Continuing Education
Wood Products Council is a Registered Provider with The
Engineered Wood Beams
What Today’s Designers Need to Know
P
Presenters: B
Bruce Lindsey
Li d /B
Bryan Readling,
Learning Objectives
•Compare an array of generic
and proprietary engineered
wood beams and select the
best product for a given
application.
• Understand common mis-
applications for engineered
wood beams that affect their
performance with regard to
strength
• Examine both proper and
i
improper connection
ti options
ti
transferring loads within
Engineered Wood Beam
systems..
•Determine proper comparison
and specification of Engineered
Wood Beam products in unique
structural applications based on
completed structural examples.
American Institute of Architects Continuing Education
Systems.
y Credit earned on completion of this program
g will be
reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of
Completion for non-AIA members are available on request.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include content
that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or
endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any
method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing
in any material or product. Questions related to specific
materials methods,
materials, methods and services will be addressed at the
conclusion of this presentation.
Registration no. 08S04.
R dli P
P.E.
E
Agenda:
• Products & Applications
Glulam, LVL, PSL, LSL, I‐Joist (as a beam)
• Applications
Exposure Types and Use
p yp
Treatments
• Connections
ffor Mechanical Connections
Mechanical Connections
Pre‐Engineered Connections
• Case Studies
• Environmental Benefits
Glulam
Features & Applications
Glulam
Glulam:
• Wood laminations bonded
t
together
th
• Wood grain runs parallel to
the length
Typical Widths:
• 2-1/2" to 10-3/4"
Laminations:
Gl
Glulam
l
1-3/8" for Southern Pine
1-1/2" for Douglas Fir
 Dispersal of Strength Reducing Characteristics Stock Beam
Camber

Zero
Z C
Camber
amber
b

Glulam
Glulam Camber Manufacturing

L = Span (ft) Stock Manufactured L = Span (ft)

Radius
Douglas Fir : 3500’ radius
TOP
Southern Pine: 2000’ radius

Δ = Camber ((in))
Radius of Curvature (ft)

Δ = Camber (in)
Radius of Curvature (ft)

Custom Glulam Beam Manufacturing Engineered Lay‐ups

Compression zone

Inner zone

Tension zone

Critical Tension Zone

Tennis Courts, Aurora, CO
 Glulam Glulam
Manufacturing Manufacturing
Engineered Layups
Engineered  Layups Engineered Layups
Engineered  Layups
Unbalanced Balanced Simple Span – Unbalanced Layup
Simple Spans Continuous Spans or Cantilevered
TOP No. 2D TL
No. 2 No. 2
No 2
No. No 2
No.

No. 3 No. 3

No. 2 No. 2
No 1
No. No 1
No.
TL TL
TL=Tension
Lamination

Cantilever or Continuous Span Cantilever or Continuous Span

“TOP”  or “Arriba” Stamp Improperly Installed Unbalanced Glulam

 Common Glulam Depths I‐Joist Compatible (IJC) Depths 

Species will determine depths

DF is manufactured in 1-1/2” Common
laminations while SP is planed I-Joist 9‐1/2"
9 1/2"
down to 1-3/8” laminations. Compatible
Depths:
11‐7/8"
SP (1-3/8”) DF (1-1/2”) 14"
6-7/8” 6”
9-1/2”
8-1/4”
9-5/8”
7-1/2”
9” 11 7/8”
11-7/8 16"
16
11” 10-1/2” 14”
12-3/8” 12” 16”
13 3/ ”
13-3/4” 13 1/2”
13-1/2”
15-1/8” 15”
16-1/2” 16-1/2”
Etc
Etc. Etc
Etc.

Innovation: Glulam Appearance Classifications
Gl l i h LVL T i Lamination
Glulam with LVL Tension L i ti

F
Framing
i (Framing‐L)
(F i L)
LVL Tension Lam (full width‐ i.e. 3‐1/2", 5‐1/2”)

•Full
Full length
length- no Industrial  (Industrial‐L)
(planed each side‐ i.e. 3‐1/8”, 5‐1/8”)
finger joints
Architectural 
•Greater tensile (sanded / filled after planing/ eased edges)
(sanded / filled after planing/ eased edges)

strength = 3000 Premium 

(verify local availability)
p
psi

Appearance classifications do not

affect design values.

