Planning Manual

LCT System

A product of the Rhomberg Group December 2018

Contents
INTRODUCTION3
Starting Point  3
Modular Construction 4
Abstract 5
Overview of the LCT System 6
Data and Facts about the LCT System 7
Use of the Building 8
PLANNING PRINCIPLES 13
Integrated BIM Planning 13
Low-tech Buildings and IoT 15
Lifecycle Assessment 16
Platform 17
STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK 18
Structural Analysis 18
Calculation for hybrid panels with notches 19
Building Layout 21
Building Stiffening 22
BUILDING MODELLING 24
Modular Components 24
Grid 25
Floor Heights 26
Core 27
Building Component Codes 28
Glulam Columns 29
Steel Girder 30
Hybrid Slab Panel 31
Hybrid Slab Panel with Integrated Concrete Edge Beam 32
STRUCTURAL FITOUT 33
Fire Protection 33
Sound Protection 34
Façade 36

2
INTRODUCTION
Starting Point
Build better – with renewable raw materials.
Every building serves a specific purpose. But what about when requirements, perceptions and
desires change? Nothing in this world stands still – for Cree, this is a good reason to completely
rethink architecture and to enrich it with an important concept: dynamic individuality.
In a time when space is needed urgently and quickly, fast and, above all, cost-effective solutions
need to be found. This means the fast provision of buildings that already satisfy the necessary
range of minimum requirements and that can undergo subsequent upgrades.
In recent years, Cree GmbH has been working intensively on the construction methods of
the future and in looking at the use of wood as a material, developed the LCT (LifeCycle
Tower) building system. Safety, quality and costs were established and confirmed in trials and
projects that had already been realised. By involving local businesses and corporations in the
undertaking of the project, we ensured regional added value and solidarity.
Because of the speed of the planning, production, assembly and the possibility for subsequent
adaptations, all options are open, so it is relatively simple to adapt the building according
to new circumstances. We are not building for today or tomorrow, we are building for future
generations.

3
Modular Construction

Building using prefabricated elements with standard solutions planned down to the last detail:
modular, systematic and flexible.
If you want to achieve more, you need to do it systematically. A building constructed using
the LCT method is therefore planned and prefabricated systematically. This has numerous
advantages, such as short construction times and cost certainty, minimised impact of noise
and dust during construction and fewer sources of errors during planning and execution. But
modular building doesn’t have to be monotonous: each LCT building allows for an individually
customised design according to a wide range of requirements and preferences.
Thanks to the modular construction method, it is possible to convert an LCT building at any
time in its lifecycle and renovations are made much easier.
The necessary detailed solutions are predetermined structurally, so on site it is simply a case
of assembling the individual building components. Subsequent works using elements that
have not been prefabricated, such as separate fire-resistant cladding, are kept to a minimum.
This means the on-site implementation of complex details, whose expert completion during a
normal build is hard to control, is avoided.

4
Abstract

LCT buildings are hybrid constructions. The foundation slab [1] and the vertical core [2] are
made of a reinforced concrete construction. The walls, ceilings, landings and staircases in the
core are made out of prefabricated concrete elements. The ceiling of each floor is constructed
using timber-hybrid slab panels. This means that Cree timber-hybrid slab panels [3] are
mounted on glulam columns [4] on the façade side and in the centre on a steel or concrete
middle girder [5] and steel-concrete composite columns [6]. Together with the core they ensure
the stability of the building. All columns are hinged columns in timber, steel, reinforced concrete
or steel and concrete composite. The external walls on a standard floor are built as suspended
timber frame construction.

5
Overview of the LCT System

Special Features of the System

• High level of industrial prefabrication
• High quality and cost certainty thanks to building elements produced in advance in a factory
• Very cost-effective for large-scale, system-compatible, individual buildings
• Reduced building height thanks to integrated technical components
• Flexible façade design
• Minimised use of resources because of the timber-hybrid technology

Aim of the Systemized Approach

• All building components are broken down into modules
• Industrial prefabrication following the example of other industries
• Standardised assembly and commissioning processes
• Standardised quality management
• Standardised processes
• Continuous digital links from planning to use (BIM)
• Reduction and simplification of interfaces

