Welcome to ICTB 2025

Welcome to the 5^th International Conference on Timber Bridges (5ICTB) in Rotorua, New Zealand!

We are thrilled to be hosting this conference in the stunning city of Rotorua, known for its volcanic and thermal activities that create a relaxing and therapeutic atmosphere. As the first time hosting this conference in the southern hemisphere, we are excited to welcome professionals from around the world to discuss the efficient and reliable use of timber bridges in transportation infrastructure.

Our focus on timber bridges aligns with the current need for resilient infrastructure to support thriving communities, and we believe that by bringing together leading professionals from various fields, we can collectively improve design, productivity, manufacture, supply, and maintenance of timber bridges for the next five decades and beyond.

With a strong panel of local and international speakers expected, we are confident that this conference will provide invaluable insights and knowledge exchange to drive improvements in timber bridge construction worldwide. In addition to the core conference program, we are offering visits to research facilities, manufacturing plants, and other educational expeditions, subject to delegate interest.

While attending the conference, we encourage you to explore the wonders of Rotorua, from its world-famous thermal areas and geysers to the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest with its exhilarating mountain bike trails and relaxing geothermal baths. Rotorua truly has something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation.

We extend a warm invitation to all delegates to join us in Rotorua, where Māori culture and the beauty of timber bridges will be showcased in unforgettable ways.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Rotorua! Welcome to Rotorua!

Key Dates

The call for extended abstracts (including tracks, topics, paper formats, and preparation guide) is available here. Please submit your papers here.

Note that our sister conference, World Conference in Timber Engineering 2025, will be held in Brisbane, Australia from 22^nd June to 26^th June 2025.

Organising Committee

• Sulo Shanmuganathan, Chief Engineer, New Zealand Transport Agency (Convenor)
• Andy Buchanan, Principal, PTL Structural and Fire (Chair, Scientific Committee)
• Bettina Franke, Head of Research and Marketting, Timbagroup Holding AG, Switzerland (Chair, 4^th ICTB)
• Moustafa Al-Ani, Lead Advisor Structures, New Zealand Transport Agency
• Hyungsuk Thomas Lim, WIDE Trust Senior Lecturer, University of Canterbury
• Daniel Moroder, Technical Director, PTL Structural and Fire
• Hugh Morris, Technical Manager, Timber Unlimited
• Gary Raftery, Senior Lecturer and Co-Director of CIRCUIT Research Centre, University of Auckland
• Tripti Singh, Senior Scientist, Scion, Rotorua and Director, National Centre for Timber Durability & Design Life, Australia

Scientific Committee

International Committee

• Andy Buchanan, New Zealand (Chair)
• Simon Antje, Germany
• Keith Crews, Australia
• Per Anders Fjellstron, Sweden
• Steffen Franke, Switzerland
• Caroline Frenette, Canada
• Valentina Hure, France
• Liu Jie, China
• Benjamin Kromoser, Austria
• Andrew Lehan, Canada
• Thomas Lim, New Zealand
• Kjell Arne Malo, Norway
• David Moses, Canada
• Hideyuki Nasu, Japan
• Gary Raftery, New Zealand
• Tripti Singh, Australia and New Zealand
• Julio Vivas, Spain
• James Wacker, USA

National Committee

• Henri Bailleres, Scion
• Ben Browne, Novare Design
• Kwan Chin, WSP
• Liam Coleman, KiwiRail
• Paul Corbett, Jacobs
• Oliver De Lautour, Aurecon
• Matt Ireland, Holmes Group
• Anton Kivell, Hoffcon
• Sam Leslie, Redstag
• Lisa Oliver, Holmes Group
• Ranjit Rajasingh, AECOM
• John Roebuck, Holmes Solutions
• Jeremiah Shaw, Beca
• Charlotte Toma, University of Auckland
• Andy Van Houtte, Potius
• Mike Wall, Fletcher Projects
• Gang Yu, Auckland Transport

Hosts

Sponsorship and Exhibition

Sponsorship of ICTB 2025 provides a unique opportunity for your organisation to show your support and raise your profile in the international timber bridge industry. We invite you to participate in the event as an active partner with a number of different sponsorship packages and opportunities to select from. If you have something specific in mind our team is available to work with you to tailor a package that meets your requirements.

The organisers also welcome you to join the Trade Exhibition and use this excellent opportunity to exhibit your products and services to international conference participants.

If you or your company/organisation would like to learn more about sponsorship & exhibition opportunities at ICTB 2025, please download the Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus.

Registration of Interest

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