Cross-laminated timber (X-LAM)
X-LAM is a structural timber two-way spanning panel that can be used to form walls panels, floor panels and shear walls. It is produced by laminating 3, 5 or 7 layers of finger jointed timber panels to each other using a formaldehyde free adhesive with each layer being orientated 90 degrees to the adjacent layers. X-LAM panels are available in Spruce, Swiss pine, Douglas fir, Silver fir and larch.
Panels can currently be produced in widths up to 1.25m, (though this is shortly to be increased), and lengths up to 24m however transport restrictions will dictate the length of the panels.
In order to achieve different levels of structural performance efficiently X-LAM panels are available in a number of thicknesses ranging from 66mm to 341mm. The thickness and number of laminations is dependent on a number of different factors such as the loading conditions, span and required fire performance.
As is the case with glulam one of the major advantages of X-LAM is the inherent fire resistance of the raw material. X-LAM can be designed to accommodate substantial fire resistance and unlike steel remains structurally stable when subjected to high temperatures. X-LAM panels can be produced with fire resistances of 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
X-LAM is available with a variety of surface finish qualities therefore higher quality finishes can be used where an exposed timber finish is desirable while lower quality finishes can be specified where panels are unseen. For visible panels a sanded or brushed finish can be applied.
Openings can also be pre-cut in the factory for windows, doors, stairs or services.
Due to the cross laminating construction movement of the timber panels is all but prevented (Longitudinal and transverse movement are restricted to 0.01% and 0.025% per percentage change in moisture content respectively).
