Description
Dr. John Rhys Williams – RSK Environment
Qualifications:
PhD Timber Technology
MSc Forest Industries Technology
(Awarded research grant by
International Timber Ltd)
BSc (Hons) Botany
John is a principal consultant in RSK’s Materials and Structures
business unit. His main area of expertise is the examination
and assessment of structural timber in safety critical
applications such as railway infrastructure, petrochemical plants
and civil engineering projects.
John is able to offer advice on condition, defects, strength,
repair/renewal options and remaining service life. His work
often helps inform feasibility studies, asset management plans
and specification of repair strategies. He has worked for a wide
range of clients in both the public and private sectors.
Since joining RSK, John has been responsible for developing
timber diagnostic services within the Materials and Structures
department. The main areas of focus are investigating timber in
historic buildings and structures and undertaking examination
and assessment of structural timber within the UK rail network
John has specialist skills in the following areas:
▪ inspecting timber in safety critical applications in the UK
▪ building surveys in historic buildings and preparation of
detailed technical reports
▪ condition surveys on a wide range of listed buildings
and structures of historic importance
▪ excellent diagnostic and presentation skills
▪ independent expert witness where his knowledge and
experience has delivered impartial and unbiased
evidence in order to resolve disputes.
▪ experienced lecturer on the examination and
assessment of structural timber and has published a
number of specialist papers on the subject.
Key project experience
National Museum of the Royal Navy, timber consultant, 2021–ongoing
Advising on procurement of oak for re-planking the hull of HMS Victory and advising on condition
surveys and methods of repair
Environment Agency, timber inspections, 2017–2020
Evaluation of the design and performance of timber groynes around the UK coastline to develop
deterioration curves and to capture ‘best practice.’
Network Rail, surveying timber, 2017–ongoing
Survey of nine timber trestle bridges, including the Grade II* listed Barmouth Viaduct.
MOD Faslane, timber inspections, 2018–ongoing
Inspection of seismically isolated docking cradles, improving evaluation of inspection results and
improving service life predictions.
Museum of London, timber condition survey, 2018–ongoing
Smithfield Market. Responsible for delivery of timber condition surveys and assessment of retained
moisture in the building fabric of the Grade II* listed building.
Admiralty Jetty, survey and feasibility study – East Sussex, 2019
Survey and feasibility study on repair/replace options for Admiral jetty.
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole local authority, inspection, 2019
Inspection of deconstructed groynes and determining recycling/re-use recovery yields.
Network Rail, wheeltimber training, 2020–ongoing
Delivery of training to improve knowledge and inspection accuracy of Network Rail wheeltimber
inspectors and track engineers nationwide.
