Project contact is Frederico Franca at Mississippi State University (United States)
Summary
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is part of a wood composite category called mass(ive) timber, and has desirable environmental attributes, and it fits right in as a “green” or “eco-friendly” product. CLT is able to help the building industry to reduce carbon emissions and becomes an important player in the solution for climate change. However, the number one barrier preventing the utilization of CLT is lack of knowledge, more specifically in its attributes and capabilities. There is a need for accurate and technical information on performance, integrity, and health of CLT buildings. This project seeks to increase the awareness and confidence levels of architects, engineers, and builders to adopt CLT buildings. This project will develop protocols for onsite inspections and datasets based on field tests that will enhance safety and reliable methods to assess CLT building integrity. With sound and readily applicable protocols, higher adoption rates of CLT inside the building community is expected and consequently, an increase in wood consumption and increase of competitiveness of wood products with other products such as concrete and steel, and consequently promoting economic and environmental health of communities. The technical knowledge developed in this project will be transferred to the building community and CLT industries.