Session 10
Advancing the Use of Mass Timber in Provincial Codes
In April 2024, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec expanded the use of encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) to allow taller buildings up to 18 storeys, as well as various building types like restaurants, shops, care facilities, and warehouses, to be fully constructed with EMTC. This change builds on previous permissions for residential and office buildings up to 12 storeys. The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of these recent EMTC Code amendments, offering insights for architects, engineers, building officials, and developers. It will feature a mix of text, images, and case studies to engage a diverse audience, focusing on the growing role of EMTC in sustainable construction, occupant well-being, and increasing housing supply.
Vusal Ibrahim, Canadian Wood Council
Vusal is a Technical Specialist – Fire at the Canadian Wood Council, where he specializes in fire safety engineering, focusing on fire dynamics, life safety, and property protection through research and the application of Codes and Standards. He supports the market acceptance of light-wood frame, heavy timber, and encapsulated mass timber buildings in Canada by advancing Code solutions and developing strategic initiatives. Prior to this, he worked as a Research Associate in Fire Safety at the University of Waterloo and as a Code and Life Safety Consultant at Morrison Hershfield. His extensive experience includes conducting fire safety projects, ranging from reaction-to-fire tests to full-scale compartment fires, and providing services in Code interpretation, alternative solutions, and feasibility studies for a wide range of building projects across Canada and the U.S. Vusal is also an active researcher with publications in the Fire Safety Journal and presentations at international symposia.