Development of Cross Laminated Timber in the United States of America

This research focuses on the establishment of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) ventures in the United States of America (USA) and provides interested stakeholders knowledge about the product and the existing CLT industry. This research is designed to improve knowledge of CLT and manufacturing technologies for potential investors of CLT capacities in the USA.

The invention of CLT in Austria led to a paradigm change in European wood construction as it allowed the woodworking industry to enter new construction markets such as multi-story residential and non-residential buildings. The CLT industry has experienced tremendous growth in Europe. The United States is a large market for wood construction and CLT expansion in USA is anticipated in the next decade.

The thesis summarizes the historical development of CLT, its field of application, and the current status of the industry. Detailed information on the production processes of CLT from the input of raw material to the final product based on the information of the European industry is presented. A possible layout for a CLT mill in the USA is described. The concept of a capability analysis and potential input process parameters for CLT manufacturing are also presented.