A new CLT system for masonry construction refurbishment

In Italy about 50% of the building heritage has a masonry structure. The refurbishment of these buildings is a delicate issue. The complexity of the problem lies in the presence of a widespread panorama behind the category masonry construction because their characteristics depend on different techniques related to local traditions. The current conditions are often the result of a large number of subsequent interventions and of their natural decay. The complex scenery requires a diversified range of solutions in order to find an ‘ad hoc’ answer for each case. Nowadays energy efficiency requirements need a multidisciplinary approach, as structure safety oriented strategies are no longer sufficient. An environmental performance upgrade is needed. In this panorama there are some buildings with a so advanced decay that trying to preserve the whole building envelope could lead to lose it. The façadism allows the construction of a new building within the historic façades. This paper proposes a method for the refurbishment of these buildings based on the use of Cross Laminated Timber technology. The research focuses on the study of a standard process that ensures the highest building quality.