Light-Frame Solutions for Mid-Rise Buildings in High Seismic Zones

With recent Code changes including more stringent seismic requirements, finding efficient and high-performing structural layouts is more important than ever. It is expected that light wood frame residential mid-rise buildings will be the most affected by these changes. Join the WoodWorks BC team for this 1-hour webinar as we explore current and future strategies to meet these increased requirements through structural optimization and high-strength solutions.

• Analyze the most recent Code developments and how they affect the lateral design of LWF mid-rise buildings.

•Review typical lateral layouts and strategies to mitigate increased seismic forces.

•Discover alternate shearwall designs and how to review the construction of different solutions.

•Explore different analysis methods and their effect on lateral force distribution.

Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng, Struct.Eng, P.E. - Technical Director, WoodWorks BC

Derek grew up in the wood construction industry, working in residential construction as a young adult and through university when he traded in the nail apron for a design desk and pursued structural engineering at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 2004. After graduation Derek started his career with a leading Vancouver Structural Engineering firm, where he quickly became involved in some of North America’s most iconic wood structures, acting as Project Engineer for the Richmond Olympic Oval and designing a distinctive long-span hybrid timber arch building that set new benchmarks for innovation and engineering excellence.

With almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction, including single-family, multi-residential, and community buildings. In his previous roles as Principal and Design Director at Fast + Epp, Derek developed expertise in institutional and non-residential buildings using timber. Having transitioned from structural consulting to a Technical Director role with WoodWorks BC, Derek aims to increase the technical support provided by WoodWorks in all types of wood construction through close relationships with suppliers, contractors, and the owner/developer community. He is focused on solving problems in the development, application, and specification of timber products in the built environment.

Alejandro Coronado, P.Eng - Technical Advisor, WoodWorks BC

Alejandro brings a breadth of experience, having worked throughout the design and construction industry in contractor, supplier, and consulting engineering roles. Alejandro holds both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction in Civil Engineering from BCIT, specializing in structural engineering. Initially involved in single-family homes, Alejandro progressed through the industry to eventually work on state-of-the-art, high-profile projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal Project, the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. He was initially attracted to mass timber for its unique architectural expression. However, he quickly expanded his understanding of how mass timber can help address current social challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction and simple yet effective structural solutions.