Eric Karsh’s New Article in The Structural Engineer

EQUILIBRIUM Founding Principal Eric Karsh has contributed a new article to the October 2026 issue of The Structural Engineer, published by The Institution of Structural Engineers.

In “Trust, test, innovate: how Canada’s performance-based design culture helped shape three decades of timber engineering,” Eric reflects on the regulatory and professional environment that has supported timber innovation in Canada over the past three decades. In particular, he considers the role of performance-based design and provisions within CSA O86 that provide a pathway for new or special systems when supported by appropriate testing and analysis.

Drawing on his experience at the leading edge of timber engineering, Eric explores how this approach has allowed engineers to test, understand and implement structural systems before they were fully addressed by established standards. The article also considers different approaches to innovation in the United States and Europe, and the balance between engineering judgement, evidence and professional responsibility.

Looking ahead, Eric argues that this ability to innovate responsibly will remain important as the industry responds to climate change, decarbonisation and the emergence of new structural materials, technologies and systems.

Read the full article in The Structural Engineer.