GLULAM HANDBOOK – VOLUME 2
About glulam
Structure
Glulam (glued laminated timber) comprises a number of wood laminates glued together. The fibres in the laminates run parallel to the length of the piece. In straight glulam products, the laminates are 45 mm thick. For curved products, the thickness is less, generally 33 mm.
Glulam is a construction material that comes in a range of strength classes. The manufacturing standard for the Swedish market is strength class GL30. Some glulam beams are made by splitting glulam beams of class GL30 to create split timber beams, which then have a strength class of GL28.
Custom manufacture
Where large spans, loads or other circumstances define the design, glulam is made to the drawings and accompanying specifications as required, in consultation with the glulam manufacturer’s structural engineers. Custom-made glulam elements are available in practically any shape and dimension to meet the architect’s vision and other parameters.
Examples of common custom glulam products include curved beams, pitched beams, portals and arches. Contact one of the glulam manufacturers for more information.
Why glulam?
- Strength – Glulam is one of the strongest construction materials in relation to its weight.
- Environment – The raw material is renewable. The glulam can be re-used or recycled.
- Aesthetic value – Glulam is a naturally attractive product that people have a strong emotional connection with.
- Energy – Energy use in glulam manufacture is very low compared with other construction materials.
- Durability – Glulam tolerates aggressive environments better than many other construction materials.
- Formability – Glulam can be produced in practically any shape.
- Dimensional stability – Glulam does not twist or bend.
- Fire resistance – Glulam resists fire better than many other construction materials.
- Workability – Glulam can be worked and crafted using both simple hand tools and mechanical tools. Holes and notches can be cut in glulam in consultation with an experienced structural engineer.