Timber Unlimited has partnered with CLT Toolbox to offer parts of their advanced timber design software free to New Zealand industry.
“With the release of the new Timber Structures Standard (NZS AS 1720.1:2022), it’s essential that we provide the industry with the resources to implement these new standards effectively,” says Bjørn Stankowitz technical manager at Timber Unlimited.
“Our goal is to empower engineers with the tools they need to design sustainable, resilient timber structures. Our software does just that, making advanced timber design accessible to all,” says Adam Jones, CEO at CLT Toolbox.
They say this collaboration brings advanced, world-class design software to engineers across the country at no cost, streamlining complex design processes and promoting sustainable building practices. The technical challenges of timber design are addressed by providing streamlined automated design routines and comprehensive educational support which CLT Toolbox has developed.
Some advanced dowel and bolt calculators as well as four further design modules are incorporated into the free version of the software. The company says these tools simplify what were previously complex and time-consuming tasks, enabling a focus on innovation and efficiency. The software offers clear inputs and outputs, the ability to select New Zealand timber grades, dynamic images, and PDF design report generation. This collaboration equips New Zealand engineers with advanced design methods, empowering them to create higher-performing and lower-risk timber structures with greater confidence.
CLT Toolbox software also aligns with the newly released NZS AS 1720.1:2022 Timber Structures Standard. This standard introduces new design methodologies and requirements for structural elements and connections, including brittle failure modes, based on the latest research and international knowledge.
“New design methods can be a barrier to adopting a new material or construction typology, and this software will help engineers become confident timber designers. We look forward to seeing an increasing number of timber buildings in New Zealand and an increase in the quality of those designs”, says Lisa Oliver, president of the Timber Design Society.
For more visit https://timberunlimited.co.nz/clt-toolbox-software.