Patent Description:
Mass timber is growing in popularity and interest due to the structural performance, aesthetics, and opportunity for innovation. Mass timber is strong, sustainable, and relatively cost-efficient. Cross- laminated timber (CLT) is one type of mass timber that is receiving growing attention in the construction industry. CLT is a solid wood panel made from several layers of lumber board, stacked and glued on their wide faces. Described herein are improvements and technological advances that, among other things, improve usability of CLT for construction. <CIT> discloses a layered wood panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which has a load-bearing section <NUM> composed of wooden layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> bonded together, and grooves <NUM>. The layered wood panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> also has a top layer <NUM> without grooves <NUM>. The load-bearing section <NUM> has an outer flat side <NUM> without grooves <NUM>, a fire protection layer <NUM> made of a non-combustible building material is arranged on this flat side <NUM>, At the flat side <NUM> of the fire protection layer <NUM> facing away from the load-bearing section <NUM>, the top layer <NUM> without grooves <NUM> is arranged, covering the fire protection layer <NUM>. Further, the layered wood panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has circumferential edge strips <NUM>, <NUM> at its end faces <NUM>, which completely cover the end faces <NUM> of the fire protection layer <NUM>. <CIT> relates to a laminated lumber that is formed by laminating and integrating pieces. An optical fiber is embedded between the pieces. A terminal of the optical fiber is terminated by, for example, a detachable connector. The terminal of the optical fiber is stored in an extra length storage part. The present invention is a method according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM>.

Furthermore, the drawings may be considered as providing an approximate depiction of the relative sizes of the individual components within individual figures. However, the drawings are not to scale, and the relative sizes of the individual components, both within individual figures and between the different figures, may vary from what is depicted. In particular, some of the figures may depict components as a certain size or shape, while other figures may depict the components on a larger scale or differently shaped for the sake of clarity. In the following description of the drawings, the embodiments referred to are embodiments of cross-laminated timber obtainable by the present invention.

As described previously, cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels may be implemented in a variety of different applications due to the strength, sustainability, and cost-efficiency that the CLT panels provide. CLT panels are diverse and may be implemented to construct an entire building, including both vertical and lateral load resisting systems, and/or CLT panels may be used for particular building elements such as walls, floors, or roofs. This disclosure is directed to a cross-laminated timber panel having a conduit therein. More specifically, this disclosure describes a CLT panel including a hollow member that is included as part of the CLT panel that may provide a conduit for cabling, air, plumbing, etc. CLT provides many advantages over other construction alternatives. For example, CLT panels may be manufactured offsite and CLT panels may utilize lower grade timber (which may be cheaper than higher grade timber), while increasing structural integrity.

However, traditional Light Wood Frame (LWF) construction provides easier means to route electrical cables and ducts transversely through the walls. This is due to the fact that CLT panels are comprised of solid material. Therefore, routing channels are often drilled through the CLT panel, cut into the surface of the CLT panel, or external exposed conduits may be utilized. However, this adds additional expense and labor in the field. Furthermore, transverse cuts in an outer layer of a CLT panel may greatly reduce the strength and bending resistance of the panel. Other solutions may include leaving out one or more members of the CLT panel during manufacture, thus leaving a void as a conduit. However, this too is problematic for modern manufacturing methods that implement hydraulic or mechanical clamping and pressing.

In examples, the CLT panel may include multiple layers of boards stacked crosswise and glued together on their wide faces. For example, a first layer of the CLT panel may include multiple boards, each oriented in a first direction. That is to say, a length of each board may extend in the first direction. The CLT panel may include a second layer that is adjacent to the first layer. The second layer may also include boards, each oriented in a second direction. In these examples, the second direction may be different than the first direction and, in examples, the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The CLT panel may include further layers, such that each additional layer may alternate directions between the first direction and the second direction. In other examples, one or more of the layers may be disposed in the same direction to each other and may not alternate directions. It should be understood that while the boards are described herein as being glued together on their wide faces, the boards may additionally, or alternatively, be glued on their narrow faces and/or on more of more edges of the individual boards.

Furthermore, the CLT panel may include adhesive that may be applied between each layer of the CLT panel. As mentioned previously, the boards may be adhered to one another on their wide faces. The CLT panel may also include one or more hollow members in at least one of the layers. In examples, the hollow members may take the place of boards in at least one of the layers of the CLT panel. The hollow members may provide a conduit through which cables, wiring, air, plumbing, etc. may pass.

