US Army Corps of Engineers leads advances in sustainable materials for military construction

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
January 25, 2024
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: United States

As the Army works to meet Biden administration climate goals and accomplish the objectives set in its own Climate Strategy, it has begun to focus more attention on one of its biggest emissions drivers: construction activities related to its vast inventory of buildings. …The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is helping lead this charge through cutting-edge research to develop new materials… Two of the pilot projects involve the construction of different Unaccompanied Enlisted Personnel Housing (or barracks) at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) in Washington state. One project calls for maximum use of mass timber in structural and architectural features. …Because mass timber is so new, the project required extensive ERDC research into its feasibility for military construction. As part of the effort, ERDC developed new USACE design guidance on mass timber usage that will enable greater incorporation in projects across the country.

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