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Europe has been a pioneer in mass timber construction and manufacturing, but in recent years, Australia and New Zealand have seen newfound investments and profit-driven margins. So, what is mass timber or cross-laminated timber (CLT), and could it replace more traditional materials such as concrete?
Mass timber may not be the first material you think of for non-residential structures such as hospitals, universities, and retail outlets. Yet, research suggests that mass timber may be a sustainable, durable, and, in some cases, cheaper option to concrete and steel.
Understanding Cross-Laminated Timber
Mass timber encompasses different methods of wood being layered and bonded together to create structural elements. Cross-laminated timber – when timber is layered perpendicular to one another and glued together – is the most popular method in Australia and New Zealand.
Benefits of CLT
- Sustainability: Timber offers environmental advantages, notably in carbon capture, aiming to lower construction’s carbon footprint.
- Durability: Mass timber’s excellent strength-to-weight ratio and earthquake resilience make it a safe, long-lasting choice for building in seismic zones.
- Cost Efficiency: Although timber typically has higher upfront costs due to off-site manufacturing, construction costs can be significantly reduced as it is prefabricated before delivery, lowering labor costs and waste.
- Construction Time: Prefabrication reduces on-site construction time. For instance, the US company CD Smith reported a 25% reduction in construction time when using timber.
Comparative Cost Analysis
A study in Sydney conducted by Forest and Wood Products Australia compared the cost advantage of timber for non-residential buildings to traditional forms of construction such as concrete. The research found that the cost-benefit of timber ranged from 2.2% for a single-story industrial shed to 9.4% for a two-story aged care center.
However, the region’s limited supply chain keeps costs higher than concrete. Further education and investment are required to ensure engineers and architects are equipped to build with lighter but equally durable materials.
Durability and Safety of CLT
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There is a misconception surrounding the durability and safety of timber structures. Mass timber or CLT has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which is governed and can be adapted by each panel’s thickness. XLam, one of the mass timber manufacturers in the region, claims that CLT has a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to concrete.
Research shows that when cross-laminated timber is burnt, it ‘chars’ or burns evenly and in a predictable manner. Despite burning, the even char allows for the center of the timber to remain intact, maintaining structural integrity. Timber beams also have higher levels of ductility, allowing them to withstand distortion without breaking, making it a sensible option for seismic-prone regions.
In 2006, New Zealand, an earthquake-prone nation, invested greatly in a “wood first” policy that facilitated education, research and funding to build demonstration buildings. In February 2022, Australia also launched a $300 million dollar Cross-Laminated Timber Building program to expand the industry domestically.
Environmental Impact
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According to the Australian Government, 22% of the country’s carbon emissions come from commercial and residential buildings. While the industry is currently dominated by concrete and steel, timber’s ability to trap and hold carbon, known as carbon sequestration, makes it an eco-friendly option if sourced sustainably.
Timber NSW reports that “for every dry tonne of timber produced, 1.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide is taken from the atmosphere. This carbon remains ‘locked up’ for the life of the wood, even when it is used for building products or furniture, helping to offset global greenhouse gas emissions.”
The CEFC, an Australian government-owned investment company, suggests that “the use of mass timber construction methods cut as much as 75% in embodied carbon emissions compared with conventional steel and concrete designs.”
Blue-Collar Jobs and Opportunities for CLT
In the field of trade jobs in Australia, here are the top opportunities in the blue-collar sector that will be in demand in Australia for cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction, along with their descriptions:
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1. Timber Framers
Timber framers specialize in constructing the skeleton of buildings using timber materials. In CLT construction, they will be responsible for assembling and installing pre-fabricated CLT panels and ensuring that they are properly aligned and secured.
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2. Carpenters
Carpenters in CLT construction will focus on cutting, shaping, and installing wooden structures and fixtures. They will work with CLT panels, ensuring precise cuts and fits, and may also be involved in finishing work such as installing doors, windows, and interior woodwork.
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3. Joiners
Joiners will work primarily in a workshop setting, creating the components that will be assembled on-site. For CLT construction, this could involve fabricating detailed wooden elements that integrate with CLT panels, such as custom joints, staircases, and other intricate woodwork.
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4. Machine Operators
Machine operators will run the specialized machinery used in the production of CLT panels. This includes CNC machines for cutting and shaping the panels, as well as presses and adhesive application machines. They ensure that the production process is efficient and that the panels meet quality standards.
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5. Construction Laborers
General construction laborers will assist with various tasks on-site, including transporting materials, preparing sites for construction, and assisting skilled tradespeople. In CLT projects, they may also be involved in handling and positioning the large CLT panels.
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6. Site Supervisors
Site supervisors oversee the day-to-day operations on the construction site, ensuring that work is progressing according to schedule and that safety protocols are followed. In CLT construction, they coordinate the various trades and manage the logistics of handling large prefabricated panels.
Future Outlook
As Australia and New Zealand continue to invest on both a national and local scale, supply chain and product procurement difficulties are expected to ease. Current legislation and approval around creating such structures require enhancements to make timber a viable and commonplace product.
Increased investment from national bodies is promising for creating large-scale change and developing local expertise in cross-laminated timber. While the product costs more upfront, timber yields promising results in the increasingly ‘eco’ global economy.
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Conclusion
Cross-laminated timber may be the next major disruptor in the construction industry. Its sustainable benefits, combined with government support and industry investment, point to a future where timber plays a significant role in building non-residential structures. To ensure you have the right staff to keep your business moving, reach out to Dayjob Recruitment today.
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