American tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as an innovative material in CLT technology

Abstract

American tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as an innovative material in CLT technology. CLT (cross laminated timber, X-Lam) is one type of engineered wood products. The first idea of CLT was presented in the seventies of the last century. It is manufactured with timber boards placed side by side commonly with 3, 5 and 7 layers glued at 90 degrees to adjacent layer. The CLT production technology was developed for softwood. The main species in CLT production is Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and less often White fir (Abies alba Mill.). Hardwood is also used more and more for production of CLT, most often, the wood of Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), poplars (Populus spp.), Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). This paper describes the suitability of cheap tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as a raw material for the production of CLT. Examples of the use of this type of panels in construction are also presented. The tulipwood has similar physical characteristics to softwood, for which CLT production technologies were previously developed. This makes it possible to use the technology previously for softwood CLT was developed. In addition, the tulipwood is characterized by aesthetic visual quality (wood surface similar to marble). Thanks to this, CLT boards to make exposed surfaces can be used.