Local support from concept to completion

XLAM welcomes the opportunity to provide advice and support during the concept design phase. When engaged early, we can advise on how to gain the maximum benefit from the application of mass timber.

At the concept stage, XLAM carry out scoping design for the project. This service is intended to provide high level advice on panel and beam sizes to suit your project, as well as design considerations where other materials will be required. We encourage our clients obtain our input early to ensure the design adopted is economical, and suits manufacturing, transportation and erection.

Over the past decade the team have engineered groundbreaking mass timber structures, from full mass timber builds to hybrid builds that combine concrete and steel with CLT and GLT. Each project benefits from a dedicated Engineer and Project Manager who bring a wealth of experience working with mass timber and the DfMA process.

Our specialist team provides project-specific advice to ensure the building will perform as required, considering the building environmental performance, structural stability, loading, building movement, fixings, waterproofing, fire engineering and acoustic performance.

There are significant interdependencies between fire and acoustic solutions, which require them to be considered together at an early stage. Mass timber buildings have a very high level of fire performance if properly designed, however the pathway to demonstrating compliance requires specialist knowledge and experience. XLAM has significant experience in collaborating with Project Acoustic and Fire Engineers, testing and regulatory authorities in developing the performance solutions and provide fire engineering reports, fire testing reports, and consultation with Fire Engineers.

The sound insulation of CLT building elements relies on appropriate design and construction detailing. Compliant ratings can be effectively achieved by XLAM wall and floor assemblies incorporating mass (CLT plus linings and overlays), de-coupled structure, resilient layers, air gaps, and absorbent insulation within cavities. XLAM assists the Project Acoustic Engineer.

XLAM may be engaged to provide a certified structural design of the mass timber parts of the building or as a specialist subconsultant to assist the Project Structural Engineer.

DETAILED CONNECTION DESIGN

To achieve a fully resolved mass timber building and smooth progression into the procurement phase of the project it is necessary to have all mass timber connections developed during the detailed design stage. XLAM can offer detailed connection design services for CLT and GLT elements. Depending on the project requirements, structural certification can be provided directly from XLAM.

MOVEMENT & TOLERANCE ANALYSIS

A key challenge faced in the construction of many DfMA projects is in the tolerances in connection. Understanding all elements of construction tolerances is vital to ensure the building is installed as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimising the surprises on site. Additional challenges are faced in large buildings where tolerance “stack up” and differential movements become more significant. XLAM can assist the project team by analysing movements of the proposed mass timber structure including the potential movements within mass timber elements at installation and in-service.

DESIGN DOCUMENTATION AND 3D MODELLING

The XLAM team create a BIM (Building Information Modelling) model of the structural works which allows for the coordination of the design with the project team, preparation of structural plans for certification and permit a smooth lead in to subsequent shop drawing activities.

VIBRATION ANALYSIS

Timber is a relatively lightweight form of construction and in many CLT buildings, floor design is often governed by footfall vibration.

XLAM carries out vibration analysis using simplified and finite element-based analyses to ensure the performance of the floor meets expectations while achieving an efficient structural design.