Most, if not, all modern buildings framed in wood use wooden products designed. And the two most popular options between builders are glulam wood and laminated sheet wood (LVL).
Let’s dive to find out what each of these is really a stronger option for your wooden construction project.
GLULAM Construction
Made with multiple layers of sustained wooden critical wood along with high strength adhesive, Glulam is an innovative and versatile laminate beam used in residential and commercial construction.
A GLULAM unit looks like a well-joined stack of large wood stuck. Not only comes in a variety of sizes, but can also be manufactured as a wide range of design specifications. Due to the strength and rigidity of Glulam construction offers, it is often an essential component that is used to build vaulted ceilings, domes and bridges.
When it comes to glulam connections, they typically have steel bolts, pegs and plates.
Common uses
Common uses for GLULAM include:
Straight beams
Curved beams
Arched bridges
Trussians
Columns of round and square to complex.
Tied beams and arches
Profile of strength
The classification of the members of the laminated wood by glue is the basis on its unique force properties and its rating in a stress classification system. The first part of the rating refers to its reference bending design value, while the second part is its elasticity value module.
Benefits of using glulam
For beginners, glulam woods are very strong, highly customizable and profitable. Since they do with smaller wooden pieces, they are also efficient in resources. The builders and designers enjoy a series of benefits through the use of GLULAM in their construction projects, which include:
GLULAM can use in a large number of shapes, from the ceiling and the beams of the floor, and the columns up to deck and reinforcement.
Have a unique ability to create up to 500 feet of non-compatible spans
They contain low levels of formaldehyde and, therefore, are respectful with the environment
Cut the costs of handling and transport.
It can be easily customized to meet special design requirements
They are easily available in standard lengths and widths
They are easy to install and repair
They have amazing fire resistant properties, better than steel beams
They are precise dimensions
They are manufacturers in well-managed forests and are certified by PEFC
Precautions and advice
GLULAM requires careful handling and safe storage for damage prevention. It is crucial that it follows strict precautionary measures to guarantee its maximum structural capacity.
Surface scratches are very common when you run glulam and, therefore, make sure you always use cloth slings when lifting it. When it comes to storage, the ideal position is vertical. You can also consider covering them with a plastic sheet to protect them from climate. In addition, Glulam Timber is not exposed to outdoor conditions until they are ready for installation, unless, of course, it does it especially the outdoor areas.
Laminated sheet wood (LVL)
LVL is another common wooden wall cladding option for modern buildings. Also known as Microlam, LVL form of peeled or cheated thin veneers placed in a parallel layout and joined together under heat and pressure.
The standard LVL sizes include 3 ½, 5 ¼ and 7-inch widths, and depths of 9 ½ to 24 inches deep. The columns are available in 4 × 4 and 8 × 8 sizes.
The highest reason why the builders so commonly use LVL is that it is cheap. A unique advantage of this type of beam is that it can manufacture it to match the closer beam widths. Not only this, you can also get a larger beam done by simply nail lamination several layers together. This is especially useful in modernization projects where raising a large and heavy beam is difficult or impossible.
Common uses
The strong engineering wood beam generally uses for structural applications. Below are some common uses:
Beams
Raffle
Chords of Truss
Turkeys
Formwork
Lintels.
Purlin
Profile of strength
The force of LVL can be compared with that of steel, concrete and solid wood.
Benefits of using LVL
The following are some of the incredible benefits offered by LVL.
High sustainability and durability.
It is a profitable option
It offers maximum structural reliability and considerable force.
It has fire resistant properties similar to solid wood, burns at a slow and predictable rate
It is easily available in long lengths
Small wooden pieces can be easily made in large LVL beams
It can be cut and machined easily with regular carpentry tools.
Precautions and advice
LVL is a popular choice for coating the wooden wall that requires careful handling and storage. Ideally, it must be handled in the same way as solid wood. If proper attention does not take, damage to the edges and exposed corners is inevitable.
When it is in place, LVL beams should be placed on the ground. It is important to keep in mind that they must be dry before they are installed. With regard to climate damage, short-term exposure does not affect its performance, but long-term exposure can. Therefore, you should consider conservative treatment and cover the material with a protective sheet.
summarizing
Both Glulam and LVL have their own set of advantages in the construction industry. Glulam beams typically manufactured for a specific design. When they are taken in place, they are usually accustomed, stained and finished. It goes without saying that they are impressive and can be expensive. Although they are much lighter than concrete and steel, they are extremely strong. GLULAM is most commonly using the construction of large buildings, including universities, airports, hotels and museums.
On the other hand, you will only find that LVL buried on the walls, usually on windows and doors. Even when used for covers or other outdoor structures, they tend to be covered with different finishing products.
Both Glulam and LVL are strong materials in their own roles. Your choice between the two will depend on the type of construction project in which you are working and the type of results you want.