WCTE 2016 in review

I would like to think that every design out there couldbe alternatively done in timber. However, there arechallenges when using the material that designersmust be aware of, including connections, fire,acoustics and vibration, to name a few. Conferenceslike the WCTE are forums that the industry needs toinform how researchers and consulting engineers areaddressing these challenges.For New Zealand, I do not believe we should beconcerned about going bigger and taller using timberas projects here are generally of low to medium rise.We should rather realise how timber can be utilisedand know its limitations so sound solutions aredeveloped. When given the opportunity to design intimber we should embrace it and showcase the useof it.The next WCTE is to be held in Seoul in 2018. I amexcited by how timber will be further developed inthe next two years and where research will be furtherprogressed. I would like again to thank TDS for theopportunity to attend this conference and hope thescholarship is offered for the next edition of WCTE sosomeone can have the experience I have had.