TIMBER EXPERTS AND SPECIALISTS

DR. DAN TINGLEY

Dr. Tingley serves as our Senior Wood Technologist He earned his BS in Forestry Engineering and MS in Structural Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Ph.D in Structural Engineering and Wood Technology from Oregon State University. Dr. Tingley is the founder of the award-winning FiRP® Panel reinforcement technology as well as a number of related patents. He holds over 40 published patents worldwide in the field of wood and high-strength fiber composites. He has written over 150 conference and journal publications. In 1996, he was awarded the Charles Pankow Innovative Applications Award and the NOVA award for innovation from the Construction Innovation Forum in 1997. He is a licensed engineer in many provinces in Canada, USA, and Australia. He has hundreds of structural designs for timber buildings and bridges in service around the world. He has a passion for restoring timber structures and has designed restoration solutions for hundreds of old timber structures including the very famous Frank Lloyd Wright structure called “Wingspread” in Racine Wisconsin.

Connect with Dr. Tingley on LinkedIn

your timber project partners

When you reach out to Wood Research and Development (WRD), your first contact will be one of our senior-level managers. Many are engineers and oversee our regional teams of engineers.

Your team member will help you understand the scope of your project, create a plan to better understand your structure, and match you with the right consultative partner for the duration of your testing, engineering, or restoration project.

Leadership Team

STEPHEN RICHARDS

Global Contracts & Client Relations Manager

Talk with an Expert

Clay Hoger

Senior Engineer

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Engineering Team

ZANE LI

REZA MEHRAEIN

PAUL MATTHEW

CASEY LOVE

CONNOR MERRELL

HANNAH MORRISSEY

JORDAN SOLOMON

AMIR RAHMANI

DECLAN WHARTON

Lab Division

ANTHONY DAVIS

CAD Technicians

CHRIS LEGG

NINO SIMBULAN

NAHID MOUSAVI

LAMONT KLEPPER III

HARJOT SINGH

Support Team

HANA BENABDALLAH

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. 

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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

AutoCAD Technician – Jacksonville, FL

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional engineering and timber consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We provide world-class species identification, testing, education, and engineering design for mass timber structures. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a unique focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

About the job

We are looking for a reliable and detailed-oriented AutoCAD Technician in our Jacksonville, Florida office to develop and design timber repairs and new construction for a variety of structures. The technician will also review design parameters and values with engineers for various timber structure types. This position is a key member of our engineering team and our company’s success.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review rough sketches and review them along with the Engineering team
• Create accurate CAD drawings from hand sketches, verbal instructions, and site visits
• Systematically save sketches and drawings on our web-based storage site; keep the server organized; update project folders
• Input design specifications into the CAD software
• Calculate dimensions, weight limitations, and requirements in materials
• Identify potential operational issues and redesign products to improve functionality
• Review and check sketches and drawings for errors before being sent to Engineers and Project Managers
• Seek clarity and understanding from Engineers and Project Managers when you are not 100% certain of something
• Complete job reports

 

Requirements

• Previous work experience as an AutoCAD Technician
• Advanced knowledge of CAD and AutoCAD software
• Excellent technical design skills
• Ability to read and translate blueprints and technical drawings
• Basic understanding of bridge components
• Keen eye for detail
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually on projects
• Excellent communication skills; listening, comprehension and feedback
• Self-starter and self-motivator when no one is available to provide instructions

 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience
• Construction industry experience
• Valid passport or the ability to obtain one
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel in North America and Internationally for several weeks at a time.

 

Compensation and Benefits

At Wood Research and Development, we believe in compensating our employees a fair livable wage to our employees across the board and pay above the industry average for our field which is commensurate with experience. WRD offers benefits options, to its employees and their dependents, along with other benefits such as PTO, Vacation days, and 401K with employer matching.

