Commercial
Cross-Laminated Timber Applications for Every Project
By Reed Newcomer, PE
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is seeing increased use by architects and engineers because of the numerous structural applications it can accomplish in various building projects. While CLT panels are typically used for horizontal elements such as roofs and floors, they are becoming more common for vertical elements such as walls and cores. In other words, there are CLT applications for almost every project in the built environment.
If you are considering using it in your next project, discuss it with your engineering team early in the project cycle to determine if CLT fits your goals and constraints.
What’s So Special About Cross-Laminated Timber?
CLT falls under the mass timber umbrella. While there are similar mass timber products like nail-laminated timber (NLT) and dowel-laminated timber (DLT), CLT construction is much different. In CLT, fabricators place wooden planks into rectangular panels consisting of several layers of dimensional solid-sawn lumber or structural-composite lumber boards. These boards are stacked orthogonally in an alternating orientation and glued together on their broad faces. This orthogonal layering allows CLT to span bi-directionally within the plane; properties that make it the most versatile among the other mass timber products.
Where Can You Use CLT?
CLT can benefit structural applications in several ways. The following chart provides some ideas that make work well in your next project.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
 | Floors Floor panels are the most common use of CLT. Typical configurations consist of post-and-beam construction for single-span systems or post-and-panel construction where the panels span in two directions and are supported directly on posts. Floor systems often incorporate a thin concrete topping slab. |
 | Roofs CLT roof panels are installed like floor panels. Since CLT comes in large panels, a roof can be installed to enclose the structure from inclement weather in a short amount of time. CLT roof panels can also form two orthogonal, cantilevered overhangs for soffits without the need for additional reinforcing. Panels can also span up to 40 feet which is a major benefit in low-snow-load regions. |
 | Walls CLT panels are also great solutions for non-load bearing and load-bearing walls. Due to the dimensional stability of the alternating layers of wood, CLT can achieve long spans with relatively thin and lightweight panels. For exterior walls, the panels can help with the insulation in the building envelope. |
 | Shear Walls and Diaphragms CLT panels can create effective lateral load resisting systems. It’s important to know that there is no prescriptive code path or design standard when using CLT in lateral force resisting systems. Consult the 2015 NDS and 2015 IBC, and please consult your structural engineering team for more information and clarifications. |
 | Cores and Shafts CLT cores and shafts are quick to erect while having the ability to provide load-bearing support or being part of the lateral force-resisting system. Both elevator and stair shafts can also have two-hour fire resistance ratings without needing a drywall finish. |
Plan Early
Though there are several applications and benefits of CLT, it is not the one and only solution for every building. However, if you are considering using it in your next project, discuss it with your engineering team early in the project cycle to determine if CLT fits your goals and constraints.
We would love to know how you’ve incorporated CLT into your projects. We’ve had some recent experience using CLT for a variety of applications and are always happy to share some ideas and hear about the plans for your projects. Please reach out any time!
About The Author
As a structural engineer in our Bend office, Reed Newcomer thrives on using creativity to support his clients' goals.
Learn more about Reed
