Registration/Cancellation/Refund Policy

Full Refunds will be issued if the course is cancelled by Wood Research and Development (WRD) only. Participant cancellation is subject to a 20% administrative fee by WRD. No cancellations or registrations will be accepted less than 24 hours before course is scheduled to take place. Cancellations must be made in writing. Substitutions may be made for a $60 processing fee. Wood Research and Development withholds the right to reschedule courses based on attendance requirements or emergencies. Advance notification will always be given of rescheduling, when possible, and substituition processing fee will be waived if Wood Research and Development reschedule a course. 

Methods of Payment

Cheque – please make payable to Wood Research and Development
For Credit Card payment or Electronic Funds Transfers, please call the phone number below associated with the country where you submit your course registration.

PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO COURSE START DATE

WRD HST #848135778RT0001

Australia
Wood Research and Development
49- 53 Kabi cct
Deception Bay, QLD  4508
07 54283689

Canada
Wood Research and Development
PO BOX 3014
Hillsborough, NB E4H 4W5
1-877-353-0683 | 1-506-800-0302

United States
Wood Research and Development
10466 Sunnyside  RD SE
PO BOX 70 Jefferson, OR 97532
503-385-8379

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S "WINSPREAD"

Wingspread was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1938-39 as the residence of Herbert F. Johnson Jr. The house is now used as a conference facility by The Johnson Foundation. The home is centered around a large domed living room. However, like many of Wright’s designs, it pushed the limits of the structural systems that were available at the time of construction. Due to excessive snow loading and remodels which removed shear walls, the exterior bearing walls had pushed outward and the roof of this dome had begun cracking. In partnership with Robert Silman Associates, WRD engineers developed a replacement rafter system that would maintain the aesthetic appearance from both inside and outside while greatly increasing the strength. The system that was developed consisted of several layers of epoxy-coated carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CRP) face-bonded to laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

FT. RILEY

Wood Research and Development (WRD) was selected to complete a level II bridge inspection of the Keystone Wye Interchange which consists of two timber highway bridges, the 411 (lower bridge) and the 412  (arch bridge).  Non-destructive tests, including stress-wave timer testing, were carried out to find the health of the main timber structural elements.

BLAHA SHOWROOM

The first building in Austria to incorporate Dr. Tingley's FiRP® technology was successfully completed through collaboration among various partners. These included the owner, Blaha Family from Vienna, the architect and engineering firm RW Tragwerksplanung, also from Vienna, the laminator, and the engineering team from Wood Research and Development in America, who provided valuable consultancy.

With a footprint of 1,700 m2, the building utilized 73 m3 of glulam beams, out of which 56 m3 were curved beams. The roof main girders consisted of 10 FiRP® Glulam beams measuring 20 cm x 100 cm x 26 m, specifically BSH 14 quality, featuring 2 layers of aramid fiber reinforcement (ARP). The roof side girders were of the same size but remained unreinforced.

To minimize timber transportation, the project required only 11 truckloads, including the prefabricated wood elements used for covering. Each trip covered approximately 400 kilometers, with consideration given to reducing transportation costs through beam size optimization. The structure was erected within a span of 15 days, marking a successful milestone.

THE NEST

The NEST, a natural science and learning center situated in Bradenton, FL at the Robinson Preserve, offers more than just educational experiences but also serves as a versatile event space, available for public rentals such as weddings, parties, and various other events. Although the structure was constructed in 2018, it encountered challenges early on in 2022 stemming from the type of connectors and seal/preservative treatments employed during its initial construction. Needing help and looking for answers, Officials at the NEST reached out to WRD looking for an analysis and inspection of the facility to provide clarity and answers to their problems. Our timber inspection team and Wood lab testing teams worked, diligently to address these issues. Following inspections and analysis conducted by WRD, we were able to help guide them in the right direction by providing detailed lab results and structural assessment reports to find the best repair plan possible based on cost, timelines, and quality of repair for the structure's health.  Per our recommendation the client reached out to our preferred masstimber repair partner Timber Restoration Services to complete the glulam repair. Sourcing glulam beams from the Southeastern US to perfectly match the existing species within the structure TRS then expertly manufactured the required beam lengths in-house. For the restoration process, Their team strategically removed only the ends of the damaged joists to optimize material and installation costs. Employing a mortise and tenon connection method, TRS seamlessly integrated the new joists with the existing elements, resulting in a structurally sound timber connection that remains concealed from external view.

