Guide for Rural and Remote Communities in Ontario, has been created to provide key information for using bioheat sourced from wood.
The guide details the different types of solid woody fuel, combustion systems, and costs. The guide arms its readers with the information needed to start bioheat projects in residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Although specific to Ontario’s regulations and resources, much of the content applies to any jurisdiction.
User Guide on Preserved Boomsticks
Boomsticks are long logs used to keep log bundles together for storage and transport. Boomstick damage from marine borers is an industry concern and one for which FPInnovations recently has developed a promising solution. Using a new protocol based on CCA treatment, researchers estimate that service lives of boomsticks can be extended by more than ten times.
FPInnovations created a short user guide to assist with the successful implementation and usage of treated boomsticks. The guide contains key information for effectively managing treated boomsticks from start to end of their service lives.
To request a copy of this guide, you may contact library@fpinnovations.ca.
Best Practices Guide on Preventing Sinkage of Western Hemlock
Western hemlock can have higher moisture content than most other native trees, causing it to sink during transportation and storage in water. Additionally, younger hemlock and hemlock tops have large rings and are more susceptible to sinking. The bigger the rings, the more likely the hemlock is to take on water.
Is sinkage of western hemlock preventable? Yes! Learn about harvest timing and other strategies to reduce sinking. We’ve got just the guide for you: Best Practices Guide on Preventing Sinkage of Western Hemlock.
To obtain a copy, you may contact library@fpinnovations.ca. For more information, you may contact Charles Friesen.
