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

All over the world, concrete is very popular as they’re very 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.

On the other side, 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 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 these got alignment of grain in one direction. However, CLT comes with perpendicular layers, which is best for walls or surfaces.

CLT: Environmental Impacts

In the beginning, CLT came from Austria by helping people reuse timber. As wood is popular worldwide, it is getting very trendy in recent days as they are helping the environment.

Most people tend to design and build using concrete. However, it gives out a lot of CO2 while getting produced.

There is natural carbon stored in trees which 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 in terms of other structures.

Structural Behaviour of CLT

Most people compare CLT with concrete, so you call it as “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.

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. So, you need to make sure that you are selecting all the elements to produce a good structure.

In addition, make sure you choose the best joints, fittings, and seals because they would help the strength of CLT 90% time.

CLT in Environmental Changes

 Wood gets affected through 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, but you can also save them from being exposed to the environment.

To protect CLT from environmental effects, the best methods are using mineral and vegetable oil paints. Nevertheless, it would be best to retouch them every 5 years to provide proper protection for 25 years.

Functioning CLT panels

It is necessary to decide everything beforehand while you start working with CLT as you can’t change your decisions on the spot; it’s very important to have our plan.

Most people who work with CLT are expected to work with CLT virtually. Additionally, CLT works with bringing precision to furniture. In rare cases, you will find an error in CLT margins which is about 2mm.

On the other side, you need to maintain some regulations to design and construct with CLT. However, CLT tends to be quite different from laminated timber and concrete based on European standards. 

Recommendations for CLT

There are a few things that you need to maintain while 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 while you start working with CLT.

On the other hand, the structural wood needs to stay in mind while you manufacture CLT. If you think about the 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 in the future wood. 

Additionally, it is expected to see that the texture of wood has better quality with their construction and design. 

So, it would be best to start using CLT as they provide more benefits to the environment. Nevertheless, you also need to keep in mind that you need to plan better if you choose CLT wood.