What is CLT?
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product made by gluing together layers of wood boards in perpendicular orientations, also known as "cross-laminated timber." Unlike other engineered wood products, CLT exhibits strength in both directions due to its cross-laminated structure. It serves not only as a structural wall element but can also be used as load-bearing walls, shear walls, and floor panels.
Advantages of CLT
Environmental Contribution: CLT represents a significant environmental benefit. It uses more wood than traditional construction methods, and since trees naturally sequester carbon during growth, CLT helps store this carbon. By utilizing local wood resources, CLT supports sustainable forest management and reduces the environmental impact of construction. Using natural timber materials aligns with both meeting our needs and being environmentally friendly.
Functional Building Material
CLT is considered one of the closest materials to solid wood. Compared to steel and concrete, timber offers a natural warmth and can regulate indoor humidity and temperature, creating a comfortable living environment.
Lightweight Large Structures
Wood has a density of approximately 0.3–0.8 g/cm³, compared to concrete's 2.3 g/cm³ and steel's 7.8 g/cm³. In terms of specific strength, wood is several times stronger than steel and concrete, making it a lightweight yet robust building material that reduces the need for additional foundation reinforcement.
Fire Resistance
While wood is combustible, CLT structures are designed with fire resistance in mind. When wood burns, it forms a protective char layer that slows the internal burning process. This characteristic helps CLT buildings maintain structural integrity longer than steel structures, which lose strength and become more susceptible to collapse under fire exposure.
Reduced Construction Time
All CLT components are precut and manufactured in the factory before being delivered to the construction site. This precision in manufacturing ensures smooth and efficient on-site assembly. Especially in large-scale projects, CLT can significantly shorten construction time and reduce labor costs compared to traditional methods.