May
21
5:00pm
Understanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber
By WoodWorks
UnlistedUnderstanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber
Date: May 21st, 2025
Time: 1 PM Eastern Time
Duration: 1 hour
In this webinar, you’ll gain insight into the design and manufacturing considerations involved in using glulam in buildings. As one of the oldest mass timber products used in Canada, glulam offers exceptional flexibility and can be incorporated into a wide range of building types—particularly where curvature and expressive geometry are key. Presenters will outline design and manufacturing strategies for creating efficient structures, showing how glulam can be used not just as columns and beams, but as the primary structure in today’s innovative buildings—whether architecturally driven or focused on value and efficiency. They will also cover the availability of glulam products across Canada and explain how to maximize the value of the timber used. Practical tips will be shared to help designers and specifiers take full advantage of glulam’s attributes in a cost-efficient way.
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will learn the design strategies employed when using curvature and geometry in buildings and gain an understanding of what is possible with expressive architecture.
- Participants will understand the practical constraints of glulam manufacturing, including how to approach the design and specification of glulam members.
- Participants will learn how different wood species and strength grades are applied in glulam design, and how to use them efficiently for optimal performance.
- Participants will understand how geometry, fire ratings, and member layups influence the cost-efficiency and design potential of glulam systems.
Presenters
Derek Ratzlaff, Technical Director, WoodWorks BC
Derek Ratzlaff began his career in the wood industry in high school, working on single- and multi-family light wood construction. Having almost 20 years of structural engineering experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures, including the Richmond Olympic Oval and the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. Derek brings his experience in design and construction to support the wood industry in BC.
Giulia Natalini, Pre-Construction Specialist, Western Archrib
Giulia is a skilled pre-construction specialist with expertise in the mass timber industry. With a background in civil engineering and a master’s degree in mass timber engineering, she brings a strong technical foundation to her role. Giulia is adept at project planning, cost estimation, and coordinating with different stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution. Her role extends beyond numbers; Giulia actively cultivates meaningful connections with key clients and industry partners. Her attention to detail and dedication to quality make her an integral part of delivering successful mass timber projects.
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hosted by
WoodWorks