Glulam according to statics

Double columns/hinged columns

Edge beam out of reinforced concrete

Hybrid slab panel according to statics

Timber-Concrete-Composite
recommended concrete deck thickness: 10cm

Width
an Element-Width
Sp
e = 250 - 300cm
Height

Dist
anc
e

6
Data and Facts about the LCT System

Modular Building Components

• Stiffening using the core, the ceiling and wall panels
• Glulam columns for the façade (uncapsuled)
• Steel or concrete middle girder on steel-concrete composite columns
• Prefabricated timber-concrete composite ceiling (LCT ribbed slab)
• Non-load-bearing, large-scale external wall elements in timber frame

Modular Grid
• 2.50 m (extension grid 1.25 m)
• 2.70 m (extension grid 1.35 m) > preferred grid
• 3.00 m (extension grid 1.50 m)
• Maximum column-free span in the interior 7.50 m | 8.10 m | 9.00 m in both directions

Modular Floor Heights

• Standard floor height 3.50 m (variable according to the step height of 17.5 cm)
• 3.50 m relates to 3.00 m clear height below beams of the timber-hybrid elements
• Ground floor > 3.85 m: Consultation of structural analysis necessary because of the load-
bearing capacity of the columns
• Up to 30 floors or building height of 100 m possible using the system

Stiffening
• Core in prefabricated or partly prefabricated concrete parts
• At least three wall panels that do not intersect
• Additional stiffening wall panels in the external wall
• horizontal ceiling panels
• Hinged columns for the façade

Façade
• Large scale façade elements across several grids
• All approved materials and superstructures are suitable as a façade surface
• Combined assembly with façade columns is advised
• Single or double façade

Floor Construction
• Upper floor construction: cavity, double floor or screed construction: ≥ 120 mm
• Ground floor construction: cavity, double floor or screed construction: ≥ 190 mm

Structural Analysis
• Load assumptions should be taken from the respective country standards
• Typical loads:
Dead loads 5.00 kN/m²
Live loads 4.00 kN/m²

7
Use of the Building

The LCT system is especially suited to offices, hotels or apartments. Flexible room layouts
are possible thanks to the large spans. Non-load-bearing partition walls can be placed in or
removed from the relevant grid; the position of the glulam beams in the hybrid panels should
be considered.
Fundamentally, the LCT system is designed for high-rise buildings of at least 8 floors. During
the “LifeCycle Tower” research project, it was proved that buildings of up to 30 floors and 100
m in height are possible using a hybrid timber construction method.

Office

Großraumbüro / Maximalbelegung (inkl. Externe) = 90 Personen

Büroflügel Nord = 394 m²
Kern = 200 m²
Nutzfläche Kern-Ost = 76 m²
Nutzfläche Kern-West = 76m²
Büroflügel Süd = 394 m²

Großraumbüro / Layout Phase: Konzeption

Projekt: LCT ASA Datum: 2015-04-24
Maßstab: 1 : 150 Projektnummer: 131121

Hotel

Hotelgeschoß / Maximalbelegung (alle Betten belegt + 4 Servicepersonal) = 68 Personen 8

Hotelflügel Nord = 394 m²
Kern = 200 m²
Hotelzimmer Kern-Ost = 76 m²
Hotelzimmer Kern-West = 76m²
Hotelflügel Süd = 394 m²
 Housing

Wohnen / MEDIUM Phase: Konzeption

Projekt: LCT ASA Datum: 2015-04-24
Maßstab: 1 : 150 Projektnummer: 131121

9
© Tom Haider | BTV Memmingen
OFFICE

10
© Norman A. Müller | LCT One
© Cree | Student Living
HOTEL

11
 HOUSING

© Tom Haider | BTV Memmingen

12
PLANNING PRINCIPLES

The planning of LCT Buildings is based on the following principles

• Integrated BIM planning
• Low-tech buildings and IoT
• Lifecycle assessment
• Platform concept

Integrated BIM Planning

Mapping out the integrated BIM planning process with all parties involved from the very beginning
is a precondition for the implementation of a sustainable and efficient modular build. This changes
the usual procedure significantly, as many decisions have to be taken much earlier than in the
current planning process. The planning process therefore becomes considerably more effective
and facilitates greater efficiency of the whole construction phase, especially in the industrial
prefabrication of building components and their assembly on site.

