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Mass Timber Monitoring

Solutions for Quality Assurance during Construction and Long-Term Monitoring for Heavy Timber Structures

Mass Timber Monitoring Kit
TimberCast logo

Our Approach

SMT has been involved in monitoring moisture in some of the most influential mass timber projects in the world.

We’ve helped enable construction professionals to validate significant decisions in design, sequencing, and quality of work by using data recorded during transportation, construction, and during the life of the structure.

Our unique sensors and electronics allow the collection of performance data from critical components, including real-time conditions during construction.

Contact SMT to see how we can assist with your project

Solution #1

FutureCast Roof Leak Detection System

A permanent network of sensors installed in a grid directly onto the waterproof membrane part of a roof to monitor the integrity of the waterproofing. This allows tracking of moisture content trends over time to allow for scheduled repairs to minimize moisture damage.

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Solution #2

Roof Deck Moisture Monitoring

Similar to FutureCast, moisture sensors are installed directly into the structural element of the roof - however they are not installed in a grid. This allows tracking of moisture content trends over time, as well as efforts to dry out the assembly in the event of a leak.

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Solution #3

Targeted Structural Monitoring

An array of sensors are installed at the most structurally important locations to monitor for the long term health of the structure as required by the design.

Roof Deck Moisture Monitoring
Transport

When working with Mass Timber construction it's important that materials arrive on site dry and stored in a dry environment. SMT monitors timber materials during transportation by installing sensors enabled via cellular based data acquisition to monitor for moisture, temperature and relative humidity.

Mass Timber Monitoring
Factory
Arrival
Mass Timber Monitoring during construction
Mass Timber Monitoring during Transport
Mass Timber Factory Monitoring

Moisture sensors at various depths

Datalogger

SMT moisture sensors can be embedded in structurally significant sections of laminated timber, with several probes at different depths to build up a moisture content profile of the section. We can begin monitoring right from factory by inserting these sensors before the timber is sent out.

Transportation

Sensors can be used to track moisture levels in timber during transportation to ensure materials arrive on site dry. Data is sent wirelessly while timber is in transportation.

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Once materials have arrived on site, the moisture sensors can be removed or kept embedded for long term monitoring of moisture content 

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Data Visualization

At SMT, we are constantly pushing forward with how we visualize data - making it easier to understand and use.

In combination with BIM technology, we utilized the Unity Game Engine to create a virtual tour of the UBC Tallwood Building, allowing users to explore the building and inspect live sensor data.

Unity Virtual Tour

Let's walk through SMT sensors inside the UBC Tallwood House.

Download the Virtual Tour Application:

64bit

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Mass Timber Data Visualization

Using Unity Gaming Engine, users are able to virtually tour the building and inspect live sensor data.

Mass Timber Data Visualization

The building exterior can be viewed from any direction.

Mass Timber Data Visualization

Select sensors to view historical data trends.

Previous Projects

UBC Brock Commons Tallwood House

Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC)

SMT Mass Timber monitoring projects
SMT Mass Timber monitoring projects

©SMT Research

©Emma Peter

18 stories, 160,000 Sq. Ft.
CLT Vertical movement and roof moisture performance monitoring.

6 stories, 52,000 Sq. Ft.
CLT Vertical movement and roof moisture performance monitoring.

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) Head Office

SMT Mass Timber monitoring projects

©Ed White

4 stories, 112,000 Sq. Ft.
Green Roof leak detection and NLT moisture monitoring during construction.

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