blog article

Could advances in timber help us build stronger and greener?

16th October 2024

Authors: Dr Haoyu Huang of Newcastle University and Prof Wen-Shao Chang of the University of Lincoln

Wen Shao ChangHaoyu HuangWith natural disasters on the rise, resilient and sustainable infrastructure is more crucial than ever.

Dr Haoyu Huang of Newcastle University and Prof Wen-Shao Chang of the University of Lincoln introduce cutting-edge methods to strengthen timber structures. Their pioneering research not only aims to safeguard historic buildings but also sets the stage for innovative, eco-friendly construction practices.

The increasing frequency of natural disasters and the need for sustainable infrastructure have driven a global focus on enhancing the resilience of our buildings. Our recent research, titled Enhance resilience in timber connections with shape memory alloy and densified veneer wood, published in Engineering History and Heritage in 2024, explores innovative ways to strengthen timber structures, particularly those of historical significance. This work has opened new avenues for research and practical applications.

This article focuses on timber structures. As the world moves towards greener construction practices, timber is increasingly recognised as a material of the future, offering both environmental benefits and structural efficiency. Unlike conventional materials such as concrete and steel, timber is a renewable resource that sequesters carbon, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly building projects. The innovative strengthening method we developed provides an effective solution to enhance the performance of timber connections, whether in the preservation of historic buildings or the construction of new, modern designs.

Superelastic meets strong

Since the publication of our article, our research has attracted attention from both academic and professional communities. We have actively discussed the innovative use of shape memory alloy (SMA) dowels and densified veneer wood (DVW) reinforcements in enhancing the resilience of historic timber buildings. These discussions have focused on how SMA’s unique superelastic properties and DVW’s high embedment strength offer robust solutions for mitigating the vulnerabilities of timber connections under dynamic loads, such as those caused by earthquakes and high winds. By reducing residual deformations and enhancing load-bearing capacity, SMA and DVW can endure and recover the structure from severe challenges such as in the case of an earthquake. This approach will set new standards in the field.

Bouncing back

Structures in earthquake-prone regions such as Southern Europe, China, and Japan face significant risks of damage during seismic events. In these areas, historic timber buildings are particularly vulnerable to the intense forces generated by earthquakes. The timber itself can develop cracks, and traditional connectors, often made of wood, may bend, twist, or even fail under the strain. Such damage can lead to excessive deformations, compromising the stability and safety of the entire structure. SMAs have the unique ability to return to their original shape after deformation. This self-centring capability not only restores the alignment of the structure but also enhances its overall resilience, ensuring that the building can withstand subsequent seismic events with minimal damage. Reinforcing timber structures with SMA can greatly improve buildings’ durability and longevity, making them safer and more sustainable for future generations.

In addition to heritage conservation, the integration of these materials can also be used in modern timber buildings. As the construction industry increasingly turns to timber for its environmental benefits, ensuring the resilience of these structures is crucial. The methods we developed extend the lifespan of timber buildings and lower maintenance costs, making timber a more viable and attractive option for modern, sustainable construction projects.

“The methods we developed extend the lifespan of timber buildings and lower maintenance costs, making timber a more viable and attractive option for modern, sustainable construction projects.”

Future steps in timber innovation and resilience

The publication of our article has sparked further research. We are now investigating how these materials can be utilised in combination with other advanced technologies, such as digital monitoring systems, to predict and enhance the structures smartly. Looking ahead, our research team is advancing this field by exploring new materials and techniques that can complement SMA and DVW. One of our key plans involves investigating the use of prestressed SMAs to further improve the damping capacity of timber connections. Additionally, we aim to develop integrated systems that combine SMA-based reinforcements with smart sensors, enabling real-time monitoring of structural health and performance.
 

our goals

Sustainable structures and infrastructures

We are passionate about supporting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in their efforts to minimise the environmental impact of structures and infrastructures.