The University of Auckland’s Newmarket research laboratories are seeing novel investigations to advance durability knowledge in relation to the development and applications of low embodied carbon laminated timber systems for civil and structural applications.
These initiatives are assessing more environmental conscious combinations of systems and aim to establish suitability for full exterior exposure, ensuring long-term durability and achievement of full-service life in New Zealand’s diverse climate. The research programmes are being led and supervised by Dr. Gary Raftery, co-director of the Circular Innovations (CIRCUIT) Research Centre at the university.
“The work of doctoral student Weixi Wang is focusing on the longevity of cross bonded assemblies of laminated systems with combinations of engineered timber that can further enable the transition to a circular economy in New Zealand,” said a release to industry.
“With the construction industry being one of the largest contributors to global warming potential and widespread use of preservative treated chromated copper arsenic wood, there exists significant technical challenges for reuse, repurpose and remanufacture applications which are most favoured options for the adoption of circular economic principles.”
The research investigates alternatives to traditional practices with work using unique approaches such as the single end notched beam fracture test arrangement, advanced techniques such as microscopy analyses and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine the chemical compatibility of the assemblies.
Exposure to both natural ageing and artificial ageing weathering regimes are ongoing that replicate real-world conditions, which will allow a more rigorous understanding of how the next generation of laminated timber elements and systems would behave when subjected to challenges such as solar radiation, moisture variations, and environmental contaminants.
“The research is particularly critical for the further development of future low carbon civil infrastructure with special attention to core knowledge advancements in relation to longevity of full-scale vehicle bridges.”
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) places strong focus on such sustainable and resilient infrastructure as evidenced by the recent visit from chief engineer Sulo Shanmuganathan to the research laboratories at the Newmarket research campus to learn of the latest technical advancements in the research programmes.