SOUTH ARM BRIDGE

The South Arm Bridge is located in New South Wales, AU. The old timber bridge has been an iconic symbol of the town since it symbolized the progress of the town of Byron Shire from a logging, shipping port to a popular tourist destination. This two-lane, 7 span bridge was built in 1958-1959.

With a community heavily invested in environmental issues it made perfect sense to restore and upgrade the bridge back to its former glory. Using data gathered by our inspection team, Wood Research and Development put together a design plan to upgrade the existing bridge from 10 tonnes to 44 tonnes, recycling the existing timbers wherever possible. The existing piles were restored, and a new superstructure was installed.

THE WAVE

Dr. Tingley, an esteemed consultant from WRD, provided invaluable expertise in the realm of design modeling, introducing the groundbreaking FiRP technology. This innovative technology has revolutionized various technical aspects, earning widespread recognition for its versatile and innovative capabilities. With its unique properties, FiRP has unlocked limitless possibilities for incorporating lightweight and aesthetically pleasing designs into architectural projects.
One remarkable example that showcases the transformative power of FiRP is the Austria Center Vienna. With Dr. Tingley's guidance, this technology seamlessly integrated into the design concept for the center's overhang and entrance. The incorporation of FiRP not only enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of the building but also pushed the boundaries of design possibilities. The pivotal role of Dr. Tingley's consulting expertise ensured the resounding success of this project.

BELLDOME

Dr. Dan Tingley was one of the senior design engineers for this 12-story domed building called the Belledome. This is New Brunswick’s largest domed building. Construction of the plant began in 1986 and it was completed in 1988 and is used to store coal for an electric power plant. Steel is not acceptable for such structures, because of s02 (sulphur dioxide). At 450 MW, it is designed to burn coal which is delivered by ship through the Port of Belledune and occasionally by rail or truck.

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PROVIDENCE BRIDGE

The Providence Road bridge is a five-span timber vehicle overpass over a Canadian Pacific Railway line near Oshawa, Ontario. In June 2013, Wood Research and Development (WRD) performed an inspection of the bridge and made recommendations for a repair strategy. Beginning in October of 2013, Timber REstoration Services (TRS) completed the retrofit and replacement of the bridge. The repairs included in-place restoration of the substructure and complete replacement of the superstructure and deck. The replacement superstructure consists of glulam timber girders, a transverse glulam timber deck, and a crash-tested timber guard rail system. The complete bridge has achieved a CL-625-ONT load rating.

DILLMANS BRIDGE

The Dillman Bridge in Meaghers Grant was put out for tender in 2019 as a Design-Build project. The old bridge had been decommissioned for over two years after a vehicle accident on the bridge rendered the bridge unusable. This forced the
local residents to take a 17-minute detour. The bridge site is located in one of the highest exposed and embedded corrosion zones in the world, making steel and concrete products much more susceptible to the elements than timber. Upon winning the tender, Timber Restoration Services contracted Wood Research and Development for the design work.Wood Research and Development designed a 35 m long by 7.6m wide with a load rating of CL-625, tu gas a TL-4 crash proof rail system and an Alaskan Yellow Cedar handrail. The substructure consists of driven timber piles with a glulam timber back wall specifically designed for timber bridges.

The superstructure is comprised of glulam laminated deck panels sitting on eight glulam girders which have two fixed end movement connections that were assembled onsite. The use of High Strength Fiber (FiRP®) and advanced techniques make this lightweight option not only a cheaper alternative but also provides additional longevity.  All fasteners and hardware are hot-dipped galvanized.

TILLAMOOK AIR MUSUEM

Wood Research and Development (WRD) was selected to complete a level II bridge inspection of the Keystone Wye Interchange which consists of two timber highway bridges, the 411 (lower bridge) and the 412  (arch bridge).  Non-destructive tests, including stress-wave timer testing, were carried out to find the health of the main timber structural elements.

KEYSTONE WYE

Wood Research and Development was commissioned by Stantec Engineering to complete an inspection on the Keystone Wye
Interchange which consisted of two timber highway bridges. Analysis of the structure has determined that the bridges are in good shape with some restoration and maintenance required. WRD designed a fix involving diffusing all timber elements with SWT Readings in the yellow and red zones to arrest decay, epoxy-filling gaps between girder and the road deck and continuing the process of cleaning and staining the surface of the timber. It was recommended that a follow-up of non-destructive testing
should occur within two years of the original testing. Following the recommendations should prolong the useful life of the structure for another 50 years.

