Technical Mass Timber Resources for Engineers and Architects
Mar 6, 2026
WoodWorks
Introducing the Mass Timber Technical Reference Guide
WoodWorks has launched the Mass Timber Technical Reference Guide, an online handbook that brings together essential resources for mass timber designers.
Developed by WoodWorks technical experts, the guide is structured to align with how engineers and architects approach design. Use the guide to quickly locate authoritative information on materials, analysis, detailing, fire, acoustics, vibration, durability, and construction considerations.
Whether you’re new to mass timber or looking for a reliable technical reference, this guide is designed to support informed, confident design decisions.
More New Resources: Solution Papers on Fire Design and MEPF in Mass Timber
Mass timber is uniquely positioned as a structural building material that can be left exposed while also achieving a fire-resistance rating (FRR). The IBC provides multiple commonly used methods of demonstrating FRRs through testing and analytical provisions, and engineers should keep each of these options open until they determine which will be more advantageous based on the specific FRR requirements, member sizes, spans, and loading conditions. This paper presents several methods for demonstrating the FRR of a mass timber element, particularly when the mass timber structural members are required to be fire-resistance-rated.
While integrating MEPF systems is an important part of any building design, it is critical in mass timber projects because it impacts everything from aesthetics and structural performance to fire protection, grid utilization, reconfigurability, and cost. The most appropriate solution is one that accounts for all the impacted areas in the context of the project’s goals.