Kruislaaghout

Kruislaaghout, often referred to in English as cross-laminated timber (CLT), is a prefabricated structural wood panel used in buildings. It is produced by bonding several layers of softwood boards with their grain directions alternating at right angles, creating a solid, rigid panel suitable for walls, floors, and roofs. The resulting panel combines the natural properties of wood with the stability of engineered construction.

Manufacture and composition: CLT panels typically consist of 3 to 7 layers. The outer layers are aligned with the panel faces while inner layers are rotated 90 degrees, giving high in-plane strength and stiffness. Panel thickness can range from about 60 mm to more than 300 mm, depending on load and span requirements. Glue types vary, and panels are hot-pressed to achieve the final strength and stability. Finishes and cutouts are added in the factory as needed.

Properties and performance: Kruislaaghout offers a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, good dimensional stability, and rapid construction benefits from prefabrication. It exhibits strong performance in bending and shear, satisfactory acoustic and thermal properties, and fire resistance through char formation that protects the interior. The material is typically produced in large panels, enabling efficient on-site assembly and reduced construction waste.

Applications and standards: CLT is used for walls, floors, roofs, and entire modular building systems, including mid-rise and some high-rise timber construction. Its use is governed by regional building codes and international standards that address design, testing, and performance. Moisture management and appropriate detailing are essential to ensure long-term durability.

Sustainability and considerations: Wood is a renewable resource that stores carbon, contributing to lower lifecycle emissions when sourced from certified forests. Environmental considerations include adhesive emissions and end-of-life options. Adoption depends on supply chains, climate suitability, and cost relative to alternative structural systems.