Determination pays off for a FPInnovations scientist

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New CSA O86 method approved

A team led by Dr. Lin Hu, Senior Scientist at FPInnovations, has achieved a huge milestone lately at the CSA O86 meeting when the light-frame wood joisted floor design method finally passed the 100% “Yes” voting and will be published in 2019 by CSA O86. For Lin, this is a two-generation effort that started in 1989 when she joined the late Dr. Don Onysko, with whom she undertook this long-run race of code implantation process.

In 2002, a task group composed of the Canadian Wood Council, the Canadian Construction Materials Centre, Natural Ressources Canada, and joist industry members, and chaired by Dr. Y.H. Chui from University of New Brunswick (now for University of Alberta), proposed a code change to add the joisted floor vibration design method into CSA O86. The method aims to ensure users comfort, to gain market acceptance, and to enlarge the market share through the good credit of wood floor joists.

Recap of further steps:

  • In 2006, a first important paper was presented at the 2006 WCTE to conclude floor vibration research with a theory to explain wood floor vibration mechanism. This paper got many hundred readers and established the leadership of FPInnovations and Canadian in wood floor vibration area in the world.
  • In 2012, Dr. Chun Ni, principal scientist at FPInnovations, successfully implemented the joisted floor design method into China code.
  • In 2016, Dr. Chui successfully implemented Dr. Onysko’s and FPInnovations’ field wood floor testing method into ISO (ISO 18324).
  • In 2016, the CLT floor design method was accepted by CSA O86 and published.
  • In 2017, Dr. Chui successfully implemented Dr. Onysko’s and FPInnovations’ approach for the development of wood floor design method and field survey in ISO (ISO/TR 21136).
  • In 2019, CSA O86 finally recognized the wood joisted floor design method.

Says Lin: “The beauty in this milestone is not only in the successful implementation, but in the faith and patience demonstrated by FPInnovations leaders, as well as their unconditional support for so many years.” For FPInnovations, this is a great recognition of Lin’s determination and hard work as well as an important development for the wood construction industry.

The old story became history, but a new journey is just starting: now that the light-frame wood floor design method is in the code, Lin proposed to develop a new design method for mass timber floor to replace the CLT floor design method in current CSA O86. And for that, she is planning in coaching the next generation of scientists.

Source: FPInnovations