Glulam Floor Beams - EWS C415

Stock Glulam Specifications Glulam Grading Agencies

Common Species:
Common Species:
Douglas Fir or Southern Pine
Both Agencies
g adhere to the
ANSI-A190 standards.
Stock Glulam Properties:
2400 Fb
2400 Fb 1 8E
1.8E Additional information at:
www.aitc-glulam.org
High Strength Glulam Properties: and
3000Fb 2 1E
2.1E www.apawood.org
d
 Strength Dimensional Stability

Glulam
Gl lam High
Highway
a Bridge – Hiroshima,
Hiroshima Japan Waterproof adhesives eliminate glue line degradation in exposed structures
Glulam trusses are 10’ deep with 200’+ spans

Custom Laminated Glulams High Strength of Glulam

Disney Ice Center – Anaheim, CA Glulams are spaced 22’ o.c. and span 116’

LVL
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Features & Applications
Uniform, consistent Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL):
• Produced by bonding thin veneers
beam that can be field together
connected to achieve • Used for studs, beams, headers, rafters &
desired width and load scaffold planking
capacities.
capacities

Common lengths
available
il bl up tto 48’ iin
depths ranging from
5-1/2” to 24”. The g
grain of all veneers is
parallel to the long direction
 LVL
LVL Manufacturing Sizes and Specifications
Logs are peeled into •Commonly available up to 48’ in length
veneer sheets which are •Depending upon thickness, up to four
separate pieces may be nailed
nailed, bolted or
sorted by grade then screwed together to achieve desired width
laminated together to form or load capacity. (always follow
homogeneous billet of manufacturer’s
manufacturer s connection guidelines).
laminated veneers.
Common Thicknesses:
• 3/4" to 3-1/2“
Billets are cut to length •Typical width 1-3/4”
then rip cut to desired
Common Depths:
plank width. • 3-1/2” to 24”

LVL Floor Beams LVL Used in Floor Opening

Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) PSL Manufacturing

Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL):
ƒ Manufactured from veneers 
clipped into long strands in a 
parallel formation and bonded
parallel formation and bonded 
together
ƒ Strand length‐to‐thickness ratio is 
g
around 300
ƒ Strand construction allows for 
b
better raw material utilization 
i l ili i
and the use of various wood 
species.
 PSL Features & Benefits PSL Sizes & Specifications

Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL): Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL):
ƒ Single piece install without field  ƒ High Strength, uniformly 
connections to establish width. constructed beam typically used 
ƒ Use of stranded veneer instead of 
f d d d f for beam header or column
for beam, header, or column 
full sheet veneers allows the use  material.
of smaller diameter trees and/or  ƒ Stock widths:  2‐11/16”, 3‐1/2”,      
different wood species in  5‐1/4”, and 7”.
manufacturing. ƒ Stock Depths:  9‐1/4”, 9‐1/2”,   
ƒ O
Open grain composition allows 
i ii ll 11 1/4” 11 7/8” 14” 16” 18”
11‐1/4”, 11‐7/8”, 14”, 16”, 18”
for unique face finish options  ƒ 2.0E (beams) & 1.8E (columns)
when visually exposed.
ƒ Lengths up to 48’
L th t 48’

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) LSL Manufacturing

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL)
ƒ Similar to PSL.
ƒ Flaked strand length-to-
thickness ratio is around 150
ƒ Used for a variety of
applications from studs to
millwork components

LSL Features & Benefits LSL Sizes & Specifications

Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL):
Laminated Strand Lumber ƒ Common widths:
(LSL): 1‐1/2”, 3‐1/2”, 5‐1/4”
• Dimensionally stable replacement
for most lumber framing ƒ Common Depths
3‐1/2”, 5‐1/2”, 7‐1/4”, 9‐1/2”
•Cost effective alternative to ƒ Design Properties vary by 
Design Properties vary by
expensive light-gauge framing.
manufacturer
• Can be manufactured in a variety of ƒ Common Lengths
g
sizes and shapes.
up to 24’
•One piece LSL headers offer
simplified framing and red
reduced
ced labor
costs in field.
 I‐Joist as a Beam
I‐Joist (used as a beam or header)
Manufacturing
I-Joist:
• Commonly used for floor and roof framing
• Long
L llengths
th readily
dil available
il bl

