Tuesday, September 9, 2025
In a groundbreaking study, engineers in Santiago, Chile, are using locally sourced radiata pine to test the viability of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for earthquake-resistant high-rise buildings. This initiative is being led by Dr. Erick Saavedra of the Universidad de Santiago de Chile’s Department of Civil Engineering, with support from the Scientific and Technological Research Directorate at VRIIC. The project is exploring whether Chile’s own radiata pine can compete with steel and concrete in creating tall, seismic-resistant structures.
Testing Earthquake Resistance with CLT
Chile is renowned for its seismic activity, being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions. Despite this, concrete remains the dominant material for high-rise construction in the country. However, the new research project seeks to challenge this by examining how CLT made from radiata pine can hold up in such conditions. CLT is already gaining popularity in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, and Chile is now aiming to test its potential for local use.
Dr. Saavedra explained, “The Chilean radiata pine we’re using in this study possesses a complex microstructure, complete with porosity, moisture, and other unique material properties. From a computational modelling perspective, this is a major challenge; we need to fully capture that microstructural richness to precisely anticipate its seismic behaviour.”
Unlike concrete and steel, which contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions, wood is a renewable resource that stores carbon. CLT, in particular, offers advantages in sustainability as it requires less energy to process compared to traditional building materials. Furthermore, when designed properly, CLT exhibits fire-resistant properties, as carbonisation occurs on the surface, preserving the material’s strength beneath.
A Sustainable Alternative for Chile’s Future
Dr. Saavedra is confident that Chile’s radiata pine can be an ideal material for seismic-resistant high-rise construction. “Validating its use in high-rise buildings holds potential for a significant positive impact on the construction industry and society alike, leading to more efficient, ecological, and Chile-specific building systems,” he stated. This project is not only about sustainability but also the need for safer and more environmentally friendly building practices in seismic zones.
The research builds on previous international work, including a study by the University of California, San Diego, in 2023. Their tests demonstrated the earthquake resistance of a 10-storey, 115-foot cross-laminated timber building, providing valuable insight into the material’s seismic resilience.
Innovative Research Approach
The Chilean study combines advanced computational models with real-world experimental testing. By using a vibrating table to simulate seismic conditions, the team will put hybrid timber-and-concrete structures through rigorous testing. Dr. Saavedra remarked, “These tests will be unique in Chile. They’ll allow us to build and test large, multi-storey structures, ultimately reproducing earthquake effects on these buildings. This will be a major advance for structural engineering in the country.”
The project will unfold in phases. The first phase will focus on experimental studies of structural connectors in wood-to-wood and wood-to-concrete joints. The team will also develop computational models to account for the small-scale behaviour of wood, considering its internal structure, porosity, and moisture content. As the project progresses, the modelling will expand to include beams, columns, walls, and slabs.
Moving Toward Practical Applications in Construction
Dr. Saavedra stresses that the real challenge lies in making the research applicable to real-world construction. “My belief is that the real challenge lies in delivering results that hold practical value and can inform structural design and construction,” he said. As part of their goal, the team will validate their findings through vibration tests that mimic real seismic activity, ensuring their designs are as resilient as possible in earthquake-prone areas.
Looking Ahead to a Sustainable Future
The outcome of this project could significantly reshape the future of construction in Chile. By replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel with locally sourced timber, it may become possible to build safer, more sustainable high-rises that are tailored to the region’s seismic conditions. This initiative not only highlights Chile’s commitment to sustainable building practices but also paves the way for a global shift toward greener construction methods.
In conclusion, the use of cross-laminated timber, particularly radiata pine, in high-rise buildings is an exciting development in the field of structural engineering. This innovative project in Chile offers the potential to revolutionise the construction industry, combining sustainability, earthquake resilience, and the intelligent use of local resources.
Source- https://woodcentral.com.au/
Read more news on Timber Construction
For more updates, visit the European woodworking industry website: woodandpanel.com
Tags: Chile, cross-laminated timber, earthquake-resistant, seismic safety, structural engineering, woodworking industry
