Comparative structural assessment of the flexural resistance of glue laminated timber beams and natural solid timber beams

Abstract

Timber has been used in the construction industry for a long time, and also recently within restoration and renovation projects in order to span relatively short lengths. It is also used in the construction of new buildings adopting a vernacular style. Engineered timber beams have now provided a new horizon to the structural quality and flexural capacity of timber. Glulam timber beams can thus be used as a renewable alternative for large structural systems. This dissertation focuses on demonstrating the advantages of glulam timber beams over natural solid timberbeams in the local construction industry. It consists of an in depth research study on the production, manufacture and selection of glulam timber products. This study was also supplemented with experimental testing of different types of timber beam sections in order to determine their relative flexural strengths.