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INSTRUCTORS:
John Rushing
Lily Rodriguez
Alex Campbell, PE
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the AEI 2025 Conference.
Pathway to Mass Timber Structures for Inpatient Healthcare (38 minutes)
This presentation explored the feasibility of using mass timber as a structural material for inpatient healthcare buildings. The study involved a case study comparing a steel-framed hospital with a mass timber redesign. The team analyzed key performance metrics such as code compliance, embodied carbon, cost, vibration control, and fire safety. Despite current code limitations, particularly NFPA 101 restrictions, the study concluded that mass timber could meet healthcare requirements under the right conditions. The results showed nearly a 30% reduction in embodied carbon using mass timber, even without accounting for biogenic carbon storage. The research also emphasized early-stage planning and coordination for optimal structural and MEP integration. Hybrid systems were identified as a viable way to gradually introduce mass timber into this highly regulated building type.
Development and Evaluation of Demonstrations in a Steel Course to Improve Instruction for Architectural Engineering Students (28 minutes)
This presentation detailed how a structural steel design course at Oklahoma State University incorporated physical and visual demonstrations to enhance student engagement and understanding. The course uniquely serves both architectural engineering and architecture students, with a majority having limited interest in structural topics. The instructor introduced demonstrations on tension, compression, buckling, and flexural behavior using tools like the Structural Stress Analyzer, Shimadzu universal tester, and MOLA model kits. Surveys revealed positive student perceptions of learning, especially in understanding buckling and flexural behavior. The course also utilized 3D-printed connection models to make abstract concepts more tangible. While still early in development, the approach shows promise in increasing comprehension and interest in structural steel design.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the current building code limitations and allowances for using mass timber in inpatient healthcare facilities.
- Explain the comparative outcomes of a mass timber versus steel structure in terms of embodied carbon, cost, and vibration performance.
- Identify the design and coordination strategies necessary for successful mass timber implementation in healthcare settings.
- List various physical and visual demonstrations used to teach key structural steel concepts such as buckling and flexure.
- Describe how interactive learning methods impact student understanding and engagement in structural engineering education.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Architectural Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Sustainability Consultants
- Construction Engineers
- Academic and Professional Researchers
- Early Career Professionals
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]