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Introduction to Glue
Laminated Timber
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.
- 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
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