Laminating and its benefits

In the laminating process, flat, smaller timber parts are placed on top of each other until the required thickness or length is achieved, and then glued to each other. Before the timber is glued, it is dried to a maximum moisture content of 12%. The timber is selected on the basis of natural imperfections which will be removed prior to applying the glue. This results in a high-grade construction beam, that is more homogenous in its structure than a beam of solid timber. Laminated timber, also referred to as glued timber, is also easy to process and it is a construction material having a number of obvious advantages:

• Laminated timber has a relatively low own weight compared to, for instance, steel, which allows a lighter construction;
• Horizontal laminating adds remarkably high strength characteristics, up to 70% stronger than ordinary timber planks or full logs;
• As a result, it is relatively easy to produce constructive applications of elements with arcs and cambered beams;
• The natural action of the timber is largely reduced by means of laminating, which will prevent warping;
• The burning speed of laminated timber is only 20 mm per half hour. Due to the creation of a charcoal layer, the access of oxygen is slowed down. As a result, the construction will remain sufficiently strong and rigid. If the fire resistance must be guaranteed for a longer time, the size of the construction can be adapted so that a longer fire resistance can be achieved.