Additional details of these and other examples are described below with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel <NUM>, according to an embodiment. As mentioned previously, the CLT panel <NUM> includes multiple layers <NUM> of boards <NUM> stacked crosswise and glued together on their wide faces. For example, the CLT panel <NUM> depicted in <FIG> includes five layers <NUM>, each layer (<NUM>(<NUM>), <NUM>(<NUM>),. <NUM>(n)) including multiple boards <NUM>. While <FIG> depicts the CLT panel <NUM> as having five layers, it is to be understood that the CLT panel <NUM> may include any number of layers <NUM>. For example, the CLT panel may include <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. layers. Additionally, and/or alternatively, each layer (<NUM>(<NUM>), <NUM>(<NUM>),. <NUM>(n)) of the multiple layers <NUM> may include any number of boards <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the multiple boards <NUM> included in a single layer are all oriented in a same direction. For example, a first layer <NUM>(<NUM>) may include first boards oriented such that a length of each board (<NUM>(<NUM>), <NUM>(<NUM>),. <NUM>(n)) extends in a first direction (that is the Y direction). In examples, the multiple boards <NUM> may include any type of wood material. While this description refers to the panel as a CLT panel it is to be understood that, in examples, the multiple boards <NUM> may include polymers, metals, composites, etc..

As described previously, the CLT panel <NUM> includes a second layer <NUM>(<NUM>) of multiple boards <NUM> (or "second boards"). As shown in <FIG>, the second layer <NUM>(<NUM>) may be immediately adjacent to the first layer <NUM>(<NUM>). In examples, the second layer <NUM>(<NUM>) includes second boards oriented such that a length of each board of the second boards extends in a second direction. The second direction is different than the first direction. In the example shown in <FIG>, the second layer <NUM>(<NUM>) may include second boards that are oriented in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular relative to the first boards in the first layer <NUM>(<NUM>) oriented din the first direction. In examples the term "substantially perpendicular" may include the first direction is at a <NUM>-degree angle relative to the second direction, the first direction is at an angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees relative to the second direction, or the first direction is at an angle between about <NUM> and about <NUM> degrees relative to the second direction. Still further, in examples, a CLT panel may include layers oriented at any angle relative to one another. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the CLT panel <NUM> may include adjacent layers having multiple boards oriented in a same or similar direction. As shown in <FIG>, the CLT panel <NUM> may include multiple layers oriented such that each adjacent layer alternates between the first direction and the second direction. In examples, two or more of the layers may be oriented such that each adjacent layer does not alternate directions but instead is oriented in the same direction.

In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may include adhesive (not shown) that may be applied to the multiple boards <NUM> between the layers <NUM> of the CLT panel <NUM>. Such an adhesive may include at least one of phenolic types (such as phenol-resorcinal formaldehyde (PRF)), emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI), and/or one-component polyurethane (PUR), among others. As mentioned previously, the adhesive may be applied to a wide face of the multiple boards <NUM>. For example, a single board of the multiple boards may include a thickness, a width, and a length and the adhesive may be applied to the width of the board. In some examples, the thickness may be a narrow face of the board; however, in other examples, the thickness may be equal to the width of the board.

The CLT panel <NUM> includes one or more hollow members <NUM> (also referred to herein as "spacer boards") included in at least one of the layers <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the CLT panel <NUM> includes multiple hollow members <NUM> disposed in multiple layers <NUM>. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be sized and/or configured as a conduit in each of the layers <NUM> that the one or more hollow members <NUM> are disposed. For example, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may provide a conduit through which cables, wiring, air, plumbing, etc. may pass. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may eliminate the need for pipes, ducts, etc. According to the invention, the one or more hollow members <NUM> provide a conduit through which fluids and/or gases may pass. Additionally, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may eliminate and/or reduce the need to attach external conduits/ducts to the outside of the CLT panel <NUM>. Furthermore, placing one or more hollow members <NUM> in at least one of the layers <NUM> may reduce and/or eliminate the need to rout and/or bore the panel to receive electrical conduit, plumbing pipes, and/or mechanical chases, thus reducing on site and/or post production labor. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include coatings and/or materials on an exterior and/or interior that provide insulation, fire-resistance, anti-bacterial compounds, etc..

