Research and
Development

Nheri Tallwood Project

STOREYS
10 storey with 4 resilient post-tensioned Mass Timber rocking walls

DATE OF TESTING
May 9th, 2023

LOCATION
University of California, San Diego

The NHERI Shake Table at the University of San Diego is a state-of-the-art research tool designed to revolutionize tall building design and performance. With the ability to simulate the intense ground motion of an earthquake, this cutting-edge shake table provides a unique window into the seismic behavior of full-scale building structures.

At Mass Timber Services, we are committed to the resilience and sustainability of our built environment. That’s why we are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project, having donated both CLT and Glulam to the 10-story structure. Testing is set to begin in March 2023, with research tasks: modeling of tall wood buildings with varying CLT wall systems, testing of building sub-assembly systems, development of a resilience-based seismic design methodology, and a series of full-scale shaking table tests to validate the proposed design.

The results of this project have the potential to transform Urban building landscape, addressing urbanization demands while enhancing resilience and sustainability. By developing and validating a seismic design methodology for tall wood buildings, the NHERI Shake Table at the University of San Diego is poised to lead the way
for a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future for all.

PLANNING NHERI SHAKE TABLE TEST

NHERI 10-STORY SHAKE TABLE TEST

A COMPLETE MASS TIMBER BUILDING

Our team completed R&D in solving a 12 – 16 storey multi-unit residential and commercial office towers made fully above grade with Mass Timber materials – inclusive of main core (elevator and stairwells and portion of sheer load incorporated), floors, columns, beams and with unique look and style options while taking into account technical considerations such as sheer load and beam connectivity.