Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) is manufactured by face-bonding layers of kiln-dried timber members, typically 2×4 or 2×6 in size, together with waterproof adhesives to form timber section. LVL stud and columns are available as well from some manufacturers. This is especially beneficial in retrofit options where lifting a wide, heavy beam into place is cumbersome or infeasible. A benefit to LVL is that it can be fabricated in narrower beam widths (1 ½, 1 ¾”), and multiple plys can be nail-laminated together to form a larger beam. Available sizes, strengths, and stiffnesses are similar to PSL but are generally cheaper, making it a commonly specified beam type. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is a commonly available engineered product that is manufactured similarly to PSL. PSL beams can be stained or finished where an aesthetically pleasing exposed application is desired. PSL beams are generally more expensive than glulam, LSL, or LVL beams. PSL columns are also available in sizes comparable with sawn wood members from 4×4 to 8×8 in size. Common PSL beam sizes are available in widths of 3 ½, 5 ¼”, and 7”, and depths matching I-joists from 9 1/2” – 24” deep. PSL beams are primarily used in beam and header applications where high strength is required. Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) is manufactured from veneers laid into long, parallel strands and bonded together. LSL is also ideal for use in rim conditions due to minimal shrinkage, cupping, and high fastener holding strength when used in highly loaded diaphragms or for shear transfer at plywood shear walls. While not as strong as LVL or PSL beams, LSL is generally cheaper and is ideal for short spans. LSL is typically less expensive than other engineered wood beams.ĭue to its high allowable shear strength, LSL beams have the capacity for larger penetrations than other engineered wood beam options. Stud options are available in equivalent 2×4, 2×6, and 2×8 sizes that are stronger, straighter, and (as needed) longer than sawn lumber. Members are commonly fabricated in 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, 1 ¾” and 3 ½” widths, and in 9 ¼”-16” depths to match common i-joists. Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) is manufactured from flaked wood strands and resembles oriented strand board (OSB) in appearance, though the strands are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member. SCL consists primarily of three products: Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). SCL members provide numerous advantages over sawn conventional lumber, including higher strengths, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture changes. Structural composite lumber (SCL) is a term used to describe a family of engineered wood products created by layering wood veneers or strands and bonding them with moisture-resistant adhesives to form structural framing members such as beams, studs, and columns. Understanding the intended uses and differences between various SCL products and glulam framing is essential for design professionals. This article will focus on two specific types of engineered wood products, structural composite lumber (SCL) and glue-laminated (Glulam) timber framing. The use of engineered wood products is an essential component of nearly all wood-framed buildings.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |