Why it behaves better than solid timber
In a large single section, the timber's own internal stresses and knots run uninterrupted through the section, which raises the risk of warping and splitting.
In a glulam section every lamella is dried, cleaned of defects and graded separately. Because weak points are distributed through the section, the element behaves far more predictably.
Span, load and section
In structural elements the section depth is set together with span and load. Using the same volume of material in a taller, narrower section is generally more efficient in bending.
Section design is an engineering matter and follows the structural drawings for the building. Kaswood produces to those drawings; the section decision has to come from the design.
What to send with the drawings
For glulam orders, the information that speeds up the quotation and lowers the risk of error is:
- Section (width × height) and length
- Quantity and the structural drawings, if any
- Species: fir or Scots pine
- Whether CNC drilling and milling are required
- Whether the element stays indoors or outdoors
Plan the finishing operations from the start
After cutting to size, glulam elements are CNC drilled and milled ready for assembly where required. Having the connection holes machined at the facility gives far tighter accuracy than drilling on site.
Where an element stays outdoors and needs impregnation, that step must be planned after cutting and drilling — cutting impregnated material afterwards opens the protective layer.