Barriers to Introduce Mass Timber in Construction in Ecuador - Exploratory Study

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a great interest in the use of mass timber in the construction industry. Thanks to configurations such as laminated timber (GLT and CLT), it has been possible to build high-rise buildings with its entire structure (beams, columns, slabs, and walls) made of wood. As technology improves, the gap between the use of reinforced concrete, steel, and wood will be reduced, and within a few years, wooden buildings may be as common as their concrete and steel counterparts. In Ecuador, the use of wood in construction is quite limited, with its most common use being with guadua cane (guadua angustifolia) and hardwoods for two-story houses. Mass timber could change this perception and be introduced as an alternative to concrete and steel. As its implementation is relatively new in the world, there is an opportunity to develop and exploit the potential of a new industry in the country. However, despite the potential of this material, its introduction may not have the expected impact, and this can occur due to a wide range of factors. This study developed a questionnaire using existing literature on mass timber in relation to: raw material production, manufacturing process, construction process, maintenance, cultural context, and environmental impact. With this, 10 interviews were conducted with professionals related to the construction industry. The responses were transcribed, analyzed, and coded to identify the perceived barriers for the introduction of this construction system in Ecuador. Finally, the article proposes ways to deepen academic research as well as the professional use of this material.