Description

Moisture management is a critical consideration in mass timber construction, influencing structural performance, durability, and long-term building resilience. Exposure to rainwater, elevated humidity, and repeated wetting and drying cycles during transportation, storage, and construction can lead to wood swelling, dimensional changes, corrosion of metal fasteners, and potential deterioration of structural connections. This webinar explores the challenges associated with moisture exposure in mass timber buildings, with particular emphasis on timber-to-steel connections and the interaction between wood movement, fastener properties, and environmental conditions. Drawing on experimental research and industry investigations, the presentation examines the influence of moisture on connection performance, including corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, installation stresses, and the effectiveness of temporary protection systems. The session will also introduce construction-site water management strategies, including moisture monitoring, temporary weather protection, and drainage and drying considerations. Insights from the New Rothoblaas Smartbook Construction Site, Water and Durability will be shared, with a focus on proper connection detailing to minimize moisture-related risks and enhance long-term structural durability. Through research findings, practical examples, and design recommendations, attendees will gain knowledge to support more resilient timber structures, reduce moisture-related construction risks, and improve long-term building performance.

Speakers:

Milvio Sanchez

Milvio Sanchez is a Technical Consultant at Rothoblaas, specializing in fastening and connection solutions for timber structures. He holds a Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Engineering from the University of Northern British Columbia, where his research focused on the lateral behavior of single- and multi-panel cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls. Combining his engineering background with practical industry experience, Milvio provides technical consulting and delivers educational training programs across North America, including technical presentations and hands-on workshops for design and construction professionals. He also collaborates on the development of technical product literature and product improvements tailored to the needs and requirements of the North American market. Through his work, Milvio contributes to advancing safe, durable, and sustainable timber construction practices.

Sponsored by:

Continued Education:

• AIA Credit: TBD
• PHIUS Credit: 1 CEU
• PHI credits TBD

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common sources of moisture exposure during the transportation, storage, and construction of mass timber buildings, and assess their potential effects on material durability and building performance.
• Explain how variations in wood moisture content, including swelling and shrinkage, affect timber-to-steel connections, fastener corrosion, mechanical stresses, and long-term structural reliability.
• Evaluate findings from experimental investigations involving moisture exposure, fastener characteristics, installation conditions, and protective membranes to identify potential durability risks and the limitations of different mitigation strategies.
• Select appropriate design and construction-stage moisture management strategies, including water deflection, drainage, drying, moisture monitoring, connection detailing, and installation quality control, to improve the long-term safety and durability of mass timber structures.

*Please note: By registering for and attending this event, participants consent to the capture and use of photographs, audio & video recordings, and contact information for event documentation, promotional, educational, and communications purposes.