Cross-Laminated Timber: A Survey on Design Methods and Concepts in Practice

Abstract

Cross laminated timber (CLT) is becoming increasingly popular in timber construction due to its versatility. However, its structural anistropy requires the application of particular concepts and design methods. The article on hand presents the results of a worldwide survey conducted among engineers working with this product. Thus, it presents the current state of knowledge and practice on CLT construction: an overview of the experience of engineers working with CLT design, the commonly used verification methods, and the implementation of the material properties and different required assumptions in the software. An outlook to design problems in complex design situations relevant for multi-storey buildings and potential research fields is indicated additionally. The general picture is quite heterogeneous, with little consensus on the assumptions, design methods or applied tools. A wide repertoire of different approaches based on a large range of literature is found in practice. This is in part the result of the current lack of standardisation and currently incomplete regulations. Future efforts should focus on these two aspects to increase the applicability of CLT globally and strengthen its competitiveness.