SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
from the people-in-wood-skyscrapers-shouldn't-throw-woodpeckers dept.
Arthur T Knackerbracket has processed the following story:
A report by Knowable Magazine provides a rather insightful glimpse into the rise of mass timber and its benefits. The technique basically uses massive engineered wood elements instead of concrete and steel to build higher than ever before. As of 2024, mass timber buildings have climbed to almost unbelievable heights, with the 25-story Ascent tower in Milwaukee leading the pack.
The building is far from the only one in the category. The report states that there were 84 completed or under-construction mass timber buildings of eight stories or higher worldwide by 2022, with another 55 proposed. Europe dominates with 70% of these, but North America is catching up with around 20%.
As for what's driving this wooden renaissance, there are multiple reasons. For starters, mass timber could be an answer for reducing concrete and steel's massive carbon footprint, which alone makes up a whopping 15% of global emissions.
[...] But what about issues like raw strength and fire resistance, which have historically held wooden buildings back? Well, mass timber uses elements like cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels that can match steel's strength pound-for-pound, thanks to layering and high-pressure gluing techniques.
Modern mass timber also passes rigorous fire testing. In the event of a fire, a protective char layer forms on the wood's surface, insulating the interior from flames long enough for evacuation and firefighter response.
Likely taking these perks into account, a 2021 update to the International Building Code gave mass timber a huge vote of confidence, allowing such constructions up to 18 stories in many places.
Of course, moisture poses risks that need careful management to prevent fungus and pests. But proponents are confident mass timber can be a sustainable solution if done right.
(Score: 2) by tangomargarine on Thursday October 24, @05:05PM (1 child)
What does the length of the ship have to do with anything? The whole thing with skyscrapers is they're very tall, which means much more weight on a smaller base. I want to say sailing ships were mostly the equivalent of only 1 or 2 stories tall.
"Is that really true?" "I just spent the last hour telling you to think for yourself! Didn't you hear anything I said?"
(Score: 2) by Reziac on Friday October 25, @06:31AM
I'm thinkin' the first fire that punches through a floor or into a maintenance shaft will put the kobosh on the whole concept. Cuz it's gonna chimney really fast, and no amount of fire retardant will stop that.
And wooden ships take a shitload of maintenance.
And there is no Alkibiades to come back and save us from ourselves.