Terminus is a recently completed 5-storey mass timber commercial building in one of the highest seismic regions in Canada. The seismic demand and the exposed timber drove ASPECT Structural Engineers to undertake a thorough investigation to select a lateral load resisting system that would complement the building's mass timber superstructure, maximum use of timber, and provide a high level of ductility. The selected system involved the novel integration of steel buckling restrained brace frames within a timber post and beam frame. During design and construction ASPECT worked closely with the builder and the mass timber supplier to ensure that all elements of the lateral system were detailed carefully and that all components fit together seamlessly during installation.
