Sterling’s TerraLam CLT attains PRG 320 Certification

Sterling Structural has announced its cross-laminated timber (CLT), sold under the TerraLam trade name, has been certified to the PRG 320 – 2019 performance standard by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES).

Referenced in the International Building Code, PRG 320 certification is required in North America for CLT panels used in structural applications.

CLT’s growing popularity among architects, engineers, builders and developers worldwide has led to predictions that construction market demand for CLT will triple by 2027.

With the construction sector having raised concerns about the ability of CLT producers to keep up with demand, Sterling’s 700,000 cubic metre annual production capacity is a welcome addition.

At full capacity, Sterling can supply over 54 million square feet of floors and roofs to the commercial construction industry.

“We’re really pleased to be able to add our weight to the significant role mass timber will play in expanding the accessibility of sustainable construction,” said Sterling CEO, Carter Sterling. 

Since the first CLT commercial structure was completed in the United States in 2015, more than 500 CLT buildings have been built or are underway across the country, according to WoodWorks. 

With the construction sector having raised concerns about the ability of CLT producers to keep up with demand, Sterling’s 700,000 cubic metre annual production capacity is a welcome addition

The key to Sterling’s high production capability is its standardised approach. The company offers three base CLT panel sizes up to 8’ x 18’ that allow for efficient use of stock timber sizes and simplified logistics. This standard-format or modular approach lends itself to scaled applications, such as multi-family, office space and lodging, that accommodate shorter spans and are frequently replicated.

“We think construction markets will appreciate the efficiencies our panels offer at every stage of the process — from design, production and shipping right through to procurement and installation,” said Kevin Hsu, vice president of Innovation.

Timber used to make TerraLam is 100% Southern Yellow Pine, America’s most abundant commercial tree species.

With PRG 320 certification in hand, the company expects to demonstrate TerraLam’s sustainability attributes and further support design teams with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to be published later this year.