Current process

Manufacturer

Developer Planner Construction Companies Users

Definition of Planning and construction - linear overlap, construction companies and Reduced quality and
the target manufacturers not integrated into the planning increased costs

Time

Future process

BIM
Construction companies
Planner Construction Time saving
Developer Users
Developer/User companies

Manufacturer

Actual construction, Earlier use and

Definition of Planning - BIM-based digital
efficient and more cost-
the target construction
effective, with LCM efficient

Time
(SOMMER, H.: Projektmanagement im Hochbau mit BIM und Lean Management. S. 144); Translated by Cree GmbH

13
The creation of a “digital twin” prior to the start of construction is absolutely essential. Planning
during the construction phase no longer happens. All parties work together on their specific
models, which are brought together in a central model that contains all relevant information –
creating a “single source of truth”.

14
Low-tech Buildings and IoT

All of the planning follows the principle of as little as possible, as much as necessary. This applies
in particular to building technology. Ideally, heating and cooling elements should be integrated
directly into the hybrid slab panels. Mechanical ventilation should be reduced to a minimum and
should generally be limited to the (increased) exhaust air from sanitary facilities, with replacement
air coming via the façade. The windows can be opened and linked to building services controls
that prevent unnecessary heating and cooling when the windows are open.

Heating and cooling system: Thermal component activation

Using a mat with pipes laid in the hybrid slabs, heating and cooling can be provided for the space
below. The system can be adjusted quickly, reacting in as little as 15–20 minutes. Depending
on the number of sets of valves, each part of a slab can be used for different spaces. Single-
room control is possible with a 1.35 m grid, as the mat is split down the middle of the grid. The
connecting valve is attached to the ceiling where it comes through the surface.

We recommend using corrosion-proof distribution pipework and controlling the system via heat
exchanger. When using a four-wire system, heating and cooling is possible in different parts of
the building at the same time. When cooling, the power related to the laid area of a maximum
of 88 W/m² comprises 70% radiation and 30% convection. In relation to the effective area to be
cooled, 50 W/m² of this makes it into the room.

When heating, very little heat is lost into the room through convection. The power is a maximum
of 80 W/m² based on the laid area.

In addition, because the surrounding surfaces of the components are made of timber, the
apparent temperature rises at the same rate as the air temperature.

Plan view and cross-section of the mat with pipes

Flow and return

15
Lifecycle Assessment

The entire lifecycle of the building forms the focus of the planning, starting with the raw materials
and resources used, to the construction, use and conversion of the building, all the way to its
dismantling and reuse. Even a dismantling manual shouldn’t be missed out. The design of the
façade is also part of sustainable, intelligent planning and is based on the direction the building
is facing in terms of the proportion of window surfaces and shading. When it reaches the end
of its lifespan, the façade can be partially or entirely replaced without damaging the structural
framework of the building. Even individual parts of the structural framework can be replaced
where necessary, thereby increasing the lifespan of LCT buildings.

Construction
Floor-by-floor construction of the building

Planning Use
(Apartments, hotel, offices)

Recycling

Conversion
(Apartments, hotel, offices)

Development - Dismantling
Floors can be added or removed

16
Platform

In order to make all experiences of the planning, construction and use of Cree buildings available
to other planners, licensees and interested parties, a platform has been created that contains
information on all of the buildings constructed using the Cree method. In this way, everyone can
benefit from the experiences and knowledge of others, and it is the only way that we can achieve
sustainable building on an appropriate scale at the necessary speed.

Licence Partner A Authority

Estimator

Cree HQ Expert Planners

Developer
Building Owner
Architect

Harald Professner

Platform
17
STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK
Structural Analysis
The Cree structural framework is made up of glulam columns, hybrid ribbed slabs, a stiffening
core or wall panels and steel or concrete middle girders, where necessary. It can be structurally
and constructively designed up to 30 floors or up to a maximum height of 100 m.

Permanent variable and accidential actions should be considered. Permanent loads are
made up of the dead load of the structure and any structural dead loads (e.g. floor or ceiling
construction). Variable loads are live loads within and wind and snow loads outside the building.
In order to determine the dead load, distributed loads for various building products, wind
loads and live loads for different utilisations, as well as the material density of various building
materials can be found in EN 1991-1-1 or the respective country standards. Accidential actions,
such as exposure to fire or earthquakes, should be dealt with separately. The use of concrete
in the hybrid construction of the structure significantly increases safety against earthquakes
compared with a simple timber frame.

Typical loads - Office Building Example

• Dead loads 5.00 kN/m²
• Live loads 4.00 kN/m²

Wind, snow and earthquake loads on the building should be assessed according to location.

