Kerto-Ripa elements

What is Kerto-Ripa?

Kerto-Ripa is composed of full-span plates (Kerto LVL Q-panel) and ribs (Kerto LVL S-beam), bonded together with PU glue to achieve full composite behaviour. The grain direction of the plates and ribs are oriented in the element span direction, with the cross-grain veneers of the plate distributing loads over the ribs. This combination results in a high-performance product that provides excellent comfort for the end-user.

Benefits of using Kerto-Ripa:

Kerto-Ripa is an all-in-one solution which offers the right benefits for an optimal construction. Wood construction also offers numerous advantages, such as

Flexibility 

• Kerto-Ripa elements can be used both in wooden and hybrid constructions, as it easily connects to wood, masonry, concrete or steel structures
• Large openings in ribs (up to 70 % of the height) can be made easily
• Integration of installations

Technical 

• Fire resistance up to 120 minutes
• Bracing of the element through smart gluing technology
• Load-bearing structure with a high stiffness and consequently a low vibration degree

Building time 

• Fast and easy assembly due to the prefab construction and big sizes (24 x 2.4 m)
• Prefabrication ensures uniform quality and a reduction in defect costs
• A quick covering of large areas keeps the building area below clean and dry

Light in weight 

• Kerto-Ripa elements can be up to 5 to 10 times lighter than with equal technical
  performance
• Consequently lighter load-bearing frames and foundations are needed
• Lighter and cheaper building equipment, such as electric cranes, can be used

Saving space 

• Floors and roofs: top-slab support
• Walls : thinner structure due to integration of the installations and insulation within element
• More m² inner space = larger sellable areas

Gluing for efficiency 

The gluing technology developed by Metsä Wood over the past 25 years underpins the performance of the structural gluing. The additional stiffness and strength provided by this structural gluing enables long spans and heavy loads with reduced element depths and raw material consumption. This bonding method results in a stiffness far superior to any nailed or screwed solution.

Both plates and ribs are of full length, allowing elements to span up to 24 meters for roofs and 15 meters for floors.

Route to market 

Many dedicated and experienced Metsä Wood partners across Europe are certified to produce CE-marked Kerto-Ripa solutions for your project. All elements are manufactured under controlled conditions.