Oregon became the first state to approve the use of science-based building code requirements for tall mass timber buildings. The state's approach could serve as a model for other jurisdictions to follow.

Under Oregon’s statewide alternate method (SAM), developers can receive early technical consideration and approval on tall mass timber structures. The Administrator of the State Building Codes Division issued SAM No. 18-01, which provides a prescriptive path for use of code requirements developed by the International Code Council (ICC) Tall Wood Building Ad Hoc Committee over the past two years.

Oregon's alternate path includes scientific conclusions established by the ICC that were incorporated into 14 national proposals and utilizes concrete, steel or masonry for the vertical elements of the seismic force-resisting system.

Timber-based Framework building in Portland, Ore.The provisions detailed in the SAM include three new types of construction, and are organized under so-called Type IV construction, typically referred to as heavy timber. The new types of construction are Type IV A, Type IV B and Type IV C.

Previously, heavy timber structures were limited to six stories. Major distinctions between these types of construction are found in the required fire-resistance rating of the structure and the protection specified, in terms of timber surface encapsulation.

(Read "How Wood Can Be Used to Create Large Buildings.")

Under the new Oregon rules, Type IV A buildings with an automatic sprinkler system require three-hour fire resistance-rated primary structural frame elements and bearing walls, with two-hour fire resistance-rated floors. Exposed timber surfaces must be entirely encapsulated. For certain occupancies or uses, Type IV A buildings are permitted to achieve 18 stories and 270 ft in building height.

Type IV B buildings with an automatic sprinkler system require two-hour fire resistance-rated primary structural frame elements and bearing walls, with two-hour fire resistance-rated floors. A calculated percentage of the exposed timber surfaces may remain exposed under this type. For certain occupancies or uses, Type IV B buildings may be as tall as 12 stories and 180 ft in building height.

Type IV C buildings with an automatic sprinkler system require two-hour fire resistance-rated primary structural frame elements and bearing walls, with two-hour fire resistance-rated floors. Exposed timber surfaces are permitted to remain entirely exposed under this type. For certain occupancies or uses, Type IV C buildings are permitted to achieve nine stories and 85 ft in building height.

Additional increased safeguards, manufacturing specifications, material conditions and design configuration prescriptions are detailed in the alternate method.

In April, part of a timber building under construction at Oregon State University failed and collapsed. A section of subflooring between the second and third stories of Peavy Hall gave way in the accident. The 4 ft x 20 ft cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel, made up of five layers of 2 x 6 boards glued together at right angles, failed after it delaminated at one end.

And in June 2017, officials in Portland, Oregon, approved plans for a 90,000 ft², 12-story, mixed-use project that at the time ranked as one of the tallest timber high-rises to be built in North America.

The mixed-use project is called Framework and, if built, would combine retail and public exhibition on the ground level, with five levels of office and 60 units of affordable housing. The architect's web site says the project currently is on hold.