Modern Timber Technologies
Timber construction is currently in an era of renaissance. New manufacturing processes and advanced engineering have allowed the development and implementation of advanced timber construction systems. These systems meet and exceed modern construction requirements including fire codes, building costs, construction times and structural requirements. The variety of architectural treatments and adaptability of these wood products make them a great choice for many modern structures. Paired with these new timber products there are a variety of different design methodologies and systems that take full advantage of these technologies to optimize modern timber construction systems. A listed of modern products and an informative outline is listed below.
CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES
There are three main current construction methodologies employed in modern timber construction. The most traditional and standard in North America is on site construction where the majority of construction is done on site. Raw materials are brought to the site and processed in place. The second which is very popular in Europe and slowly coming to fruition in North America and Oceania is pre-fabricated, panelized or pre-modulated construction. This involves a large portion of the work being done offsite in controlled environments where repetitive processes can be speed up significantly and done concurrently to other works on site. This allows overall time savings and risk reduction in the construction process. Finally the third method is volumetric construction where entire volumes are finished offsite in a controlled environment. This further enhances many benefits of pre-modulation but can also create some issues with transportation.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
There are a variety of building systems used in different regions around the world. These systems can be broken down into three main sub categories. All-Wood, Wood Concrete Hybrid and Wood Steel Hybrid. Each method is generally preferred by a different region according to local codes and legislation. These systems can further be subdivided into more specific construction trends.
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MODERN PRODUCTS:
Cross Laminated TimberCross Laminated Timber (CLT) was developed in the mid 90's in Austria and has steadily been gaining market growth for its adaptability and ease of use.
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Timber Concrete CompositeTimber Concrete Composite (TCC) has been used many times but is only recently becoming a mainstream solution for hybrid timber structures. TCC combines wood and concrete to create a hybrid structure reducing overall weight while providing a number of hybrid advantages.
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GLUE LAMINATED TIMBERGlulam has been successfully used an extensive range of projects for over 100 years. Modern glulam features a variety of glue options, such as clear glues and surface treatments. Long span and optimized glulam systems have been developed alongside prefabrication systems that take advantage of proficient BIM design systems and CNC production facilities.
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LAMINATED VENEER LUMBERLaminated Veneer Lumber is produced by gluing together veneers of timber. This increases material usage from the raw tree and can provide a higher certified strength portfolio. This also produces a dimensionally stable visually appealing finishing product. LVL can be used as columns, beams, mullions and large panels.
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PARALLAMParallam can be used in similar applications to Glulam and LVL. Parallam is only available in North America currently. Parallam has a higher certified strength profile and can increase beam spans with less material used.
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NAIL LAMINATED TIMBER
Nail laminated timber works to produce a quick span solution for roofs and flooring applications. This process has been in use since the early 1900's and can prove to be an effective solution.
Traditional technologies
Plywood, OSB, LSL, Stud framing and other traditional wood construction technologies can still be used in many parts of modern timber buildings.