One of the world’s first mass timber “mock-up” training kits has hit the market after Sterling Structural, a US-based manufacturer of cost-effective, pre-fabricated timber solutions, launched a small-scale mass timber building. The kit, designed to help schools, trades and unions educate and train in mass timber, comes amid a growth push for mass timber construction across the United States.
“The launch of the training kit is part of our commitment to making Mass Timber for the Masses,” according to Michaela Harms, vice president of Mass Timber at Sterling Structural: “Training carpenters and other construction professionals on Mass Timber will improve outcomes which will lead to greater adoption, which will benefit everyone.”
The kit includes:
- CLT panels – As most mass timber projects include CLT panels, the mock-up features both 3-ply and 5-ply CLT to familiarise teams with different panel weights and handling requirements.
- Floor and roof systems—Users will learn panel-to-panel spline connections that are critical to a building’s lateral strength. The mock-up includes recessed plywood splines and surface-mounted straps, which are common in the industry.
- Lap joints – A staple in wood construction, lap joints offer visual appeal and maintain necessary fire resistance in higher-rated elements such as fire barrier shaft walls. The kit incorporates horizontal and vertical lap joints to highlight their role in wall assemblies.
- Irregular panel lifting – Real projects rarely involve only standard panels. The mock-up includes a large penetration cutout, introducing best practices for safely lifting and installing irregular CLT elements.
- Glulam column connections—Projects require different connections based on structural loads, the superstructure’s fire rating, and aesthetics. The kit includes column base connections with a raised stand-off typical of concrete topping slabs.
- Glulam beam connections—The kit includes knife plate connections and concealed hangers that require precise installation to demonstrate more advanced connection techniques. Exposed bucket connections are not featured, as they are more straightforward to install and require less specialised training.
According to Pat Sowers, coordinator at the Illonis-based Elk Grove Village Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program, “(what), we are seeing is an increase in interest from a range of architects, engineers and designers in using Mass timber for projects.”
“Our responsibility to our members is to ensure they are trained in all the latest construction materials and technologies. Sterling’s training kit will be invaluable in our ability to meet that goal.”
