Collaboration Offers Free Design Software for Timber StructuresCollaboration Offers Free Design Software for Timber Structures Timber Unlimited and CLT Toolbox have collaborated to provide free design software that supports the new NZS AS 1720.1:2022 Timber Structures Standard. The software, originally developed by CLT Toolbox, addresses complex design methodologies and requirements for structural members and connections. According to Timber Unlimited, the software offers intuitive input and output, allowing users to select New Zealand timber species and generate PDF design reports. It also provides dynamic images for better visualization. Bjørn Stankowitz, Technical Manager at Timber Unlimited, emphasizes the importance of providing industry professionals with tools to effectively implement the new standards. The free version of the software includes 17 advanced dowel and bolt calculators, teaching functions, and four design modules. The Timber Design Society and the Structural Engineering Society NZ (SESOC) have reviewed and validated the software. Lisa Oliver, President of the Timber Design Society, expresses excitement about its potential to support engineers in designing and constructing more timber buildings in New Zealand. Engineers and designers are encouraged to take advantage of this free resource by visiting the Timber Unlimited website. Funding and Collaboration This project was funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) through Timber Unlimited as part of an initiative to increase the use of timber in mid-rise and high-rise construction.
Collaboration between Timber Unlimited and CLT Toolbox was launched late last year in response to the NZS AS 1720.1:2022 Timber Structures Standard, which introduced complex new design methodologies and requirements for structural members/connections — including brittle failure modes. Timber Unlimited claims the software offers clear input and output, the ability to select New Zealand timber species, dynamic images and PDF design report generation.
Bjørn Stankowitz, Technical Manager at Timber Unlimited. Image:
Delivered
“Timber Unlimited is delighted to be working with CLT Toolbox to offer components of this cutting-edge software free of charge to the New Zealand industry. With the release of the new Timber Structures Standard (NZS AS 1720.1:2022), it is essential that we provide the industry with the tools to effectively implement these new standards,” said Bjørn Stankowitz, Technical Manager at Timber Unlimited.
The free version of the advanced design software includes the integration of 17 advanced dowel and bolt calculators, Timber Structures Standard teaching functions and four further design modules. The program has been reviewed and validated by the NZ Timber Design Society and the Structural Engineering Society NZ (SESOC).
The Timber Design Society is excited about the potential of this validated software package to support smaller engineering firms in New Zealand. “New design methods can be a barrier to adopting a new material or construction typology, and this software will help engineers become confident timber designers. We look forward to seeing an increasing number of timber buildings in New Zealand and an increase in the quality of those designs,” says Lisa Oliver, President of the Timber Design Society.
Engineers and designers are encouraged to take advantage of this free resource by visiting the Timber Unlimited website here.
This project was funded by MPI through Timber Unlimited as part of an initiative to increase the use of timber in mid-rise and high-rise construction.
