How far can a glulam beam span?

In large open spaces, glulam beams can span more than 100 feet. One of the greatest advantages of glulam is that it can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes, sizes and configu- rations.

Is glulam used for trusses?

Glulam can also be used to build a great variety of supporting arches and roof truss configurations.

Is a glulam stronger than a solid beam?

Today, the advancements in engineered wood construction materials with products like glulam can produce posts and beams with more added strength than from that in solid sawn lumber alone, with far less warping and extraordinary durability.

Can glulam be used for large span beams?

Because of its exceptional strength to weight ratio, glulam is suitable for large spans. Spans for glulam beams like other structural components are governed by the loads being carried. The maximum length of our standard beams is 15m but longer lengths can be supplied to special order.

Which is stronger LVL or glulam?

The laminated beam is stronger but more expensive and used when bigger cross-sections are required. Generally made from hardwood, rather than the lvl softwood. Better performance from a laminated beam can be got when using cambered lamination.

Is glulam stronger than steel?

Glued laminated timber, or glulam, is a highly innovative construction material. Pound for pound, glulam is stronger than steel and has greater strength and stiffness than comparably sized dimensional lumber.

Is glulam cheaper than solid wood?

Glulam is cheaper than solid wood, because the individual pieces that form the beams can be sourced from several younger trees rather than one big tree. This means glulam can be as large and long as a structure requires. It can also be manufactured in curved shapes, which is expensive to create with solid wood.

Is glulam more expensive than steel?

Is glulam cheaper than steel? For a simple beam, spanning between supports, glulam is often cheaper than steel. There is often also a saving due to the ease with which you can fix joist hangers, etc. to the beams, and the fact that you don’t need to box the glulam in as you would do with steel.

How far can a 16 GLULAM beam span?

Use the graph below to figure out your maximum span, but generally speaking, you can easily get to a 16′ to 20′ span between supports. This large span opens up living space for below for additional outdoor seating and is a great product for large commercial decks.

Can glulam get wet?

Can glulam beams get wet? Can glulam beams be used externally? Yes – but, like any other structural application of timber, it will degrade if it is not correctly protected.

What are the advantages of using glulam?

Perfect for long span and curved designs, glulam is the construction material that offers strength without aesthetic compromise.

• Locally available and environmentally sustainable material.
• Flexibility of shape and size.
• Appearance.
• Excellent strength to weight ratio.
• Durability.
• Consistency of Performance.
• Fire.

What is stronger LVL or glulam?

The laminated beam is stronger but more expensive and used when bigger cross-sections are required. Generally made from hardwood, rather than the lvl softwood.

What is glulam truss construction?

Glulam The standard truss configurations listed herecan be fabricated by using straight Glulam (glue laminated) beams. These beams, supplied by certified Glulam manufacturers, are fabricated by gluing multiple layers (laminations) of solid wood (typically 0.25” – 1.5” thick) into a large beam.

How deep are glulam laminated trusses?

Glue-laminated Trusses. Glulam Truss beam thickness is normally 3”–7”, but can be larger. Because of the laminated construction technique, beam depth can be supplied much larger than solid timbers (which are normally limited to 16-20 inches of depth), with beams up to 60” deep having been manufactured.

Can glulam beams be fabricated large sizes?

Because Glulam beams can be fabricated to much larger sizes than solid timbers, fabrication of significantly larger trusses for commercial or institutional buildings is possible, and SWC has supplied a number of oversized Glulam trusses.

What is glulam made of?

Glulam Basics. Glued laminated timber, or glulam, is a highly innovative construction material. Pound for pound, glulam is stronger than steel and has greater strength and stiffness than comparably sized dimensional lumber.