Researchers at the new centre will work closely with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service to ensure the inherent fire safety of timber products and buildings.
Previous research on robotic construction and digital fabrication facilities at UQ have proven the potential to drastically increase construction speed, while reducing the weight of material and waste on site.
Researchers involved in the new centre have already developed new products using techniques from the aerospace industry to greatly improve the strength of timber products.
The Centre for Future Timber Structures was officially opened by Minister Leanne Donaldson MP, Professors Simon Biggs, and Professor Jose Torero at UQ’s Advance Engineering Building on 12 July 2016 from 9:00am.
Arup’s involvement with CFTS is funded by Arup University. Through significant reinvestment of funds back into the business, Arup University enables staff to undertake research projects to explore the now, the new and the next, both as internal projects, but also with external collaborators.