Edinburgh Napier University

  Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT also know as Brettstapel) is a technique of constructing large-scale solid timber panels for use as structural or non-structural elements. The technique utilizes smaller sawn timber sections mechanically fixed together with timber dowels by means of moisture movement. Moreover, as DLT utilizes locally sourced material and does not include adhesives it can be considered a natural low carbon value engineered product.
This paper presents the findings of an industry and academic collaborative project to determine the viability of producing DLT from UK Larch given the spread of Phytophthora Ramorum (commonly referred to as Ramorum disease). The work undertaken evaluated:
• The compatibility of Larch resource with the production method including a review of supply chain considerations in Scotland.
• Timber-dowel-timber connection research to determine optimized configurations relative to panel load span conditions.
• Structural appraisal of DLT systems for use in flatwise orientations for floor panel specification.
• Determination of intermediate floor panel to wall detailing in accordance with Eurocode 5.
• Appraisal of DLT panels trial in a new build project as floor panels.