In the evolving world of Australian construction, specifying the right materials is more critical than ever. Engineered Wood Products (EWP) are quickly becoming a preferred choice due to their strength, sustainability, and versatility. Recently, industry leader Tom Rickerby, National Technical Manager at Wesbeam and Director on the Board of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australia (EWPAA), delivered an insightful presentation that shed light on the technical aspects of specifying EWPs in Australian projects at the ClearCalcs Engineered Wood Products Specifications for Australian Projects webinar.
Over the coming weeks, Wesbeam will share a series of articles that will break down the key takeaways from Tom’s presentation, offering a clear, hands-on perspective on how to successfully integrate EWPs into structural designs. With his extensive experience in residential design, forensic structural engineering, and EWP manufacturing, Tom provided an invaluable look at how engineers and builders can elevate their projects by mastering the specification of these advanced materials.
Why These Insights Matter
Tom provided an in-depth overview of the various engineered wood products available in the Australian market, offering clear comparisons to traditional sawn timber. His session highlighted how EWPs can outperform traditional materials in terms of both strength and serviceability.
One of the most critical takeaways from Tom’s presentation was the importance of specifying the right type of EWP in structural designs. He gave practical guidance on when and where different EWPs should be used to ensure the desired performance and integrity of a structure.
Tom also emphasised the significant risks of incorrect EWP specification. From non-compliance to performance issues on-site, he illustrated how small mistakes in material selection can make for challenges during the building and procurement stage, urging engineers to approach EWP specification with care and precision.
Speaker Insight: Tom Rickerby’s Expertise
As a Chartered Professional Engineer with a career spanning residential design, forensic structural engineering, and EWP manufacturing, Tom Rickerby is a recognised leader in the field. His experience has led him to lecture at the University of Western Australia and deliver training seminars across the country, sharing his wealth of knowledge with the broader construction community. His presentation provided a hands-on, practical approach to EWP specification, drawing on years of real-world experience to offer solutions and strategies for modern construction projects.
In this series, we will unpack the key points from Tom's presentation, helping you gain a deeper understanding of how to integrate engineered wood products into your designs, avoid common mistakes, and ensure that your projects meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
Missed the webinar? Check out the replay here.