Prototyping Secondary Lumber Networks: Local Feasibilityof Waste Wood for Reuse in Mass Timber

Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) overwhelms U.S. landfills, filling them at twice the rate of regular trash. In Minnesota, about 20% of C&DW is recycled, but more could be repurposed. This research project explores the reuse of wood from Minneapolis’ building industry in mass timber construction, focusing on dowel cross-laminated secondary lumber (dCLST), a mass timber application that requires no metal fasteners or adhesives. Leveraging local data and borrowing from international precedents in London and Copenhagen, this study uses interviews, lumber sourcing, and mass timber prototyping to explore secondary lumber reuse in Minneapolis. The findings are divided into two sections: Non-standardness and Imperfect Prototypes. Non-Standardness discusses perceptions of secondary wood reuse and opportunities related to non-standard lumber dimensionality. Imperfect Prototypes cover material tightness and aesthetics evaluation. The study shows the value of reusing secondary dimensional lumber and identifies challenges and opportunities for construction and demolition waste reuse in metropolitan Minnesota. The paper provides details on the research design, findings and reflections, limitations, and future avenues of research.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.AIA.InterMaterialEco.23.50

Volume Editors
Caryn Brause & Chris Flint Chatto