Li, Minghao

Dr. Minghao Li leads an internationally recognized research program in structural timber engineering, with a focus on the structural performance, seismic resilience, and sustainability of mass timber and timber–hybrid buildings. His work advances the scientific foundations and design methodologies that enable mid- and high-rise timber structures to achieve reliable, code-compliant, and damage-controlled performance in high seismic regions.

Through integrated experimental testing, advanced numerical modelling, and standards development, Dr. Li’s research has contributed directly to the modernization of timber design provisions. Findings from his group have been incorporated into national design standards and implemented in mid-rise and high-rise timber building projects, bridging the gap between research innovation and professional practice.

Dr. Li plays an active leadership role in national and international standards and scientific communities. He serves on Canadian Standards Association committees CSA O86 (Engineering Design in Wood) and CSA O122 (Structural Glued-Laminated Timber), represents Canada on ISO/TC165 (Timber Structures), and contributes to the global timber research community through the World Conference on Timber Engineering. He is an Editorial Board Member of the Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering and has served as Guest Editor for special issues of Engineering Structures and Structures (Elsevier).

Research Areas

• Value-added innovation using reclaimed and under-utilized wood
• Capacity-based seismic design of mass timber structures
• High-performance timber connections and lateral load-resisting systems
• Performance-based and displacement-based seismic design
• Hybrid timber–steel structural systems