Auburn University is making a significant impact on the future of construction in the Southeast through its groundbreaking Auburn Mass Timber Collaborative (AMTC). This interdisciplinary initiative, involving the Colleges of Forestry, Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), and Engineering, is spearheading research, education, and outreach efforts to promote the use of mass timber – a rapidly evolving technology revolutionizing the design and construction industries.
Alabama, with its vast forested landscape, is perfectly positioned to benefit from this innovative material. Recognizing this potential, Auburn University is leading the charge by offering specialized coursework, design-build opportunities for undergraduate students, and graduate research projects focused on mass timber production, performance, and application. These efforts are aimed at accelerating the adoption of mass timber construction across the Southeast.
Mass timber, which encompasses structural wall and floor panels, beams, and columns, offers a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials like concrete and steel. Engineered to be equally robust while being lighter, mass timber boasts a multitude of advantages. Not only is it an environmentally friendly choice, but it also lends itself to aesthetically pleasing designs and offers the benefit of faster, quieter, and less wasteful construction.
The AMTC is harnessing the expertise of faculty from diverse disciplines and has access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory, the Forest Products Development Center’s wood science laboratory, and the CADC Research Shop’s CLT press and fabrication equipment. These resources allow the AMTC to push the boundaries of mass timber research, exploring applications ranging from blast-resistant structures for the Department of Defense to hybrid steel-timber floor assemblies for low- and mid-rise buildings.
The AMTC’s commitment to outreach includes workshops, online learning resources, and conferences like “The Sustainable Future of CLT in the South: Grow. Design. Build.” This conference, led by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, will bring together forest landowners, architects, engineers, and construction management professionals to share knowledge, perspectives, and innovations related to cross-laminated timber (CLT).
By combining its wealth of forest resources, industry expertise, and world-class facilities, Auburn University is poised to play a pivotal role in the advancement of mass timber construction. The AMTC is not only fostering research and education but also spearheading efforts to incorporate mass timber into campus projects, such as the newly constructed Environmental Education Building at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. As the AMTC continues to grow and expand its research operations, it is poised to drive innovation and create new opportunities for economic growth and job creation throughout the Southeast.
