The Revision of the European Code for Seismic Design of Timber Structures

When – Monday 11th August 2025

Where – Room 401, Building 401, University of Auckland - 20 Symonds Street, Auckland Central, Auckland.

Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

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Abstract

The European Codes for Structural Design (Eurocodes) have undergone a complete revision to update and bring them in line with the current state-of-the-art in research and practice. Timber structures are dealt with in Eurocode 5 (structural design under static actions) and Eurocode 8 (structural design for earthquake resistance). The long revision process started in 2010 will end in 2028 with the withdrawal of the old Eurocodes. After a brief introduction on the basics of seismic resistance of timber structures, the seminar will present the main modifications introduced in the Timber chapter of the Eurocode 8, and the links with the new Eurocode 5. Special emphasis will be given to the criteria for the attainment of dissipative behaviour, and capacity based design principles at different (building and connection) levels will be introduced for cross-laminated and light-frame timber buildings. The introduction of provisions for non-linear static analysis will conclude the seminar.

Biography

Massimo Fragiacomo is Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural & Environmental Engineering of University of L’Aquila, Italy, and Director of the Centre for Research and Education on Earthquake Engineering (CERFIS) in the same University, where he teaches Reinforced Concrete Design and Timber Engineering. Previous work experiences include the position of Carter Holt Harvey Senior Lecturer in Wooden Structures at the University of Canterbury. His areas of expertise include Earthquake Engineering and Timber Engineering, with special emphasis on Earthquake Resistance, Structural Fire Engineering and Timber-Concrete Composite Structures. He is an author of 473 papers, 194 of which published on peer reviewed international journals, and 2 patents. He has been Principal Investigator in many research projects funded by regional, national and international Public and Private Agencies for a total amount of 2,000,000+ Euro. For his research activity he has received several prizes including the Frederick Palmer Prize offered by the Institution of Civil Engineers – UK in 2012. He is member of CEN/TC250/SC5 “Eurocode 5: Design of Timber Structures” and CEN/TC250/SC8 “Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance”, as well as chairman of the Working Group CEN/TC250/SC8/WG3 “Seismic Design of Timber Structures”. He was also Deputy Head of the Department of Civil, Construction-Architecture and Environmental Engineering, and Course Coordinator of the Bachelor and Master in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of L’Aquila.

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Presentation Recording:

The Revision of the European Code for Seismic Design of Timber Structures