Given the construction of mass timber buildings continues to gain traction in Ontario, there remains a lot of buzz in the sector regarding this typology. Mass timber structures permitted under the previous building code were up to six storeys in height.
As reported in the May 3 CodeNews 331 edition, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) recently amended the Ontario Building Code (Ontario Regulation 451/22), in part to support the More Homes for Everyone Act by allowing encapsulated mass timber buildings to be constructed up to 12 storeys high. The changes came into effect on July 1.
OAA members should become familiar with the legislative changes and keep abreast of the subtleties in using mass timber including the referenced standards. The OAA will be hosting a two-part series of fall Continuing Education Webinars, entitled “Getting Ready for Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) Up to 12 Storeys:"
OAA licensed members also have free access to certain relevant standards via the OAA’s Standards Access Program:
- CSA O86:19, Engineering Design in Wood;
- CSA O122-16, Structural Glued-Laminated Timber;
- CSA O177-06 (R2020), Qualification Code for Manufacturers of Structural Glued-Laminated Timber;
- CSA O80 SERIES:21, Wood Preservation; and
- CSA O112.9:21 Evaluation of Adhesives for Structural Wood Products (Exterior Exposure).
For additional information on recent updates to the Ontario Building Code, refer to the May 2022 edition of the Practice Advisory.