Physical and mechanical properties of cross-laminated timber made from Pinus tecunumanii wood

Abstract

Timber from forest plantations is of great relevance to be used as a substitute for timber from natural forests; thus, reducing pressure on them and in such a way indiscriminate felling. Alternative building materials, like cross-laminated timber (CLT), are being sought in the world. In Colombia, the CLT production is not well-studied; thus, this investigation characterized the physical and mechanical behavior of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in three layers made with Pinus tecunumanii wood manufactured by Finger Joint and wood plank systems. In each of the CLTs, density, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture in static bending were evaluated. Both manufacturing systems produced CLTs with an air-dry medium density and low resistance to static bending. The CLT made with finger joints showed low elasticity, while the CLT made with a solid wood planks system showed medium elasticity. The results of this study, with wood match material Pinus tecunumanii showed higher values than those reported for other woods. Future studies should focus on determining changes in the physical and mechanical properties of CLT with quality-rated wood.