Flange:
• Lumber
• LVL Flange
g Widths:
• LSL • 1-1/2" to 3-1/2"
Common Depths:
•99-1/2"
1/2
Web:
• 11-7/8"
• OSB
• 14"
•Plywood
• 16"

Bending Force in Flanges Shear Force in Web

Uniform Load Uniform Load

Compression
Tension

L
C L
C
Forces are Max. at L
C Collected Shear (Vertical) Force is Max. At Support

Engineering 101
Engineering 101 Engineering 101
Engineering 101

Double I‐Joist Detail Fire Considerations
Consult with the I-Joist
manufacturer’s
specifications for proper
blocking materials and
nailing patterns

Typical 1/8" Gap

between
blocking and ALL Double I-Joists
flange must be properly
sistered with solid
Additional details and blocking in between
information available on the webs.
APA Form Z725.
 Fire Considerations Fire Considerations
IBC Section 602.4 – Type IV Construction (Heavy Timber)

Solid or Glue Laminated Timber Minimum Cross Section (nominal)

Floor Column - 8” minimum in any direction
Roof Column - 6” x 8” minimum
Floor Beam – 6” wide x 10” deep minimum
Floor Arch/Truss Components – 8” minimum in any direction
Roof Arch / Truss / Beams – Consult with IBC Section 602.4.3
Sizes from 4”x6” to 6”x 8” depending upon bearing height and
shape of component / beam.

Fire Rated Glulam Wet use Exposure

AITC Technical Note #7:

Calculation of Fire Resistance Glulams
of Glued Laminated Timber (Decay resistant Species
www.aitc-glulam.org and Pressure Treated)

AF&PA Technical Report #10:

Calculating the Fire
Resistance of Exposed Wood
Members
www.awc.org

APA Technical Note #EWS

Y245B: Calculating Fire
Resistance of Glulam Beams PSL
and Columns (Pressure Treated)
www apawood org
www.apawood.org

Wet use Exposure: PSL Wet use Exposure: PSL

Preservative Treated PSL Manufacturing

•Provides resistance to both •Wood Species mix is adapted

decay and insects. in manufacturing to ensure
treatment penetration and
• Cost effective alternative to retention
high cost steel members for
exterior deck or roof support. • Pre
Pre-treatment
treatment manufactured
size adjusted to allow for
• Allows longer spans within expansion of product after
design when replacing built-up treatment.
treated lumber beams, reducing
foundation costs and expanding • Kiln Dried after treatment to
design options. ensure dimensional stability.
 Treated PSL Sizes and Specifications Wet use Exposure: Glulam
Preservative Treated Glulam
Common Beam Widths:
3-1/2”, 5-1/4”
•Provides resistance to both
Common Beam Depths: decay and insects.
9-1/4”, 11-7/8”, 14”, 16”
•Variety
Variety of species and
Common Column Sizes: treatment chemical options
3-1/2” x 5-1/4” available (varies by location and
5-1/4”
5 1/4 x 55-1/4”
1/4 manufacturer)
7” x 7”
• Sizing options (width & depth)
Consult manufacturer for beyond common treated PSL
proper wet use factors and sizes.
structural design properties.
•Best choice for visually
exposed applications
applications.

Preservative Treated Glulam  Preservative Treated Glulam Sizes and 
Manufacturing Specifications

•Wet-use adhesives are Common Sizes:

utilized during lamination Varies by manufacturer –
process. C
Cross sectional
ti l size
i iis ttypical
i l
to that of untreated glulam
•Pressure Treatment occurs but length is usually limited to
after laminating and contracted treatment facility
machining of product at mill. capacity.

•Some
Some western species Design Properties:
such as Douglas Fir require Vary by species and level of
incising (see photo) to treatment. Consult with
ensure pproper
p ppenetration of manufacturer’s
treatment. specifications.

