Evaluating the use of secondary timber in Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) production

Circular economy strategy is emerging due to the increased use of CLTs in the construction and the lumber price. The main goal of this research is to show the possibility for adopting the strategy and to optimise the utilisation of secondary wood in CLT production. Secondary woods were processed and have gone through mechanical tests for bending strength and modulus of elasticity. The mechanical tests in this study show that the wood samples are above the acceptable strength limit and can technically be used in the CLT production line. Nine CLT prototypes were produced for mechanical testing, focusing on stiffness, rolling shear and delamination tests. The overall strength and delamination results prove that recycled timber is highly applicable in CLT production if handled properly in the End-of-life process.