The one or more hollow members <NUM> have substantially similar outside dimensions as the multiple boards <NUM>. That is to say, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include substantially similar lengths, widths, and/or heights as the multiple boards <NUM>. In such examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed such that the one or more hollow members <NUM> are free from any external protrusions. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include varying inside dimensions. However, in examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include substantially similar inside dimensions to one another. For example, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed with specific inside dimensions to accommodate certain materials, cables, fluids, etc. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may have first outside dimensions and/or first inside dimensions when constructed as an electrical conduit and the one or more hollow members may have second outside dimensions and/or second inside dimensions when constructed as an air duct. In examples, the hollow member may have a wall thickness and/or may be made of a material sufficient to withstand a clamping force and/or a pressing force during manufacture of the device. The wall thickness may be, for example, between about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters. The one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed of metal, plastic, or carbon fiber, or any hybrid material thereof. In examples, the hollow member may be constructed with adequate rigidity and/or strength to resist forces subjected thereto as a result of clamping and pressing during manufacture of the CLT panel. In such an example, the strength properties of the hollow member may be designed based at least in part on a specific manufacturing process. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed of any material having at least one of substantially similar elastic properties as wood, substantially similar strength properties as wood, and/or substantially similarity mechanical properties as wood. In examples, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed of specific materials for a specific application of the one or more hollow members <NUM>. For example, the one or more hollow members may be constructed of a first material (e.g., a polymer) when constructed as an electrical conduit and/or the one or more hollow members may be constructed of a second material (e.g., a metal) when constructed as an air duct. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be constructed of a same and/or similar material in any and/or all applications.

The one or more hollow members <NUM> may be disposed substantially equidistant throughout at least one of the layers <NUM>. This could be considered a default spacing. For example, a hollow member <NUM> may be placed after every third board in a layer <NUM>(n). In such an example, the default spacing (or equidistance) between hollow members may benefit a contractor updating or remodeling a structure including CLT panels. Much like stud spacing, a contractor would be able to rely on the fact that a hollow member is placed at known intervals throughout a layer and/or layers in a CLT panel. However, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may be placed according to a desired design for the CLT panel <NUM>. For example, a CLT panel may be designed to include hollow members based on a specific building design. In another example, a CLT panel may include two hollow members disposed adjacent to one another. Still further, a CLT panel may include hollow members that are randomly arranged throughout the CLT panel. Furthermore, the CLT panel may include a hole or an access point <NUM> where one hollow member intersects and/or overlaps another hollow member. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first layer <NUM>(<NUM>) includes an access point <NUM> disposed at a location where a first hollow member <NUM>(<NUM>) disposed in the third layer <NUM>(<NUM>) overlaps a second hollow member <NUM>(<NUM>) in the second layer <NUM>(<NUM>). Such a hole <NUM> may allow a contractor to access the one or more hollow members <NUM> that may be one or more layers deep in the CLT panel <NUM>. This may also allow a contractor to change routing from the X direction to the Y direction. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the CLT panel <NUM> may include an access point located anywhere in a layer to allow access to an underlying hollow member <NUM>.

In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may include venting port(s) <NUM>. The venting ports <NUM> may act as an air register or grille to allow air to flow therethrough. In examples, the access points <NUM> and the venting ports <NUM> may be included as part of the manufacture process of the CLT panel <NUM> or the access points <NUM> and the venting ports <NUM> may be machined into the CLT panel <NUM> after production. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the CLT panel <NUM> may include one or more windows, doors, etc. disposed in the CLT panel that may also be included as part of the manufacture process of the CLT panel <NUM> or may be machined into the CLT panel <NUM> post-production.

