Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Hybrid construction is the way forward. Combination of wood and concrete brings new sustainable hybrid sandwich element for the industry. Metsa Wood combines innovations with Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber) and renews offsite construction. The lighter weight of the hybrid sandwich wall elements proved to be a valuable benefit in the first construction project at Metsä Fibre’s Rauma sawmill.
Hybrid construction advances sustainability
“We are happy to try new, innovative things and partnerships, and the use of these new hybrid sandwich elements in the new Rauma sawmill is a great example of this kind of cooperation. The use of hybrid elements reduces the amount of concrete, and the elements are also lighter than typical elements,” says Ilkka Romo, Director of the Productivity and Quality Unit at Skanska.
“The hybrid sandwich element is a great start, and the Rauma sawmill project has provided us with useful first-hand information about their use in construction. It seems to fit well with our technical needs. Our cooperation with Metsä Wood and Metsä Fibre has started well thanks to the deep expertise of these two companies,” says Romo.
In the production of a hybrid sandwich wall element, a Kerto LVL panel forms the load-bearing core. This is followed by an insulation layer and reinforced concrete facade.
“After overcoming the initial challenges, the production of the hybrid sandwich wall elements has been as easy as the production of concrete sandwich elements. We have succeeded in this thanks to the close cooperation with and extensive know-how of our partners,” says Satu Lipsanen, CEO of Lipa-Betoni.
“The assembly of the hybrid sandwich wall elements has been similar to the usual concrete sandwich elements. We were able to use a lighter crane in the assembly as the hybrid sandwich wall elements are lighter than traditional sandwich elements. Their lighter weight can bring savings in a large construction project,” says Petri Puputti, Construction Manager, Skanska.
Tags: hybrid construction, Kerto LVL, laminate veneer lumber, Metsa Wood, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry, woodworking machinery, woodworking technology
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