Auburn Engineers Work With US Air Force on Deployable Mass Timber Housing

Auburn University engineers are working with the US Air Force to redesign deployable military housing using mass timber, with the goal of creating temporary barracks-style structures that can be assembled faster and perform better in cold-weather environments, Woodworking Network reported (8-18-26).

Led by Auburn Engineering, the project combines structural design, materials testing, and prototype development with architecture and building science expertise from Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Battelle, an applied science and technology organization, is partnering with the Air Force to build prototypes.

The work focuses on improving structures traditionally built with light wood-frame construction. Existing versions can require four or five people working eight- to 10-hour days over four or five days to build one structure, or roughly 160–200 person-hours, according to Auburn University Engineering Group member David Roueche.

“With prefabrication, we are shifting some of that work away from the site,” Roueche said. “When shelter is critically needed, the actual assembly time should be much less.”

Researchers are also working to balance strength, efficiency, and deployability. Roueche said CLT may be stronger and thicker than needed for this type of structure. The team is evaluating designs intended to improve structural performance while protecting insulation, with testing planned in Auburn’s Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory.