In mass timber construction, Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT) decking and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels offer distinct advantages. Choosing the right system for your project depends on understanding their differences and capabilities and can significantly reduce your budget.
GLT DECKING:
Single-span performance: Excellence in one-directional span performance, making it ideal for floor and roof systems supported by beams and joists. All laminations contribute to strength in the longitudinal direction, delivering superior performance per unit length in that span.
Flexibility: GLT provides great structural flexibility, especially in long-span applications. It excels in both roof decking and flooring, where bending strength is crucial.
Durability: With its grain alignment, GLT offers superior strength in one direction (longitudinal), making it a go-to choice when you need that extra structural performance.
Weight Efficiency: Since GLT is lighter and doesn’t need the same cross-layering as CLT, it can be more cost-effective for certain applications.
Aesthetic Advantage: GLT provides clean lines of continuous wood grain, creating a visually appealing, uniform surface.
𝗖𝗟𝗧 PANEL:
Multi-Directional Strength: CLT offers the advantage of multi-directional strength, which is particularly beneficial for point-supported floor systems and shear walls. This characteristic makes CLT panels an excellent option for projects that require structural support in both directions. However, while CLT panels can handle distributed loads, they may not be as strong per unit length as GLT in the longitudinal direction due to the cross-lamination of the wood fibers.
Quick Installation: CLT is often chosen for quick installation on large projects due to the prefabricated nature of the panels, reducing on-site labor, and shortening construction schedules.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- For projects with beams and joists, GLT decking is the superior choice due to its strength in one direction.
- In cases where multi-directional strength is necessary, or where speed of installation is a priority, CLT is the better option.
Both products are critical to efficient, sustainable construction, but understanding when and where to use them can lead to better project outcomes and improved budget. Let us help you meet your budget goals Mass Timber Services