Mass timber – the emergence of a modern construction material

TLDR

Mass timber, especially cross‑laminated timber (CLT), is emerging as a sustainable, load‑bearing alternative to traditional materials for increasingly complex structures. The paper describes CLT characteristics and design and outlines current and future research needs. The authors review recent mid‑ and high‑rise CLT construction developments and identify future opportunities.

Abstract

In the move towards sustainable construction, timber and wood-based products are becoming increasingly important structural materials. The introduction of mass timber products with excellent load carrying characteristics allows timber to be used in larger, more complex structures. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel products have developed to the stage where they can be considered as economic and more sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. In this paper, the characteristics and design of CLT structures are described. Recent developments in mid- and high-rise CLT construction are reviewed and future opportunities identified. Current and future research needs are highlighted.