Recent developments on tailored laminated timber

The paper gives an overview of the research project InnoTLT and preliminary results. The aim of InnoTLT is to develop cross-laminated timber (CLT) into next generation Tailored Laminated Timber (TLT) by studying concepts to optimise the mechanical performance while, at the same time, assuring compliance with principles of a circular economy. A general objective is to reach a 20% improvement in performance-to-material usage ratio, in relation to standard CLT of today. Walls and floors are the main areas of studies, and the paper presents early results from some of the studies, including an inventory phase gathering the industry’s perspectives on future products. An approach for early product design in terms of real-time and combined evaluation of LCA and structural response is also discussed. The results show a great potential for the industry to optimise their products, both in terms of technical performance, and in terms of environmental and climatic impact. The optimisation could be based on alternative geometries for the lay-ups, including voids (gaps), the use of hardwood laminations or the use of low-quality laminations from grading rejects or recycling.