RESEARCH 

The ARTS (Advanced Research in Timber Systems) Group focuses on advancing mass timber construction through industry-supported research and collaboration with federal and provincial programs.

Research Focus Areas

• Mass Timber Materials & Systems

  • • Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

    • Structural composite lumber (SCL)

    • Glued laminated timber (GLT)

    • Mid-rise light wood frame building systems

    • New engineered wood products

• Structural Performance & Design

  • • Connection behavior, particularly self-tapping screws

    • Vibration serviceability design for mass timber floors

    • Structural responses of tall mass timber buildings to wind excitation

    • Reliability-based design of timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors

    • Long-term deformations in TCC systems

• Advanced Technologies & Optimization

  • • AI-generative design for light wood frame buildings

    • Identifying similar prefabricated houses

    • Optimizing mass timber components and connections

• Specialized Applications

  • • Moisture effects on self-tapping screws

    • CLT panels for basement walls

    • Prefabricated retrofitting wood wall panels

Impact & Industry Collaboration

• Addressing gaps in building codes and design standards

• Translating research into practical innovations for the construction industry

• Sharing findings through:

  • Technical publications

  • Industry outreach

  • Contributions to building codes & standards

The ARTS Group is dedicated to driving sustainable wood construction technologies, shaping the future of mass timber and light wood frame buildings.