gluedlaminated

Glued laminated timber, commonly referred to as glulam, is an engineered wood product made by bonding together layers of dimensioned lumber with durable, moisture-resistant adhesives to form a single structural member. The laminations are arranged with their grain predominantly parallel to the member’s length, enabling long spans, high strength, and the creation of curved or custom-shaped profiles.

Manufacturing involves selecting and grading suitable timber, drying the laminations to a target moisture content, and applying high-strength adhesives such as phenol-resorcinol formaldehyde or polyurethane. The laminations are stacked in the desired configuration, bonded under pressure, and cured to form a solid, continuous member. After curing, glulam beams, columns, or arches are machined to final dimensions and finished for on-site installation. Quality control includes inspection of lamination quality, adhesive integrity, and moisture content.

Glued laminated timber combines high strength-to-weight ratio, good dimensional stability, and the ability to achieve long spans and slender profiles not possible with solid timber. It can be produced in straight or curved shapes and designed to resist bending, shear, and axial loads. Fire performance can be managed through design, charring behavior, and protective coatings, making glulam suitable for various structural and architectural applications.

Applications range from structural framing in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to bridges, roof systems, and exposed architectural elements. Glulam is favored for its aesthetic appeal, prefabrication potential, and flexibility in design. Standards for glulam are established internationally, including EN 14080 in Europe and ASTM D3737 in the United States, with certifications for sustainability such as FSC or PEFC.