Cross-Laminated Timber Conduits for Cable Routing Without Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels face challenges in routing electrical cables and ducts due to their solid material composition, which requires drilling or external conduits, reducing strength and increasing labor and costs, while alternative methods like leaving voids compromise manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating hollow members within the CLT panels to serve as conduits for cables, wiring, and plumbing, eliminating the need for external routing and maintaining structural integrity through the use of hollow members with similar dimensions and materials to wood, and providing access points and fittings for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional solid CLT panels are used, then structural strength is maintained, but routing electrical cables and ducts requires drilling or external conduits which reduces strength and increases labor and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The CLT panel is segmented by incorporating hollow members (conduits) within the panel structure itself, dividing the solid wood into layers with integrated routing channels. This allows cables and ducts to be routed through the panel without compromising overall structural integrity, as the hollow members are strategically positioned within non-critical areas of the panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow members (conduits) are nested within the CLT panel structure, with multiple layers of lumber surrounding the conduits. This nested configuration allows the conduits to be embedded within the panel while maintaining the external dimensions and overall structural performance of the CLT panel.
2Ease of operation
If voids are left in CLT panels for conduit routing, then cable routing is simplified, but manufacturing efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow members (conduits) are pre-positioned within the CLT panel during the manufacturing process, before the panel is completed and shipped to the construction site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-manufacturing modifications and simplifies on-site cable routing while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through integrated production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hollow members are incorporated in CLT layers, then conduits for cables and plumbing are provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow members serve multiple functions: they provide conduit routing for electrical cables and plumbing, maintain structural integrity by being integrated within the CLT assembly, and enable standardized manufacturing through consistent positioning and dimensions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate conduit systems and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A cross-laminated panel including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer of the cross-laminated panel having first boards oriented in a first direction. The second layer of the cross- laminated panel having second boards oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The third layer of the cross-laminated panel having third boards oriented in the first direction. The cross-laminated panel also including adhesive situated between each of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer. The cross-laminated panel further including a hollow member forming a conduit and disposed in any one of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer.