MBES 1023 ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY &

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT

SESSION: 2014/2015 (1)


A BRIEF STUDY ON CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT)




GROUP MEMBERS

FATIMAH JOMEH ZADEH
LEE JUN XUAN MBE141029
SITI NURLIYANA BT SHARIFF MBE141024
THRIGUNA DEWI MBE141002

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ABSTRACT

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a new generation of prefabricated solid
engineered wood panel which is optimised for bearing loads in and out of plane. It was
first developed in Europe and is now becoming a worldwide well-known and versatile
building material with increased dimensional stability and strength in framing systems.

CLT has already been shown to be very efficient in multi-storey buildings up to
10 storeys. Used for long spans in walls, floors or roofs, CLT is used as a long-span
building material which consists of multiple layers of wood from a 3-layer 57 mm thick
panel to 11-layer 300 mm thick panel, with each layer oriented crosswise to the next.
(Schmidt and Griffin, 2013)

This article provides basic information of CLT as a product and the construction
method in general, along with some case study, benefit and limitations of cross
laminated timber for those who considering using it in construction project.










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1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 HISTORY

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a new class of timber products and a potentially
cost-competitive wood-based solution that was initially developed in the early 1990s in
Austria and Germany. CLT complements the existing lightweight frame and heavy
timber options, which makes it possible to use in place of other construction materials
such as concrete, masonry and steel. There is currently over one hundred CLT projects
in Europe.(Karacaveyli,2013)

In mid-1990s, Austria undertook an industry-academia joint research effort which
resulted in current development of modern CLT. In the early 2000s, CLT-based
construction started to increase and was partially driven by the green building
movement for better efficiencies and improved product marketing and channels of
distribution.

Slowly, CLTs construction benefits are getting more popular in the construction
sector. Its ability to build up mid-rise and high-rise building, ease of handling during
construction and also the high level of prefabrication facilitate rapid project
completion.(Gagnon,2010)

After Europe, CLT systems and products has just begun their implementation in
North America. CLT development in North America need to provide more alternative
wood based product and systems to architects and engineers.(Gagnon,2010)

As a solution, the adoption of the 2005 and 2010 editions of the National Building
Code of Canada (NBCC), which are objective-based codes, helped to eliminate the bias
against wood inherent in previous prescriptive codes (1995 and earlier). Thus, the new
regulations recognized both Acceptable Solutions and Alternative Solutions
encourage the usage of innovative materials, products and systems. This goes similarly
in the US performance based building codes that allow the use of alternate methods
and materials.(Karacaveyli,2013)


1.1.2 Definition Of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is a solid structural wood product consists of
several layers, minimum of three bonded layers of timber laminated at right angles and
a flexible building system which suitable for use in all assembly types, for roof, floor and
wall applications. CLT has good structural properties and low environmental impact,
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prefabricated and digitally designed with minimal waste from production, which
improves efficiencies, safety and speed in construction.(Wiegand, 2013)


Figure 1.1 Cross section of cross laminated timber.
Image taken from ZiZaiJianFang website, http://www.zijianfang.cn/

CLT is made from industrial dried stacked lumber and can be produced in very
large dimensions. Therefore it is suitable for the manufacture of load bearing
components and room dividing construction components such as wall, roof and ceiling
boards. CLT is similar to glue-laminated timber beams (glulam) where CLT is formed
using small section of timber bonded together with permanent adhesives. In this
method, any imperfections in the original timber, can be removed in the factory to
reduce variability and can enhance the structural performance.(Walker, 2011)


Figure 1.2 Difference in sections of cross laminated timber (left) and glulam (right).
Image taken from ZiZaiJianFang website, http://www.zijianfang.cn/

CLT differs from glulam where CLT is formed into panels rather than beams;
hence the layers of lamellas are bonded perpendicularly to one another. This in turns
improves structural integrity, dimensional stability and strength across two dimensions.
In terms of finishes, there are various grades available from covered to exposed
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surface. The completed panel is vapour permeable thus it can be used as part of a
breathing wall construction.(Walker,2011)

2.1 Construction Method

CLT panels are typically large sized with easy joinery. CLTs have common types
of assembly methods which are listed below.