Furthermore, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include one or more fittings <NUM> attached thereto. For example, a given hollow member of the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include a first end, a second end, and a fitting <NUM> attached to at least one of the first end or the second end. In examples, the hollow member may include an electrical fitting <NUM>(<NUM>) or a duct fitting <NUM>(<NUM>). An electrical fitting <NUM>(<NUM>) may be attached to the hollow member <NUM>, or alternatively to CLT material (e.g., the boards of the CLT panel) adjacent to the hollow member <NUM>, to rout one or more of cables, wires, etc. therethrough. A duct fitting <NUM>(<NUM>) may be attached to the hollow member <NUM>, or to the CLT material adjacent to the hollow member <NUM>, to allow passage of air therethrough. The interface may be gasketed in order to seal the connection. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the one or more hollow members <NUM> may include other types of fittings for mechanical chases. In examples, an electrical fitting may be constructed of a material different than a duct fitting. For example, an electrical fitting may be constructed of a polymer, while a duct fitting may be constructed of a metal. Additionally, and/or alternatively, an electrical fitting may be constructed of a same and/or similar material as a duct fitting. It should be understood that the fittings <NUM> as described herein may span multiple proximate hollow members <NUM>.

Additionally, in examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may include an intermediate layer (not shown). The intermediate layer may act as a type of barrier, structural support, insulation, etc. For example, the intermediate layer may include at least one of acoustic insulation, gypsum board, fire retardant, insecticide, thermal insulation, etc. In examples, the adhesive may be applied to the intermediate layer to adhere the intermediate layer to the layers <NUM>. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the CLT panel may include one or more outside layers attached to the outer layer of the CLT panel. In examples, hollow members may be included in the intermediate layer in the same or a similar manner as the placement of hollow members as described elsewhere herein.

<FIG> depicts a front view of the CLT panel <NUM>. Depicted in <FIG> are cross section lines A-A and B-B. In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> in <FIG> may be oriented such that a bottom portion of the CLT panel <NUM> is positioned at the bottom of the Y axis and a top portion of the CLT panel <NUM> is positioned at the top of the Y axis. In such an example, the bottom portion of the CLT panel <NUM> may be connected to a floor of a structure and/or another CLT panel and the top portion may be connected to a ceiling of a structure and/or another CLT panel. In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may be connected to other CLT panels in the X direction. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the CLT panel <NUM> may be connected to other mass timber structures (e.g., glue-laminated timber, nail-laminated timber, etc.), metal structures, wood structures, etc. The CLT panel <NUM> may be connected to other structures and/or panels via any fastening means or system. By way of example, the CLT panel <NUM> may be fastened to other structures and/or panels via at least one of glued-in rods, epoxied shear connectors, mechanical fasteners (e.g., nails, screws, glulam rivets, dowels, bolts, etc.), bearing-type fasteners (e.g., split rings, shear plates, etc.), etc. In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may be fastened to other structures and/or panels via any fastener that comports with design specification in the region that the CLT panel may be used. For example, fasteners may be selected based on the approved fasteners set forth in the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction.

In examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may include a width that extends in the Y direction and a length that extends in the X direction. The width of the CLT panel may be up to about <NUM> feet or more wide and may be up to about <NUM> feet or more long. In some examples, the CLT panel <NUM> may be constructed to any specific dimensions greater than and/or less than the dimensions given above depending on placement in a structure.

<FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of the CLT panel in <FIG> taken along line A-A. <FIG> depicts a first access point <NUM>(<NUM>) as shown in <FIG>. The first access point <NUM>(<NUM>) may include an electrical box <NUM> disposed within the first access point <NUM>(<NUM>). This is depicted in greater detail in <FIG>. The first access point <NUM>(<NUM>) may be disposed where the first hollow member <NUM>(<NUM>) overlaps the second hollow member <NUM>(<NUM>). <FIG> also depicts a second access point <NUM>(<NUM>) disposed in the first layer of the CLT panel. <FIG> depicts additional hollow members that may be disposed throughout the CLT panel. In examples, each layer of the CLT panel may include a thickness. For example, a single layer of the CLT panel may be about <NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> inches thick. However, in examples, a single layer of the CLT panel may include a thickness between about <NUM>/<NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches thick. The CLT panel may include layers having a thickness less than about <NUM>/<NUM> inches and/or greater than about <NUM> inches in some examples. Furthermore, the CLT panel may include a total thickness of up to about <NUM> inches thick. As mentioned previously, the CLT panel may include adjacent layers that are oriented in opposite directions and/or may include adjacent layers that are oriented in same directions. For example, the CLT panel may include a configuration of at least one of <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, <NUM>-ply <NUM>-layer, and/or any other configuration.

