Structural performance of cross laminated timber panels as walls

[Abstract]: Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is made from dimensional lumber, laminated in layers with the grain in each layer placed orthogonal to the layer before it. The resultant product is not dissimilar to thick plywood. CLT is made from timber, which is an environmentally attractive option in comparison to the reinforced concrete or steel structures which dominate the multistorey building market sector. Timber is one of the very few sustainable carbon neutral building materials available. New technology such as advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and high accuracy CNC machinery are giving CLT the advantage over traditional on-site construction methods. Prefabrication is the key to CLT’s improved construction time-frames, far greater quality control, than on-site construction can deliver. There are no CLT manufacturers currently producing in Australia. Hyne and Son Pty Ltd. is a leading Australian manufacturer and distributor of engineered, structural and decorative softwood products to the building industry. This project forms part of an initial investigation into cross laminated timber wall panels, manufactured from non-structural low grade pine. Initially, the investigations will be directed solely at the low-rise multistorey residential market sector, which Hyne already services with other products. The steps required to firstly select a suitable CLT panel using Finite Element Analysis through to fabrication of a sample CLT panel, experimental design and testing of structural properties, and finally comparing results with accepted formula from the Australian standards for the design of plywood. Considerations such as fire, and deflection under load are also made. Results from initial investigations show that, even though fabricated from low grade structural timber, CLT has enormous axial capacity. Conclusions are drawn as to the application of certain parts of AS1720 Timber Structures to cross laminated timber design