The basic panel to panel connection uses half-lapped, single or double splines
made with engineered wood products. To transfer forces, metal brackets, hold-downs
and plates are used. Other than the traditional methods, improved systems such as
mechanical and carpentry connection systems can also be used. (Mohammad, 2011)
Dowel-type fasteners for connection of CLT panels include:
Nails
Screws (traditional and proprietary self-tapping)
Glulam rivets
Dowels
Bolts

2.1.1 Wall to foundation


Figure 2.1 Different types of connections between wall and foundation
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf
2.1.2 Wall to wall
For interior and exterior walls, there are two commonly used assembly methods:
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Figure 2.2 Diagonal and straight screws for wall to wall joinery
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf


Figure 2.3 Metal plates and nails or self-tapping screws for wall to wall joinery
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf

2.1.3 Floor to floor slab
Connections for floor slabs vary. The figure below shows simpler methods to
connect two floor slabs together.
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Figure 2.4 The left type has better insulation, the right is easier to make.
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf

2.4.4 Wall to floor (roof)
The typical connection systems for wall and floor or roof panels are shown below in
Figure xx

Figure 2.5 Usage of diagonal and vertical screws.
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf

Figure 2.6 Metal brackets with self tapping screws
Image taken from Cecobois website,
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).pdf
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Metal brackets with self tapping screws can also be used to support the floor panel. All
connections are articulately made and the elements have a simple static model.

3.1 Advantages Of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

CLT as a new construction material designed to increase dimensional stability
and strength in framing systems gained popularity due to its wide range of benefits in
the long run. Implementation of green building practices have increased the popularity
of cross laminated timber as it is made from sustainable forests. From harvest of raw
materials through manufacturing, transportation, installation, use, maintenance and
disposal or recycling, CLT performs better than concrete and steel in terms of embodied
energy, air and water pollution, carbon footprint and global warming.

3.1.1 Structural Performance
Cross laminated timber has multiple benefits including the ability to become its
own seismic bracing/support. The process of cross-laminating gives an improved
dimensional stability and provide relatively high-in-plane and out-of-plane strength and
stiffness properties. CLT gives two-way action capabilities similar to a reinforced
concrete slab.(Karacaveyli, 2013)

3.1.2 Fire Performance
CLT has a high ability to self-protect against fire, and it is actually much safer in a
fire than steel, has a very low thermal conductivity. The thick plank of wood will char on
the outside, sealing the wood inside from damage. But if steel burns, the metal begins
to melt.(Karacaveyli, 2013)

3.1.3 Environmental Performance
CLT stores carbon inside its planks which makes it carbon negative for a few
years after completion of a CLT building. (Mohommad, 2011)CLT lessens the
environmental impact as its is a manufactured from sustainably managed forest,
reducing carbon emission, carbon footprint and has high thermal performance. (Risen,
2014)
CLT is twenty percent the weight of the concrete, but with strength comparable to
concrete. Thus CLT reduces foundation loads and distribution requirement and lessens
the need for materials with high embodied energy.(Brandner,2011)

3.1.4 Construction Management
A more efficient and safer form of construction, CLT manage to eliminate the
high risk site activities through off site manufacturing and good in fire resistance. The
high precision during the manufacturing gives CLT the best quality for its finishing.
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Figure 3.1 The manufacturing process of CLT planks
Image taken from BRE Global website,
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/projects/low_impact_materials/ip17_11.pdf

3.1.5 Construction Period
CLT is about 30 percent faster than steel and concrete structure, and requires
even less labour to construct the CLT system. It is a simple and fast onsite construction
process. Moreover, CLT can be easily modified both during and after construction as
the components are dry and therefore do not bring any moisture into the
structure.(Wiegand,2013)


Figure 3.2 Assembling CLT on site
Image taken from BRE Global website,
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/projects/low_impact_materials/ip17_11.pdf



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4.1 Disadvantages Of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

4.1.1 Thickness and malleability
CLT is very dense and therefore heavy, and it has a thick cross section. CLT
panels are difficult to curve and bend which becomes a design limitation. CLT requires
careful maintenance and technical know-how to ensure moisture is not a problem during
construction and operation. (Miller, 2012)

4.1.2 Transportation
Transportation of big, heavy planks would cost high energy impact.
(Mandegarian and Milev)

4.1.3 Vibrations
CLT floors has low damping ratio. Damping is largely affected by the degree of
integration of the floor to the surrounding structural parts, especially by the addition of partitions.
Any measures for increasing the damping ratio of CLT product design and floor construction
details will make CLT floor systems more cost-effective and better positioned to compete with
concrete slabs. Elevators can be detailed in such a way that their operation does not create
perceptible vibrations. (Pavlyukovskiy, 2012)

