Steel and concrete are traditionally used as structural materials for nonresidential and multi-housing buildings. However, wood can meet the same structural property requirements, and a variety of multi-story buildings have recently been built all over the world using this key material. In this study, the main motivations and barriers to wood adoption for structural uses in non-residential buildings are highlighted, based on an analysis of grey literature concerning some well-known buildings and on scientific literature. The motivations found were linked to sustainability, lack of expertise, costs, rapidity of erection, and aesthetic of wooden structures. In contrast, the barriers preventing its use encompass building code implementation, technology transfer, costs, material durability and other technical aspects, culture of the industry, and material availability. Furthermore, an analysis of nonresidential timber building meeting minutes for nine projects is also presented to support the identification of problems and concerns related to site assembly issues, the conception of the building, the scheduling, and stakeholders' relationships. With a better understanding of the expectations and challenges concerning wood usage in non-residential construction projects, companies will be able to adapt their business models and use the resource even more in the future to develop innovative structures. Keywords: Non-residential buildings; Timber buildings; Structural material; Motivations; BarriersContact information : a: CIRCERB, Pavillon Gene-H.-Kruger, 2425, Rue de la Terrasse, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada; b: CIRRELT, Pavillon André Aisenstadt, bureau 3520, 2920, Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada; *Corresponding author: pierre.blanchet@sbf.ulaval.ca INTRODUCTIONThe construction industry in Canada employs more than 1.3 million workers, making it the fifth-largest employer of the country and accounting for 7.3% of jobs among all industries (StatisticsCanada 2016). In the Province of Quebec, it also accounts for investments worth approximately $45.4 billion in 2014, representing 12% of Quebec's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It creates 257,800 direct jobs on average every month, accounting for one out of 20 jobs in the province, without counting the thousands in related sectors (CCQ 2016). Indeed, the construction industry is closely linked to the forest products industry, which is a $58 billion dollar a year industry that represents 2% of Canada's GDP. The industry is one of Canada's largest employers, operating in 200 forest-dependent communities from coast to coast, and directly employing 230,000 Canadians across the country (FPAC 2016).A more intensive use of wood in non-residential buildings would create a stronger demand for engineered wood products, resulting in a positive impact for job creation in the forest industry across Canada. While in recent years there has been an inclination PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE bioresources.com Gosselin et al. (2017). "Wood for large buildings," BioResource...

Timber structures in construction have become more popular in recent years. Nevertheless, besides the complexity of designing, contracting and building these structures, a barrier to their market growth is the complexity of their supply chain relationships encompassing architects, engineers, builders and suppliers. The objective of this study is therefore to identify and characterize the supply chain relationships shared by these stakeholders within a massive timber construction project. Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews with architects, structural engineers, builders and timber element suppliers from nine countries, participant observations and secondary data were used to study the various relationship levels involved in timber construction projects. Triangulation and qualitative data analysis were also conducted. Three levels of relationships were then identified: “Contractual,” “Massive timber construction project” and “Massive timber construction industry development.” Results showed that timber structures involve value-added stakeholder relationships rather than linear relationships. These relationships appeared closer and more frequent and involved knowledge and information sharing. Furthermore, prefabricated systems allow for smoother relationships by limiting the number of stakeholders while promoting innovative thinking.

The use of timber as structural building material is growing and a greater number of firms are looking to enter this raising market. Erecting a complex timber building usually involves combining the work of architects, structural engineers, builders, suppliers and/or supplier–builders, all of them having their own business models. The purpose of this research was to uncover the specific nature of business models in the timber structure building industry. First, a thorough mapping of these business models was undertaken. Second, underlying patterns were uncovered within these models. A triangulation method of secondary data, semi-structured interviews and participant observation was used to allow for an in-depth study of 23 stakeholder business models. The analysis shows that knowledge sharing appears as crucial and may be achieved through sustained collaboration. As a result, collaborative contract procurement modes seem to be the most appropriate for timber construction. Tight relationships with suppliers and supplier–builders also appear as prerequisites. Furthermore, stakeholder partnerships with universities appear common in the field, while prefabrication is increasing in popularity. These findings can be useful to grasp the prevailing business models in this industry given the sustained growth of the timber structure building market.