U.S. patent application number 17/106863 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for cross-laminated timber (clt) panel connection.
This patent application is currently assigned to MERCER MASS TIMBER LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is MERCER MASS TIMBER LLC. Invention is credited to Olav Felgendreher, Johannes Schneider.
Application Number | 20220136234 17/106863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005332413 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220136234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Johannes ; et
al. |
May 5, 2022 |
CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) PANEL CONNECTION
Abstract
A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) connection is provided that can
be used to connect at least two CLT components such as CLT panels.
The CLT joint includes a first CLT component, a second CLT
component, and a spline. The first CLT component includes a first
recessed channel. The second CLT component includes a second
recessed channel. A first end of the spline is configured to nest
within the first recessed channel. A second end of the spline is
configured to nest within the second recessed channel. The CLT
panel includes a first CLT side and a second CLT side. The first
CLT side includes a recessed channel. The second CLT side may be
opposite the first CLT side and includes a grooved extension. The
grooved extension and the recessed channel have complimentary
patterns. A CLT panel system is also provided comprising a
plurality of CLT panels.
Inventors: |
Schneider; Johannes;
(Vancouver, CA) ; Felgendreher; Olav; (Lake
Country, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MERCER MASS TIMBER LLC |
Vancouver |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
MERCER MASS TIMBER LLC
Vancouver
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005332413 |
Appl. No.: |
17/106863 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63110192 |
Nov 5, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/586.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/6154 20130101;
E04B 1/10 20130101; E04B 5/023 20130101; E04B 7/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/61 20060101
E04B001/61; E04B 1/10 20060101 E04B001/10 |
Claims
1. A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) joint comprising: a first CLT
component including a first recessed channel; a second CLT
component including second recessed channel; and a spline including
a first end and a second end, the first end and the first recessed
channel having complimentary patterns wherein the first end is
configured to nest within the first recessed channel, and the
second end and the second recessed channel having complimentary
patterns wherein the second end is configured to nest within the
second recessed channel.
2. The CLT joint of claim 1, wherein the first end of the spline
has a step-down profiled.
3. The CLT joint of claim 1 wherein the spline includes at least
one first seal.
4. The CLT joint of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
recessed channel and the second recessed channel includes at least
one second seal.
5. The CLT joint of claim 1, wherein the first recessed channel,
the second recessed channel, and the spline allow for displacement
of the CLT joint.
6. The CLT joint of claim 1, wherein the first CLT component and
the second CLT component are each comprised of pieces of
dimensional lumber glued and stacked in multiple crosswise
layers.
7. The CLT joint of claim 1, wherein the spline is comprised of
wood.
8. A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panel comprising: a first CLT
side including a first recessed channel; and a second CLT side
including a second recessed channel, the first recessed channel is
configured to receive a first end of a first spline and the second
recessed channel is configured to receive a second end of a second
spline.
9. The CLT panel of claim 8 further comprising a third CLT side
including a third recessed channel and a fourth CLT side including
a fourth recessed channel, the third recessed channel is configured
to receive a third end of a third spline and the fourth recessed
channel is configured to receive a fourth end of a fourth
spline.
10. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein the CLT panel is
prefabricated.
11. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first end
of the first spline and the second end of the second spline has a
step-down profile.
12. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first end
of the first spline and the second end of the second spline
includes at least one seal.
13. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein the first recessed channel
and the first end of the first spline allow for displacement.
14. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein the second recessed channel
and the second end of the second spline allow for displacement.
15. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein the CLT pane is comprised of
pieces of dimensional lumber glued and stacked in multiple
crosswise layers.
16. The CLT panel of claim 8, wherein the first spline and the
second spline are each comprised of wood.
