Speed, strength and sustainability - the key benefits of cross laminated timber (CLT) construction.
But what does this actually mean in practice?
CLT is now extensively used across the commercial construction sector and the benefits have been widely acknowledged, but it has not prolifically been used in residential developments in the UK, however this is set to change.
According to the findings of a recent survey by the Structural Timber Association, 74% of the nation's contractors, developers, architects and registered social landlords revealed they plan to increase specifications of structural timber due to benefits such as thermal, acoustic and sustainability performance, together with speed of build- especially when looking at multi-storey solutions.
But it is medium rise housing where the advantages of CLT as a core structural solution will truly come into play. The key is in the strength to weight ratio of the engineered timber - factory manufactured to exacting standards - CLT is an extremely stable solution which has little shrinkage or movement post construction. It has proven multi-storey capability, up to 9 floors in the UK and a structural capacity beyond this. Typical walls for 5-6 storey construction are often in the region of 100-140mm thick solid timber.
The benefits in construction are numerous - from reduced loading on foundations and infrastructure services, to impressive thermal, acoustic and airtightness performance over more traditional materials. Due to the offsite manufacture of CLT, onsite construction time, vehicle movements and construction noise are all greatly reduced - vital in dense, urban infill sites.
One of the most crucial advantages, particularly for multi-storey developments, is cross laminated timber's inherent fire resistance. The panels can be designed to accommodate substantial fire resistance and unlike steel, remain structurally stable when subjected to high temperatures. CLT panels can be designed to fire resistances of 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
With the housing shortfall making the headlines on a regular basis and the 2013 Offsite Housing Review highlighting the potential for offsite construction methods to play a more significant role in the house-building industry, the housing sector is increasingly turning to cross laminated timber as the optimum sustainable solution for medium rise housing, particularly in highly populated urban areas.
Interested and want to find out more? At the forefront of European CLT research and development, the X-LAM Alliance is an innovative partnership bringing to the UK construction market a seamless and consistent method of supplying certified packages, across all construction sectors.
With over 50 highly experienced and dedicated experts in structural analysis, building physics, CNC wood processing , planning and consultancy, together with a commitment to research and innovation, the X-LAM Alliance provide robust and sustainable solutions.
