Heavy timber construction (Type IV in the International Building Code) is one of the oldest building types used in the United States. There are efforts by underway to expand the use of heavy timber construction through the International Code Council (ICC) Ad-hoc Committee on Tall Wood Buildings (TWB) utilizing mass timber construction. This article covers a brief history of heavy timber construction and the progress of the TWB that researched tall mass timber construction and performed testing to help inform code change recommendations which ensure life safety and property protection in tall mass timber buildings.

1. Cite reasons for growing in heavy timber construction.
2. Restate goals and objectives of work groups and committees interested in mass tall timber construction.
3. Summarize the findings of the 5 fire tests conducted at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Fire Research Laboratory.
4. Formulate own thoughts regarding safety and property protection based on fire test data and code change recommendations.