Mechanically Laminated Timber – Production and Qualification Specifications

Note: The scope of this Notice of Intent (originally published on September 8, 2021) was updated by the responsible SDO on February 7, 2023.

1.1 Overview

This Standard provides minimum requirements for manufacturers of prefabricated MLT using structural lumber specified in CSA O86. The MLT layups contain lumber laminations connected parallel to each other along the wide face using either metal or wooden fasteners.

1.2 Inclusions

Two qualification paths are provided for prescriptive and custom MLT, respectively, in this Standard:

a) For prescriptive MLT, the design specifications (in the form of design modification factors) for MLT manufactured in accordance with this Standard are provided in CSA O86.

b) For custom MLT, which is manufactured using specific fastening and, if present, butt joint details, procedures are provided to derive corresponding design modification factors.

Only MLT panels meeting the requirements of this Standard may be certified, labelled, advertised, and sold as such.

1.3 Exclusions

Storage, handling, and on-site installation of products subsequent to manufacture are not covered in this Standard.

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.5 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. Where values given in parentheses, they are for information and comparison only.

Note: For conversions into yard/pound equivalents, see Annex A.