Cross laminated timber

CLT-plate with three layers made from spruce

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a plate-like product made from Cross laminated timber. Layers of planks are glued orientated at 90° to each other, usually in a symmetric way so that the outer layers have the same orientation. An odd number of layers is most common but there are configurations with even numbers as well (which are then arranged to give a symmetric configuration). The cross gluing allows using the plates with two span directions whereby some differences in stiffness and strength are observed along the two directions. It is similar to plywood but with distinctively thicker laminations.

CLT must not be confused with glued laminated timber (GLT), a product with all laminations orientated in the same way.[1]

CLT is claimed to be as strong and fire-resistant as structural steel or concrete. In 2016 plans were proposed for a 40-storey CLT building in Stockholm and a 100-storey tower in London.[2]

In September 2016 the world's first timber mega-tube structure was built at the Chelsea College of Arts in London, using hardwood CLT panels. The 115 feet (35 m) long "Smile" was designed by architect Alison Brooks, in collaboration with the American Hardwood Export Council, for the London Design Festival.[3]

References

  1. http://www.structuraltimber.co.uk/timber-systems/glulamclt
  2. Patrick Clark (16 May 2016) "The Race for the Wood Skyscraper Starts Here", Bloomberg Technology. Retrieved 2 October 2016.
  3. Himelfarb, Ellen (29 July 2016). "The Smile by Alison Brooks Architects Gives CLT a Boost". Architect Magazine. American Institute of Architects. Retrieved 2 October 2016.

External links

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