Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hardwoods Cross-Laminated Timber

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Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), a type of engineered wood product, is becoming widespread in the construction sector, especially for large commercial buildings. The increased demand for CLT is due its perceived benefits over conventional building materials. To effectively utilize the numerous benefits of this modern building material, there is need to ascertain its reliability as a structural material without affecting its serviceability. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate both the physical and mechanical properties of CLT and to compare the mechanical properties of CLT manufactured with hardwood of low-grade lumber and industrially made softwood CLT. Hardwood species used to manufacture CLT panels were red oak (Quercus spp.), yellow poplar (Liriodendron spp.), and sweetgum (Liquidambar spp.). Commercially manufactured southern pine CLT panels were used as control. The evaluation of density was done at a moisture content of 12 percent. All specimens were mechanically tested in accordance with ASTM D198 to determine the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). The range of values for both MOE and MOR found in this study are not significantly different from values reported in a previous study. Of the hardwood samples tested, 95 percent had MOE greater than minimum allowable MOE of 1.2 × 106 psi (8,274 MPa) specified for softwood CLT by the American National Standards Institute/The Engineered Wood Association performance-rated CLT. Thus, the average MOE values observed for all the CLT species can be used as a basis for design values in the construction industry for hardwood species.

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