18
Calculation for hybrid panels with notches

Hybrid panel calculation

In order to determine the internal forces of a composite structure, there are many calculation
processes available, whereby the level of effectiveness of the composite depends on the
rigidity of the joints. The more flexible the joints between the partial cross-sections, the higher
the occurring stresses.

Composite Bending stress Shear stress

structure Notches

Full cross-section

No joint

Flexible joint
Crack

Rigid joint

No Crack

The actual load-bearing capacity is positioned between a composite cross-section of

components loosely placed one on top of the other and a rigidly jointed cross-section. The
calculation and illustration of the stresses can be carried out using differential equations, the
γ-method, strut and tie modelling, the shear analogy method or the finite element method. Each
process has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding time requirements, complexity
of the model, flexibility of the system, influence during creation of the model, accuracy of the
calculation and other factors.

Cree’s preferred method of jointing between timber and concrete is a connection through the
use of notches. Because it doesn´t need additional fixings, this jointing option saves resources,
allows for faster production and is above all cheaper. Another advantage is that it is easy to
separate the different materials during the recycling process. In contrast with a rigid screw
fixing, joints using notches are especially ductile.

19
 When calculating the composite action between timber and concrete using notches, it is
recommended to do a strut and tie model, particularly because of the accuracy, complexity,
flexibility and time requirements of the calculation. This means that internal forces and
deflections are no longer determined manually, unlike when calculating using differential
equations or the γ-method. When the system is modelled in the appropriate programme, the
internal forces and deflections of the partial cross-sections are given automatically, so the bulk
of the work is in the modelling of the system.

Notched Connection

Investigation into the load-bearing capacity of the joints is recommended in the following four
cases that occur in practice:
• Shear failure in timber
• Compression failure along the grain of timber
• Shear failure in concrete
• Compression failure in concrete

Long-term behaviour

In addition to short-term behaviour, the long-term behaviour of timber-concrete composite

beams may be design-relevant. There may be higher stresses and deflections because of the
different creep behaviour of timber and concrete, creeping of the joint or thermal influences,
e.g. shrinkage of the two materials.

© Cree by Rhomberg © Cree by Rhomberg

20
Building Layout

The LCT system can be used for numerous building layouts. It is best suited to compact building
layouts that can be split lengthways and crossways into multiple 250/270/300 cm grids. This
specification allows the layouts described below to be applied without any problems. It should
be noted that for oblique-angled building layouts, the angle that deviates from 90° should
be in one of the core areas so as to avoid the need for special hybrid slabs and consequent
increased construction costs.
The aim is to achieve the highest possible number of same-size hybrid slabs.

Point Block Atrium/Perimeter Block Development

Linear Development Freeform

21
Building Stiffening

With the conventional solid construction design of the foundation and the usually prefabricated
core (stairwell, vertical service shafts, sanitary facilities, lift (where applicable)), the individual
layout of the property is formed and the basis for the modular hybrid timber structure is created.
In this way, the core serves as stiffening for the building.
At least three wall panels that do not intersect are required for structural stiffening. Horizontal
loads (e.g. wind, earthquakes, etc.) are transferred to the foundations. Generally, this
requirement is met by the wall panels of the stairwell. Depending on the geometric centre
of the stairwell, additional wall panels may be required to stiffen and reduce the load on the
stairwell. Depending on the size of the building there are more cores for stiffening necessary.
Compulsory lengths of escape routes should be adhered to, therefore it is recommended to
place the core as central to the building as possible.

Core: stable and convenient with the central

positioning of the core – no torsional loads on the
core, as the resulting horizontal loads run through the
core

Core: stable but not convenient – a large distance

between the core and the resulting horizontal loads
leads to torsional forces on the core

Plate and core: convenient – a single plate reduces

the torsional load on the core, as the large lever arm
leads to smaller forces

Plate and core: stable and convenient – torsion in the

eccentric core is avoided due to the plate with a large
lever arm to the core

22
Two cores: stable but not convenient – horizontal
loads perpendicular to the transverse side of the
ceiling cause moment stresses because of the non-
central positioning, which can only be taken by the
narrow cores (leading to higher moment in the cores)

Four plates: stable and convenient positioning (even

under thermal load, because the ceiling plates deform
at right angles to the wall plates – the walls do not
significantly prevent the shift because they slightly
deform at right angles to their plane)

