Build With Strength, an industry campaign of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, is questioning the use of cross-laminated timber in construction. The group said that wood products can be a questionable building material for several reasons, and that concrete is more fire resistant, provides improved air quality, and is more environmentally responsible.

The trade group said that the only houses standing in parts of Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina were made with concrete. In the event of a large fire, such as those that have burned parts of the western states, the group said that concrete would be a better material.

The association’s Build With Strength campaign is designed to educate design and build and code communities about the benefits of concrete construction in the low to mid-rise sector.

Build With Strength has teamed with the Alabama Concrete Industries Association to present its seminar for architects, engineers, builders and developers. During “A Day of Concrete Knowledge” offered on both Wednesday, September 7, in Huntsville and Thursday, September 8, in Birmingham, the presentation will focus on performance in buildings. Building materials play a big role in energy use and deciding the safety and resiliency of the built environment.

This presentation will explore emerging trends in housing and development; innovations in concrete construction; case studies that showcase building value generation; economical design of concrete wall and floor systems; and how to utilize free resources to design structures. The program offers architects and engineers two hours of professional learning credits, along with four hours of additional concrete-related topics.

From Woodworking Network: https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/concrete-industry-group-questions-cross-laminated-timber-safety?ss=news,news,woodworking_industry_news,news,almanac_market_data,news