4.1.4 Code Calculations
As the technology is still somewhat new, code calculations regarding the
interaction of the individual wood laminated in a CLT panel is complicated and it would
take extensive testing and analysis before code calculations become simpler. (Miller,
2012)

5.0 Case Studies

5.1 Case Study 1: Malm Hus, Netherlands
This building is the highest residential timber building in the Netherlands. CLT panels are
used for internal walls and lift core while timber framed walls are used for the external walls.
Malm Hus houses 56 starter apartments from which four apartments are situated on the
ground floor for disabled people.
Each apartment has an individual storeroom situated at ground floor. The lift and
stairwell are situated on the east side and are entirely made of timber. Above the storerooms on
the north side, a slender bridge connects the building which makes the building u-shaped.
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Figure 5.1 Malm Hus in Almere, the Netherlands
Image taken from University of Delft website, http://repository.tudelft.nl/assets/uuid:952bbf5e-
a5b4-487f-bcae-50bb4f6d256b/rapport.pdf

The local authority did not agree with a 100 percent timber building and required a stone
like material for the ground floor to ensure fire safety. Because of this requirement, the first floor
is made of reinforced concrete and the ground floor walls are made of sand lime bricks. The four
upper storeys consist of timber. CLT panels are used for internal walls and to stabilize the
building. To ensure a good acoustic separation between apartments, the party walls consists of
two CLT panels with thickness of 115 mm and 60 mm cavity. The longitudinal stabilizing walls
have a thickness of 81mm and are continuous over two storeys.
Kerto floor panels are used because a massive timber floor is inefficient over a 7.5 metre
span. The floor panels span from party wall to party wall and are connected with the stabilizing
walls in order to transmit horizontal forces.

5.1.1 Acoustics Performance
Two different adjustments were made regarding the stabilizing walls. In one wing of the
building all linings were already placed on the stabilizing walls, so they added an additional 12,5
mm gypsum board. In the other wing of the building the lining placement was not advanced, so
instead of the original 15 mm gypsum board a gypsum fiber board is placed on a frame with
mineral wool. The airborne sound insulation fulfils the requirements very well, but the impact
sound insulation is just one dB above the required 5 dB. It was therefore better to use thicker
and heavier CLT panels for the stabilizing walls.

5.1.2 Fire safety
The building has a fire safety requirement of 90 minutes. This requirement is achieved
by placing 15 mm gypsum boards.

5.1.3 Long term effects
The designers opted to use CLT for the cores. The final deformation per storey resulted
in not more than 2 mm.
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Figure 5.2 Floors discontinuous walls Figure 5.3 Continuous stabilizing walls
Image taken from University of Delft website, http://repository.tudelft.nl/assets/uuid:952bbf5e-
a5b4-487f-bcae-50bb4f6d256b/rapport.pdf

5.2 Case Study 2: Limnologen, Sweden
Limnologen consists of four identical 8-storey high timber buildings. Limnologen is the
first timber medium rise building in Swedenand has been conducted and evaluated in close
collaboration with leading experts in timber buildings. The buildings have a combined floor area
of 10700 m
2
spread over 134 apartments.
CLT elements are used as walls and floors and traditional timber framed walls are used
for apartment separation. All exterior walls and the apartment separating walls are load bearing
elements. The floor system is developed by Martinsons and consists of a composite floor made
of CLT panels and glulam beams. The CLT panel acts as the top plate and is glued and
screwed to the glulam web elements.
The glulam web elements consist of two glulam elements which are connected using
adhesives. At delivery the floor elements includes parts of the installations (ventilation, water,
electricity and sprinklers) and parts of the insulation and self-supporting ceiling.
The advantage of this floor system is the high acoustic performance and the integrated
installations. However, the floor panels are very thick, approximately 500 mm.

Figure 5.4 Limnologen in Vxj, Sweden
Image taken from University of Delft website, http://repository.tudelft.nl/assets/uuid:952bbf5e-
a5b4-487f-bcae-50bb4f6d256b/rapport.pdf

5.2.1 Acoustics Performances
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To fulfil Swedish requirements the walls and floor slabs are discontinuous in order to
reduce flanking sound transmission. A polyurethane sealant is used between walls and flange of
the floor elements. The screw and washers used to connect the floor and wall panels are also
fitted with polyurethane to reduce sound transmission.

