In this episode, we talk with Ben Moerman, P.Eng., M.Eng., Ph.D., and project structural engineer at StructureCraft, about earthquake-resistant designs and sustainable construction with mass timber. He shares insights on how mass timber can enhance safety during earthquakes and the challenges it poses compared to steel and concrete. We also explore new technologies for earthquake-resistant structures and sustainable building practices.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Ben:



How did you transition from studying general engineering to specializing in a unique field like advanced earthquake engineering at a higher level?

What kind of research did you do at the University of Canterbury, especially given the relevance of seismic lessons from Christchurch to earthquake-prone regions like Southern California?

Are the experimental research findings from your time at the University of Canterbury now being used in new buildings, and how did they transition from academia to practical application?

In New Zealand, do they favor performance-based design or integrate research directly into building codes when designing new structures with materials like mass timber?

Why is mass timber considered beneficial for earthquake-resistant designs?

How do you apply earthquake engineering principles in your daily work?

What are the pros and cons of mass timber versus concrete and steel?

Have you worked on any recent projects where your expertise in earthquake engineering significantly influenced the design or construction process?

What software or technology has most benefited your work, especially considering the need for advancements compared to the concrete and steel industries?

How do you believe your work with mass timber contributes to sustainability goals in our industry?

How do engineers incorporate the research and development outputs from design firms into their projects?

How long does the vibration testing process typically take, and is it done reactively for immediate issues or proactively for future projects?

How are seismic research and resiliency strategies for mass timber being adopted globally, and which regions would benefit most?

What advice would you give to engineers interested in specializing in earthquake engineering or those new to the field?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Innovative Ways to Incorporate Mass Timber in Earthquake-Resistant Designs:





Ben pursued a master's degree in earthquake engineering to specialize in seismic design and mass timber. He chose Oregon State University and the University of Canterbury for their strong programs in these areas, and was particularly drawn to Canterbury's expertise shaped by significant earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Ben was drawn to Canterbury's research on post-tension timber systems for low-damage design, which inspired his work to improve cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear wall lateral capacity using stronger connections and a unique coupled wall system with steel links between CLT panels. This project included a major large-scale test to confirm these enhancements.

Ben's research findings from the University of Canterbury are being used in new buildings, especially in New Zealand. This transition from academia to practical application involved collaborations with industry partners like ENGCO, which applied the research on high-capacity connections using mixed-angle screw hold downs in seismic regions, directly integrating these innovative techniques into construction projects.

In New Zealand, when designing new structures with materials like mass timber, they prioritize performance-based design over directly integrating research ...