Date:
18 Sep 2025,
12.00PM – 1.00PM
duration:
1 hr
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free event
Register Add to Calendar 2025-09-18 12:00:00 2025-09-18 13:00:00 Pacific/Auckland Timber Design Society Series 2025 | 8

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring two pioneering timber bridge projects undertaken by NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi).
Tony Pham will present the design of a proposed timber bridge for the SH1 Papakura to Drury Shared Use Path. Although not yet constructed due to funding constraints, the design of this bridge exemplifies sustainable infrastructure through the use of glued laminated timber, offering a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to steel. The design also integrates cultural narratives from local Mana Whenua, enhancing community identity. Advanced structural modelling techniques were employed to evaluate loading conditions and seismic performance, and a comprehensive maintenance strategy were developed to ensure resilience and longevity.

Cameron Douglas will present the replacement of the Onetai Stream Bridge on SH26, a pilot project under the Engineered Timber Bridge Initiative. The new bridge replaces a deteriorated 1976 structure which was in poor condition and deemed too costly to maintain. The new timber bridge serves as a modern prototype for timber bridge construction. His presentation will cover key design considerations including material specification, durability, and construction detailing. Drawing on lessons from other timber bridges, Cameron will demonstrate how this project showcases timber as a viable, low-carbon alternative to traditional steel and concrete solutions.

Online Engineering New Zealand hello@engineeringnz.org

NZ Timber Bridge Case Studies: Papakura to Drury Shared Use Path Bridge and State Highway 26 Onetai Stream Bridge. Discover how timber is transforming New Zealand’s infrastructure in this inspiring webinar featuring two innovative bridge projects by Waka Kotahi. Learn from Tony Pham and Cameron Douglas as they showcase sustainable design, cultural integration, and cutting-edge engineering in action.

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring two pioneering timber bridge projects undertaken by NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi).
Tony Pham will present the design of a proposed timber bridge for the SH1 Papakura to Drury Shared Use Path. Although not yet constructed due to funding constraints, the design of this bridge exemplifies sustainable infrastructure through the use of glued laminated timber, offering a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to steel. The design also integrates cultural narratives from local Mana Whenua, enhancing community identity. Advanced structural modelling techniques were employed to evaluate loading conditions and seismic performance, and a comprehensive maintenance strategy were developed to ensure resilience and longevity.

Cameron Douglas will present the replacement of the Onetai Stream Bridge on SH26, a pilot project under the Engineered Timber Bridge Initiative. The new bridge replaces a deteriorated 1976 structure which was in poor condition and deemed too costly to maintain. The new timber bridge serves as a modern prototype for timber bridge construction. His presentation will cover key design considerations including material specification, durability, and construction detailing. Drawing on lessons from other timber bridges, Cameron will demonstrate how this project showcases timber as a viable, low-carbon alternative to traditional steel and concrete solutions.