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which include all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Wood Research and Development provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

 

Job Category: Drafting
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Jacksonville Florida
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AutoCAD Technician – Deception Bay, QLD

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional engineering and timber consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We provide world-class species identification, testing, education, and engineering design for mass timber structures. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a unique focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

About the job

We are looking for a reliable and detailed-oriented AutoCAD Technician in our Deception Bay, QLD office to develop and design timber repairs and new construction for a variety of structures. The technician will also review design parameters and values with engineers for various timber structure types. This position is a key member of our engineering team and our company’s success.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review rough sketches and review them along with the Engineering team
• Create accurate CAD drawings from hand sketches, verbal instructions, and site visits
• Systematically save sketches and drawings on our web-based storage site; keep the server organized; update project folders
• Input design specifications into the CAD software
• Calculate dimensions, weight limitations, and requirements in materials
• Identify potential operational issues and redesign products to improve functionality
• Review and check sketches and drawings for errors before being sent to Engineers and Project Managers
• Seek clarity and understanding from Engineers and Project Managers when you are not 100% certain of something
• Complete job reports

 

Requirements

• Previous work experience as an AutoCAD Technician
• Advanced knowledge of CAD and AutoCAD software
• Excellent technical design skills
• Ability to read and translate blueprints and technical drawings
• Basic understanding of bridge components
• Keen eye for detail
• Ability to work as part of a team and individually on projects
• Excellent communication skills; listening, comprehension and feedback
• Self-starter and self-motivator when no one is available to provide instructions

 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience
• Construction industry experience
• Valid passport or the ability to obtain one
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel Internationally for several weeks at a time.

 

Compensation and Benefits

At Wood Research and Development, we believe in compensating our employees a fair livable wage to our employees across the board and pay above the industry average for our field which is commensurate with experience. WRD offers benefits options, to its employees and their dependents, along with other benefits such as PTO, Vacation days, and 401K with employer matching.

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which include all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Wood Research and Development provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

 

Job Category: Drafting
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Deception Bay, Queensland, AUS
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Senior Structural Engineer – Australia

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional and technical engineering and
consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a
special focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

WRD is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with 10-15 years of design experience along with project management and construction experience in bridges and commercial projects at our Brisbane office for an immediate start.

Over the past 10 years, we have worked closely with Timber Restoration Services, a construction company that restores, upgrades, and replaces timber bridges, providing designs for D&C projects as well as performing bridge inspections, and delivering associated reports. With offices in the USA and Canada, our engineers have often worked on overseas projects to supplement the workload from those offices.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Analysis and design of bridges and other structures, including new design, load ratings, and rehabilitation/retrofit of existing structures
  • Monitor project design execution and progress, staff resource, schedule, scope, and budget
  • Ability to prepare concise and organized engineering calculations and analysis.
  • Conduct site visits and inspections
  • Provide structural engineering support during construction, attend site meetings, and carry out field reviews.
  • Prepare high-quality proposals, studies, and technical reports
  • Project management and engineering review of design drawings
  • Assist in preparing tender documents
  • Ability to effectively self-manage time, priorities, and activities safely
  • Provide direction to junior and intermediate designers and technical support staff. 
  • Regular collaboration with colleagues across all our offices

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering from a recognized tertiary institution with at least 10 -15 years of design experience
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in Australia, 
  • 3 – 5 years of experience in a bridge design lead role on D&C projects
  • 3 – 5 years of experience as a project manager/project or field engineer
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Australian timber code and bridge code
  • Knowledge of American and Canadian codes is highly regarded
  • Structural modeling experience well regarded
  • Must have MS Office and Excel experience
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines and handle competing requests
  • Ability to deal with high-stress situations as they arise

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which will include all the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

With offices overseas and work all over Australia, it is a requirement that you hold or can obtain a valid passport, able to obtain required work visas, and be willing to travel worldwide.

The position of Senior Structural Engineer offers the opportunity to travel and work, an excellent salary package, and planned career advancement.

 

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a challenging career move for a Senior Engineer looking to take the lead on globally significant timber infrastructure projects step into more responsibility and work in a supportive yet autonomous working environment.

  • Salary negotiable to suit skills & experience
  • Work with and learn from industry experts
  • A clear long-term career path
  • Friendly, fun work culture
  • Fantastic office locations around the world
  • Travel opportunities

 

How to apply

If you have the relevant experience and would like to apply for the position, please email your CV and cover letter to admin@woodranddaustralia.com

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

  • How many years’ of experience do you have as a structural engineer?
  • Are you willing to undergo pre-employment screenings including a medical check?
Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Deception Bay QLD Australia
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Intermediate Structural Engineer – Hillsborough, NB

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional and technical engineering and
consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a
special focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