ROGER BACON BRIDGE

A huge cost saving on this project was the use of the existing piles. Found through inspection to be in great condition, the piles allowed Wood Research And Development (WRD) to place a 3-lane bridge where an old steel two-lane bridge existed previously. This was made possible due to the lightweight property of timber. Using existing piles would not have been possible with the weight of concrete or steel. The cost savings with this are estimated at nearly $1 million. Timber Restoration Services (TRS) was retained from NS TIR to produce a design-build bridge to replace the existing 48-year-old steel arch bridge. Being located in the highest embedded and exposed corrosion zone in Canada, many elements of the bridge were rusted out and failed. The bridge had been taken out of service and slated for replacement. TRS teamed up on this project with WRD, who took care of the design aspect and construction oversight for the project. WRD had tested the existing 80-year-old timber piles of the existing structure and determined that with little restoration, these piles had enough capacity to support the new structure and would go another 80 years. TRS manufactured and installed the three-pinned arch glulam timber arch which is the longest three-lane, timber clear span bridge in Canada. The design incorporated the placement of a 500-tonne crane on the jump span to install the timber arches.

THE MILL

Wood Research and Development (WRD) utilized their extensive expertise in timber structural engineering and heritage building assessment to conduct a thorough analysis of the old Cotton mill, built in 1902, with the aim of determining its feasibility for conversion into a mixed-use building. Their team of experts, boasting over 100 years of experience, meticulously assessed the structural integrity of the mill, considering factors such as load-bearing capacity, durability, and potential renovations required to meet modern safety standards.

Following their detailed structural analysis, WRD formulated a comprehensive design and refurbishment plan tailored to the specific needs of Mississippi State University and the City of Starkville, MS. Their creative solution involved repurposing the mill into a versatile space that would accommodate retail, commercial, and event facilities. The plan incorporated innovative design elements while preserving the historical aspects of the building, highlighting the rich heritage of the cotton milling industry in the region.

Through their expertise and careful evaluation, Wood Research and Development provided valuable insights and recommendations to ensure the successful transformation of the Cotton mill. Their commitment to combining technical excellence with respect for heritage resulted in a well-crafted design and refurbishment plan, aligning with the vision of Mississippi State University and the City of Starkville, and creating a vibrant, functional space for various activities.

Dr. Omar Abdelkarim, Senior Engineer

Awarded a PhD in Civil Engineer in 2015, Dr. Abdelkarim has over 16 years of experience.

He is a published researcher and an expert engineer, and he oversees our Canadian and European projects.

Kim W. King, Timber Structural Engineer

Mr. King has Joined WRD to head up United States operations. He’s received both a Bachelor’s and Masters’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University. Kim is a highly accomplished civil engineer with over two decades of experience in the industry. He has worked on projects across the globe, providing engineering services to municipalities, corporations, and government organizations.

Kim’s work has been critical to the success of many large-scale projects, and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience that sets him apart from his peers. He is a dedicated professional who puts the needs of his clients first, and he is an invaluable asset to WRD.

Stephen Richards, Global Contracts & Client Relations Manager

Stephen is the Manager, of Contracts and Client Relations at Wood Research and Development in Australia. With his field construction experience and Level II Advanced Timber Structures Maintenance, Restoration, and Inspection Practices, Stephen’s knowledge and experience in timber construction makes him an accomplished client relations manager and support expert for our engineers.

Having worked in Local Government for over 20 years, Stephen has a wealth of experience working with Councils to meet their needs, ensuring a smooth process over the course of a project.

Casey Love, Project Engineer

Casey has joined WRD after working 15 years in the housing design and construction sector in Queensland, Australia. After graduating from The University of Queensland, he is starting his new career as a structural bridge engineer under the tutelage of Dr. Tingley.

Ayokunle Ogunwumiju, Cad Technician

Ayokunle joined WRD in 2022 while completing his Civil Engineering Technician diploma at New Brunswick Community College.

He is a CAD Technician responsible for representing engineering information to clients globally through various software programs, as well as conducting site inspections, and developing detailed inspection reports.

Lamont Keppler III, Cad Technician and Project Processing

LaMont has prior experience in CAD and has a great passion in working under the guidance of Senior CAD Technician, Martha Hunter at the WRD Jefferson office in the US. He brings a bachelor’s degree in business from WOU and shows professionalism in the workplace where he strives to improve daily in his training and improve WRD in all aspects.

