Why Glue Laminated Timber is a Popular Choice in Architecture?

Posted by Rex Conner on October 30th, 2019

Glued laminated timber is a widely used structural solution today, which is well-known as glulam. From residential to commercial projects, professionals use these glulam timber beams for multiple reasons. Its use in modern architecture allows architects to create curved designs. There are numerous glulam beam manufacturers from whom you can purchase some top-quality products. (Information credit: http://www.otjoiners.co.za/ot-laminated-beams/)

Advantages of Using Glulam Timber:

1. Flexibility in Design:

The lamination process provides flexibility to create wood beams of various shapes and sizes. The procedure involves mechanical presses to produce structural members for the application of horizontal beams, vertical columns and curved beams. Curved beams allow the architects to create innovative architectural designs.

2. Good Strength-to-Weight Ratio:

When compared to steel and concrete, glulam structural timber has a better strength-to-weight ratio. By considering the load-bearing capacity of equivalent beam sizes of glulam and steel, you will find a better strength-to-weight ratio of the glulam beam. This feature increases the buildability of glulam structural timber.

3. Durability:

Glulam is made to last for decades and requires very little maintenance. Due to its durability, it can be used in very challenging conditions. Applications such as, swimming pool structures. It is used widely, as it can withstand a corrosive environment that includes a high amount of moisture. Glulam wooden structures are a durable and low maintenance solution.

4. Eco-friendliness:

Timber is a natural material and is easily available as well as versatile. Timber is a sustainable resource as long as the timber is sourced responsibly. Responsible timber suppliers’ plant new trees after harvesting existing trees.

5. Consistency in Performance:

The lamination procedure of timber makes wood more durable. As glulam beams are engineered wood products, these are designed to meet specific performance criteria for different projects.

6. Improved Appearance:

Glulam is a more popular choice for architects than steel and concrete, because of its outstanding appearance. It enhances the appearance of commercial building and helps it stand out from the rest. Glulam beams are manufactured to suit various requirements with different wood species and treatments.

7. Fire Resistance:

Laminated timber is best known for its ability to resist fire. It is known for its excellent fire resistant rating in comparison to steel. Thus, glulam structures are always a safe choice and considered to be safe for use in different public buildings and residences as well.

Moreover, glue-laminated timber is a better option than solid timber when considering its strength and dimensional stability. Glulam member is less prone to cracking and twisting when compared to solid timber. All these features have made glulam timber the preferred choice for architects.