Dr Andy Buchanan is one of the pioneers of modern timber construction, developing new engineering concepts, such as the Pres-Lam technology with University of Canterburry, and is author of Structural Design for Fire Safety and the New Zealand Timber Design Guide. Being one of the worlds foremost timber engineering experts, I took the opportunity to discuss with him engineering theory on various aspects for timber design, including:

 

• First principle theory behind tall timber buildings, including the advice for the framing for stability and the engineering properties
• How the development of new connections are improving the panel stiffness, to design to new levels
• The timber technologies available, including cross laminated timber and laminated veneer lumber, and in what situations are each most applicable

 

If you want to use timber on your next project, the latest WoodSolutions Design Guide #46, Wood Construction Systems can help. It has been developed to assist building professionals to confidently explore conceptual structural designs for timber rich buildings and structures. The link to this guide, along with the other 45 guides can be found at:

 

https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/articles/technical-design-guides