Four plates: stable – however forces arise under

thermal loads because the corners of the ceiling
move diagonally from the centre of the ceiling through
thermal expansion

Three plates: stable and convenient – horizontal

loads in the direction of the two parallel plates are
taken by these, due to the large distance between
them there is no resulting moment.
Lateral wind loads are taken by the third plate, the
resulting moment is taken by the two parallel plates

Three plates: stable but not convenient – minimal

lever arm between the two parallel plates leads
to large forces due to occurring moments out of
horizontal loads perpendicular to the plates

Three parallel plates: unstable – the line of action runs

parallel to the three plates, horizontal perpendicular
impact to the plate leads to tilting

23
 BUILDING MODELLING
Modular Components
Components of the LCT load-bearing system

© Sven-Erik Tornow | Sohm: Glulam-Column © Darko Todorovic | LCT One building phase © Darko Todorovic | LCT One building phase

24
Grid

The grid of the LCT construction is based on the geometry of the LCT slab system. There are
three basic grids available, deviations therefrom are only possible in consultation with Cree.
The basic grid should be maintained length and crossways and denotes the width of the slab
panels; the length is a multiple of the basic grid.

• Basic grid 2.50 m (fitout grid 1.25 m)

• Basic grid 2.70 m (fitout grid 1.35 m)
• Basic grid 3.00 m (fitout grid 1.50 m)

250 / 270 / 300 250 / 270 / 300 250 / 270 / 300 250 / 270 / 300

Grid

e.g. 135

250 / 270 / 300

Grid for interior design

D
250 / 270 / 300

C
250 / 270 / 300

B
250 / 270 / 300

Grid

1 2 3 4 5

25
Floor Heights

In addition to the horizontal limitations of the basic grid, all modular parts in the LCT system are
also limited on a vertical plane. The floor heights are marked in multiples of 17.5 cm (height of
a step).

FF... Finished Floor

SF... Structural Floor
FF...Finished Floor
BB... Bottom of Beam
SF...Structural Floor
BB...Bottom of Beam

1 2 3 4 5

3rd Floor

3rd Floor FF
10,500
3rd Floor SF
10,380
38 12

3rd Floor BB
multiple of 17,5cm 10,000
e.g. 350
Clear height

2nd Floor
300

2nd Floor FF
7,000
2nd Floor SF
6,880
38 12

2nd Floor BB
multiple of 17,5cm

6,500
e.g. 350
Clear height

1st Floor
300

1st Floor FF
3,500
1st Floor SF
3,380
38 12

1st Floor BB
multiple of 17,5cm

3,000
Storey height
Clear height

Ground Floor
300

Ground Floor FF
0,000

Ground Floor SF
-0,190
30 19

Bottom of Foundation
-0,490

Grid Grid Grid Grid

26
Core

The walls, ceilings, landings and stairs of the core are usually constructed of prefabricated or
partially prefabricated concrete parts, where the walls and the ceiling serve as stiffening for the
building. The hybrid slabs are connected to the walls of the core using grouting and structural
joints. Therefore any horizontal forces will run through the core. The position of the core walls
varies according to the connections and is shown in the following image.

2 2

Distance Grid to Wall Edge Distance Grid to Wall Edge

Hybrid Slab connected to Steel Girder

ls
al
W

D
ng
ni
fe
if
St
Distance Grid to Wall Edge
12,5

C
Hybrid Slab connected to Steel Girder
Hybrid Slab connected to Wall

Hybrid Slab connected to Wall

1 2 3 4 5

Position of the core walls

27
Building Component Codes
Example: CREE_BC_03_2-01_02

CREE COLUMNS
CREE _ BC _ XX _ Y - YY _ ZZ Connection
01 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
_
Base Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
1
02 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
Single - _
Typical Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
Glulam
03 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
_
Top Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
BUILDING COMPONENTS

01 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)

_
Base Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
2
02 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
Double - _
01 Typical Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
_ Glulam
Column 03 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
_
Top Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
01 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
_
Base Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
3
02 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
Triple - _
Typical Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
Glulam
03 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
_
Top Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)
4 01 01 Connection to Hybrid Slab (01)
- _
Geilinger Typical Level 02 Connection to Girder (02)

CREE SUPPORTS
CREE _ BC _ XX _ Y - YY _ ZZ Length
01 01 Flexible Length
_
1 End Girder
-
Steel Girder 02 01 Flexible Length
_
Middle Girder
BUILDING COMPONENTS

