Mass Timber
Though wood is the material of choice for structural applications in low-rise constructions, concrete and steel systems remain the dominant material in medium-to-high-rise constructions. Mass timber, a group of engineered wood products, presents a sustainable and structurally sound alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel. Mass timber products encompass cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued laminated timber (GLT/Glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), nail-laminated timber (NLT), mass plywood, and other engineered panel and beam products. CINTRAFOR research shows that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential as a result of utilizing mass timber structural systems over their traditional counterparts can range anywhere between 25% to 50%, depending on the building characteristics and location. CINTRAFOR researchers work with forester managers, panel producers, architects, builders, and policy makers to work on various aspects of mass timber.