Glulam glued laminated timber is a strong, durable and versatile engineered wood product that can be used in a wide variety of construction applications. Pound for pound, glulam is stronger than steel and can be made to withstand a range of design stresses. Glulam glulam beam repair and replacement are also made from renewable materials that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can be treated to enhance fire resistance.
Like any structural component, glulam can be damaged and require repair or replacement over time. The main causes of damage to long-span glulam are delamination, overloading, and structural damage. In some cases, simple repairs can restore the load-bearing capacity of a weakened or damaged glulam beam. However, complex repairs and those affecting the structural integrity of a building should be handled by qualified professionals.
Long-span glulam is a highly effective material for large, heavy-duty structural applications. For example, long-span glulam is commonly used in gymnasium roofs, swimming pool roofs, and many large supermarket buildings. While glulam is an excellent choice for these large-span applications, it must be properly installed and maintained in order to retain its load-bearing capacity and durability.
Overloading of a glulam structure can occur from additional loads placed on the building after its original construction, such as roof mounted mechanical equipment or suspended ceilings. It can also occur from atypical loading events, such as snow or wind loads not anticipated in the original building design.
Glulam can also be affected by environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity fluctuations. This can lead to expansion and contraction of the wood components of the glulam, causing it to debond and crack. Expansion and contraction can be accelerated by moisture, so it is important that proper ventilation and moisture control are used during the construction process.
When a glulam beam experiences structural damage, it is essential that it be repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further deterioration and to protect the safety of the building’s occupants. In addition, a professional contractor can provide structural analysis of the damaged glulam to determine what type of repair or reinforcement is required to restore the structure’s integrity.
In general, a weakened or damaged glulam can be repaired by installing sister beams or adding lateral bracing to the building. In more serious cases, structural repair may require the installation of new joints, splice plates, or additional laminations. The type and extent of the repairing work will depend on the cause of the deterioration or damage, but any type of repair should be completed as soon as possible to ensure that the glulam remains safe for use in the building.
If you have questions about glulam and its use in construction, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at McCoy’s. We can help you find the right solution for your next project, whether it’s a home, church, gymnasium, or other large commercial space. We can even help you create a custom-built glulam for your building’s unique needs.