University of Maryland, College Park
ENCE688W Design of Mass Timber Structures
Spring 2026
Class Handout, Lecture#1 (February 3, 2026)
Learn about the following terms and concepts (definition, illustration and example):
1. Comparing the four major construction material types (RC, steel, masonry and timber
structures) for limitation and best applications.
2. Know about timber material properties. Types of structural lumber (timber members),
light weight, ease of fabrication, low cost, wide availability, nature and sustainable
material, fire resistance.
3. How to take full advantage of timber’s property in structural design? What is the most
competitive height (# of stories) of timber structures?
4. Examples of mass timber structures.