“The next generation of mass timber construction will mark a turning point in how we build in this country and potentially in the world,” according to Dr Yang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We’re confident that with these new tools and materials under our belt, we will help Canada meet, if not surpass, its 2030 carbon emissions goals.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ‘Next-Gen’ Construction Initiative <\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Yang participates in The Next Generation Wood Construction initiative (Next-Gen), a partnership between the Canadian wood industry, academic institutions, governmental organisations, and the building industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By resetting national building codes for mass timber construction, the programme intends to remove technical and non-technical barriers to the growth of the wood construction industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr Yang, some challenges include a lack of design approaches, performance data, environmental impact assessments, and the need for more qualified people to handle the demands of rising wood consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next-Gen has four themes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Structural and serviceability performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fire safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Building envelope and energy performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sustainable construction technologies and practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
“The research consists of advanced simulation, experimental testing and code development,” said Yang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Next-Gen team comprises 20 scientists, 12 government and commercial organisations professionals, and 31 faculty members from 14 Canadian universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The academics and scientists team will supervise 50 qualified trainees “who will actively contribute to our research endeavours.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/woodcentral.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dr-Tony-Yang-are-developing-new-forms-of-modular-construction-for-mass-timber-buildings-in-high-seismic-regions-Wood-Central.jpg\")
Dr Tony Yang and his team are developing new forms of modular construction for mass timber buildings in high seismic regions. (Photo Credit: University of British Columbia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Dr Yang and his colleagues at UBC have been working on novel kinds of modular construction to create mass timber buildings that can survive earthquakes while having a smaller carbon impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n