About the author  ⁄ Paul D. Coats, P.E., C.B.O.

Paul D. Coats, P.E., C.B.O. (pcoats@awc.org), is Southeast Regional Manager for the American Wood Council’s Codes and Standards group.

Wood buildings have economic, aesthetic, green, and structural attributes that make them a good choice for commercial buildings. However, perceived barriers have made designers reluctant to choose wood for large buildings, like building code limitations and the challenge to meet structural capacities. Fortunately, codes are shifting to accommodate new technology that, in turn, is permitting wood structures of sizes and heights heretofore unthinkable.

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STRUCTURE magazine