Glue Laminated Timber, or glulam, is a structural material manufactured by gluing timber laminates together to produce large sizes and long lengths. It may be curved or straight.
The advantages of this include:
- Size and length. Large section sizes and long lengths can be manufactured;
- Strength. As a result of the laminating process, glue laminated timber has more consistent strength properties than solid timber. This occurs because of the reduction in the size of natural defects in the timber and their wider distribution;
- Stability. Manufactured from seasoned timbers, products have a high degree of dimensional stability;
- Reliability. Glued laminated structural components are manufactured from stress graded timbers to an Australian Standard;
- Ease of working. Works easily with all usual carpentry tools;
- Resistance to chemicals. Like all timber elements, glulam is unaffected by most chemicals and resists industrial fumes, fertilisers and salt air;
- Fire Resistance. Large section timber has a high fire resistance and can maintain load bearing requirements and structural form for a predetermined period and
- Impact Resistance. Timber has the ability to absorb high impact loads for short periods with no adverse effect.
Reference: Timber Datafile P8 – Glue Laminated Timber of the NAFI Timber Manual
