Exploring the Benefits of Mass Timber in Army Construction Projects

In a recent Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) from the Department of Defense, a new policy emphasizes the consideration of mass timber solutions in Army Military Construction (MILCON) and Civil Works vertical construction projects. Let's break down the key points to understand the significance of this directive.

1. What is Mass Timber?
Mass timber is a category of engineered wood products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (Glulam), dowel-laminated timber (DLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). These products consist of solid wood panels bonded together, providing strength, flexibility, and inherent fire resistance.

2. Why Consider Mass Timber?
Mass timber is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional structural materials like steel and concrete. It offers a low-carbon footprint, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, when disposed of sustainably, mass timber can sequester more carbon than it releases during its life cycle. Other advantages include pleasing aesthetics, quick construction, and availability nationwide.

‍3. Key Points:
The ECB mandates Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) must consider at least one mass timber option as a substantial structural component when designing vertical construction projects.

This directive effectively:

• Establishes policy requiring Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) to consider mass timber solutions when designing Army Military Construction (MILCON) and Civil Works vertical construction projects.
• Promotes the use of mass timber as a sustainable and innovative building material that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance fire resistance, and optimize construction speed and cost.
• Applies to all Army MILCON and Civil Works vertical construction projects starting in the FY27 program year and beyond12.
• Explains that while mass timber solutions may not be suitable for some parts of facilities, such as high bay areas, they are applicable for other parts, such as administrative areas.

4. Resources for Implementation:
Attachments to the ECB provide a wealth of resources for mass timber design, including US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and industry organizations. These resources cover protective design, code updates, fire resistance, moisture mitigation, and sustainability.

5. Conclusion: Moving Towards Sustainable Construction
The Army's directive to incorporate mass timber in construction projects marks a significant step toward sustainable building practices. By considering the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of mass timber, the Army aims to contribute to a greener and more resilient future.

For further details and a list of resources, refer to the original Engineering and Construction Bulletin here.