This joint-project in 2017 between Sapulut and University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has shown positive results to suggest that cross-laminated timber (CLT) made from sustainably planted timber can build tall buildings.

UMS students presented the research, titled “Strength and Durability Studies on the Performance of Low-Density Tropical Plantation (Paraserianthes Falcataria and Neolomarckia Cadamba) to various industry players and agency representatives.

Sapulut planted two tree species which are Paraserianthes Falcataria and Neolomarckia Cadamba or also known as Batai and Laran, respectively.

The research conducted studies on CLT’s strength and durability, which covers the mechanical aspects such as:

  • Different amount of layers
  • Fire resistance
  • Glue spread amount
  • Termites attack
  • Finger joint layout
  • Different adhesives wettability
  • Different lamina combination
  • Bonding properties
  • Different layers of layout

CLT refers to large-scale, prefabricated, concrete engineered wood panels – lightweight yet very strong, with superior acoustic, fire, seismic, and thermal performance.

It is also fast and easy to install, generating almost no waste onsite. CLT also offers design flexibility and low environmental impact.

Although Sabah made CLT is not ready to be used for buildings as research still needs to establish engineering data, the research team convinced that this outcome is the beginning of a bright future.

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