Excellence in Wood Design
Introduction
The Departments of Engineering at the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury are working together to develop and operate the Excellence in Wood Design initiative. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) manages the funding.
The initiative is a major step-up in the teaching and research of timber structural design at both universities. It is expected to result in a substantial increase in the use of timber for structures in New Zealand, and is likely to result in both departments being seen as centres of excellence in the design of timber structures, with students coming from overseas to study in the two departments. Such students are likely to design timber structures after returning to their own countries, and this may well lead to an increased demand for NZ timber.
The FIDA funding is "front loaded" to get the programmes established. It reduces over time, allowing the universities to build resources from other sources.
Outcomes
The outcome sought from this FIDA initiative is greater utilisation of wood in multi-story residential and non-residential construction, initially in New Zealand then potentially spilling over to export markets.
Development of innovative large-span timber buildings for a wide range of uses in New Zealand and export markets is also possible. Primary applications will include commercial, educational, industrial, recreational and residential buildings.
These buildings will have their main structural members manufactured from high quality engineered timber components. The buildings will be from one storey to 6 storeys in height.
To achieve this, it will be necessary to undertake the following two tasks simultaneously:
- Increase the number of structural engineering students with expertise in timber design; and
- Carry out a dynamic research programme, to increase the level of expertise in the design of multi-storey timber structures to withstand earthquakes.
Deliverables
The main deliverables are:
- Engineering graduates, at Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Master of Engineering (ME) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels, with timber design knowledge and skills; and
- Research results, which will be incorporated in the degree programmes and transferred to the engineering profession and construction industry, via professional development courses, presentations at professional conferences, etc.
Teaching
BE graduates are currently taught how to design reinforced concrete and steel structures. The new programme will also educate them in the design of timber structures, so that they will have a much better balance in their knowledge of concrete, steel and timber design than at present. This is expected to result in timber being used in those circumstances where it is the best option.
Some BE graduates, along with practising Structural Engineers, are expected to undertake advanced studies in the design of timber structures, for an ME degree. The teaching will be conducted in a way that should enable practitioners to acquire or upgrade their timber design skills, e.g. via part-time study while continuing to practice structural design. This will speed up the transfer of timber design skills to the profession and industry.
Research
ME students will undertake research as part of their degree studies, while PhD students will undertake major research studies. This will improve the knowledge upon which timber structure design is based, as well as preparing the students for leadership roles in the profession and industry.
The two departments will maintain a dialogue with representatives of the profession and industry regarding the research programme, to ensure it is directed at solving problems confronting those designing and constructing timber structures.
Appointments
University of Canterbury
In late 2006 Professor Andy Buchanan was appointed as the Professor of Wood Design in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury, email andy.buchanan@canterbury.ac.nz.
To see a copy of an article on the appointment from the Engineering Schools' newsletter, click on the link below
University of Auckland
In July 2007 Professor Pierre Quennville was appointed to the Chair in Timber Design at the University of Auckland. The Professor joined the University from the Royal Military College of Canada where he was the head of the Civil Engineering Department at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario and was a committee member of the Canadian Wood Council.
Dr Quenneville leads the new Excellence in Timber Design Programme in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This programme represents a major increase in education and research in timber structural design at the University. It is expected to result in a substantial increase in the use of timber for structures in New Zealand.
Dr Quenneville is working collaboratively with The School of Architecture and Planning and the Centre for Advanced Composite Materials at The University of Auckland, along with Canterbury University's Chair in Timber Structures appointed late last year. The Composite Materials Centre is the University arm of the Radi joint venture.