Vision
To be a global leader in timber durability and design life research.
The Centre has two overarching goals:
- Create coordinated research in timber durability
- Educate a new cadre of research scientists to carry on the work across Australia
The Centre was established with support from the Federal Government, Forest and Wood Products Australia, UniSC, University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries as collaborative partners. While the Centre partners are all Queensland-based, the Centre is national in scope. The initial support for the Centre is for five years, with the expectation of continued support as the Centre grows and matures.
Research Projects
Development of smoulder-resistant copper based preservatives for soil contact
Smouldering is a major problem associated with the use of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in bushfire prone areas and threatens continued use of this preservative. We have begun a PhD project to look at low cost, leach-resistant additives that can be added to treatment solutions to reduce the risk of smouldering without affecting performance.
Develop a better understanding of the effects of moisture intrusion and fungal attack on the behaviour of timber connections
Timber connections are critical for building performance. Previously, we examined the effects of repeated wetting and drying as well as fungal attack on the capacity of nailed connections of solid timber. We will continue the research with 3 postgraduates.
Understanding the treatability of the Australian softwood timber resource
The project aims to continue durability assessment and maintenance of the Centre’s large-scale collaborative field trial, initially on an annual basis. Assessments will include conventional probing to measure the effects of biodegradation in test samples, in addition (where appropriate) to static and non-destructive testing (NDT) to measure the mechanical properties of beams.
Timber Circularity Project
The overall goal of the Timber Circularity Project is to identify environmentally and economically sound opportunities for reuse/recycling treated timber and Engineered Wood Products.
Get Involved
Members and collaborations
We collaborate with several international and national research partners who are invaluable to our research.
Contact us
Our members collaborate with industry, national and international partners to put Australia at the forefront of international best practice.
Research students and residencies
We provide exciting and rewarding research opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students, early and mid-career researchers, research fellows and our collaborating partners.
Ask an expert
We want to partner with you in finding innovative solutions to small and complex industry problems. We are keen to answer questions or listen to what problems you may be encountering in your day-to-day work. Contact us with your request and one of our research or industry experts will respond.
Latest news from NCTDDL
Turning data into insights to cut costs and boost quality
The timber industry generates mountains of data every day. The real challenge? Turning it into insights that cut costs, reduce variation, and boost product quality. That was the aim of the recent data analytics course led by the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, designed for timber producers, engineered wood products (EWP) mills, and forestry specialists.
Connecting with participants of the Gottstein Trust
This month, Professor Tripti Singh, Director of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL) was invited to present and connect with participants of the Gottstein Trust Understanding Forest Science Course 2025. She presented on "Durable Timber – Nature Plus Nurture," sharing insights on how both nature and nurture can work together to enhance timber durability and support a sustainable circular economy.
NCTDDL Research Showcase 2025 a Success
Congratulations to our incredible team at the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, led by Professor Tripti Singh, on a successful Research Showcase on 22 July 2025. The Showcase brought together over 60 in-person attendees, including four international colleagues, and an additional 20 online participants from across industry, research, and government.