Optimizing bonding conditions for cross laminated timber (CLT) panels using low density hybrid poplar

approved: ______________________________________________________ Lech Muszynski Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) technology has been growing in the EU and Canada since the early 1990's and utilizes the mechanical properties of structural grade lumber to create a strong panel product for use in floor, ceiling and wall systems. The hypothesis of this project was that CLT panels made from non-structural lumber from lightweight species could also meet the performance criteria of the CLT product Standard. The objective of this project was to compare bond integrity in an optimized hybrid poplar CLT panel with standard CLT performance criteria Standard bond integrity tests were performed on CLT samples constructed using two adhesive types and three clamping pressure levels in order to find combinations that may pass the CLT product standard requirements. A lightweight structural CLT product made from hybrid poplar could be used as a model for other low density CLT products made from other less utilized resources.