17. A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panel system comprising: a first
CLT panel including a first CLT horizontal side including a first
recessed channel and a first CLT vertical side including a second
recessed channel; a second CLT panel including a second CLT
horizontal side including a third recessed channel and second CLT
vertical side including a fourth recessed channel; a third CLT
panel including a third CLT horizontal side including a fifth
recessed channel and a third CLT vertical side including a sixth
recessed channel; and a fourth CLT panel including a fourth CLT
horizontal side including a seventh recessed channel and a fourth
CLT vertical side including an eighth recessed channel extension; a
first spline configured to connect the first recessed channel with
the seventh recessed channel; a second spline configured to connect
the second recessed channel with the fourth recessed channel; a
third spline configured to connect the third recessed channel with
the fifth recessed channel; and a fourth spline configured to
connect the sixth recessed channel with the eighth recessed
channel.
18. The CLT panel system of claim 17, wherein at least one of the
first spline, the second spline, the third spline, and the fourth
spline include at least one seal.
19. The CLT panel system of claim 17, wherein the first spline, the
second spline, the third spine, and the fourth spline each have
step-down profiles.
20. A method of connecting a CLT panel system comprising: receiving
a first CLT panel and a second CLT panel, wherein each panel
include a recessed channel; and connecting the second CLT panel to
the first CLT panel by inserting a first end of a spline into the
recessed channel of the first CLT panel and a second end of the
spline into the recessed channel of the second CLT panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/110,192 for SPLINE, CONNECTOR AND HOIST filed on
Nov. 5, 2020, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the art of
Cross-Lamination Timber (CLT) construction, and more specifically
to a CLT joint, a CLT panel, and a CLT panel system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cross-Laminated Timber or CLT is a pre-fabricated,
engineered wood building material with unique and often superior
building, aesthetic, environmental, and cost attributes. CLT wood
panels are made by pressing perpendicular layers of lumber together
with a layer of formaldehyde-free adhesive. The fusion of
orthogonal wood layers is what gives CLT biaxial strength,
durability, and stability. CLT can serve as a system-based approach
for floors, walls, and roofs to form a high-performance,
sustainable, and beautiful mass timber building of virtually any
type.
[0004] CLT requires less energy to produce than other building
materials such as steel and concrete and is made from renewable
material. CLT panels may be prefabricated and are also lighter than
panels made from other material such as steel, thereby reducing
design costs of the building. CLT panels may be connected together
to create the floor, wall, or roof. CLT panels may be connected via
metal extrusions attached to the panels. However, metal extrusions
can be heavy, costly, and time consuming.
SUMMARY
[0005] A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) joint is provided that can be
used to connect at least two CLT components such as CLT panels. The
CLT joint connects CLT components without metal extrusions or
connectors. The CLT panel can be prefabricated and pre-assembled,
and can be easily and quickly installed. The CLT joint includes a
first CLT component, a second CLT component, and a spline. The
first CLT component includes a first recessed channel. The second
CLT component includes a second recessed channel. The spline
including a first end and a second end. The first end and the first
recessed channel have complimentary patterns. The first end is
configured to nest within the first recessed channel. The second
end and the second recessed channel have complimentary patterns.
The second end is configured to nest within the second recessed
channel.
[0006] A CLT panel is also provided. The CLT panel includes a first
CLT side and a second CLT side. The first CLT side includes a first
recessed channel. The second CLT side may be opposite the first CLT
side and includes a second recessed channel. The first recessed
channel is configured to receive a first end of a first spline. The
second recessed channel is configured to receive a second end of a
second spline
[0007] A CLT panel system is also provided comprising a plurality
of CLT panels configured to connect to each other. A method of
connecting the CLT panel system is also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is
shown in the drawings different embodiments. It should be
understood, however, that the teachings are not limited to the
precise CLT joint, CLT panel, and CLT panel system arrangement
shown.
[0009] FIG. 1A is an exploded elevation view of a CLT joint.
[0010] FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the CLT joint.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of a CLT panel.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top or bottom view of the CLT panel.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a left or right side view of the CLT panel.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a section of a CLT
panel system.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the section of the CLT
panel system.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the section of the CLT panel
system.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of connecting a CLT panel
system
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] A Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) joint is provided. The CLT
joint connects two or more CLT components together. CLT is a
building material made from many pieces of dimensional lumber glued
and stacked in multiple crosswise layers. CLT is a favored building
component because it is made from strong and sustainable material.