WRD has an immediate need for an Intermediate Structural Engineer with 5 years of professional structural
design/inspection experience for our Hillsborough, NB office. We’re looking for our ideal candidate who is Licensed as a Professional Engineer in at least one province in Canada.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze and design bridges and other structures, including new designs, load ratings, and rehabilitation/retrofit of existing structures
  • Prepare concise and organized engineering calculations and analysis
  • Monitor project design execution and progress, staff resource, schedule, scope, and budget
  • Conduct site visits and inspections
  • Provide structural engineering support during construction, attend site meetings, and carry out field reviews.
  • Prepare high-quality proposals, studies, and technical reports
  • Project management and engineering review of design drawings
  • Assist in preparing tender documents
  • Provide direction to technical support staff
  • Regular collaboration with colleagues across all our offices

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering
  • P.ENG license in Canada
  • Structural Engineer with at least 5 years of experience in the field with an emphasis on design. Timber design experience is preferred.
  • Experience in bridge design experience with Canadian building and bridge codes across the provinces is desirable
  • Ability to effectively self-manage time, priorities, and activities
  • Willing to travel worldwide and have the ability to obtain a valid passport
  • Has working on design/build projects
  • Have MS Office, Excel, and Google Drive experience
  • Communicate in English, written and spoken
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Consistently meet deadlines and handle competing requests
  • Ability to deal with high-stress situations and changes as they arise

 

Compensation and Benefits

At WRD we believe in compensating our employees above the average across the board for our field and is commensurate with experience.

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which will include all
of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance
with any applicable laws and regulations.

Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Hillsborough NB Canada
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Timber Structural Engineer – Jefferson, OR

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional and technical engineering and
consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a
special focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

WRD has an immediate need for a Senior Timber Structural Engineer with 5 years of experience. We’re looking to hire multiple candidates for this role.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Ability to prepare concise and organized engineering calculations and analyses.
  • Experience with Canadian building codes across the provinces is desirable
  • Monitor project design execution and progress, staff resource, schedule, scope, and budget
  • Conduct site visits and inspections
  • Provide structural engineering support during construction, attend site meetings, and carry out field reviews.
  • Analysis and design of bridges and other structures, including new design, load ratings, and rehabilitation/retrofit of existing structures
  • Prepare high-quality proposals, studies, and technical reports
  • Project management and engineering review of design drawings
  • Assist in preparing tender documents
  • Ability to safely and effectively self-manage time, priorities, and activities
  • Provide direction to junior and intermediate designers and technical support staff.
  • Regular collaboration with colleagues across all our offices

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • Structural Engineer with at least 5 years of experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering with a P.Eng. designation
  • Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the United States
  • Must be willing to travel worldwide and have the ability to obtain a valid passport and any required work visas
  • Experience in a bridge design lead role
  • Has worked on Design-Build projects 
  • Must have MS Office and Excel experience
  • Must have Google Drive experience
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines and handle competing requests
  • Ability to deal with high-stress situations as they arise

 

Compensation and Benefits

At WRD we believe in compensating our employees above the average across the board for our field and is commensurate with experience.

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which will include all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Jefferson OR USA
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Timber Structural Engineer – Jacksonville, FL

 

 

About Our Company

Wood Research and Development (WRD) is a leading provider of professional and technical engineering and
consulting solutions to public and private sector clients. We specialize in working with timber structures, with a
special focus on mass timber buildings and timber bridges.

WRD has an immediate need for a Senior Timber Structural Engineer with 5 years of experience. We’re looking to hire multiple candidates for this role.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Ability to prepare concise and organized engineering calculations and analyses.
  • Experience with Canadian building codes across the provinces is desirable
  • Monitor project design execution and progress, staff resource, schedule, scope, and budget
  • Conduct site visits and inspections
  • Provide structural engineering support during construction, attend site meetings, and carry out field reviews.
  • Analysis and design of bridges and other structures, including new design, load ratings, and rehabilitation/retrofit of existing structures
  • Prepare high-quality proposals, studies, and technical reports
  • Project management and engineering review of design drawings
  • Assist in preparing tender documents
  • Ability to safely and effectively self-manage time, priorities, and activities
  • Provide direction to junior and intermediate designers and technical support staff.
  • Regular collaboration with colleagues across all our offices

 

Qualifications and Experience

  • Structural Engineer with at least 5 years of experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering with a P.Eng. designation
  • Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the United States
  • Must be willing to travel worldwide and have the ability to obtain a valid passport and any required work visas
  • Experience in a bridge design lead role
  • Has worked on Design-Build projects
  • Must have MS Office and Excel experience
  • Must have Google Drive experience
  • Ability to effectively communicate both written and orally
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to consistently meet deadlines and handle competing requests
  • Ability to deal with high-stress situations as they arise

 

Compensation and Benefits

At WRD we believe in compensating our employees above the average across the board for our field and is commensurate with experience.

