Cross laminated timber building costs are competitive: study
Published in the online Journal of Commerce, written by Russell Hixson
Cross laminated timber (CLT) construction is cheaper than conventional methods, but not by much, a new study shows. However, the study predicts that in the future, building material could get a lot cheaper.
The study, the first of its kind, was conducted by Mahlum, Walsh Construction and Coughlin Porter Lundeen Engineering to determine the feasibility of CLT construction in the Pacific Northwest, mainly focusing on Seattle.
The study states that CLT means fewer skilled labourers are needed, shorter construction times, better tolerances and quality, safer work, and utilization of local and sustainable materials.
It was also found to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
"As a new, unproven material in the Pacific Northwest, this study investigates the competitiveness of CLT versus traditional materials for low high-rise buildings," it states.
The study defined "low high-rise buildings" as being taller than 75 feet but shorter than 125 feet.
When compared to the base 10-storey concrete building, the CLT option offered an estimated four per cent cost saving.
Read the full article here.