https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fd30y9cdsu7xlg0.cloudfront.net%2Fpn g%2F12462- 200.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fthenounproject.com%2Fterm%2Femail%2F12462%2F&dMarch 2020 ocid=jH9Kq4AvAehGEM&tbnid=ajL6wHzB9jAbAM%3A&w=200&h=200&bih=860&biw=8 Hem-Fir Mass Timber Research Project Report 604-688-2424 Ext. 304 Ference & Company 550 – 475 West Georgia Street
[email protected] Vancouver, BC V6B 4M9 www.ferenceandco.com Prepared for Forestry Innovation Investment EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Purpose and Scope of Study The purpose of the study is to evaluate and summarize any technical or other impediments to using hem-fir in mass timber products. The different mass timber products included in the study are cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), dowel-laminated timber (DLT) and nail-laminated timber (NLT). Method of Study Thirty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants to obtain insights regarding the suitability of hem-fir for use in mass timber projects from a variety of perspectives including regulatory, technical, supply chain and market acceptance factors. The key informants were from a variety of organizations including regulatory agencies, research organizations, mass timber manufacturers, hem-fir timber suppliers, architects, structural engineers, building contractors, industry associations and government. In addition, a detailed document and literature review was conducted to obtain the available published information on the regulatory, technical and market factors affecting the use of hem-fir in mass timber products. Key Findings The key study findings are: 1. The size of the mass timber industry in BC is still small. There currently exists only one CLT manufacturer while an additional CLT manufacturer will be operational next year.