Cross Laminated
Timber(CLT)
Introduction
CLT is a kind of prefabricated engineering wood
made of layers of lumbers stacked crosswise
(typically at 90 degrees) and glued together on
their wide faces and, sometimes, on their
narrow faces as well, by structural adhesive. In
some specific structural requirements, the
lumbers of adjacent layers can be laminated in
non-90 degrees groups. Usually, CLT consists of
an odd number of layers, such as 3, 5, and 7
layers, and in some cases more. CLT products
are usually 0.6 m, 1.2 m, 2.4 m and 3 m in
width, up to 18 m in length and up to 508 mm in
thickness.
Applications
It’s a sustainable material because it’s composed of wood, a
renewable resource (usually from reforestation), and doesn’t
require the burning of fossil fuels during its production. It has
been used for infrastructure and support in large construction
sites, as forms for concreting bridges, or even as bases for
tractors in unstable terrain during the construction of dams.
Its potential for small constructions has been noted because of
its interesting appearance and structural strength. Currently,
there are even skyscrapers being built with CLT parts.
The panels can function as walls, floors, furniture, ceilings,
and roofs; CLT’s thickness and length can be adaptable to the
demands of each project. Generally, panels made of CLT are
assembled and cut in their production, already foreseeing the
joints, openings, and drills specified in the design. The parts
are then transported to the site, and then assembly takes
place there.
Project Overview
In projects with CLT, construction on site doesn’t
last more than a few days. It is a quick and dry
process, with very little waste generation. Of
course, the project should be cautious. “More time
in design results in less time working on site. And
this should be the reasoning for all materials,”
Although the cost of the material is high, factors
such as shorter construction time, greater quality
control, and cleaning can be taken into account
when making your choice. Another issue is cultural.
Wooden houses are still stigmatized as a less noble
material. However, considering that the
construction industry still relies heavily on non-
renewable resources, Laminated Cross Timber can
be an excellent choice for building material.
Manufacturing Process
The Process of Creating CLT Panels
When producing CLT panels, this general process is followed:
Lumber is selected – common types include Western Larch and Douglas Fir
Lumber is dried – using a kiln, the lumber is dried to a moisture content of approximately 12
percent
Defects are removed from the lumber
Trimming and Jointing – this creates the correct length of lumber
Assembling of the Panels – by placing the boards side by side, solid wood layers are formed
Adhesive – every layer of the CLT panel is sprayed with an adhesive
Pressing – the panel is pressed together with a hydraulic press
1. Fabrication – panels are then cut to size, milled, and finished as require for each project
Once this process is complete, CLT panels are ready to go to the project site. These CLT panels
can be milled to any required specifications, making them wonderfully easy to use on the job
site.
Manufacturing Process
Benefits Of CLT
CLT construction is lighter and hence requires a less
expensive foundation.
CLT construction demands less labor.
CLT construction is a quick and dry process. Therefore, it
consumes less time.
CLT chars naturally in fire and forms an outer protective
layer.
It is a sustainable building material.
CLT provides a dry and clean construction site.
1. CLT construction produces less waste.
Disadvantages of Cross laminated Timber
(CLT)
Standard codes and regulations limit the maximum height of building
construction using CLT.
CLT is not flexible for future renovation of buildings.
CLT wall panels come without wall cavities, increasing the cost of electrical,
plumbing, and other services.
1. CLT manufacturing units are few in number, resulting in a higher material
transportation cost.
Most of the demerits of CLT decrease with the increase in its supply and
demand
With demand, design expertise increases, improving its design flexibility.
Conclusion
The use of CLT in construction is growing and is being used in
increasingly demanding applications. This trend is being driven by
the challenge of sustainable construction and is being enabled by
research and development across the globe that is driving the
technology forward. Tall timber buildings can achieve the same
level of performance as steel and concrete. As the technology
develops, standardized approaches to the structural and fire design
of these buildings will evolve to support the wider use of CLT
construction.
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