Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) are strong and lightweight structural building materials. CLTs are made from renewable wood resources and have significant economic potential as a new value-added product for the United States. However, market penetration has been obstructed by product affordability and lack of availability for use. Previous studies and projects have surveyed opinions of designers and contractors about the adoption of CLTs. No previous study was found that surveyed cost estimators, who serve the essential function of creating economic comparisons of alternative materials in commercial construction. CLTs are not included in these current cost estimation tools and software packages which may be limiting the potential use of CLT in construction.
The purpose of this study was to discover if cost estimation is being used to make structural decisions potentially affecting the marketability of CLT use in construction and building design because of the ability to estimate CLTs adequately. Through the use of a survey, the re-designing of a building, and discussions with subject matter experts, this study examined the knowledge level of cross-laminated timbers of under-surveyed building construction professions and the relationship between cost estimation and structural material choices. Their responses are demonstrating the need for better cost estimation tools for cross-laminated timbers such as inclusion in the Construction Specifications Institute's classification systems in order for CLTs to become a more competitive product. The study concluded that cost estimation is important for CLT market development, because it is being used extensively in the construction industry. / Master of Science / Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) are strong and lightweight structural building materials that also serve as a method of sequestering carbon rather than emitting carbon like more traditional construction materials. CLT construction is straightforward and quick to assemble, requiring minimal time and labor. CLTs are made from abundant and renewable wood resources and have significant economic potential as a job creator and as a new value-added product for the United States. However, market penetration has been obstructed by product affordability and lack of availability for use. Previous studies and projects have surveyed opinions of designers and contractors about CLT use. However, no previous study has been found that examined the opinions of cost estimators, who serve an essential function in providing economic comparisons of different construction systems for designers and building owners to select in the commercial construction area. CLTs are currently not included in these cost estimates, and this lack of information may be limiting the potential of this construction system. The purpose of this study was to discover if cost estimation is being used to make structural decisions potentially affecting the marketability of CLT use in construction and building design because of the ability to estimate CLTs adequately. Through the use of a survey and discussions with subject matter experts, this study examined the knowledge level of crosslaminated timbers of under-surveyed building construction professions and the relationship between cost estimation and structural material choices. They are demonstrating the need for better cost estimation tools for cross-laminated timbers such as inclusion in the Construction Specifications Institute’s classification systems in order for CLTs to become a more competitive product. Cost estimation is performed early in the design process before the structural material has been chosen. However, making cost estimates of CLT materials early in the design process is not a practical solution at this point due to the lack of cost data available. As an alternative solution, this project developed a design tool that is meant to accelerate the design process and allow companies to approach suppliers for quotes, which require mostly complete designs. While this is not a complete solution, if designs are made faster and more effortless, they should also be a more affordable investment for clients. 5 | Page Building construction professionals perceived CLT construction as too expensive, unavailable to the consumer, or unwanted by the client. It was found that the lack of data, due primarily to the material being new to the US construction industry, was a significant barrier to CLT cost estimation. The custom design of many previous CLT projects, due to the lack of CLT construction in the current building codes, limits the collection of standard CLT construction data. There is also an issue with the discrete sizes of CLT panels limiting their competitiveness. These barriers were identified in this study, and further research is needed to develop complete solutions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/96712 |
| Date | 04 February 2020 |
| Creators | Stutesman, Jonathan Harley |
| Contributors | Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Hindman, Daniel P., Hammett, A. L. (Tom), Mills, Thomas H., Edge, Kay F., Becker, Edward Gentry |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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