TRADA unveils Fundamentals of timber series

TRADA’s online programme Learn with TRADA Live has gone from strength to strength since its initial launch in January this year.

Almost a thousand people have signed up so far, proving that the online learning space – which has been so enlivened by the recent restrictions – is here to stay, even as the world begins to open up again.

The next series Fundamentals of timber will begin in July and is anticipated to draw a crowd, with BM TRADA timber experts Phil O’Leary and Lewis Taylor – experienced teachers within the field – leading attendees through a whole host of timber topics for the rest of the year, including:

• What you need to consider when using and specifying timber
• Trees and the nature of wood
• Wood and timber properties
• Moisture in timber

Timber as a material is low carbon, environmentally-friendly, and a renewable resource if sourced from a sustainably managed forest. Its use in place of high carbon materials is one of the most effective ways to use limited biomass resources to mitigate climate change. Thus it is fast gaining popularity among designers and construction professionals prioritising sustainability and carbon neutrality.

This series is intended as an introductory resource for newcomers to the material and those looking to construct a strong foundational layer of knowledge upon which to build with the support of a trusted authority like TRADA. Consequently, the series has been designed to facilitate the learning experience for both regular and occasional attendees, with each session self-contained but adding to the overall, comprehensive picture of timber.

How to book

Select the session you are interested in from the list below. You will be prompted to register your interest or book a space depending on whether a booking link is available. If you are a non-member of TRADA and need to purchase a ticket, you will then receive a further email requesting payment.

Book the next session now

Pricing

TRADA members: Free

Non-members: £30 +VAT per session

Students at member universities: Free

Students at non-member universities: £15 +VAT per session

Not sure if you’re a member? Call 01494 569603 or email Kathryn Macneil, our membership administrator, on membership@trada.co.uk.

About the speakers

Phil O’Leary, Technical Manager, BM TRADA

Phil is responsible for leading BM TRADA’s Timber Consultancy – the UK’s pre-eminent team of timber experts – whose specialist areas are structural condition surveys (condition, defects and remedial), in-situ visual grading (justification of enhanced design values), fungal and insect attack, ongoing monitoring, moisture content monitoring, inspection and maintenance programs, and on site failure investigation.

Phil’s particular expertise is in the quality, grading, performance characteristics, deterioration and preservation of different kinds of timber for different uses. He has carried out inspections of many industrial infrastructures, including railway, marine piers, critical cooling towers at nuclear plants and power stations, MOD structures and National Air Traffic Services communication towers.

He has served as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures in, for example, roofs, bridges, decks, boats, temporary stages, walkways, playground equipment, scaffold boards and tool handles.

As well as leading the Timber Consultancy team, Phil is responsible for their highly regarded series of standard and bespoke training courses. Phil sits on the BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.

Lewis Taylor, Timber Frame Consultant, BM TRADA

Lewis Taylor is a Timber Frame Consultant working in BM TRADA’s Timber Consultancy team, a position he has held since 2007.

Most of Lewis’ professional work is carried out under BM TRADA’s nationwide frameCHECK service that offers architects, engineers, contractors and housing associations independent third-party advice on the design and build quality of timber-framed buildings.

His responsibilities include a wide range of specialist functions to save clients money and time, from conducting independent quality inspections and condition surveys, to evaluating design details and investigating defects and their remedy.

He is the co-author of several books, including TRADA’s bestselling Timber frame construction: designing for high performance 5th edition.