Glulam Floor Beams PDF
Glulam Floor Beams PDF
Glulam Floor Beams PDF
In residential construction, APA EWS trademarked glulam beams are often chosen for their beauty in exposed designs
featuring vaulted ceilings or long clear-span ridge beams. They’re also ideal for hidden structural applications, such as floor
beams and headers. For everyone from homeowners to framers to building designers, glulam offers advantages unmatched
by any other building product.
Homeowners appreciate the natural beauty of wood and the warmth it brings to interior spaces. They also enjoy the
consistent, long-lasting performance of wood. Unlike large solid sawn or built-up timber beams, glulam, which is
manufactured from kiln-dried lumber, will exhibit minimal shrinkage and warping, which ensures a level floor surface.
In addition, floors have minimal nail popping and fewer squeaks.
Framers find that glulam floor beams are easier to work with than comparable steel beams. Plus, it’s easy to connect other
wood floor framing components to glulam because the wood-to-wood connections can be made with standard carpentry
tools and fasteners. Nailers are not needed as they are with steel beams, and nail-on joist hangers can easily be accommo-
dated. Since glulam floor beams can be installed by the framing crew, it’s not necessary to schedule a second trade crew
for steel work.
Glulam expands possibilities for designers, because the beams have greater strength and stiffness than comparable dimen-
sion lumber and are stronger than steel on a pound-for-pound basis. That means glulam beams can span long distances
using lighter-weight members with minimal need for intermediate supports, opening the design possibilities in a host of
applications.
Everyone, from homeowner to home builder to home designer, can appreciate the expanded design flexibility of wood.
Table 1 provides typical glulam floor- beam sizes for a range of spans and loading conditions for the 24F-1.8E stress
classification typically used in residential construction.
Table 2 provides glulam floor-beam sizes in I-joist-compatible (IJC) depths for the 24F-1.8E stress classification.
IJC refers to commonly available residential I-joist depths of 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14 and 16 inches.
2
TABLE 1A
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam. Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to simple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) Service condition = dry.
(4) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(5) Fbx = 2,400 psi; Fvx = 215 psi; Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(6) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(7) Beam widths of 3 and 5 inches may be substituted for 3-1/8 and 5-1/8 inches, respectively, at the same tabulated depth.
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TABLE 1B
24F-1.8E FLOOR BEAMS FOR MULTIPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor = 1.00)
1/2 joist span
Tributary width
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam.
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to multiple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) The end-spans shall be 40% or more of the adjacent span.
(4) Service condition = dry.
(5) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(6) Fbx = 2,400 psi when tension zone is stressed in tension or 1,600 psi when compression zone is stressed in tension;
Fvx = 215 psi; Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(7) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(8) Beam widths of 3 and 5 inches may be substituted for 3-1/8 and 5-1/8 inches, respectively, at the same tabulated depth.
4
TABLE 2A
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam.
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to simple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) Service condition = dry.
(4) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(5) Fbx = 2,400 psi; Fvx = 215 psi; Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(6) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(7) IJC compatible beams are limited to 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches. Check with local distributors for availability.
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TABLE 2B
24F-1.8E I-JOIST COMPATIBLE (IJC) FLOOR BEAMS FOR MULTIPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor = 1.00)
1/2 joist span
Tributary width
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam.
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to multiple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) The end-spans shall be 40% or more of the adjacent span.
(4) Service condition = dry.
(5) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(6) Fbx = 2,400 psi when tension zone is stressed in tension or 1,600 psi when compression zone is stressed in tension;
Fvx = 215 psi; Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(7) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(8) IJC compatible beams are limited to 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches. Check with local distributors for availability.
6
H Y B R ID B E A M S OF F E R
N E W DE S IGN OP TION S
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TABLE 3A
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam.
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to simple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) Service condition = dry.
(4) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(5) Fbx = 3,000 psi; Fvx = 300 psi; Ex = 2.1 x 106 psi.
(6) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(7) IJC compatible beams are limited to 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches. Check with local distributors for availability.
8
TABLE 3B
30F-2.1E I-JOIST COMPATIBLE (IJC) FLOOR BEAMS FOR MULTIPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor = 1.00)
1/2 joist span
Tributary width
Glulam
Tributary width is the width of the area contributing a load to a particular being
structural member. In the figure at the right, the tributary width is half the designed
joist span on each side of the beam.
