Key Aspects for Economic Feasibility of Implementing Design for Structural Adaptation in the Australian Timber Industry

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/Report › Conference contribution › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • Vera Öberg - , Chalmers University of Technology (Author)
  • Robert Jockwer - , Chair of Timber Engineering (Author)
  • Yutaka Goto - , Chalmers University of Technology (Author)
  • Mohammad al-Emrani - , Chalmers University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

The global increase in timber usage is generally interpreted as a response to tackle the construction industry's major contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, there is a growing concern that the expected future demand for timber cannot be met while maintaining sustainable forestry. Efforts to maximize the resource efficiency and service lives of timber products are therefore highly relevant, both to preserve biodiversity and to prolong carbon storage. One such strategy in development is to invest in a timber structure's ability to be locally repaired or adapted to changed user demands - to Design for Structural Adaptation. Yet, stakeholders are uncertain regarding the economic feasibility of such an investment. This study addresses this by investigating which factors are key in determining the economic feasibility of designing for structural adaptation in an Australian multi-residential light-frame timber building. A cost-benefit analysis is performed to compare a structurally adaptable building to a business-as-usual alternative, where the uncertainty of future adaptation needs is considered in the model. The results provide valuable insights for future efforts to implement adaptable timber design, as key aspects for economic feasibility are identified.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings from the 14th World Conference on Timber Engineering
EditorsKelly Rischmiller, Mahmoud Abu Saleem, Chloe Downey, Joe Gattas, Duncan Hossy, Lisa Ottenhaus, Wenxuan Wu, Yuhao Zhang, Zidi Yan
PublisherWorld Conference on Timber Engineering (WCTE)
Pages5240-5249
Number of pages10
ISBN (electronic)9798331320898
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

TitleWorld Conference on Timber Engineering 2025
SubtitleAdvancing Timber for the Future Built Environment
Abbreviated titleWCTE 2025
Conference number14
Duration22 - 26 June 2025
Website
LocationBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
CityBrisbane
CountryAustralia

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-0767-684X/work/225495759

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Circular economy, Cost-benefit analysis, Design for Adaptation, Service life extension, Structural Adaptability