Mass Timber Structural Products and Framing Systems

Regional In-Person Seminar (St. Louis, MO)

This course provides architects and engineers with an introduction to mass timber structural systems, focusing on the characteristics, manufacturing processes, and design considerations associated with commonly used mass timber products. Participants will examine the range of available structural components, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), glued laminated timber (glulam), and structural composite lumber (SCL), and learn how product attributes influence structural performance, fire resistance, acoustics, constructability, and code compliance.

The course also explores the fundamental framing systems used in mass timber buildings, including bearing wall, post-and-beam, post-and-plate, and hybrid structural layouts. Through discussions on system selection, structural optimization, and coordination with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, attendees will gain insights into strategies for developing efficient and code-compliant building designs. Emphasis is placed on understanding how product selection and framing system decisions made early in the design process affect building performance, occupant safety, project efficiency, and long-term project success.

Lunch provided by Fordo’s Killer Pizza.

Credits: Attendees can earn 1.0 AIA/CES HSW LU, 1.0 PDH credit or 0.10 ICC credit

Speaker:

Jason Bahr PE | WoodWorks

Jason Bahr, PE, has more than 20 years of experience as a structural engineer and a passion for sustainable building. He has a breadth of expertise in preparing structural calculations and design documents for educational building projects, along with residential construction and remodeling experience. As a timber frame designer early in his career, he gained an immense appreciation for the beauty and resilience of wood as a structural material. Always a creative problem solver and enthusiastic collaborator, Jason has worked with multidisciplinary teams throughout his career to move forward impactful projects. Jason holds combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.

Location:

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company – The Grove

4465 Manchester Ave

St Louis, MO 63110

(Schnickelfritz Room)

Map & Directions

Parking:

On site parking next to the building

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the manufacturing processes, material characteristics, and structural applications of common mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), glued laminated timber (glulam), and structural composite lumber (SCL).
• Evaluate the structural, fire-resistance, and acoustic performance characteristics of various mass timber elements and their implications for safe and code-compliant building design.
• Compare common mass timber framing systems—including bearing wall, post-and-beam, post-and-plate, and hybrid configurations—and identify factors that influence system selection and structural efficiency.
• Apply relevant building code provisions, reference standards, and design resources to the preliminary design and coordination of mass timber floor, wall, beam, and column systems, including integration with building infrastructure systems.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Mary Schramka | mary.schramka@woodworks.org | 708.204.9578

Photo: The Bloomberg Student Center, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), knippershelbig, Photo Marjorie Becker, Accidentally Wes Anderson, Courtesy Shepley Bulfinch