In the past few years, the environmental impact of the construction industry has become a major concern to many organizations. Traditional building materials, like concrete, are made from multiple resources like water and sand. The production process of these materials gives rise to harmful carbon emissions. Manufacturers are trying to discover alternative materials for such elements to lower the negative impact on the environment.
One of the alternative materials gaining momentum is cross-laminated timber (CLT). It is an engineered wood material that offers multiple benefits, such as design flexibility, structural integrity, and sustainability. CLT is manufactured by gluing and stacking layers of solid wood in a perpendicular way with lower layers. This is the main reason behind the high strength of CLT. The cross-laminated timber market is predicted to register an impressive CAGR of 8.4% by 2032.
The exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of CLT panels makes them a perfect option for a wide range of building applications. They provide high load-bearing capacity for large spans and tall buildings. The panels also possess high dimension stability, which lowers the risk of distortion, warping, and shrinkage. Moreover, CLT comes under the category of prefabricated components. The panels are manufactured offsite, reducing the on-site waste formed due to cutting. The lightweight nature simplifies handling and transportation. This minimizes labor requirements and accelerates the construction process.
Role of advanced innovations in enhancing the potential of cross-laminated timber
Technological advancements play a major role in highlighting the potential of CLTs. Advanced software including CAD and BIM are essential tools for developing mass timber buildings. With these technologies, project managers can design accurate 3D models, boost material usage, and address problems before the project begins.
CNC machines help cut timber components as per specifications. Panelized construction systems include the usage of prefabricated mass timber walls, roof panels, and floors, that are arranged on-site. Mass timber aspects are linked using advanced connectors and hardware for timer-to-steel or timber-to-timber connections. The construction is also equipped with fire-protecting systems, which improves their working.
Building a sustainable future with CLTs
Using cross-laminated timber is known as a sustainable practice. The wood used in the manufacturing of CLTs is derived from managed forests. Sustainable forestry practices guarantee the regeneration and replenishment of the timber resource. Also, wood manufacturing and processing require low energy, leading to decreased greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing.
Additionally, CLT-based construction maintains indoor temperatures by reducing the requirement for excessive cooling or heating, which makes them sustainable. This energy conservation lowers operating costs and energy consumption of the building.
Accurate assembly and production reduce wastage and time, leading to a circular economy.
CLT is estimated to revolutionize the construction sector with advanced materials and technologies. These panels can be installed rapidly as compared to conventional materials. These panels have made open-concept spaces, complicated facades, curved walls, and other innovative building designs possible. It helps architectures to experiment with CLT to promote sustainable designs.
Asia-Pacific’s growth in the cross-laminated timber market
As per the regional analysis of the cross-laminated timber market, Asai-Pacific is witnessing substantial growth. The region is developing quickly, with a fast-growing population and rapid urbanization.. Owing to this, demand for construction is high, positively impacting the market. The development of commercial sectors across the region contributes to the growth of the industry. The growing preference for eco-friendly construction materials and green buildings fuels sectoral expansion. Moreover, favorable government policies supporting the use of CLTs are boosting the revenue of multiple companies. Also, emerging economies like Japan are rapidly integrating CLT in earthquake-resistant constructions.
Stora Enso inaugurated a production site for cross-laminated timber
In October 2022, Stora Enso inaugurated its new manufacturing site for the production of cross-laminated timber in Ždírec, Czech Republic. The new site represents Stora Enso’s strategy for growth within wooden building solutions. With this site, CLT production capacity of Stora Enso is anticipated to grow rapidly to meet the rising demand for cost-effective, renewable, and sustainable building materials.
Obayashi Corp. and Built Pty Ltd. Teamed up to build a timber tower
Construction firms Obayashi Corp. and Built Pty Ltd. teamed up in September 2022 to work on the world’s tallest skyscraper for offices, accommodation and retail outlets, in central Sydney. The organizations aim to lower carbon dioxide emissions during construction by 50% or more in comparison with a traditional building project and operate the entire tower with renewable energy.
Mercer Mass Timber acquired Structurlam in June 2023
A low-carbon advanced manufacturer of timber building materials and a subsidiary of Mercer International Inc., Mercer Mass Timber, announced the acquisition of subsidiaries of Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation through parent company Mercer International, Mercer Mass Timber taken possession and continued the operation of Structurlam’s manufacturing facilities, which operate under the ‘Mercer Mass Timber’ brand, comprising a production facility located in Penticton, Canada along with Conway, Arkansas.
The acquisition has increased the mass timber production volume at Mercer Mass Timber. Mercer Mass Timber owns Structurlam’s brand assets, product and project portfolios, and intellectual property.
Final words
Cross-laminated timber is replacing conventional construction materials due to its strength, sustainability, and structural integrity. They are adaptable to technological advancements like CAD and BIM. Also, CLTs play a key role in building sustainable infrastructure as they maintain indoor temperatures by reducing the requirement for excessive cooling or heating.
