Abstract
The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements in buildings is an innovative and upcoming construction method. In Norway, due to its eco-friendly potential, more widespread use of the method is expected despite limited experience to date. The lack of a domestic guiding literature related to issues such as moisture behaviour is creating uncertainties in achieving sustainable buildings and, taken together, such issues are creating a demand for more information about CLT construction in Norway. Qualitative in-depth interviews were used to obtain views based on the hands-on experience of skilled actors in the Norwegian construction industry. The informants (owner-builders, consultants, contractors and CLT suppliers) revealed different outlooks to the CLT construction process. In general, these actors experienced no more challenges with CLT construction than they did with other construction systems. In Norway, the major barrier to the more widespread use of CLT is compliance with fire safety and acoustics regulations. Differences in focus between the industry and Norwegian literature regarding moisture safety is clear. There is a lack of consistent guiding literature. Closer collaboration between industry and the research community is recommended in order to develop workable solutions. It is important to clarify the risks linked to built-in moisture and its impact on buildings. Research institutions should also focus their research on fire safety and acoustics.
Highlights
Of all types of solid wood materials, cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements are the most commonly used for building purposes [1]
This paper summarizes the findings of an interviewbased survey conducted among Norwegian CLT construction industry organisations
We have set out to assess the knowledge gap, research needs, and building physical challenges related to the use of CLT methods in the Norwegian construction industry
Summary
Of all types of solid wood materials, cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements are the most commonly used for building purposes [1]. CLT elements consist of layers of wood lamellae that are laminated perpendicular to each other. In Norway, a typical CLT element consists of 3, 5, 7 or 9 layers, glued together. Element thicknesses range from 60 to 320 mm [2]. CLT elements typically exhibit widths and lengths of up to 3.5 and 16 metres, respectively [3]. Dimensions are typically tailored to the building purpose in question. CLT elements may be incorporated in building components such as walls (both interior and exterior), flat and sloped roofs, terraces, slabs, mezzanines and shafts [1], and may function as both loadbearing and non-loadbearing components
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