•Kiln Drying after treatment

varies by manufacturer.

Glulam –– Decay Resistant Species
Glulam  Connecting Wood
Alternatives to 
Preservative Treatment: Wood likes to take on load spread over its surface
Wood likes to take on load spread over its surface
• Alaska Yellow Cedar
• Western Red Cedar
• Port Orford Cedar
 Concentrated at a single fastener –
wood is more prone to split and crush Connecting Wood

Mechanical fasteners
– Keep ‘em small
– Use lots of them
Use lots of them
– Keep scale of fastener 
small relative to wood
small relative to wood 
member

Tension Perpendicular to Grain Notching

Wood splits from: Problem Solution

• notches Tension perpendicular
• hanging loads to grain
• restraint by connector

Connecting Wood Design Considerations
• End restraint conditions:
Wood, like other materials, moves in varying  – Simple span has 2 supports
p p pp
environments  – Continuous has 3 or more supports
– Cantilevered has 1 support
pp
– Supports may be beams, columns, walls…

Simple Continuous

Cantilevered
 Permissible Holes for LVL 

• 2” max. hole
h l di
diameter
t Minimum amount of spacing
• 3 holes max. = 2 x diameter of the largest hole

1/3
d 1/3
1/3

1/3 span
p 1/3 span
p 1/3 span
p

Zone where holes are permitted for passage of wires, conduits, etc.
Field Notching and Drilling of Laminated
Veneer Lumber (Tech Note EWS G535)

Excessive Notching

Right Wrong

Notching Creates Tension Perpendicular 
Notching Creates Tension Perpendicular 
Field Notchingg and Drilling
g of Glued
t th
to the grain
i
Laminated Timber Beams
- Tech Note EWS S560 Max. LVL end notch = 0.10d

Pre‐engineered Connectors Generic NDS Connectors
Joist and beam hangers
Ti b i t
Timber rivets
• Top
op a
and
d face
ace mount
ou t
• Product specific
• Use correct nail
• Fill all holes
• Ensure proper
p p
fastener penetration

Source: ClevelandSteel.com
 Timber Rivet System Generic NDS Connectors
Split rings & Shear Plates

timber rivet cross section

Source: ClevelandSteel.com

Specialized Connectors Specialized Connectors
Shear plates
Loosely fitting in  Split rings
Split rings
groove Tightly fitting in groove
Easy connection to  More prone to shrinkage 
steel  splits
Used in pairs for  Bolt does not assist in 
wood‐to‐wood  load transfer
connections
Bolt assists in load 
transfer

Top-
Top-Loaded LVL Side
Side--Loaded LVL
 Proprietary Connections Mechanical Connections
Larger fasteners
Multi‐ply linear members and inter‐ply shear/load transfer
py py / Bolts in wood bearing are limited to 1 inch diameter or less
Bolts in wood bearing are limited to 1 inch diameter or less 

Mechanical Connections – Group Action Geometry Factor, CΔ

Spacing,
p g, End,, & Edge
g Distances

Parallel to 
grain

Restraint by Connector Starlight Theater
Rockford IL
Rockford, IL

Full‐depth side plates
– May
May cause splitting
cause splitting
– Restrains wood 
shrinkage
 Before

Splits

After Beam to Concrete

Beam on shelf
– Prevent contact with 
concrete

Beam to Masonry Connection Serviceability

Protect end‐grain and 
g
Application connection
– Bearing plate under beam  Preservative treated or 
to prevent contact with  decay‐resistant species 
masonry

– Need 1/2” air gap 
between wood and 
masonry

end caps and flashing

 For More Information…
on I‐joists and Laminated Beams
The Beauty of Glulams

• Go to: www.apawood.org
• Click: publications
• Search for:
– Builder Tips: Storage, Handling & Safety Recommendations 
f APA P f
for APA Performance Rated I‐Joists
R dI J i
– Builder Tips: Stairwell Openings Parallel to I‐Joist Floor 
Framing
– Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Guide to Engineered 
Engineered Wood Construction Guide: Guide to Engineered
Wood Products
– APA Performance Rated I‐Joists
– EWS Data File: Shear Transfer at Engineered Wood Floors
EWS Data File: Shear Transfer at Engineered Wood Floors

