If you’ve ever wondered what are Glulam beams, you’re not alone. They offer several benefits over traditional building materials. Unlike concrete panels, which need reinforcement, Glulam beams are made from a renewable resource. They span long distances, are aesthetically pleasing, and are less susceptible to movement caused by changes in moisture content. And as a bonus, they are resource efficient, too.
Glulam beams are a resource-efficient alternative to traditional construction materials
Glulam beams are strong, energy-efficient and versatile alternatives to traditional construction materials. In addition to delivering the strength required in projects, they offer the natural beauty of wood. Glulam beams are crafted from Douglas Fir/Larch or Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which are naturally resistant to moisture and rot. The material can be fabricated in a variety of appearance grades, depending on your particular design needs.
The Glulam design tables include values for section properties and capacities, and allowable loads for simple-span and cantilevered beams. The tables are part of the APA Resource Library. In addition to providing detailed information, these tables can be used to calculate glulam beam properties. They also offer guidelines for using these innovative materials in structural engineering. You can find additional information about glulam beams by visiting their website.
Glulam is an engineered wood beam with stress-rated properties. The wood is laminated into thin layers that are glued together. Each piece is shaped into a specific shape for a given load. The wood used in glulam is two-thirds lighter than concrete and one-sixth as heavy as steel. The strength of the laminated timbers allows for large spans and minimum intermediate columns, while their flexibility makes them a versatile alternative to traditional construction materials.
The hydrothermal treatment of glulam can improve its stability and mechanical properties. The process reduces the wood’s hydroxyl groups, weakening the bond between the wood cell and the adhesive. It also reduces the MC of the wood, reducing the penetration of adhesive. In addition to improving mechanical properties, hydrothermal treated poplar glulam has lower MOR than other wood glulams.
They span long distances
Glulam is a structural engineered wood product that is available in a variety of widths and cross sections. Glulam is a versatile structural engineered wood product that is a cost-effective and easy-to-install alternative to steel, concrete, or metal beams. Its sturdiness and high-grade lumber are placed in zones of maximum stress. The APA trademark ensures its quality and conformance to ANSI standards.
Glulam offers a significant architectural advantage over steel when used for large spans. It is significantly less expensive than steel, so fewer support posts are needed for glulam beams to span long distances. While steel beams offer greater spans, they sacrifice usable space. For multi-family construction, however, long spans are more appealing to renters, who want to see more space. Moreover, a longer building can command higher selling prices.
A 3 1/2”x 9 1/2”glulam beam can span 16 feet under normal weight conditions. If you’re building a vaulted ceiling, you’ll need a beam that spans more than eight feet. A 10” glulam beam will provide you with exceptional stability in your project. In addition to their strength, glulam beams are extremely customizable. They are available in curved shapes, too, allowing for vaulted ceilings and more.
A 165,000 square foot structure, LeMay – America’s Car Museum, in San Francisco, is a good example of an application of glulam beams. Its exposed glulam beams are also a great example of an engineered wood product. The building is constructed on elevated boardwalks and piers, which presents framing challenges. Glulam beams solved these challenges and gave the project a distinct architectural look.
They are aesthetically pleasing
Glulam is a durable, aesthetically appealing, and cost-effective building material. It is often used in public buildings, as it allows long spans to be built without intermediate supports. Because Glulam is so versatile, you can use it for anything from floor beams to roof trusses. For your next construction project, consider Glulam! These beams are perfect for a variety of applications, including commercial buildings, residential construction, and more.
The glulam material is made from dimensional lumber, which is trued, finished, and glued on its faces. The wood grain runs parallel to the layers and is chosen for its dimensional stability and grain structure. Glulam beams are available in standard dimensional sizes and can be designed to be exposed or covered, which allows for a variety of applications. The glulam lumber also accepts stain easily, resulting in a rich, textured, and architectural appearance.
Glulam beams are made from a renewable resource. Typically, they are harvested from local trees. They provide a warm, inviting feel to a building. Although some contractors recommend glulam beams as an alternative for other wood types, acoustic concerns are a rare case. In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing look, glulam beams are extremely low in timber moisture, generally ranging from 12% to 20%.
Glulam is an attractive alternative to pressure-treated wood. They have high durability, make them a great choice for exterior applications, and are aesthetically pleasing. They are also cost-effective, and can be fabricated into a variety of shapes and sizes. A few different types of glulam can be used in commercial construction and are even available in curved shapes. They are also easy to install.
Glulams are also highly resistant to harsh environments. They are resistant to chemical attacks and intense environmental pollution. Additionally, they can be worked to prevent insects or fungal infestation. They can also be used as bridge members. Moreover, glulams can be cambered or curved, making them versatile and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, they can be fabricated with a variety of materials.
They are less susceptible to movement caused by changes in moisture content
Glulam beams are made of layers of wood, called lams. These lams are bonded together with industrial adhesives to create a structurally sound, high-performance beam. Glulam products are typically made with the heaviest lams at the bottom and the lightest at the top, increasing their overall strength. The engineering process and structural design of glulam beams determines how much movement they are likely to undergo.
While glulam beams are less likely to move due to changes in moisture content, they are still susceptible to movement. Extreme climates can damage glulam members. Extreme hot/dry climates and cold/winter climates can cause the movement of these beams and columns. This means you must take extra precautions to protect them. Here are a few things you should do to reduce movement caused by moisture.
Glulam is resistant to most acids, rust, and other corrosive agents. Therefore, it is a good choice for applications involving water, such as swimming pools, where the timber is subject to frequent moisture variations. Glulam can also be used in situations where there are changes in moisture content, such as animal hide curing complexes and fellmongeries.
As the building industry has increasingly recognized the benefits of glulam beams, a new generation of structural beams has emerged. These structural beams are manufactured from a variety of materials, including wedge-jointed small timber pieces. In addition to using glulam as the preferred material for building construction, Glulams can also be used to construct high-rise residential buildings.