As mass timber buildings reach unprecedented heights, not to be overlooked in the design and detailing of these structures is the effects of vertical movements, particularly due to their cumulative. Glulam column shrinkage, joint settlement, and creep can affect vertical mechanical systems, exterior enclosures, and interior partitions, as well as differential create challenges where timber frameing systems move relative to other structural systems such as concrete core walls. This paper analyzed the reasons for vertical movement (both short and long term), provides methods of calculating anticipated movement, compares calculated movement to on-site verfied movement, highlights detailing options, and discusses vertical movement strategies implemented on tall mass timber projects completed in North Amarica.
