Lesson 7: Wood Technology

The Canadian Forest Industry is currently applying an innovative wood technology to manufacture an important new building product known as cross-laminated timber (CLT). Cross-laminated timber is already used extensively in Europe.

To manufacture this innovative wood product, three or more layers of dimensional softwood lumber are stacked at right angles and glued together to form panels that are up to 18 metres long and 3.6 metres wide. Cross-laminated timber is very strong and can be used as a substitute for concrete in medium-rise buildings.

Structurlam Products Ltd. is a wood manufacturing company in British Columbia. It is currently manufacturing its own line of cross-laminated timber. The product is known as CrossLam.

CrossLam is up to six times lighter than concrete and one third thinner. This state-of-the-art product is ideal for floor, wall, and roof systems. It is an environmentally friendly choice for schools, health-care facilities, commercial buildings, and multi-family housing.

Watch this video to understand more about cross-laminated timber.

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