The advantages of prefabricated timber systems in construction are being given a boost by researchers trialing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking technology to improve on-site processes. In this episode of WoodChat we speak to Perry Forsythe, Professor of Construction Management at the University of Technology Sydney, which has been testing the value proposition associated with attaching small, computerised tags to timber construction elements manufactured off-site.

Engineering students from across Australia have been benefiting from exposure to the most up-to-the-minute technical developments and innovations in timber construction, thanks to support from Forest and Wood Products Australia. This week, we speak to a number of students for a rundown of their experiences at the World Conference on Timber Engineering – one of the most prestigious events in timber engineering, engineered wood products and the design of timber structures.

New research is showing positive results when harnessing 3D printing technology to combine timber waste products and recycled plastics, and create a high-performance construction element. In this episode, Professor Sandra Löschke, Director of Architecture Design and Technology at the University of Sydney, talks to us about her research in this area.

We explore the use of drones or ‘Unmanned Ariel Vehicles’ (UAVs) in forest management, speaking to Dr Christine Stone of NSW Department of Primary Industries and Rod Meynink of MBAC Consulting Group, who have put UAVs into action. The technology presents opportunities to detect animal habitats and support forest and fire management.

Hosts Sam and Victoria speak to David Rowlinson - Make It Wood Campaign Manager at Planet Ark about his initiative to educate and encourage the increased use of responsibly sourced timber in construction, due to the variety of compelling benefits when compared to other materials.

Episode 4 of WoodChat sees hosts Sam and Victoria talk to Robert Southerton, Managing Director at Gondwana Genomics about the genetic DNA testing system they developed. The world-leading technology can predict key commercial attributes of a future adult eucalyptus tree using just a single seedling leaf in the early stages of its life.

In this episode, we meet with distinguished international academic and leading industry figure, Professor Jeff Morrell of Oregon State University. We discuss, amongst other things, his recent appointment as Director of Australia’s National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, and what he hopes the Centre will achieve for the industry both in Australia and internationally.

Forest managers will now be able to gauge the likely effect of the climate on growing conditions in their specific areas, thanks to a new interactive online tool developed by the CSIRO. In this episode of WoodChat, we talk to CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Patrick Mitchell, about the revolutionary new tool and what it could mean for the future of the industry. You can request to the tool via Google Forms https://bit.ly/2JkG2zx

Biophilia is the principle that exposure to nature increases human wellbeing. In this episode of WoodChat, we talk to Associate Professor Jacki Schirmer of the University of Canberra about research that suggests bringing biophilic elements such as wood into the workplace can boost employee satisfaction and productivity, and what that could mean for the forest and wood products industry.