Layer glued wood is a construction element made by gluing wood layers. Due to their huge advantages, glued beams are more and more appreciated among architects, investors and individual clients.
Glued wood is characterized by high physical and chemical parameters.
Application: various types of supporting structures, complete structural objects and elements such as: girders, binders, ceiling beams, rafters, steel hall purlins, supporting pillars.
Dimensions of glued beams:
- - Height: min 48mm – max 1200 mm
- - Width: min 48mm – max 180 mm
- - Length: max 15000 mm
- - Moisture: 12 ± 2%
- - Strength: Grade GL-24, GL-28
Advantages of layer glued wood:
Strength
Glued wood is strong. It consists of multiple thin and homogenous board layers glued together into so called fuses, from which all defective parts are eliminated. Occurrence of even one wood defect in a finished structure is very rare. Natural cracks are also scarce due to maintenance of uniform wood moisture. Because of this, glued wood has the strength which is impossible to achieve for natural wood. From the standard specifications of wood characteristics, it turns out that glued wood has a strength which is approximately 2 times higher than that of raw, typical construction wood.
Lightness
Glued wood is light in comparison with, e.g. steel elements of the same strength. Big and light elements can be installed with the use of a standard vehicle crane, allowing to save the money that would potentially be spent on hiring heavy machines. Mobile cranes are sufficient for assembly, even in case of big structures.
Durability
Glued wood is durable. Such elements are resistant to many aggressive gasses and salts. It is a considerable reason why wood is the material most often used in structures subject to aggressive environment (production halls). Glued wood is produced with the use of glues resistant to water and atmospheric conditions. In addition, glued wood is externally protected against biological corrosion using water preparations and, following application of a waterproof agent, it can be successfully used in structures which are directly exposed to atmospheric factors.
Fire resistance
Glued wood is fire resistant. Wood of full, solid cross section does not burn well. Flames on glulam beams die down without having to be put out, if such elements are not exposed directly to flames. Carbonized external layer protects internal layers of the construction element against damage, thus guaranteeing long term fire resistance. For that matter, the internal part of wooden cross section is able to maintain its carrying capacity in a burning building. Due to this, structures made of glued wood are extremely stable under a fire load and easily fulfill requirements of standards concerning fire resistance and burning delay.
Aesthetical values
Glued wood has high aesthetical values. In supporting structures, glued wood not only acts as the main structural element, but also imparts unique character to the entire object. It enables creating individual shapes – big and small, straight and curved. Color and appearance of wood add the appearance of warmth and light to the buildings. Together with other natural materials, glued wood can create a unique atmosphere and calm, romantic interior, and therefore contribute to creating friendly conditions for living and work.
Prefabricated construction elements
