Glued laminated timber (glulam; German: Brettschichtholz or BSH) is a structural element made of several bonded layers (laminations) of dried timber boards, with the grain running in the same direction. This produces a strong, homogeneous and dimensionally stable product.
Features
Thanks to its build-up of thin, quality-controlled laminations, glulam outperforms solid timber:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Little warping and very dimensionally stable
- Larger spans and lengths possible than with solid timber
- Can be produced in curved shapes (for example curved rafters)
- Favourable fire behaviour: the timber chars slowly and retains its load-bearing capacity for a long time
Application
Glued laminated timber is used where large, strong and attractive timber elements are needed:
- Roof rafters and beams
- Halls and sports halls
- Bridges
- Timber frame construction and exposed structures
Related terms
- Rafter
- Timber
- Wood glue
- Beam
- Laminating
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