Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7838-0328

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Franca, Tamara

Committee Member

Shmulsky, Rubin

Committee Member

Seale, R. Dan

Committee Member

Franca, Frederico J.

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Worldwide

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Forest Resources (Sustainable Bioproducts)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

Abstract

The built environment must innovate and adopt new materials and construction practices in order to meet current and forecasted environmental challenges, economic uncertainties and construction pressures. The specification of mass timber materials and building assemblies will play a major role in addressing these issues. The objectives of this research are fourfold: 1) Develop a deeper understanding among construction professionals of the role mass timber buildings can have in greatly reducing CO2 emissions through the use of renewable forest products and the storage of carbon in buildings; 2) Provide insights into the utilization of mass timber products for architectural application that advance environmental sustainability – while moving toward continued industry acceptance and parity with other well-known structural materials (steel and concrete); 3) Expand current knowledge among architects, builders and developers of mass timber construction by examining and addressing the real-life challenges and benefits of mass timber implementation – including the environmental impacts, economic drivers and construction practices that promote architectural adoption; 4) Educate the construction industry to better understand the real “value” of mass timber construction and how best to implement mass timber products. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research will convey valuable information for future research that explores the architectural and environmental benefits associated with the implementation of mass timber; and can serve as a valuable tool for additional studies on how the construction industry might further innovate and evolve to meet the pressing demands of building development. The accomplish these research objectives, this dissertation will be divided into five sections: 1) Introduction; 2) Carbon matters: Evaluating the aggregated impact of sequestered carbon from projects in a mass timber architecture design studio; 3) Pioneering mass timber in Mississippi: Lessons learned and the carbon story of the Lost Rabbit mixed-use development; 4) Pioneering mass timber in Utah: Best practices, lessons learned and the carbon story of the Baltic Pointe commercial office building; and 5) Conclusion.

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