Construction Plan Testing scenario Point Load Point Load

Timber Measurements
Plank A: Length = 4805mm, Breadth = 98.2mm, Thickness = 19.94mm,
Mass (Assumed) = 4.8kg, Moisture Content = 15.6%, Fundamental Frequency = 527Hz.
Simple Support Simple Support
Plank B: Similar sizes and mass assumed, Moisture Content = 15.4%,
Fundamental Frequency = 542Hz. 75mm 550mm 550mm 550mm 75mm

1650mm
(Still need to measure mass for both planks and sizes for plank B in lab.)
1800mm

Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity Calculations

Plank A: v = 2lspf1, v = 2 x 4.805m x 527 1/s = 5064.47m/s
Ed = v2p, p = mass / volume, p = 4.8kg / (4.805m x 0.0982m x 0.01994m) = 510.2kg/m2
Ed = 5064.472m/s x 510.2kg/m3 = 1.31x1010kg/ms2
1.31x1010kg/ms2 x 1m/1000mm x 1m/1000mm = 1.31x1010kgm/mm2s2
N = kgm/s2 therefore, DMoE = 1.31x1010N/mm2 = 13.1Gpa
Plank B: v = 2 x 4.805m x 542 1/s = 5208.62m/s
p = 510.2kg/m2, Ed = 5208.622m/s x 510.2kg/m3 = 1.38x1010kg/ms2 = 13.8Gpa
(Calculations for plank B based on assumptions of similar measurements to A, not accurate.)
Construct the beam so that end joints are present, end jointing is
used to remove large defects such as knots and resin pockets,
improving the quality of the final product. It allows us to select
custom parts of the given timber and place it where it can be Visually check for knots, knots cause weakness
most useful. within the timber, as we want the higher quality
timber in the outer laminations, parts with
When constructing the beam, ensure that there is no end joint
knots will be placed within the inner
stacking, as this would cause a concentration of weak spots
laminations. This can be done through end
within an area of the beam. As shown in the sketch, there are no
jointing. Also, ensure there is no stacking of
end joints overlapping, this is how the beam will be constructed.
knots as well as no stacking of end joints, as well
as trying to minimise their combined stacking.

For simply supported beams, span/depth ratio = 17-20. 1800mm

1800/17=106mm and 1800/20=90mm.

Therefore 100mm depth is satisfactory.
Each lamination will be around 16mm depth
100mm
6 Laminations

To utilise the strength of the timber to best advantage, it is normal to use
timber of higher quality (higher strength and stiffness) in the outer laminates
of the cross-section, where stresses are normally highest. Lower grade timber
laminations will be placed more central.
PVA glue applied after sanding the surface of the timber, to open pores of
the wood and ensures any holes are plugged that could’ve caused
weakness in the beam. Sanding also improves the appearance of the beam.

All stages of Glulam production will comply with BS EN 14080.