Students’ Project

Optimizing Lumber for CLT

Dalisson Silva Do Carmo worked with Dr. Karl Englund on research that aims to create a powerful prediction model based on the mechanics of materials to determine how much pressure is required to make low-quality lumber flat. This is particularly useful information for manufacturing of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) where the pressure applied to a CLT stack is directly related to its bond strength. As a desired outcome, this could minimize losses, optimize the manufacturing process, and could increase the usage of out-of-grade material like small-diameter timber which has been a major issue.