Cost-Performance Evaluation of a Pres-Lam Case-study Building in Italy

The socio-economic and environmental impact of recent earthquakes has underscored the need for advanced and sustainable technological solutions in new buildings. The use of engineered timber in construction has gained growing interest in the last years, especially in Italy; nevertheless, it usually comes in the form of conventional platform constructions with CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) walls. Despite the ongoing research to enhance the performance and reduce post-earthquake damage of this system, CLT buildings are often characterized by rigid interior spaces. In contrast, the timber low-damage post-tensioned structural system, known as Pres-Lam technology, offers large open spaces and high-seismic performance with negligible damage and recentering characteristics. Although Pres-Lam has been implemented in various countries worldwide, its adoption in Italy is still at the first stages. This is primarily due to the lack of awareness and information about the technology, limited familiarity of engineers, architects and clients with the use of timber for multi-storey buildings, as well as perceived high costs. Through an Academic-Industry research partnership, this paper presents a case-study of a Pres-Lam adaptable building. A real CLT platform-frame building is re-designed using Pres-Lam technology, and its cost is assessed and compared with the original solution through a bill of quantities. The seismic performance is evaluated through non-linear static analyses, and the low environmental impact is demonstrated by performing a Life-Cycle Assessment of the building. The versatility of Pres-Lam is further emphasized by proposing a change in building use from residential to office space.