08–10 OCTOBER 2019 | NEC | BIRMINGHAM UKCW Birmingham Seminar Programme 2022
THE MOISTURE DYNAMICS OF CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER
04 Oct 2022
CPD Hub
Over the past 15 years there has been much talk about cross-laminated timber (CLT) and how this construction material has enabled designers to create taller, longer, wider and more elaborate timber buildings than had previously been possible. CLT has also provided new and exciting opportunities for low/negative carbon and sustainable buildings. Providing timber and wood-based products remain dry, they will have an almost indefinite life expectancy – modern lightweight timber frame buildings have nearly 100 years of use in the UK. While CLT follows the same durability principles as lightweight timber structures, its thickness and the mass of timber used present additional considerations and risks when exposed to moisture. BM TRADA has undertaken research work on moisture dynamics in CLT with Stora Enso, a leading global supplier of wood products including CLT. The two-part project looked at both wetting risk during construction and drying rates within completed building assemblies. This talk summaries our recently published research summary on the project and discusses potential methods for protecting CLT buildings during construction as well as guidance on effective methods of drying if panels do get wet.