Jon Shanks

Associate Professor Jon Shanks is an Industry Associate Professor in Timber Design at the School of Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania. His work bridges academic research and industry application in timber engineering, focusing on structural performance, sustainable construction, and innovative building systems. He has extensive collaborations with universities, timber industry stakeholders, and government agencies across Australia.

• Research Focus: Timber mechanics, cross-laminated timber (CLT), off-site manufacturing, and heritage timber structures
• Current Projects: Lightweight timber framing productivity, 8-star rated architectural products using out-of-grade timber, and characterizing alternative log sources for structural timber

His research has led to advancements in:

• Timber connection design (e.g., pegged mortice-tenon joints)
• Strength prediction methods for structural softwood
• Reformulating Australian building standards (AS 1684) for modern timber applications

Key funded initiatives include:

• $925,000 Future Lightweight Timber Framing Program
• $356,895 grant for 8-star architectural products
• Collaborative projects with Swinburne University, University of the Sunshine Coast, and Wespine Industries