Disney Ice
Arched Glulams
ƒ 24F-V5,
ƒ 8-3/4” x 50-7/8”
section
ƒ 75-foot radius
ƒ 22 feet on center
ƒ 116 foot spans
p
ƒ Moment splices
used to allow for
transportation

Beaverton, OR Library
26-foot tall Glulam Trees

• 3/4 DF
3/4”
laminations
• 28 feet on center
• “Branches”
support 5-1/8
5-1/8”x
x
12” glulam purlins
 Wisconsin Visitors Information Center

ƒ Glued Laminated
Decking Roof
ƒ Solid Purlins
ƒ Diagonal Glulams
ƒ Glulam
Gl l P li @ 14
Purlins
feet o.c.
ƒ Building Size:
69,000
69 000 sqft
ƒ Cost: $175/sf

Wisconsin Visitors Information Center Showcasing Engineered Wood Products

Welcoming Arch

SYP Glulam Trusses

span 32 feet
100 feet 5-1/2” x 11-1/2”
Glulam Beams
450 feet
5-1/2 x 7-1/2” Glulam
Purlins
Cost - $100 / sf

REI Flagship Store‐ Seattle
Environmentally
Conscious
Building Materials
Glulams:
ƒ Roof Trusses & Purlins
ƒ Floor Beams
ƒ External Columns &
Beams
ƒ Stair Treads
Plywood:
ƒ Roof, Floor & Wall
Sheathing
ƒ OSB:
ƒ Wall finish material w/
stain
 Engineered Wood In School Design

Investco Financial
Corporation
ƒ 22-foot tall interior ƒ Cost Competitive
shear walls
ƒ Construction Cost
ƒ Birch Veneer Plywood Savings
ƒ Roof Insulation
ƒ Cost Effective:
$16.28/sf`(interior ƒ Life-Cycle Value
build out) ƒ Durability

ƒ 2/3 lless than

h avg. ƒ $115/sf – Liberty HS,
Bakersfield

Dining Hall & Admin. Bldg.

Eleanor Roosevelt College, UCSD

UCSD Dining Hall 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Richmond
Olympic Oval
completed 2008
 Richmond Olympic Oval Richmond Olympic Oval

330’ Arches
A h –
Wood/Steel 330’ Arches – House Mech./Elec.

C
Composite
it

Case Studies

Unique
Applications

Reservoir
Reser oir Co
Cover
er
ƒ Van Norman Bypass
yp Reservoir Cover:
ƒ Protecting the water supply for the
City of LA
ƒ 665,000 sq ft roof covering 15 acres
ƒ Completed in 10 weeks

Unique Applications Unique Applications

Corrosive Mineral Storage
•Alaskan Yellow
C d Glulams-
Cedar Gl l
naturally decay
resistant

•No chemical
treatments

•Concrete
columns
l on a
60’x60’ grid
 The Cathedral of Christ the Light

ƒ One of Oregon’s Largest Wood Buildings:

ƒ Choices – stainless steel / 3-step
3 step epoxy painted steel
ƒ 100 glulam arch members – 8-3/4”x 55-1/2”x 115’
ƒ Erection crew never exceeded 20 persons
Oakland, CA

The Cathedral of Christ the Light

A Model of Sustainability and Green 
Wood is Renewable  Building 

From 1953 to 1997

From 1953 to 1997 

• Forest inventories 
grew 36%  *

• Over
Over 50 million 
50 million
wood‐frame 
In North America we plant about 3 million trees ‐ every 
homes were built
homes were built
day *
Growth now exceeds harvest by more than 25% *
* Source: U.S. Forest Service * Source: U.S. Forest Service
Questions?
Please contact us:

Bruce Lindsey Bryan Readling, P.E.

Technical Director Senior
S i FiField
ld E
Engineer
i
Woodworks Southeast APA
Phone: Phone:
704-877-6255
704 877 6255 704-661-9718
Email: Email:
bruce@woodworks.org bryan@apawood.org
Website: Website:
www.woodworks.org www.apawood.org