“Completing the Cycle” with Hardwood CLT: Innovation in material development and utilization
Author ORCID Identifier
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/bfvd-eh82
Abstract
The New River Train Observation Tower design-build project utilizes custom-fabricated hardwood cross- laminated timber to construct an ADA accessible viewing tower in Radford, Virginia. The project showcases hardwood CLT research that positions the engineered biomaterial as a potential key asset for circular carbon economies and low-carbon construction. The study investigated the local sourcing, pressing, CNC fabrication, prefabrication, and exterior utilization of hardwood CLTs made with low-grade, locally-sourced Yellow Poplar. The project is the first example of prefabricated hardwood CLT construction in the United States and serves as an initial full-scale exterior test of fabrication and decay-prevention processes for the building product. Natural preservatives including a pine- tar-linseed-oil mix and wax were used to protect the CLT. BIM technologies such as Revit and Tekla were used to optimize the fabrication, shipment, and on-site assembly processes. The project illustrates that the upcycling and distributed manufacturing of locally-sourced, engineered biomaterials can provide novel architectural opportunities while enhancing local economies.
Recommended Citation
Becker, Edward
(2019)
"“Completing the Cycle” with Hardwood CLT: Innovation in material development and utilization,"
Building Technology Educator's Society: Vol. 2019
Caryn Brause, Peggi L. Clouston, Naomi Darling (Eds.), Amherst, MA, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.7275/bfvd-eh82
Available at:
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/btes/vol2019/iss1/47