01
2 Continuous
Steel -
L-Section 02
02 Particular
_
Support 01 1-Field
01 02 2-Field
Concrete
03 3-Field
3 Edge Beam
Detached 04 4-Field
- _
Concrete 01 1-Field
Beam 02 02 2-Field
Concrete
Middle Beam 03 3-Field
04 4-Field

CREE HYBRID SLABS

CREE _ BC _ XX _ Y - YY _ ZZ Span Direction
01 Facade to Wall
02 Facade to Girder
01 03 Facade to Facade
4 Glulam B. _
0 Concrete B. 04 Girder to Core
05 Girder to Girder
06 Wall to Wall
01 Facade to Wall
02 Facade to Girder
BUILDING COMPONENTS

02 03 Facade to Facade
3 Glulam B. _
1 Concrete B. 04 Girder to Core
05 Girder to Girder
03 2 06 Wall to Wall
_ -
Hybrid Slab LCT 2.0 01 Facade to Wall
02 Facade to Girder
03 03 Facade to Facade
3 Glulam B. _
0 Concrete B. 04 Girder to Core
05 Girder to Girder
06 Wall to Wall
01 Facade to Wall
02 Facade to Girder
04 03 Facade to Facade
2 Glulam B. _
1 Concrete B. 04 Girder to Core
05 Girder to Girder
06 Wall to Wall

28
Glulam Columns

270 270 270 270

Grid

270
D

270
Insertion Point
C

270
Insertion Point

Grid
270
A
Insertion Point Insertion Point Insertion Point

1 2 3 4 5

Outside edge of
Cree-System
Single Glulam Column

Steel Top Plate

Steel pin for fixation
Double Glulam Column

24
24
Triple Glulam Column

24
49
Steel Base Plate

49

49
29
Steel Girder

270 270 270 270

Grid

270
540 +270/+540

Insertion Point
D

270
540 +270/+540

Insertion Point
C

270
+270/+540 540

Insertion Point
B

Grid
270
A

1 2 3 4 5
Pin for fixation

Steel End Girder

Support Detail

Steel Middle Girder

Ex
ten
sio
n+
27
0/+
54
0

Ex
ten
sio
n+
27
0/+
54
0
Ex
ten
sio
n+
27
0/+
54
0

Steel L-Section

30
Hybrid Slab Panel

270 270 270 270

Grid

E
270

Grid

270
0,5 269 0,5

Hybrid Slab

D
2

270
C
3*Grid

270
810

808

Grid
Insertion Point 270
A

1 2 3 4 5
Fixation
Glulam Beam

Glu
lam
Be
am
Wi
dth
Notch
Fixation

Glu gth
lam en
lL
Be ane cm
am bP -2
Wi Sla rid
dth *G
=x
Sla
dth
b Pa Wi
=G ne m
lW ea
rid
- idt g eB
(2* h Ed
0,5
cm
)

31
Hybrid Slab Panel with Integrated Concrete Edge
Beam

270 270 270 270

Grid

270

Grid

270
0,5 269 0,5

Hybrid Slab

D
2

270
C
3*Grid

270
810
808

Grid
Insertion Point 270
A

1 2 3 4 5
Fixation

Fixation
Concrete Gable Beam

Fixation

Glu
lam
Be
am
Concrete Edge Beam

Wi
dth
Fixation

gth
Ga en
ble lL
Be ane cm
a m bP -2
Wi Sla rid
dth x*G
=
Sla dth
b Pa Wi
ne am
=G lW Be
rid idt ge
- (2* h Ed
0,5
cm
)

32
STRUCTURAL FIT-OUT
Fire Protection
The LCT hybrid construction method allows for the visible use of combustible materials in
load-bearing components. Therefore two LCT hybrid slab panels with different thicknesses of
concrete were tested at an accredited testing laboratory and classified as follows:
REI 90: Hybrid slabs with the dimensions: 8100 x 2700 x 360mm (concrete thickness: 80mm)
REI 120: Hybrid slabs with the dimensions: 8100 x 2700 x 360mm (concrete thickness: 100mm)

We recommend planning for a concrete thickness of 100 mm.

Test reports for the LCT hybrid slab panel from an accredited certification institution are
available.

© Cree | Fire Test

33
Sound Protection

Structural fit-out of the hybrid slabs

The LCT hybrid slab panels were tested both as individual components and in different floor
structures. Ideally, “dry” floor structures should be planned in order for the progress of the
structural fit-out not to be delayed by the drying time of the screed layer.

