This produces members of rectangular cross-section that are larger and longer than may be obtained simply by sawing a normal log.

Pre-fabricated structural components are regularly manufactured from glulam.

These structural members are used as vertical columns or horizontal beams, as well as curved, arched shapes.

Glulam is readily produced in curved shapes and it is available in a range of species and appearance characteristics to meet varied end-use requirements.

Connections are usually made with bolts or plain steel dowels and steel plates.

Because of their composition, large glulam members can be manufactured from a variety of smaller trees harvested from second- and third-growth forests and plantations.

Glulam provides the strength and versatility of large wood members without relying on the old growth-dependent solid-sawn timbers.

As with other engineered wood products, it reduces the overall amount of wood used when compared to solid sawn timbers by diminishing the negative impact of knots and other small defects in each component board.

However, the laminating process allows timber to be used for much longer spans, heavier loads, and complex shapes.

Glulam is one tenth the weight of steel and one sixth the weight of concrete the embodied energy to produce it is one sixth of that for a comparable strength of steel.

Glulam can be manufactured to a variety of straight and curved configurations so it offers architects artistic freedom without sacrificing structural requirements.

The size is limited only by transportation and handling constraints.

If they are landfilled, the glulam beams are a worse alternative than steel because of the methaneemission.

A more recent study by Chalmers University of Technology was not so optimistic.

Nevertheless, it showed that while the absolute greenhouse emissions are strongly dependent on the method used to calculate them, the environmental profile of glulam is typically as good or better than steel in an example structural application.

The cost of the glulam beams is slightly lower than the steel beams.

It distinguishes this structural timber composite from others such as cross-laminated timber, whose layers are created rather like those in plywood, but forming them from sliced solid timber or even in some cases from re-sliced glulam.

As indicated by the structural codes of practice and their supporting standards, these always deal with Structural Timber, of which glulam forms a vital part.

However, working out around the house can require finding space to set up your equipment.

This can be an ideal solution for those looking to set up a dynamic, flexible and engaging remote workspace.

We look at games rooms, home offices, and log cabins all year round to help you explore the benefits of Timber Building Specialists.

Glulam Water Resistance