Kerto-Ripa Wall elements

According to structural calculations, the Kerto-Ripa wall structure enables up to 50 percent wood material savings in the ground floor walls of an eight-story building compared to solid wood structures. These elements provide superior stiffness and high load-bearing capacity, ensuring structural stability even under demanding conditions. The system's versatility makes it well-suited for a range of applications, including office and residential buildings and large hall constructions, where flexibility in design and performance are essential.  

Kerto LVL S-beam is used as a rib and Kerto LVL Q-panel as panelling. The panel thickness and rib dimensions can be adjusted according to technical requirements. The element manufacturer glues the wall system in the factory using screw or nail press bonding, thereby transferring a large part of the added value to itself. With the required glueing license, companies are also strategically positioning themselves for the future. Metsä Wood advises on the introduction and optimisation of production technology.

Benefits of the Kerto-Ripa wall elements

• Material savings: Kerto-Ripa wall structures allow savings of up to 50% of wood material in the ground floor walls of an eight-storey building compared to massive wood structures. This is due to the innovative composite structure made by gluing
• High load-bearing capacity: An exterior wall element 2.4 m wide and 3 m high has been measured to have a load-bearing capacity of up to 119 tonnes. In exterior walls, Kerto-Ripa wall has 60% higher buckling strength compared to 120mm CLT

• Space flexibility: The Kerto-Ripa frame system allows the design of large open spaces by allowing long spans without load-bearing partition walls. This increases the adaptability of spaces in both residential and office buildings.

• Increases the surface area available for sale: Thinner wall structures result in more sellable floor space. This is a major advantage for developers and property developers.

• Fast and efficient construction: Kerto-Ripa wall panels are manufactured under controlled conditions in a factory. This reduces on-site time. With Kerto-Ripa wall elements and concrete floors you can build up to 10 stories

Kerto-Ripa wall combined with other applications

Floor elements can be supported on the wall element using the so-called Top Slab connection, which is particularly easy to install. The overhang of the final top panel of the floor element rests on the wall element. The efficiency of laminated veneer lumber is also evident in the use of lintel and edge beams in the wall area.