Moreover, it is lighter and cheaper than alternative building
materials such as steel or aluminum. The CLT joint provides an
efficient and cost-effective connection of two or more CLT
components without using material such as steel or aluminum. The
CLT joint allows for horizontal inter-story drift which may result
during an earthquake and allows for vertical movement which may
result from settlement and/or shrinkage.
[0019] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show a CLT joint 100. FIG. 1A is an
exploded elevation view of the CLT joint 100. FIG. 1B is an
elevation view of the CLT joint 100. The CLT joint 100 includes a
first CLT component 200a, a second CLT component 200b, and a spline
400. The first and second CLT components 200a, 200b may be
comprised of pieces of dimensional lumber glued and stacked in
multiple crosswise layers. The first CLT component 200a includes at
least one recessed channel 300a. The second CLT component 200b also
includes at least one recessed channel 300b.
[0020] The CLT joint 100 includes a spline 400. The spline 400 may
be comprised of wood. More specifically, the spline 400 may be
comprised of plywood. The spline 400 is configured to connect the
first CLT component 200a and the second CLT component 200b. Because
the spline 400 is wood and the first CLT component 200a and second
CLT component 200b are wood, thermal bridging within or through the
joint 100 or CLT structure is avoided. A first end 410 of the
spline 400 is configured to insert and nest within the recessed
channel 300a of the first CLT component 200a. A second end 420 of
the spline 400 is configured to insert and nest within the recessed
channel 300b of the second CLT component 200b. At least one end
410, 420 of the spline 400 may have a step-down profile. As shown
in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the first end 410 has a step-down profile.
The spline 400 may also include at least one seal 500 on at least
one of its ends 410, 420. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the
first end 410 has a seal 500. The seal 500 may be fitted and
adhered to the end 410, 420 with a membrane. The seal 500 is
configured to prevent water or air from entering or passing through
the CLT joint 100. The seal 500 may be made from an elastic
material, such as an engineered polymer, which allows the seal 500
to compress when the spline 400 end 410, 420 is nested in the
recessed channel 300a, 300b. The step-down profile of the end 410
provides the seal 500 room to expand tight against the sides of the
recessed channel 300a to create an airtight joint. The step-down
profile also prevents the seal 500 from being sheared-off by the
edge of the recessed channel 300a when the end 510 is inserted into
the recessed channel 300a.
[0021] The corners 310 of the recessed channels 300a, 300b may have
a chamfered edge. The chamfered corners 310 provide a wider opening
to make it easer to insert the ends 410, 420 of the spline 400 into
the recessed channels 300a, 300b. The chamfered corners 310 provide
a tolerance to splines 400 that do not have perfectly straight
sides. The chamfered corners 310 also eliminates a sharp edge or
corner that may shear-off the seal 500.
[0022] The design and fit of the spline 400 and the recessed
channels 300a, 300b may create a space 510 between the first CLT
component 200a and the second CLT component 200b when the ends 410,
420 of the spline 400 are nested in their respective recessed
channels 300a, 300b. The space 510 allows movement and permits
expansion and contraction of the first CLT component 200a and
second CLT component 200b. The spline 400 creates a stronger joint
than other connecting options.
[0023] FIGS. 2-4 show a CLT panel 600. FIG. 2 shows a front view of
the CLT panel 600. The CLT panel 600 is comprised of pieces of
dimensional lumber glued and stacked in multiple crosswise layers.
The CLT panel 600 includes a first CLT side 610, a second CLT side
620, a third CLT side 630, and a fourth CLT side 640. Although, the
CLT panel 600 in FIGS. 2-4 has four CLT sides 610, 620, 630, 640,
the CLT panel 600 may have more or less sides.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top or bottom view of the CLT panel 600 in FIG.
2. FIG. 4 is a left or right side view of the CLT panel 600 in FIG.
2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first side 610 and third side 630
include recessed channels 614, 634 configured to receive first ends
612, 632 of a first spline and third spline respectively. The
second side 620 and fourth side 640 include recessed channels
configured to receive second ends 622, 642 of a second spline and
fourth spline respectively. The recessed channels and splines
include the details and embodiments previously discussed. The
recessed channels and their respective splines are configured to
connect with recessed channels of adjacent CLT panels. CLT panels
600 may connect to each other via the CLT joint 100 previously
discussed.
