In earthquake-prone Seattle, developer Wright Runstad & Co. announced the start of construction of Rainier Square Tower, an office-residential high-rise that represents the first use of a radically different core structure.
Successful performance in fire tests of three types of off-the-shelf metal connectors for glue-laminated-timber column-to-beam assemblies will make it easier for designers to get approval for GLT structural systems in buildings up to 85 ft in height, says the Softwood Lumber Board, which sponsored the tests.
When Caterpillar began its current investment in 3D-printing components for heavy equipment earlier this decade, the company’s engineers and chemists tried to manage their expectations.
The nascent 3D-printing industry is working toward the goal of printing large-scale structures with specially designed feed material, but researchers working at a smaller scale are currently exploring techniques for printing a wide range of materials in complex shapes.
Authorities having jurisdiction in Oregon and Portland have granted a building permit for the 12-story Framework, which is on deck to become the tallest, pure mass-timber structure in the Americas and the tallest mass-timber building in the U.S.
The American Institute of Architects’ advice to building-product manufacturers and material suppliers: Improve your websites, provide free, product-related continuing education to design firms and hone your expertise on your offerings to strengthen your rapport with your customers.