Is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) the Concrete of the Future?

Concrete is very popular all over the world, as it’s commonly used to shape countries. As new wood is emerging, one of the common types of wood is Cross-Laminated Timber. One of the best types is the Casa CLT, for example. Conversely, it is debatable whether CLT will be the concrete of the future. In this article, you will find the necessary information about cross-laminated timber. So, read along and find out your answer!

Difference of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) vs. Laminated Timber

Laminated timber is a joining board that you can use for single structural units. On the other hand, CLT is a type of plywood wood that you can use for huge dimensions. Additionally, you can easily curve the laminated timber, as the grain is aligned in one direction. However, CLT comes with perpendicular layers, which is best for walls or surfaces.

CLT: Environmental Impacts

Initially, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) came from Austria to help people reuse timber. Wood is popular worldwide, and it has become very trendy in recent days as it helps the environment. Most people tend to design and build using concrete. However, it gives out a lot of CO2 while being produced.

Natural carbon stored in trees is “sequestered carbon.” However, CLT tends to own it through the manufacturing process. Besides, it tends to emit fewer greenhouse gases, so CLT is more environment-friendly than other structures.

Structural Behaviour of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Most people compare CLT with concrete, so you call it the “concrete of the future.” CLT has a similar structure to concrete, but it is more flexible. Additionally, you will realize that CLT is deformable. So, this means you can break or collapse when you want. On average, the weight of CLT is different from concrete. 1m3 concrete is about 2.7 tons, whereas CLT is about 400kg with the same resistance.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) against Fire

In most cases, people die because of smoke in a fire. Smoke can move past slits or open spaces in a short time. Therefore, you can use CLT to make an airtight space. However, you need to make sure that you select all the elements to produce a good structure. In addition, make sure you choose the best joints, fittings, and seals because they help strengthen CLT 90% of the time.

CLT in Environmental Changes

Wood is affected by moisture and weather. However, as CLT is a structural component, protecting against collapse, wear, and corrosion is very important. Additionally, you can add coating layers to your wood and save it from exposure to the environment.

The best methods for protecting CLT from environmental effects are mineral and vegetable oil paints. Nevertheless, to provide proper protection for 25 years, it would be best to retouch them every five years.

Functioning CLT panels

When you start working with CLT, you must decide everything beforehand, as you can’t change your decisions on the spot; it’s very important to have a plan. Most people who work with CLT are expected to work with it virtually. Additionally, CLT works to bring precision to furniture. In rare cases, you will find an error in CLT margins of about 2mm. On the other hand, you need to follow some regulations to design and construct with CLT. However, based on European standards, CLT tends to be quite different from laminated timber and concrete. 

Recommendations for CLT

There are a few things that you need to maintain when you decide to work with CLT.  First, you need to plan and design everything in advance. This is because you can’t change anything on the spot when you start working with CLT. On the other hand, structural wood needs to be considered while you manufacture CLT. If you consider structural wood, you will have the best quality of wood. As a result, you will get the best results in your furniture without being stress-free with such CLT.

Conclusion

To sum up, CLT will be the concrete of the future. In most cases, CLT will bring major changes to the future of wood. Additionally, the wood texture is expected to be of better quality in terms of construction and design.  So, it would be best to start using CLT, as it provides more environmental benefits. Nevertheless, you must also remember that you must plan better if you choose CLT wood.