The new system of P-LAM of Wood System International Ltd

Construction system for multistorey buildings in X-LAM

Within the field of multi-storey buildings for residential use the company Wood System has revolutionised the market with its innovative P-LAM design which consists of the use of panels made of parallel layer laminated wood for the construction of multi-storey buildings for residential use, offices, shopping centres, hotels, schools, etc., including the construction of high rise buildings for multiple use with dual core in concrete and construction of the residential cells integrally in wood (walls and floors).

The use of wood, an ancient material but at the same time at the cutting edge with its insulating properties from a thermal and acoustic perspective, allows the designing of buildings in energy class A or even "passive buildings". In addition, these constructions enjoy fire protection qualities. Wood, contrary to perception, has excellent fire resistance and anti-seismic properties as well as elastic capacities meaning it is able to withstand even the most severe stresses from wind.

Thanks to the revolutionary patent relating to the wood-steel interconnections developed by the company and to the small dimensions of the materials used in construction - all prefabricated - the times involved in this type of works are very short and highly comparable to the times of completion of structures with hydraulic systems, thermal aspects and external finishes.

The connection system patented will be able to ensure a resistance to anti- seismic and wind optimal due to the use of a two-component epoxy resin and of a grid of rods of high strength steel in the three directions x , y, z of the building . These tie rods , suitably positioned on the basis of the geometry of the project and blocked from floor to floor through suitable metal plates , will be able to absorb all the tensile loads generated by the seismic events and the action of the wind and to make the structure monolithic and hyperstatic . Operating in what is named in technical terms " elastic range " , the patented system , which does not exploit the ductility of the connections ( as is the case in the systems currently in use) , therefore, allows the construction of buildings that behave like rigid boxes , made up of elements (walls and floors) fully made of laminated wood , able to ensure excellent static performance in order to protect not only human lives but also the heritage itself. Wood System patent can also be used with walls and floors in X- LAM or with a mixed system P-LAM/X-LAM.

Thanks to the revolutionary patent P-LAM relative to the interconnections wood-steel developed by the company and the contained size of the materials on the site - all prefabricated - the time of realization of this type of work are very fast (about 1/4 than traditional systems). The reduced dimensions of the elements also facilitate the transport that can be performed by normal means, and even with normal containers.

The construction industry is about 39% of the carbon dioxide emissions caused by man, a fact that would be significantly reduced if most buildings were made of wood. Is therefore important to emphasize the highly sustainable of this material, which has the ability to retain CO2 even after its installation. In conclusion, the patented system P-LAM is able to ensure a cost equal to about 20 - 40% less than the systems currently in use, percentage values that depends to the height of the building to achieve , the values of the seismic hazard of the site and to the risks arising from the action of the wind.

Wood System has the knowledge and skills necessary to create buildings for every need, cable of constructing up to heights of 150 meters.