InnoCrossLam: Innovative Solutions for Cross Laminated Timber Structures

Multi-storey timber construction has evolved tremendously during recent years. An important factor has been the development and acceptance of cross laminated timber (CLT) as a reliable, efficient, sustainable and versatile material. A number of questions relating to structural design on component and structure level still remain open, though.

InnoCrossLam aims at increasing even further the competitiveness of CLT as a versatile engineered product, by increasing its predictability in demanding design situations not covered by the guidelines of today, or codes and standards foreseeable in a near future. In addition, the project will further develop a previously suggested (proof-of-concept) multi-functional use of CLT in terms of its thermal activation. This is achieved by allowing conditioned air flow through channels in the CLT elements, making them an integrated part of a heating/ventilation system.

By inviting architects and engineers to define challenges faced in practice, the project will develop solutions making use of cutting-edge methods in research. The topics covered relate to a multitude of disciplines: structural design, mechanical characterisation, building physics, fire resistance and sound insulation and the work includes a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach. The project results will include new solutions with recommendations and design approaches for the use of CLT in new applications and design situations, thus increasing further its competitiveness.