Short answer

Incorporate advanced engineered timber systems and post-tensioned connections into multi-storey building designs to achieve comparable costs and construction times to traditional materials while enhancing sustainability.

Field: Sustainability
Source: University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury) (2008)
Method: Comparative case study analysis with sub-assembly testing.
Evidence: Strong effect

Engineered timber construction with post-tensioned connections can achieve cost and construction timelines comparable to traditional concrete structures, presenting a viable sustainable alternative. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2008 study published in University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury). Using Comparative case study analysis with sub-assembly testing., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate advanced engineered timber systems and post-tensioned connections into multi-storey building designs to achieve comparable costs and construction times to traditional materials while enhancing sustainability.

Study

SustainabilityHigh ImpactStrong effect

Post-Tensioned Timber Buildings Offer Cost-Competitive Sustainable Construction

Engineered timber construction with post-tensioned connections can achieve cost and construction timelines comparable to traditional concrete structures, presenting a viable sustainable alternative.

University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury) · 2008

Key Findings

01Member sizes in the post-tensioned timber building were comparable to those in the concrete structure.
02Sub-assembly testing of key connections yielded excellent results.
03Construction time for the timber building was similar to the concrete structure.
04The timber and 'timber plus' buildings showed only a 6% and 11% increase in total cost, respectively, compared to the concrete structure.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing multi-storey buildings, conduct a feasibility study comparing traditional materials with engineered timber systems using post-tensioned connections, focusing on structural performance, construction logistics, and lifecycle costs.

Project actions

01When proposing a material for a design project, research its environmental impact and cost-effectiveness.
02Consider innovative connection methods to improve the performance of chosen materials.

Method & Evidence

AimTo assess the feasibility, detailing, cost, and construction of multi-storey buildings utilizing post-tensioned engineered timber.

MethodComparative case study analysis with sub-assembly testing.

ProcedureThree case study buildings (concrete, steel, and timber) were designed based on current practices. A fourth 'timber plus' building with additional timber architectural elements was also considered. The timber building incorporated post-tensioned LVL moment-resisting frames and cantilever walls, along with timber-concrete composite floors. Key connections were tested, and construction times and costs were evaluated and compared across all case studies.

ContextMulti-storey building construction

Variables

IV["Construction material (concrete, steel, timber, timber plus)","Connection type (post-tensioned LVL frames, cantilever walls)"]

DV["Member sizes","Connection strength/performance","Construction time","Total cost"]

CV["Building height/size (implied by case study comparison)","Design and construction practice standards"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Direct comparison with established construction methods (concrete, steel).
+Inclusion of physical testing for key connections.
+Comprehensive cost and construction time analysis.

Limitations

The cost analysis is based on specific project parameters and may not reflect all market conditions. The study focuses on a particular type of engineered timber and connection system.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the connection testing would depend on the number of repetitions and consistency of the testing procedure. Validity is supported by the direct comparison to established construction methods and the inclusion of cost and time metrics.

Think critically

To what extent do the specific detailing and connection methods studied limit the generalizability of these findings to other engineered timber systems or building typologies?

Design Principles

"Sustainable materials can be cost-effectively integrated into mainstream construction through innovative engineering and detailing."

This research demonstrates that innovative timber building systems can overcome perceived cost and complexity barriers, making them a more attractive option for sustainable development. Designers and engineers can explore these methods to reduce the environmental impact of construction without significant financial penalty.

What This Means for Your Design

Building tall structures with wood can be just as affordable and fast as using concrete, and it's better for the environment.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when justifying the choice of sustainable materials or innovative construction techniques in your design project.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The feasibility of using engineered timber in multi-storey construction, as demonstrated by Smith (2008), suggests that advanced systems like post-tensioned LVL frames can achieve structural performance, construction timelines, and cost profiles comparable to traditional concrete buildings, offering a compelling sustainable alternative.

Source

University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury)

Feasibility of Multi Storey Post-Tensioned Timber Buildings: Detailing, Cost and Construction

journal · 2008

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about post-tensioned timber buildings offer cost-competitive sustainable construction?: Incorporate advanced engineered timber systems and post-tensioned connections into multi-storey building designs to achieve comparable costs and construction times to traditional materials while enhancing sustainability. Evidence: University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury) (2008).
Why does "Post-Tensioned Timber Buildings Offer Cost-Competitive Sustainable Construction" matter for design?: This research demonstrates that innovative timber building systems can overcome perceived cost and complexity barriers, making them a more attractive option for sustainable development. Designers and engineers can explore these methods to reduce the environmental impact of construction without significant financial penalty.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate advanced engineered timber systems and post-tensioned connections into multi-storey building designs to achieve comparable costs and construction times to traditional materials while enhancing sustainability.
What were the main findings?: Member sizes in the post-tensioned timber building were comparable to those in the concrete structure.. Sub-assembly testing of key connections yielded excellent results.. Construction time for the timber building was similar to the concrete structure.. The timber and 'timber plus' buildings showed only a 6% and 11% increase in total cost, respectively, compared to the concrete structure.
What research method was used?: Comparative case study analysis with sub-assembly testing..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2008 journal from University of Canterbury Research Repository (University of Canterbury).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing multi-storey buildings, conduct a feasibility study comparing traditional materials with engineered timber systems using post-tensioned connections, focusing on structural performance, construction logistics, and lifecycle costs.
What are the limitations?: The study is based on case studies and specific detailing; real-world construction may encounter unforeseen challenges. The cost comparison is specific to the studied projects and may vary based on market conditions and location.