Glue Laminated Beams (Glued)
Glulam consists of a number of 40mm thick horizontal laminations of softwood timber glued together to form engineered structural members (thinner laminations are used for curved members), This process redistributes any naturally occurring defects such as knots and therefore produces members that are stronger than solid timber. Glulam offers both excellent strength and stiffness to weight ratios.
Glulam members are typically formed using European Whitewood Spruce however other types of timber such as Larch, Douglas Fir and Pine are also available.
Unlike steel which is available as standard sections glulam is manufactured as required. As a general rule of thumb beams are available in depths formed from multiples of 40mm thick laminations. (Minimum depth 160mm), up to 2.2m with widths being based on increments of 20mm up to 480mm for a double glued beam. With regard to the length of members transport restrictions are generally the only limiting factor.
The manufacturing process allows members to be formed in a variety of shapes while precambering members can also easily be achieved. Where larger bending stresses are present higher grade timber can be incorporated, where required, in to the outer portions of the beam therefore providing the required structural capacity while ensuring the timber raw product is used efficiently.
B & K Structures utilizes a full 3D modelling system that allows us to incorporate all holes, slots, rebates etc during the CNC manufacturing process. Therefore glulam members arrive on site as finished members ready for erection.
Another advantage of using Glulam is the inherent fire resistance of the material. Glulam members can be designed to accommodate substantial fire resistance and unlike steel glulam remains structurally stable when subjected to high temperatures and thus glulam is far more predicable in a fire than structural steel.
Very importantly all glulam provided by B & K Structures is sourced from legal and sustainable sources and therefore has full chain of custody PEFC certification (Alternatively FSC certification can be provided if required).