As mentioned previously, <FIG> depicts an electrical box <NUM> disposed within the first access point <NUM>(<NUM>). The electrical box <NUM> may house one or more electrical components. For example, an electrical box included in the CLT panel may house at least one of an outlet, an electrical panel, electrical fixtures, etc. In examples, the electrical box <NUM> may be disposed in an outside layer of the CLT panel so as to provide access to the electrical box <NUM> once the CLT panel is installed.

<FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of the CLT panel in <FIG> taken along line B-B. <FIG> shows a vent portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In examples, the vent portion <NUM> may be constructed for specific design purposes. For example, a vent portion <NUM> may be constructed in the CLT panel to receive a grille. However, in other examples, the vent portion <NUM> may be designed to act as the grille itself. Still further, in examples, the vent portion may be constructed to any specific size and/or shape. In examples, the vent portion <NUM> (or access points, ports, holes, etc.) may be formed during the manufacturing process and/or after the manufacturing process. As mentioned previously, each layer of the CLT panel may be about <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> inches) thick. However, in examples, a single layer of the CLT panel may include a thickness between about <NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> inches to about <NUM> or <NUM> inches thick. Furthermore, the CLT panel may include a total thickness of up to about <NUM> inches thick.

<FIG> depicts another example of an access point that is formed through multiple layers of the CLT panel to access a hollow member. In examples, access points disposed in the CLT panel may be constructed for specific design purposes. These access points may vary in shape and/or size. For example, a relatively small access point may be disposed in the CLT panel for mounting a light fixture thereto allowing passage of electrical wiring from the hollow member to the light fixture. However, in another example, a relatively large access point may be disposed in the CLT panel for mounting a television or other large features. In examples, access points, vent portions, etc. may be manufactured in the CLT panel by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine during or after production of the CLT panel. Additionally, and/or alternatively, access points, vent portions, etc. may be manufactured in the CLT panel by any other means (e.g., drilling by a human user, machine and/or human sawing, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates an example process <NUM> of manufacturing a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel. For ease of explanation, the process <NUM> is described as being performed at least in part by a machine that is configured to complete the process <NUM> described herein. While this figure describes the machine performing/controlling this process, in examples, any one and/or all of the steps in the process may be completed by at least one human user.

The example manufacture process <NUM> (as well as each process described herein) is illustrated as a logical flow graph, each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented by hardware, software, human users, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instruction stored on one or more computer-readable media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media, which may include hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), EPROMS, EEPROMS, flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of storage media suitable for storing electronic instructions. In addition, in examples the computer-readable media may include a transitory computer-readable signal (in compressed or uncompressed form). Examples of computer-readable signals, whether modulated using a carrier or not, include, but are not limited to, signals that a computer system hosting or running a computer program can be configured to access, including signals downloaded through the Internet or other networks. Finally, the order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process.

At <NUM>, an apparatus may load (or determine) a cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel design. For example, the apparatus may load CLT panel blueprint data. The blueprint (or design) may include information regarding the dimensions of the CLT panel and individual layers therein, locations and dimensions of hollow member(s) to be included in the CLT panel, locations and dimensions of other features (e.g., access points, electrical boxes, windows, etc.), types of materials to be used for certain portions of the CLT panel (e.g., individual boards in each layer, hollow members, electrical boxes, etc.), among other information.

At <NUM>, the apparatus may determine, based at least in part on the CLT panel design data, a location or multiple locations to place one or more hollow members in the CLT panel. During step <NUM> of the process, the apparatus may determine where to place one or more hollow members in each layer of the CLT panel. As mentioned previously, this may include determining whether to place hollow members equidistant from one another throughout a layer and/or the CLT panel, whether to place hollow members randomly throughout the layer and/or the CLT panel, etc. Furthermore, at <NUM>, the apparatus may also determine the type of material to use for each hollow member that may be included in the CLT panel. Such a determination may be based at least in part on the intended use of each hollow member in the CLT panel. For example, if a first hollow member is to be used as an air duct in the CLT panel, the apparatus may select a metallic hollow member, while if a second hollow member is to be used as an electrical conduit the apparatus may select a polymer hollow member. However, in examples, the apparatus may select hollow members constructed of other materials (e.g., polymer, organic material, composite, metal, etc.). Additionally, and/or alternatively, the apparatus may select hollow members including a same and/or similar material to use throughout the CLT panel.

