Cross-laminated timber made of Hungarian raw materials

G Marko,L Bejo,P Takats

doi:10.1088/1757-899x/123/1/012059

G Marko, L Bejo + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/123/1/012059

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Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), generally made out of softwood, enjoys increasing popularity throughout Europe. This material offers a versatile, eco-friendly technology to create strong, lightweight and energy-efficient buildings. Unfortunately, the sites and climatic conditions in Hungary are not suitable for growing high-quality coniferous trees. Transporting raw materials from other countries (sometimes thousands of kilometres away) negates the environmental advantages of wood-based construction. Local options are definitely preferable from an ecological aspect.Poplar wood (populus spp.) is of great economic importance in Hungary. There are several relatively high density, high strength varieties growing in large quantities in Hungary, that may be used as alternatives to softwood, with comparable properties. There is an increasing interest in using poplar as a construction material, especially in regions were there is a shortage of traditional construction timber.This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation to create CLT using poplar lumber. Laboratory-scale CLT specimens were created in a hot press, and tested for their loadbearing capacity. The MOR values of poplar CLT are comparable to, albeit somewhat lowerthan those of softwood CLT. Further investigations are required to establish the economic viability and technological conditions for the commercial production of poplar CLT.

Highlights

Lightweight residential construction is gaining in popularity all over Europe, especially due to the increasingly stringent regulations that is pushing for near-zero emission buildings
This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation to create Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) using poplar lumber
Lightframe houses are especially suitable for this purpose, due to their superior thermal insulation, and low embodied energy. They have been criticized because of their low heat storage capacity [1], and regarding the potentially unhealthy living environment that may arise depending on the type of ventilation system used [2]

Summary

Introduction

Lightweight residential construction is gaining in popularity all over Europe, especially due to the increasingly stringent regulations that is pushing for near-zero emission buildings. Lightframe houses are especially suitable for this purpose, due to their superior thermal insulation, and low embodied energy In the meantime, they have been criticized because of their low heat storage capacity [1], and regarding the potentially unhealthy living environment that may arise depending on the type of ventilation system used [2]. The resulting panels (typically composed of 3-9 layers, but may be as many as 17 layers) are strong, dimensionally stable, versatile, tailored to create any kind of wall, ceiling, or roof surfaces They have a relatively large mass to facilitate heat storage, provide a healthy living environment if left exposed (due to wood’s excellent humidity control capacity), and pleasant in appearance

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