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The Rise of Mass Timber Construction: Exploring Ascent in Milwaukee
Perched in the Yankee Hill neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ascent stands as a remarkable architectural feat, reaching a height of 284 feet. This luxury apartment building, primarily constructed from wood, is distinguished as the tallest timber-concrete hybrid building worldwide.
According to Tim Gokhman, one of the minds behind Ascent, the expenses associated with its construction align closely with those of more conventional buildings. He emphasizes the ecological and practical advantages of utilizing wood in construction compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete.
“Concrete is often imprecise, requires significant labor, and results in a substantial carbon footprint,” Gokhman stated. “While steel boasts benefits such as better spanning capabilities, it is even heavier and contributes to an even greater environmental impact.”
The production of both steel and concrete significantly affects the environment, with the U.S. Department of Energy noting that steel accounts for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Ascent was constructed from pre-fabricated wood components that were glued together to create what is known as mass timber. This material is noted for its strength, lightweight properties, and cost-effectiveness compared to steel and concrete. Remarkably, a crew of just 12 workers completed the core of Ascent in only six months.
In discussing the sustainability of timber as a construction material, Gokhman expressed confidence in our forest resources: “I believe we have enough trees. The principal driver of deforestation is the limited demand for forest products, which leads to the conversion of forests for industrial, agricultural, or residential development.”
Wood’s recyclability and ease of deconstruction are also prominent advantages. However, the vulnerability of wood to fire remains a significant concern. To address this issue, Ascent’s beams were sent to the U.S. Forest Service’s laboratory at the University of Wisconsin for extensive testing.
Before Ascent was even erected, its mass timber components underwent rigorous tests in a furnace capable of reaching over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooling, engineers assessed the extent of charring to determine the fire resistance rating of the material.
Laura Hasburgh, a materials research engineer at the lab, noted that while the mass timber burned, it did so at a rate sufficient to satisfy building codes and safety standards.
“We shared all of our data to reassure stakeholders that occupants would have adequate time to evacuate, and that first responders would be safeguarded against structural collapse,” Hasburgh remarked. “It’s incredibly inspiring to witness the development of these structures and to know they can be constructed safely.”
Looking ahead, Gokhman shared aspirations to use Ascent as a model for future projects, with plans to replicate this innovative design throughout various regions in the United States. Other cities, including Boston, Cleveland, and Portland, are also embracing mass timber construction, signifying a broader trend towards sustainable building practices.
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