All applicants (if selected) must be able to complete pre-employment requirements which will include all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and driver’s license check, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Jacksonville Florida USA
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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.

Stephen Richards

Stephen Richards

Global Contracts & Client Relations Manager

15 years’ experience with WRD combined with 20 years with Local Government is just one of the reasons why Stephen is such a valuable resource for the company globally and an expert support for our engineers. 

Based out of our Australian office, Stephen has a wealth of experience working with Councils and meeting their needs to ensure a smooth process throughout any project. He has a civil engineering background and can field most enquiries, speeding up response times and working closely with all clients.  

With his field construction experience and timber knowledge gained over his time in the business, Stephen conducts inspections, writes reports, develops service and business proposals for future work, and oversees works and contracts for the business.

Talk with an expert
Casey Love

Casey Love
Timber Structures Engineer/ Inspection Co-Ordinator

Casey joined WRD in 2023 with over 12 years of experience in civil engineering and over 20 years of experience in the construction industry.  Casey has a strong client focus and a desire to deliver practical, sustainable, and effective engineering solutions. 

Since acquiring WRD’s Level II Timber Structures Restoration, Maintenance, and Inspection Certificate, he has been appointed as Inspection Co-Ordinator and leads WRD’s physical bridge inspection projects in Australia.

LaMont Klepper III, AutoCAD Technician

LaMont has prior experience in CAD and has a great passion for working under the guidance of Clay Hoger, Senior Engineer, at the WRD Jefferson office in the USA

Paul Matthew

Paul Matthew

Timber Structures Engineer II

Paul Mathew has been intermittently associated with WRD since 2012 and joined the team in early 2023. Since then, he has been analyzing inspection data, providing advice on civil design and foundation issues, reviewing structural designs for timber buildings, calculating load limitations for deteriorated bridges, writing reports, completing as-constructed drawings, and writing technical publications.

Hailing from South Africa, Paul is well-traveled and an expert on design code for many countries around the world. South Africa to Japan to Asia and Oceania, his work required familiarity with a wide variety of codes and included reinforced concrete, structural steel, masonry, timber design, and the addressing of loadings from major earthquakes and tropical cyclones

Clay Hoger,  P.Eng., P.E., BEng., MIEAust, RPEQ 

Senior Engineer

Clay Hoger is a licensed Professional Engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in structural engineering across Canada, the USA, and Australia. He specializes in timber structures and project management and has expertise in the design and inspection of greenfield and brownfield projects. 

Clay also designs steel, concrete, masonry, foundations, and aluminum structures. He possesses strong knowledge of US, Canadian, and Australian standards. Skilled in 3D structural and finite element analysis.

Clay is known for technical problem-solving and effectively aligning project goals with execution from the Western US office.

 

Connor Merrell

Connor Merrell

Timber Structures Engineer

Connor joined WRD as a full-time junior engineer in 2024 after part-time work during his Civil Engineering studies at Oregon State University.

As an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) pursuing PE licensure, he specializes in field inspections, condition reports, and structural repair designs to promote project safety and longevity.

Hannah Morrissey

Structural Designer and Engineering Project Manager

Hannah began her journey with WRD as a summer student for the Canada office in 2022. She is currently completing her Master of Science in Civil Engineering while working full-time with WRD as an Engineering Project Manager.  

Her ability to turn complex designs into an organized reality with clear communication at all steps along the way is a major advantage to any design/build project.

Jordan Solomon

Jordan Solomon

Timber Structures Engineer I

Prior to joining WRD in 2025, Jordan gained experience in restoration and structural assessment consulting across the southeastern United States. At WRD, Jordan applies this expertise to develop timber rehabilitation strategies aimed at enhancing long-term structural performance. 

In addition, Jordan conducts timber bridge and pile condition assessments utilizing nondestructive testing techniques such as Stress Wave Timing and Resistograph micro-drilling.

Zane Li

Zane Li

Timber Structures Engineer I

Zane is an exceptional structural modeler who understands load paths, material properties, external load forces applied via environmental or live load cases, and has acquired detailed knowledge of the Australian, Canadian, and USA design codes for all material types. He’s passionate about timber design and strives to offer clients a sustainable structural engineering solution.

