Successful Adoption of Mass Timber Requires Rigorous Adhesive Qualification

The 2018 International Mass Timber Conference was produced by Forest Business Network and WoodWorks.
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Video Sponsors Include: Forest Business Network, Katerra, Think Wood, and Oregon Forest Resources Institute
Successful Adoption of Mass Timber Requires Rigorous Adhesive Qualification - Mark Clark, Technical Compliance Manager, Hexion
Although adhesives are a ‘black box’ to many engineers and architects, they are the key component necessary for a true advancement in tall wood building construction. Adhesive testing and qualification for bonding mass timber elements must evaluate a range of attributes. We will discuss the methodologies for determining shear strength, moisture or exterior exposure durability, and resistance to creep and resistance to fire exposure temperatures.
It is critical that we all collectively participate with the highest level of diligence to build standards and codes enabling wood to fully assume its place in this new and dynamic landscape as we strive to establish CLT/mass timber as “the new” building material. To ensure a high quality qualification of any adhesive a unique set of application and performance trade-offs must be considered beginning with the initial design of the manufacturing environment through to final product performance. This author believes the adhesive contributes to the green credentials of CLT/mass timber. The successful adoption of mass timber on this continent will depend upon North American solutions for both the manufacture and deployment of mass timber elements. Innovation in structural adhesive technology to meet this challenge is underway to improve fire resistance, moisture resistance and provide lasting durability.