NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorWoodEasy
A general contractor is planning the construction of a large commercial retail space that requires significant open floor areas and long clear spans. The structural engineer has specified the use of Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) beams. Which of the following is the primary advantage of Glulam over solid sawn timber for these applications?
- AGlulam offers greater dimensional stability and can be manufactured in larger sizes and longer lengths.
- BGlulam provides superior natural resistance to insect infestation and decay.
- CGlulam is inherently more fire-resistant due to its manufacturing process.
- DGlulam is significantly less expensive than solid sawn timber of comparable size.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Glulam offers greater dimensional stability and can be manufactured in larger sizes and longer lengths.
Glulam's manufacturing process allows for the creation of beams that are much larger, longer, and more dimensionally stable than what can be achieved with solid sawn timber, making it ideal for long clear spans.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Glulam does not inherently offer superior resistance to insects or decay without specific treatment.
- C. While large timber sections char slowly, Glulam is not inherently more fire-resistant than solid timber of similar cross-section; its fire resistance is due to mass, not manufacturing process.
- D. Glulam is often more expensive than solid sawn timber, especially for smaller sections.
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam)
An engineered wood product made by bonding together multiple layers of wood laminations with durable, moisture-resistant adhesives.
- Allows for larger and longer structural members than solid sawn timber.
- Offers improved strength and dimensional stability.
- Can be manufactured in custom shapes and sizes.
Memory trick: Glulam's strength and size make big spans rise.