limtredrager

Limtredrager is a Danish term used in the construction and architectural sectors to denote a load-bearing member made from glued laminated timber, or limtræ. In practice, limtredrager refers to beams or girders formed by bonding multiple layers of timber with structural adhesive, producing a strong, straight, and dimensionally stable member that can span longer distances than solid timber.

Etymology: the term combines lim (glue) and træ (wood) with drager, reflecting its function as a carrier or bearer in a building structure. The term is most common in Danish-language technical literature, where limtræ is the generic term for glulam, and limtredrager emphasizes the bearing role.

Manufacture and properties: limtredrager are engineered wood products produced according to standards such as EN 14080. They consist of laminated layers of softwood or hardwood bonded with weather- and load-rated adhesives. Advantages include high bending strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, light weight relative to strength, and attractive architectural qualities. They may be treated for fire resistance or durability.

Applications: used as beams and girders in floors, roofs, and long-span structures; suitable for curved forms and large spans; popular in timber construction and sustainable architecture, including stadiums and bridges in northern Europe.

See also: glulam, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), cross-laminated timber (CLT), timber construction, EN 14080.

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