Impact sound insulation in the ceiling

With an area-related mass of the 10 cm-thick concrete layer of 240 kg/m2, the impact sound
of the ceiling slab can be given an estimated mathematical standard impact sound level of 82
dB. Requirements for an estimated standard impact sound level through the floor of less than
or equal to 53 dB can be met using methods of impact sound improvement such as carpeting
and/or raised floors.

Airborne sound insulation in the ceiling

Taking into account a typical dry internal construction and with an area-related mass of the 10
cm-thick concrete layer of 240 kg/m2, the floor can achieve a weighted sound reduction index
greater than or equal to 54 dB. Further demands are possible following consultation with Cree.

Room acoustics
The timber ribs on the hybrid slab contribute to a significant reduction in the disturbing effects
of background noise thanks to their increased sound scattering and absorption properties.
With the help of room acoustics simulations of multi-person offices, it has been proven that
in an office space with an LCT hybrid slab, it is possible to achieve a reliable prognosis of the
room acoustics thanks to statistical (simplified) calculation. This has the great advantage that
a reliable assessment of the expected room acoustic conditions can also be made without the
need for complex simulations.

© Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics

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Structural fit-out of the wall elements
The Cree wall element was measured in a testing environment with the adjoining columns and
different types of façade covering. It was found that with any attempt to prevent the panels
from vibrating and therefore also due to the static connection between the columns and the
external wall elements, the sound reduction index decreased by around 4 dB to the sound
reduction index of a freestanding timber frame wall. The measured values of the different
types of wall construction can be used as evidence of a weighted sound reduction index of up
to 50 dB. In areas of high external noise (above approx. 80 dB), measures should be taken
such as installing facing panels within the room, depending on the size and soundproofing
characteristics of the glazing/windows.

Structure of the walls

Standard requirements:
227,5

227,5
18 12,5

12,5
240

276
18

Structure of the walls

Increased requirements:
200,5

200,5
27 12,5

39,5
18
200

282
12 12 40

Connection between partition walls (including walls separating rented areas or living spaces)
to the external walls are possible in the area of the column. Similarly, a partition wall connection
can be placed in the remaining areas depending on the design of the façade. Partition walls for
rented areas or living spaces that run across the ceiling beams require an acoustically effective
suspended ceiling on at least one side.

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Façade

The façade of an LCT building is not part of the primary structural framework, but rather
mounted on it (except for stiffening façade elements when required). This allows for variations
in the design of the façade according to local conditions, physical requirements of the building
and individual preferences. In order to secure the material cycle, being able to dismantle the
façade into its component parts is of great importance.
Combining the assembly of the structural framework columns with the mounted façade in one
process step makes it possible to achieve a weathertight floor in a short period of time, with
the prefabricated ceiling panels installed afterwards. The dimensions of the individual façade
elements must comply with local transport conditions. There should be as less joints between
individual elements as possible.

Glulam
Concrete slab
Grouting

Assembly of façade elements

and slab panels

36
 Prefabrication of the façade elements
The individual façade elements should ideally be built on a large scale in order to keep the
number of joints to a minimum. The dimensions of the individual façade elements must comply
with local transport conditions.

Example: Assembly sequence for the individual elements

Ideally, elements should not meet in the corners of the building to avoid complicated joints
behind the corner columns. In order to achieve the assembly without scaffolding, the façade
elements should be completely manufactured in the factory (with windows, sun protection and
façade coverings if possible).

© Cree by Rhomberg © Cree by Rhomberg

37
Timber frame construction (non-load-bearing)

Inside
Glulam column

OSB

Framing incl.
Insulation

Cement-bonded
particleboard

Façade Cladding
Outside
Dimensions dependent on structure and façade

CLT wall solution (load-bearing/stiffening)

Inside
Glulam column

CLT wall

Insulation

Cement-bonded
particleboard

Façade Cladding
Outside

Dimensions dependent on structure and façade

Glazing/Windows
Many façade designs and materials are possible using the LCT system.
It is important to always coordinate the building’s grid, transport options and fire protection.

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Possible façade structures:
• Large-scale glazing, adjusted to the building’s grid
• Windows with or without railings in various sizes, adjusted to the building’s grid

© Darko Todorovic | LCT One

39
Cree GmbH
www.creebyrhomberg.com