Conference Presentations by Dawn Bushnaq
Construction History on the Frontier, Seattle, July 20-22, 2017, 2017
In this presentation, we share lessons learned from observing traditional Japanese timber constru... more In this presentation, we share lessons learned from observing traditional Japanese timber construction, which we believe, is essential to address the discourse on the current interest in the mass timber construction movement. Seattle and the great Northwest have an established history of building with timber due to cultivating some of the tallest trees and best wood species in the United States. The recent interest in building with mass (solid) timber for mid-rise and high-rise buildings had spun the conversation on many issues especially the International Building Code (IBC). An effort to modify the code to embrace the mass timber movement is currently undertaken, but seismic issue concerns the city officials even if the code would change and the law requires in-situ testing. Pre-stressed and posted tensioned timber is currently being explored in Portland, Oregon, and certified manufacturing panel-pressing plants are quickly emerging. Manufacturing mass timber panels, components, and members can certainly benefit from the fabrication knowledge exists in Seattle and from the knowledge transfer of other industries such as Boeing and Shipbuilding. By examining traditional Japanese construction, three strategies were essential to survive earthquakes: the use of broad and substantial overhangs, structurally separated floors and a shock-absorbing central pillar known as (Shinbashira).
Uploads
Conference Presentations by Dawn Bushnaq