- Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a structural building material made from wooden sheets (laminates) bonded together at right angles making it incredibly strong.
- The material is used in construction projects requiring a fully renewable, low-cost, fast construction method.
There was a time when architects used only concrete and steel to erect multistory buildings. New possibilities are open to the design teams with new materials, such as cross-laminated timber, which offer a viable alternative to concrete and steel.
Considering that one of the most successful fighter aircraft in World War 2 (The Mosquito) was made from wood laminates, it should be no surprise that new wood laminate materials are finding favor in the building industry.
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Explained
Instead of resorting to traditional structural building materials such as reinforced concrete, architects can look elsewhere.
Cross-Laminated timber is proving an acceptable substitute, offering all the benefits of wood construction while matching reinforced concrete structural abilities.
Cross-Laminate timber is constructed by placing at least layers of wood timber, called lamellas (sometimes called lamstock), at right angles and bonding them together with glue.
The final product is often called “engineered timber” or “mass-timber products.”
The Benefits Of Cross-Laminated Timber
Cross-Laminated Timber offers several benefits to architects and building contractors.
Cross-Laminated Timber Installation Is Much Quicker
A multistory building constructed with concrete requires substantial setup times. This includes the erection of concrete shuttering and steel reinforcement.
Cross-Laminated Timber sheets arrive at the construction site precut, fabricated, and ready for erection. The CLT sheets can be used without any steel reinforcing being required.
Cross-Laminated Timber Is Lighter
One of the primary advantages of Cross-Laminated Timber is that it is significantly lighter than concrete and steel structures.
Cross-Laminated Timber Costs Less
While some commentators state that Cross-Laminated Timber costs more than concrete and steel, they are generally not factoring in the savings achieved by this construction method.
- Fewer workers are needed to erect a structure using Cross-Laminated Timber.
- Less intensive foundations are required with Cross-Laminated Timber, which also reduces costs.
- Construction time is one-third quicker than an equivalent concrete and steel structure.
It is estimated that Cross-Laminated Timber is approximately 15% cheaper than building with conventional concrete and steel construction methods.
Cross-Laminated Timber Has Excellent Thermal Properties
Cross-Laminated Timber has excellent thermal and hygroscopic properties (the material’s ability to attract and hold water molecules.)
When occupied, these properties reduce heating and cooling costs while also making the workplace pleasant to work in.
Cross-Laminated Timber Causes No Pollution
The environmental benefits of Cross-Laminated Timber are significant.
Cross-Laminated Timber Absorbs CO2
Instead of emitting CO2, which concrete does during manufacture, each kilogram of Cross-Laminated Timber absorbs 1.8 kgs of carbon.
There Is Minimal Noise Pollution
On concrete construction sites, concrete mixer trucks are moving in and out of the site, and loud concrete pouring occurs, making the area noisy.
On the other hand, construction sites using cross-laminated timber are relatively silent affairs, where the parts are loaded into position and secured.
Cross-Laminated Timber
Cross-Laminated Timber is manufactured from a completely renewable source – tree plantations..
The Disadvantages Of Building With Cross-Laminated Timber
As with any engineering project, there are always advantages and disadvantages that must be balanced.
Planning Permission May Be Difficult To Obtain
There is no formal code for using Cross-Laminated Timber sheets in many states.
If a building code exists, it is often only for low-rise buildings and smaller residential units.
If the architect pushes the boundaries of what is allowed, some work may be needed to make it legal.
Large Layup Areas Are Needed
Because the prefabricated pieces arrive on site in a built-up condition, a large area must be laid up. This may not be easy in urban areas where buildings are close together.
Conclusion
Cross-laminated timber offers many advantages over traditional concrete and steel construction techniques. It is cheaper, lighter, and faster to erect and is a fully renewable resource that helps the environment rather than damaging it.
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