Wood construction is fast becoming a leading contender in the race for sustainable building.

As a result, the number of tall wood buildings in North America is expected to increase in the coming years. According to a recent market analysis report, the global market for cross-laminated timber, or CLT, will grow to more than $2 billion in 2028 from just over $800 million in 2021.

CLT consists of at least three layers of wood panel glued together at perpendicular angles, with enough strength to support structures up to 18 stories high. First developed in Europe about 30 years ago, it has only recently become popular because it is made from a renewable resource, and has a much lower carbon footprint compared with other common building materials.

But since CLT is relatively new, some designers of larger buildings are hesitant to adopt it, says Ying Hei Chui, a University of Alberta specialist in mass timber construction. Many are unsure of its properties and how to put panels and beams together to ensure structural integrity.

That’s where Chui’s research comes in. He and his team provide designers with the information they need to use CLT with confidence, supported by a $4-million grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

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