CLT modular low-rise buildings: A DfMA approach for deployable structures using low-grade timber

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered wood structural panel with boards glued perpendicularly, providing dimensional stability. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) harvested from restoration forests in Pacific North West of the United States, which has a limited market value, can be value-added and made into CLT. The aim of the project presented is to develop a procedure to examine the hypothesis that low-rise modular deployable buildings can be a suitable application for Ponderosa pine CLT, and to evaluate the options and design criteria for this application. The paper presents a Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)-based methodology, focusing on the architectural and structural aspects for deployable modular CLT structures in general, and a specific case of a studio module,. Two different sets of layups of PP CLT are tested on modular studio design. A point-type connection system is proposed for easy assembly and disassembly. Preliminary results and recommendations on the use of Ponderosa pine CLT in modular structures are presented. In the next steps of the project, a demonstration module will be built to access the constructability and deployability.