Building Higher: Perspectives on Mass Timber Construction with Dr. Thomas Tannert!
On May 16, the Renewable Materials Research Center (CRMR) had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Â Thomas Tannert, Chairholder in Tall Wood and Hybrid Building Construction at the University of Northern British Columbia, for an inspiring lecture entitled Recent Developments and Research on Cross-Laminated Timber in Shear Walls and Floor Systems. His talk focused on recent advances in mass timber construction.
In front of an attentive audience gathered at the Gene-H.-Kruger Pavilion (GHK-1340), and joined online by twelve participants from McGill University, Dr. Tannert presented cutting-edge research conducted at the Wood Innovation Research Laboratory, where he explores structural applications of cross-laminated timber (CLT). His presentation highlighted two promising approaches: the integration of CLT in shear walls and the optimization of point-supported floor systems. These innovations aim to address the technical challenges of tall wood buildings, particularly regarding lateral load resistance and the dynamic performance of floor systems.
By expanding the possibilities offered by engineered wood, this research positions the material as a key solution for the sustainable and innovative buildings of tomorrow. Drawing from international expertise developed in Germany, Chile, Switzerland, and Canada, Dr. Tannert inspired insightful and engaging exchanges with the audience.
We warmly thank Dr. Tannert, invited by Professor Alexander Salenikovich, for the quality of his presentation and his generosity, as well as all those who participated in this meaningful event. A special thank you goes to Professor Alexander Salenikovich for his involvement in making this event possible.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Tannert joined the University of Northern British Columbia in 2016 as BC Leadership Chair in Tall and Hybrid Wood Construction. He received a Civil Engineering degree from the Bauhaus-University Weimar in Germany, a master’s degree in Wood Science and Technology from the University of Bio-Bio in Chile, and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia. Before going to UNBC, he worked in multi-disciplinary teams in Germany, Chile, and Switzerland, and at UBC Vancouver. Dr. Tannert holds a Canada Research Chair and is a member of the executive of the technical committee for CSA O86 « Engineering Design in Wood ».