LaMont joined the CAD team in early December 2021. He assists with project processing and has passed his Level I Inspection Course and will fully graduate from the Level II Inspection & Restoration Course in the near future.

Clay Hoger, Senior Project Engineer

Clay is a senior engineer with 15 years of experience on timber bridges and buildings across Australia, Canada, and the United States. Clay is also familiar with steel, concrete, masonry, and aluminium structures.

Whilst primarily focusing on design, Clay is often involved with research projects and has a strong interest in adopting timber to achieve sustainable and durable structures. Clay is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) and in Victoria, and is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineers Australia.

Reagan Davis, Structural  Engineer

Since graduating from the University of New Brunswick in 2017, Reagan has acquired over 5 years of experience in the field, including timber design & inspection, and in the construction industry.

As a Structural Engineer at WRD, Reagan leads the team in structural assessments (load ratings), design, and inspection of timber bridges and buildings (Level II Technician).

Paul Mitchell, Project Engineer

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Justin Harding, Junior Engineer

Justin joined WRD as a student for the summer of 2021 and returned full-time after graduating from the University of New Brunswick (spring 2022).

As a WRD Junior Engineer, Justin is responsible for designing, reviewing designs, monitoring strain gauges, inspecting structures, and developing detailed inspection reports.

Hannah Morrissey, Engineering Student

Hannah is going into her third year of Civil Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in Sept 2022.

Joining WRD in May 2022 as an engineering student Hannah helps with various office tasks, writing & editing tender submittal documents, participating in on-site inspections, and reviewing drawings & inspection reports.

Zane Li, Junior Structural Engineer

Zane has recently joined WRD as a Junior Structural Engineer with a civil engineering background and over 15 years of design experience in China.

In this position, he works closely with the Level II Senior Timber Engineer on day-to-day tasks as well as communicating and assisting in engineering and drafting departments globally.

Zane is developing an increasing passion for sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure as he continues to build his experience in the timber industry.

Anthony Davis, Lab Testing Manager

Anthony is from South Carolina where he recently finished graduate school with a degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina.

His graduate school research focused on the development and structure of avian feathers and their potential for use as building materials. During his time in school, he worked managing laboratories for chemistry instruction. 

Dennis Scott, Quality Assurance and Testing Manager

Dennis brings to WRD over 15 years of Quality Systems work from multiple industries. Coupled with a Business Degree from Oregon State University, Dennis is able to apply business acumen to Quality Management.

Dennis joined the test lab in 2021 as Quality Manager of the IAS Inspection Agency and also assists with testing. As a graduate with honors of the Level II Inspection, Maintenance, Restoration, and Design Course, he applies tried and true techniques to accomplish projects for top results.

Chris Legg, Senior Cad Technician and Report Writer

Chris is a Timber Structures Designer and Senior CAD Specialist in our Oregon office. He received a degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon in 2007 and worked as an architectural designer prior to joining WRD is 2012.

Chris applies this background to both building and bridge design projects as well as creating 3D renderings and visual presentations to accompany design proposals. He also does extensive technical writing for WRD’s inspection reports and research projects.

Martha Hunter, Senior Cad Technician and Project Filer

Martha is our Senior CAD Technician and runs the CAD department. She started with Wood Research and Development in August 2012.

She has an AA degree in drafting technology with 13 years of structural drafting experience. She is also our technical writing specialist. Martha manages our computer server files and creates the presentations used by WRD as teaching aids.

Lynn Foucault, Cad Operator and Data Processor

A Civil Engineering Technology graduate from Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick in 1987, Lynn has over 14 years of relative experience in drafting plans in surveying, architecture, structural steel, and metal fabrications.

Lynn joined WRD in 2018 and helps the team by producing drawing sets for new construction and restoration/repairs, performing inspections of timber bridges and buildings (Level II Technician), processing data, and helping with laboratory testing.

Angelina Javan, Architect / Cad Technician

Angelina is our Senior CAD Technician. Prior to joining our team, Angelina worked as an Architect.

She demonstrates experience in preliminary and detailed design, space planning structural and working drawings, specifications, and cost estimating.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Architecture and she is skilled in liaising with clients, sub-consultants, and contractors.

DR. WAEL AL WAELI, Project Engineer

Dr. Waeli joins WRD Canada as the senior structural Engineer in our New Brunswick office. Utilizing his 30 years of Experience in civil and structural engineering from his various roles around the world including the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Iraq, he looks to add his expertise to our great team.

Reza Mehraein, Project Engineer

Bio coming soon