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Beautiful to look at, comparable in strength to
steel or concrete, versatile and easy to work
with, Glue-Laminated Timber is the timber
product of the future.
Originating in Germany in 1900, Glulam is one of theoldest engineered wood products and one of the
most resource-efficient, making it a preferred material
for construction across the industry. Arriving in
Australia in the 1950s, Glulam is now used both
decoratively and structurally, with advances in the
strength and weather-resistance of the laminate
bonding agents adding to the ways it can be used
in construction.
Like many engineered wood products, Glulam is
comparable to steel in strength but is much lighter,
making it easy to transport and work with on-site.
It is also available in almost any length (limited
only by manufacturing, handling and transport
requirements), has low variability in properties, with
the additional element of a high aesthetic finish.
The beauty of exposed Glulam means it is the perfect
material for buildings where the structural framework
is part of the overall aesthetic. This dual quality -
beauty and strength - makes Glulam a timber
product with limitless potential for innovative
architecture, design and building projects.
Size, shape and length - it’s all up to you
With all the advantages offered by this high-strengthand versatile timber product, there’s no reason
it can’t be used in any building project. Glulam
consists of a number of graded, kiln-dried and
full-length laminations bonded together with
adhesives. Its beams can be manufactured to
practically any length, shape or size. The lamination
process and the use of kiln-dried lumber minimises
timber’s natural propensity to check, twist, warp and
shrink, so Glulam remains dimensionally stable and
beautiful over time, virtually eliminating the need for
on-going maintenance.
Once on site, Glulam beams are easily modified with
hand tools to meet changes in design or minor
adjustments, making renovations and DIY projects
simpler and less costly. Glulam’s natural fire-resistant
properties make it an obvious choice for structuresrequiring a fire rating and for buildings in
bushfire-prone areas.
Cost-effective and sustainable
Until recently in Australia, standardisation of structural
Glulam’s properties has posed a problem, as each
region uses different timbers in its manufacture.
For example, in the west the predominant species
used is Jarrah; in the south-east Tasmanian Oak
and Radiata Pine are used; and in the north-east
it’s Spotted Gum, Slash Pine and other mixed
hardwoods.
Now, the Glue-Laminated Timber Association of
Australia (GLTAA) has established a set of industry
standards in relation to the properties and sizes of
the Glulam produced by its members across
Australia. This makes it easier to factor Glulam
beams into the structural design of a project.
The improvement in the accuracy of the product
has reduced the need for on-site fabrication, reducing
labour costs and waste. Like all timber products, the
benefits to the environment of using Glulam are
enormous - it stores carbon and reduces emissions,
is 100% biodegradable, naturally insulating,
renewable and recyclable.
“Add ease-of-use to strength
and stability and you have a
construction material that can
be used in buildings of any
size, from DIY to large
commercial projects.”
Glue-Laminated Timber (Glulam) -a high-strength, weatherproof timberproduct that crosses the dividebetween form and function
Fact Sheet
For further information visit
www.timber.org.au/structural_timber
This fact sheet is part of a suite of resources produced by Wood. Naturally Better.TM
Project: Australian Schoolof Fine Furniture Architect: Six Degrees Pty LtdPhotographer: Patrick Rodriguez
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