ELIGE MADERA 5 Types of Timber Construction Systems Building with wood can be done in many different ways. However, for timber experts, there are 5 most common ways to carry out a job well done. We’ll tell you about them here. Building with wood can be done in many different ways. However, for timber experts, there are 5 most common ways to carry out a job well done. We’ll tell you about them here. We often talk about the standardization of wood construction processes, which, thanks to prefabrication technology, reduces costs and execution times for any wood project. Looking at the methodology applied to this type of construction, however, there are a variety of construction systems with this material and which one you want to to use will depend on the characteristics required by the project. Before starting a construction project, whatever it is, there are several planning factors to consider, taking into account the characteristics that the construction systems contribute to each particular project. One of the advantages of these construction systems is that they are compatible with Chilean building standards; one more reason to bring you this list of the main wood construction systems in Chile. 1. Platform System This system is an cost-effective and highly demanded construction solution for medium height structures. As its name indicates, the main characteristic of this construction system is that the work is mounted on a platform, which in turn is interlinked with the modular design to match the structure. It consists of cross section walls, horizontal diaphragms and timber trusses. 2. SIP Panel System SIP panels (Structural Insulated Panels) or injected polyurethane sandwich panels (so called because of their shape) are composed of two OSB sheets filled with rigid high-density polystyrene foam (EPS). These panels are ready to be assembled on site, which is why they are common for the production of modular elements. Thanks to the fact that it’s a prefabricated wood panel, it provides a considerable reduction in construction times and complexity in the execution; on the other hand, its use also avoids waste generation at the construction site. This material provides thermal efficiency due to its insulating properties, has a useful life of at least 80 years and reduces construction costs due to its ease of assembly. However, proper treatment must be taken into account, such as the application of fireproof coatings for greater fire safety. 3. Block System Inspired by a more rustic aesthetic, this construction system consists of the vertical assembly of the pieces, preserving the tubular shape of the logs. Although this type of construction can create a warm and comfortable environment, structurally it’s not a recommended option; partly because the direction in which the pieces are assembled is perpendicular to the wood fiber, reducing the strength of the structure (we recommend reading Understanding Wood and its Structure for more on this point), and secondly, due to the dimensional variability that wood can suffer due to temperature changes. Among the advantages of this system are the aesthetics and the capacity for thermal insulation. 4. Post and Beam System Characterized by the design of large free floor areas, this system makes use of posts and beams without intermediate columns. The posts are embedded in their base to support the structure by means of master beams, on which the joists that make up the second-floor platform or mezzanine are installed. The pieces are assembled by means of metal fittings at various angles and must be properly positioned for a high quality construction. 5. Cross Laminated Timber Of the most recent construction systems, CLT consists of solid wood panels, a material that allows a high level of prefabrication, which in turn reduces construction execution times. Among other qualities, CLT works as a good thermal and acoustic insulator, offers great dimensional stability and excellent fire resistance