Zane joined WRD in 2022 with a civil engineering background and over 15 years of design experience in China. He completed a Master of Engineering at UQ since his arrival in Australia.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis, PhD

Inspection and Testing Manager

Anthony joined the WRD team in 2020 after obtaining his PhD in Molecular and Evolutionary Biology from the University of South Carolina. While in school, Anthony helped develop and administer an online histology course for students on the premed track. He still administers this online course at the University of South Carolina today.  

Anthony is a Level II Inspector with extensive experience, but his main role is managing the WRD IAS-accredited Testing Laboratory in Jefferson, OR. The lab is qualified to conduct more than 30 ASTM standard tests focused on wood and engineered wood products. In addition, Anthony oversees the lab’s microscopic species identifications to verify timber’s type, quality, and origin, helping ensure construction materials meet strength, durability, and legal requirements.  

Amir Rahmani

Amir Rahmani

Structural Designer

Amir joined WRD in 2025, bringing over a decade of expertise in concrete and steel. His skills in structural analysis, seismic-resistant design, and foundation engineering have enriched the global team. Amir's international portfolio covers projects throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, ranging from cement plants and mining facilities to water infrastructure and transportation developments.

Currently a Level II Timber Specialist, Amir is furthering his knowledge in timber engineering and sustainable structural solutions. He holds a Master of Science degree and has begun the process for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification in Canada.

Chris Legg

AutoCAD Technician III / Architectural Designer

Chris works as a Timber Structures Designer and Senior CAD Specialist in our Oregon office. His career has spanned various architectural projects—retail, manufacturing, residential—as well as designing timber structures for WRD through CAD work. Chris’s passion for timber structures is evident in everything he does.

He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Architecture in 2007, then gained experience as an Architectural Designer before joining WRD in 2012.

Declan Wharton

Declan Wharton

Timber Structures Engineer

Declan joined WRD in early 2024 as a Structural Engineer, bringing over five years of building industry experience. He is well-versed in Australian and Canadian timber codes, with strong skills in structural analysis and design for timber structures.

Declan efficiently writes bridge reports and analyzes data from Level 2 CSR and Level 3 structural inspections. Now registered as an RPEQ in Queensland, he has managed sub-consultants on investigation projects and is committed to delivering practical, sustainable engineering solutions with a strong client focus and enthusiasm for the industry.

Nahid Mousavi

Nahid Mousavi

AutoCAD Technician II / Architectural Designer

Nahid is an accomplished Architectural Designer with over a decade of international experience spanning Iran, Italy, and Canada. Her diverse portfolio includes residential, commercial office, and renovation projects as well as modular and timber structures, reflecting a deep commitment to context-sensitive, sustainable design solutions. 

Nahid holds a Master of Architecture from Politecnico di Milano in Italy. Nahid’s work has been recognized internationally, including the DNA Paris Design Award in the category of Interior Design/ Sustainable Living.

Nino Sumbulan

Nino Sumbulan

AutoCAD Technician

Nino, a CAD Technician at WRD since August 2024, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. With nearly 20 years of architectural design and drafting experience across the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia, he is the team's Revit CAD expert, mentoring other drafters. 

Nino's portfolio includes drafting new and retrofitted bridges (creating retrofit symbolism), structural repairs for buildings, and promoting 3D modelling in design.

Harjot Singh

Harjot Singh

AutoCAD Technician I / Bridge Inspector

Harjot came to WRD in 2024 with over four years of experience in structural design and construction drafting across Canada and India. 

Harjot completed the Building Technology: Structural Program at NBCC and also holds a Civil Engineering degree from India. Harjot is committed to delivering accurate, reliable drafting solutions to ensure the smooth execution of projects.

Hannah Benabdallah

Hana Benabdallah

Engineering Project Coordinator

Before beginning at WRD in 2025, Hana had experience in project coordination, technical documentation, and energy systems analysis. Her background combines engineering, research, and project support, helping teams manage technical workflows and deliver projects efficiently.  

She holds a Master of Applied Sciences from the University of Moncton and a Bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering from the University of Tunisia.

Reza Mehraein

Reza Mehraein

Structural Designer

Reza joined the WRD team in 2023. Reza’s experience includes structural analysis and modelling using Finite Element Analysis software, as well as participation in structural health monitoring programs, including sensor installation coordination and data interpretation.  

Reza holds a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from Western University and is committed to advancing resilient and efficient infrastructure systems. He is currently pursuing his P.Eng.