Bending behaviour of cross-laminated timber stressed-skin panels manufactured with mountain pine (Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC.)

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) are wood-based structural products in worldwide expansion. Its application as a bending element implies the consumption of a significant amount of wood as a raw material in comparison to alternative solutions. In this research, an innovative construction system based on the stressed-skin panels concept has been designed using thin CLT skins and finger-jointed wood ribs of mountain pine (Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC.) with the aim of adding value to underused wood and to increase the efficiency in the use of wood. Additionally, they are combined with cork insulation materials to obtain high natural and renewable building products to improve energy efficiency in buildings. To fulfil these objectives, two different types of stressed-skin panels, for roof and floor uses, were designed, manufactured and tested in bending, obtaining key mechanical performance information. A variation of the Gamma method was used to model the stiffness and compared with the experimental results. The efficiency in the use of wood for these innovative panels was compared with CLT elements of similar stiffness. The results will allow valorizing and wisely using this alternative species, contributing to the development of local economies in rural regions in Southwestern Europe through sustainable wood-based construction.

Automated summary

In this research, an innovative construction system based on stressed-skin panels made of thin CLT skins and finger-jointed wood ribs was designed. The aim was to add value to underused wood and improve the efficiency in the use of wood. These panels were combined with cork insulation materials to create high natural and renewable building products for better energy efficiency. The results contribute to the development of local economies in rural regions in Southwestern Europe through sustainable wood-based construction.