[0025] The CLT panel 600 and its joint 100 can be prefabricated and
shipped to a job site. Once at the job site, the CLT panels 600 can
be quickly and easily installed. Labor costs are reduced through
faster installation. The CLT panels 600, which can connect to each
other without steel or aluminum connectors, may be lighter and
cheaper than panels that require alternative methods of connection.
The CLT panel 600 and its joint 100 provide simple accommodation of
vertical and horizontal displacement.
[0026] FIGS. 5-7 show a section of a CLT panel system 700. The CLT
panel system 700 comprises a plurality of connected CLT panels 600.
Each CLT panel 600 includes the details and embodiments previously
discussed. The CLT panels 600 of the CLT panel system 700 connect
together to form a structure such as a wall, floor, or roof. FIGS.
5-7 illustrate an exemplary CLT panel system 700 with two CLT
panels 600. FIGS. 5-7 show a top portion of a first CLT panel 600a
and a bottom portion of a second CLT panel 600b. The plurality of
CLT panels 600 connect together via CLT joints 100 previously
discussed.
[0027] In the exemplary CLT panel system 700 in FIGS. 5-7, the
first CLT panel 600a connects to the second CLT panel 600b by
inserting the first end 650a of a first spline 646a into a recess
614b of the second CLT panel 600b. The second end 648a of the first
spline 646a inserts into a recess 624a in the first CLT panel 600a.
The first spline 646a thereby connects the first CLT panel 600a
with the second CLT panel 600b. The first spline 646a may also
include at least one seal 652a.
[0028] FIGS. 5-7 also show a second spline 646b that may be used to
connect the first CLT panel 600a with a third adjacent CLT panel
not shown. The second end 648b of the second spline 646b inserts
into a second recess 644a of the first CLT panel 600a. The first
end 650b of the second spline 646b would then be inserted into the
third adjacent CLT panel not shown. Abutting splines inserted into
a CLT panel 600 may have angled ends so that they may form a corner
or approximate 90 degree angle. Additional CLT panels may be
connected via their respective recessed channels and splines.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of connecting a CLT panel
system 1000. The method of connecting a CLT panel system 1000 can
be carried out according to the method 1000 described in FIG. 8 and
described below.
[0030] In step 1010, a first CLT panel and a second CLT panel are
received. Each CLT panel includes at least one recessed channel.
The CLT panels may include additional recessed channels to connect
to adjacent CLT panels.
[0031] In step 1020, the first CLT panel and the second CLT panel
are connected by inserting a first end of a spline into a recessed
channel in the first CLT panel and a second end of the spline into
a recessed channel in the second CLT panel.
[0032] The method of connecting a CLT panel system that includes
four CLT panels may further include the step 1030 of receiving a
third and fourth CLT panel. The third CLT panel and the fourth CLT
panel include at least two recessed channels.
[0033] In step 1040, the third CLT panel is connected to the first
CLT panel by inserting a first end of a second spline into a second
recessed channel in the first CLT panel and a second end of the
second spline into a first recessed channel in the third CLT
panel.
[0034] In step 1050, the fourth CLT panel is connected to the third
CLT panel and the second CLT panel by inserting a first end of a
third spline into a second recessed channel in the second CLT panel
and a second end of the third spline into a first recessed channel
in the fourth CLT panel and inserting a first end of a fourth
spline into a second recessed channel in the third CLT panel and a
second end of the fourth spline into a second recessed channel in
the fourth CLT panel.
[0035] Additional CLT panels may be added to the CLT panel system
by connecting the recessed channels of adjacent CLT panels with
splines.
[0036] Having thus described in detail a preferred selection of
embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical
changes could be made to the CLT joint, CLT panel, and CLT panel
system without altering the inventive concepts and principles
embodied therein. The present embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which
come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore to be embraced therein.
* * * * *