At <NUM>, the apparatus may determine, based at least in part on the CLT panel design data, a location or multiple locations of additional features to place throughout the CLT panel. Such additional features may include (but are not limited to) at least one of access points, recesses for electrical boxes, electrical boxes, holes, vents, grilles, recesses for covers and grills, doors, windows, etc. In examples, at least a portion of the features included in the CLT panel is cut by milling, cutting, drilling, etc.. after the CLT panel has been manufactured. In such examples, these processes may be included during a finishing step (described further herein below).

At <NUM>, the apparatus may provide a layer of boards (including one or more hollow members). In examples, the apparatus may select and provide boards and/or hollow members individually until a complete layer is provided. However, in examples, a complete layer may be laid up prior to the manufacturing process <NUM> such that the apparatus may transfer a complete layer from a waiting position to a lay-up position. In such examples, human users may layout multiple boards and/or hollow members to construct a complete layer. In either example, the one or more hollow members may be laid out according to their determined positions from step <NUM>. In examples, the multiple boards and/or hollow members may be primed prior to being provided at step <NUM>. Such priming may include, but is not limited to, sanding, washing, finger jointing, drying, removing defects, etc. In examples, the CLT panel may be constructed of lower grade timber compared to typical hollow wall light-weight frame construction. For example, the CLT panel may be constructed of timber that is lower grade and/or different dimension when compared to typical <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM> (or 2x4', 2x6'), etc. The increased strength and redundancy of a CLT panel allows the construction to be of lower grade and/or smaller dimension lumber, which, in turn, may reduce the overall cost of constructing a structure.

At <NUM>, the apparatus may determine, based at least in part on the design data, whether an additional layer is to be added.

If it is determined at <NUM> that additional layers are to be added to the CLT panel, at <NUM> the apparatus may apply adhesive to the previous layer. As mentioned previously, the adhesive may be applied to the wide face of the boards and/or hollow members included in the previous layer. Such an adhesive may include, but is not limited to, at least one of phenolic types (such as phenol-resorcinal formaldehyde (PRF)), emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI), and/or one-component polyurethane (PUR), among others.

After the adhesive is applied at <NUM>, the process may repeat steps <NUM> and <NUM> until an entire CLT panel is completed. The apparatus may repeat steps <NUM>-<NUM> as many times as necessary. As mentioned previously, the CLT panel is constructed of two or more layers. In examples, the CLT panel may be constructed of an odd number of layers (i.e., <NUM> layers, <NUM> layers, <NUM> layers, etc.). However, in examples, the CLT panel may be constructed of any number of layers. Such layers may include additional boards and/or hollow members. Additionally, and/or alternatively, additional layers may include intermediate layers described above with respect to <FIG>.

At step <NUM>, if it is determined that no additional layers are to be added to the CLT panel, the apparatus may finish the CLT panel at step <NUM>. The finishing step <NUM> may include at least one of cutting, sanding, pressing, clamping, drilling, milling, sawing, inspecting, testing, etc. It is at step <NUM>, that features may be added that may not be include during the manufacture process steps <NUM>-<NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method for manufacturing a cross-laminated timber, CLT, panel, the method comprising the following steps:
loading CLT panel design data into a manufacturing apparatus;
determining based at least in part on the loaded CLT panel design data at least one location to place at least one hollow member (<NUM>) in the CLT panel
determining based at least in part on the loaded CLT panel design data at least one location of an additional feature to place throughout the CLT panel,
providing a first layer, wherein the first layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)) comprises first boards, the first boards being oriented in a first direction
applying adhesive to the first layer;
providing a second layer, wherein the second layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)) comprises second boards; the second boards being oriented in a second direction, the second direction being different than the first direction,
wherein the at least one hollow member (<NUM>) is arranged in the first layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)) and/or in the second layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)) in accordance with the determined location to place the at least one hollow member (<NUM>);
the at least one hollow member (<NUM>) having substantially the same outside dimensions as the boards of the respective layer; and the at least one hollow member forms a conduit in at least one of the first layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)) or the second layer (<NUM>(<NUM>)); and
cutting one or more holes (<NUM>) in at least the first layer of the panel in order to provide an access point to the at least one hollow member (<NUM>) in accordance with the determined location of the additional feature.