Residential long-span timber floor typologies: a comprehensive performance assessment and opportunities for value adding to plantation hardwood

Abstract

ABSTRACT High-performance engineered wood products (EWPs) and composite mass timber products (CMTPs) are being employed more frequently in residential projects with increasing interest in more sustainable systems that achieve long-spans. The relative performance of these systems is not readily apparent, with individual manufacturers offering proprietary products assembled from specific timber resources. In addition, the suitability of producing these long-span systems using plantation hardwoods is currently unknown. This research investigated the comparative performance of four typical EWPs and CMTPs; 1. solid slab, 2. thin-walled cassette, 3. T-sections, and 4. slab on beam. Key performance metrics of depth, mass, stiffness, vibration response, fire performance and global warming potential were assessed. The mechanical performance of two high-strength plantation hardwood varieties (Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus globulus) were determined experimentally and subsequently used to re-calculate performance criteria for the previously assessed typologies. Substantial improvements over the typical softwood varieties were identified, particularly in structural efficiency, global warming potential and fire performance. This highlights the potential for value adding to plantation hardwoods by using them in high-performance long-span engineered floor products.