Feasibility of Two Northeastern Species in Three-Layer ANSI-Approved Cross-Laminated Timber

Abstract

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a massive panel product made from orthogonal layers of solid-sawn lumber. Because of its composite nature and engineered layup, CLT provides the possibility of a substantial market for underutilized and lower-quality tree species. This paper presents a study that evaluates the structural performance of three-layer CLT panels fabricated from two such tree species grown in the northeastern US: eastern hemlock and eastern white pine. A total of 17 panels measuring 99×305×3.048 m were fabricated and tested to evaluate major and minor axis bending properties (apparent and effective bending stiffness and bending moment capacity) and major axis shear property (effective shear stiffness). When compared with reference design values of the American National Standards Institute/American Plywood Association (ANSI/APA) PRG 320 established CLT grades, the results show that both eastern hemlock and eastern white pine panels satisfy baseline structural performance requirements of the ANSI/APA PRG 320 standard.