liimapuu

Liimapuu is an engineered wood product known in English as glued laminated timber (glulam). It is produced by bonding together layers of wood laminations with durable structural adhesives, with the grain of the lamination aligned along the length of the member. This construction allows the creation of long, strong, and relatively lightweight timber elements that can be shaped or curved as required.

The laminae used in liimapuu are typically softwood species, though hardwood variants exist. After drying and preparation, the layers are coated with adhesive, stacked, and pressed under heat and high pressure to form solid beams, columns, or arches. The result is a timber product with high strength in bending and compression, good dimensional stability, and the ability to be produced in a variety of cross-sections and lengths. Modern liimapuu often employs environmentally friendly or low-emission adhesives and can be reinforced or combined with other materials in hybrid structures.

Liimapuu offers design flexibility and is used in a range of structural and architectural applications. Common uses include structural beams and columns, long-span roof systems, curved and architecturally expressive members, interior framing, and even some bridge components. It can be specified to meet European standards for structural timber, notably EN 14080, and is compatible with various timber grades and connection methods.

From a sustainability perspective, liimapuu utilizes wood from renewable sources and can sequester carbon during its service life. Its efficiency depends on sourcing, manufacturing practices, and the end-of-life options chosen. Overall, liimapuu provides a versatile, strong, and adaptable option within timber construction.