WIDE Trust Supports Innovative Research on Multi-Storey Mass Timber Structures
The WIDE Trust is proud to invest in research that pushes the boundaries of sustainable construction in New Zealand. Over the last three years, the Trust has provided $400,000 in funding to support two groundbreaking research projects, including an innovative study led by doctoral student Setu Raman Agarwal under the supervision of Professor Pierre Quenneville and Dr. Ashkan Hashemi.
This project, titled "Developing Concepts for Multi-Storey Mass Timber Structures with Resilient Energy Dissipation Devices," addresses critical gaps in the application of mass timber in seismic design. With New Zealand’s unique seismic challenges, the study aims to develop advanced solutions that combine sustainability with resilience, helping engineers confidently adopt mass timber for multi-storey structures.
The Green Potential of Mass Timber in Seismic Design
Mass timber is gaining attention worldwide as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel. In New Zealand, where seismic activity is a constant consideration, the potential of mass timber to revolutionise residential and commercial construction is enormous. However, significant challenges have hindered its widespread adoption in seismic regions.
Among these challenges are the lack of established behaviour factors and uncertainties surrounding damping models in mass timber systems. Engineers face a lack of confidence and clear guidelines, which limits the use of this eco-friendly material in large-scale projects.
Setu Raman Agarwal’s research focuses on bridging this gap through innovative engineering solutions such as rocking wall systems and Dissipating Diaphragm Connections (DDCs). These technologies promise to enhance the efficiency and resilience of mass timber structures, enabling their use in multi-storey applications.
Rocking Walls: A Resilient Solution for Seismic Forces
One of the core concepts being explored in this study is the use of rocking wall systems equipped with self-centering dampers. These walls offer higher ductility and energy dissipation, essential for withstanding seismic forces. The self-centering mechanism allows the building to return to its original position after an earthquake, minimising residual damage.
By integrating rocking wall systems into mass timber designs, the research aims to create more reliable lateral load-resisting systems that can handle the unique demands of New Zealand’s seismic environment.
Dissipating Diaphragm Connections (DDCs): Enhancing Efficiency
Another key focus is the development of Dissipating Diaphragm Connections (DDCs). These connections improve the performance of mass timber structures by efficiently transferring gravity loads to the walls and reducing displacement incompatibility in the gravity system.
This innovation not only addresses engineering challenges but also opens the door to more streamlined and practical designs for multi-storey timber buildings.
Paving the Way for Mass Timber in New Zealand
The ultimate goal of this research is to provide a comprehensive framework for engineers to confidently design mass timber buildings in seismic regions. The project aims to deliver:
Established behaviour factors for rocking wall systems.
Load factors for shear keys and drift capacity.
Guidelines on overstrength factors for capacity design.
Quantification of higher mode effects.
By addressing these technical aspects, the study will offer actionable guidelines for engineers, fostering the adoption of mass timber in New Zealand's built environment.
A Sustainable and Resilient Future
The WIDE Trust’s support for this research reflects a commitment to sustainable innovation and excellence in engineering. By funding projects like Setu Raman Agarwal’s, the Trust helps advance the knowledge and technology needed to tackle New Zealand’s unique construction challenges.
Mass timber represents a promising future for environmentally friendly construction, and with this research, New Zealand can lead the way in combining sustainability with seismic resilience.