As Wood Buildings Go Taller, Shrinkage Is a Challenge

click image to zoom   NASHVILLE, TN - Wood-framed buildings are going higher, with more builders considering wood for four, five and even six story buildings.

Builders have to consider the effect of moisture changes on wood as the structures reach greater heights. Laminated Strand Lumber - or LSL - can significantly reduce plate shrinkage in taller wood buildings, says plywood and panel products manufacturer Louisiana-Pacific.

Louisiana-Pacific recommends its SolidStart LSL, which it says mitigates wall movement. A PDF from Louisiana-Pacific explains the wood panel technology. An infographic from Louisiana-Pacific provides a visual summary.

Reports on tall building construction efforts, using FFTT uses mass timber panels as a primary structural material to achieve building heights of up to 30 stories, and construction with cross laminated panels, describe the trend.

	Wood Is Good for Tall Building Usage: Study Updated: 04/05/2012 9:33:00 AM  A study supports the use of timber in tall building construction. Commissioned by the Canadian Wood Council, "The Case for Tall Wood Buildings" highlights wood products' ability to offer flexible tower construction Read more
	All Plywood: Cross-Laminated Timber On the Rise Updated: 06/09/2012 10:30:00 PM Cross-laminated timber panel, used in a nine-story London structure, is moving into the U.S. construction market. Buildings in the U.S. and Canada use CLT sandwiches of plywood to eliminate steel or stud framing. Read more