PHOENIX, Ill. — Sterling Structural, a manufacturer of cost-effective, pre-fabricated mass timber and hybrid structural systems in North America, has announced the availability of a new mass timber Mock-up training kit. The kit, a small-scale mass timber building, is designed to help vocational schools, training programs, and unions educate and train the construction industry workforce on the emerging use of mass timber in a wide range of structures.

The kit includes everything needed to construct a mock-up of a small-scale mass timber building. It’s designed to educate and train installers on the fundamentals of mass timber construction. This hands-on learning tool showcases key components of prefabricated CLT and glulam systems, demonstrating best practices for installation, connection detailing, and material handling.

“The launch of the training kit is part of our overall commitment to making Mass Timber for the Masses,” said Michaela Harms, vice president of Mass Timber at Sterling Structural. “Training carpenters and other construction industry professionals on Mass Timber techniques will improve outcomes which will lead to greater adoption, which will benefit everyone.”

The kit includes:

• CLT panels – As the majority of mass timber projects include CLT panels, the mock-up features both 3-ply and 5-ply CLT to familiarize teams with different panel weights and handling requirements.
• Floor & roof systems – Users will learn panel-to-panel spline connections that are critical to a building’s lateral strength. The mock-up includes both recessed plywood splines and surface-mounted straps, as both are common in the industry.
• Lap joints – A staple in wood construction, lap joints offer visual appeal and maintain necessary fire resistance in higher-rated elements such as fire barrier shaft walls. The kit incorporates both horizontal and vertical lap joints to highlight their role in wall assemblies.
• Irregular panel lifting – Real projects rarely involve only standard panels. The mock-up includes a large penetration cutout, introducing best practices for safely lifting and installing irregular CLT elements.
• Glulam column connections – Projects require different connections based on structural loads, fire rating for the superstructure, and aesthetics. The kit includes column base connections to include a raised stand-off typical with concrete topping slabs.
• Glulam beam connections – To demonstrate more advanced connection techniques, the kit includes knife plate connections and concealed hangers, both of which require precise installation. Exposed bucket connections are not featured, as they are simpler to install and require less specialized training.

“We’re seeing an increase in interest from a range of architects, engineers, and designers in using Mass Timber for projects,” said Pat Sowers, coordinator at Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. “Our responsibility to our members is to ensure they are trained in all the latest construction materials and technologies, and Sterling’s training kit will be invaluable in our ability to meet that goal.”

To learn more, visit sterlingstructural.com.