5.2.2 Fire safety
The four buildings are equipped with residential sprinklers. This is not needed according
to the Swedish legislation, but made designs possible that otherwise would not be possible. The
South facade consists of timber, which is only allowed if the building is equipped with sprinklers.
The vertical distance between the windows on the north-west facade has been minimized and
the timber surface of the CLT panels of the balconies is visible from below. These designs were
possible since it can be shown that the fire safety of the building is sufficient.

5.2.3 Long term effects
Deformation measurements are performed at Limnologen building. The measuring
equipment was permanently mounted along a vertical line on the outside of the CLT panel. This
equipment measures the vertical relative displacement storey by storey. The measurements
started after all self-weight were in place including gypsum boards, installations etc.

Figure 5.5 Deformation measurements
Image taken from University of Delft website, http://repository.tudelft.nl/assets/uuid:952bbf5e-
a5b4-487f-bcae-50bb4f6d256b/rapport.pdf

6.1 Conclusion

In summary, Cross Laminated Timber is a great alternative to steel and other
conventional building materials for highrise structures. Although the technology is young, it has
great potential especially because of its structural properties and low environmental impact.
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Cross Laminated Timber is endorsed by the Malaysian Timber Council as an alternative
building method for highrise structures. In fact, there are plans to introduce CLT into Singapore
and Malaysia before the product hits the rest of the Asian market.

The biggest hurdle for this technology seems to be the assumptions made about wood
as a material. Clients believe that any wood structure would behave like a balloon frame, with its
structural weaknesses and vulnerability to fire. As Thistleton of Waugh Thistleton Architects
says, One thing we found was the inability of anyone to distinguish between mass timber and a
timber frame.

Thus, it looks like architects, engineers and planners need to be exposed to this
technology and need to educate the clients on the true structural integrity of Cross Laminated
Timber and its potential for any project. (Risen, 2014)





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REFERENCES

Brandner, R. (2011) Production and Technology of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Retrieved
19 September 2014, from http://www.tilling.com.au/smartstruct/cross-laminated-timber

Egmond, S. (2011) Medium rise timber buildings in the Netherlands. Masters Thesis, Delft
University of Technology, Netherlands.

Gagnon, S. (2010) Introduction to Cross Laminated Timber. [Online] Available:

http://www.forestprod.org/buy_publications/resources/untitled/summer2012/Volume%20
22,%20Issue%202%20Mohammad.pdf [Accessed 20 September 2014]

Karacaveyli, E. (2013) Innovations and Binational Softwood Lumber Council.-U.S.Edition of
the CLT Handbook. [Online] Available:
http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cs/groups/pan/@pan/documents/web_informational/dpds021
903.pdf [Accessed 21 September 2014]

Mandegarian M. and Milev S. (n.d.) Cross Laminated Timber. [Online] Available:
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arian/CLT%20Term%20Project%20by%20Arshia%20and%20Svet.pdf [Accessed
23 September 2014]
Miller, G. (2012, January 13) Cross-laminated timber: the sky's the limit. Retrieved 23
September 2014, from The Guardian Online:
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/cross-laminated-timber-built-e
nvironment
Mohammad, M. (2011) Connection in CLT Assemblies. [Online] Available:
http://cecobois.com/pdf/CLT/12-Connections_in_CLT_Assemblies(Mohammad).p
df [Accessed 22 September 2014]

Pavlyukovskiy, A. (2012) Using of Cross Laminated Timber in Russia. Bachelors Degree,
Saimaa University of Applied SciencesTechnology, Lappeenranta.

Risen, C. (2014) The World's Most Advanced Building Material Is Wood. Retrieved 20
September 2014, from
http://www.popsci.com/article/technology/worlds-most-advanced-building-material-wood-
0

Schmidt, J. and Griffin, C.T. (n.d.) Barriers to the design and use of cross-laminated timber
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structures in high-rise multi-family housing in the United States [Online] Available:
http://web.pdx.edu/~cgriffin/research/jschmidt_clt.pdf [Accessed 20 September 2014]

Walker, P. [n.d] Cross Laminated Timber- An introduction to low-impact building materials
[Online] Available:
http://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/projects/low_impact_materials/ip17_11.pdf [Accessed
20 September 2014]

Wiegand, T. (2013) Building with cross laminated timber. [Online] Available:
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