Cross-laminated timber (CLT) are massive building panels that can be manufactured with lumber from thin trees that are susceptible to pest outbreaks and pose catastrophic fire threats. CLT can allow faster construction and is beginning to revive local economies in the Northwest.
Since 2011, researchers at Washington State University’s (WSU) Composite Materials and Engineering Center have worked with local companies, governments, and economic development groups to improve the performance and manufacturing process of cross-laminated timber as well as analyzing cost effectiveness and logistics of a rural to urban supply chain.
WSU is already working with milling and manufacturing partners to launch a supply chain in Eastern Washington and to identify other Western Washington opportunities.
NIFA supports this research through McIntire-Stennis Capacity Grants.
Learn more at CleanTech Alliance.
Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.