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to multiple-span applications with a design dead load of 10 psf and live load of 40 psf.
(3) The end-spans shall be 40% or more of the adjacent span.
(4) Service condition = dry.
(5) Maximum deflection = Span/360 under live load.
(6) Fbx = 3,000 psi when tension zone is stressed in tension or 3,000 psi when compression zone is stressed in tension;
Fvx = 300 psi; Ex = 2.1 x 106 psi.
(7) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(8) IJC compatible beams are limited to 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 inches. Check with local distributors for availability.
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10 R E A SON S TO US E GLUL A M
IN S TE A D OF S TE E L B E A M S
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S UB S TITUTING GLUL A M B E A M S FOR S TE E L F LOOR B E A M S
In some market areas, steel has been the traditional choice for floor beams in residential construction. Glulam affords an
alternative that is much easier to install in wood-framed houses. In most floor designs, it’s easy to substitute glulam beams
for steel beams. Use the following tables to determine the appropriate size and grade of glulam. Table 4 provides equiva-
lent sizes based on the 24F-1.8E stress class and Table 5 provides sizes based on the 30F-2.1E stress class. For additional
information on glulam equivalents, refer to the EWS Data File: Substitution of Glulam Beams for Steel or Solid-Sawn Lumber,
Form EWS S570.
TABLE 4A
24F-1.8E GLULAM EQUIVALENT TO STEEL FLOOR BEAMS FOR SIMPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor for Glulam = 1.00)
Glulam
being
designed
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to simple-span applications.
(3) Service condition for glulam members = dry.
(4) Maximum deflection = L/360 under live load based on live/total load = 0.8.
(5) Beam weight for steel and glulam members are included.
(6) Design properties for steel members: Fb = 0.66 x 36 ksi, Fv = 0.4 x 36 ksi, E = 29 x 106 psi.
(7) Design properties for glulam members at normal load duration and dry-use service conditions:
Fbx = 2,400 psi, Fvx = 215 psi, Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
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TABLE 4B
24F-1.8E GLULAM EQUIVALENT TO STEEL FLOOR BEAMS FOR MUTIPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor for Glulam = 1.00)
Glulam
being
designed
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to multiple-span applications.
(3) The end-spans shall be 40% or more of the adjacent span.
(4) Service condition for glulam members = dry.
(5) Maximum deflection = L/360 under live load based on live/total load = 0.8.
(6) Beam weight for steel and glulam members are included.
(7) Design properties for steel members: Fb = 0.66 x 36 ksi, Fv = 0.4 x 36 ksi, E = 29 x 106 psi.
(8) Design properties for glulam members at normal load duration and dry-use service conditions:
Fbx = 2,400 psi when tension zone is stressed in tension or 1,600 psi when compression zone is stressed in tension;
Fvx = 215 psi; Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
12
TABLE 5A
30F-2.1E I-JOIST COMPATIBLE (IJC) GLULAM EQUIVALENT TO STEEL FLOOR BEAMS FOR SIMPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor for Glulam = 1.00)
Glulam
being
designed
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to simple-span applications.
(3) Service condition for glulam members = dry.
(4) Maximum deflection = L/360 under live load based on live/total load = 0.8.
(5) Beam weight for steel and glulam members are included.
(6) Design properties for steel members: Fb = 0.66 x 36 ksi, Fv = 0.4 x 36 ksi, E = 29 x 106 psi.
(7) Design properties for glulam members at normal load duration and dry-use service conditions:
Fbx = 3,000 psi, Fvx = 300 psi, Ex = 2.1 x 106 psi.
13
TABLE 5B
30F-2.1E I-JOIST COMPATIBLE (IJC) GLULAM EQUIVALENT TO STEEL FLOOR BEAMS FOR MULTIPLE-SPAN APPLICATIONS
(Load Duration Factor for Glulam = 1.00)
Glulam
being
designed
Span
Notes
(1) For preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Applicable to multiple-span applications.
(3) The end-spans shall be 40% or more of the adjacent span.
(4) Service condition for glulam members = dry.
(5) Maximum deflection = L/360 under live load based on live/total load = 0.8.
(6) Beam weight for steel and glulam members are included.
(7) Design properties for steel members: Fb = 0.66 x 36 ksi, Fv = 0.4 x 36 ksi, E = 29 x 106 psi.
(8) Design properties for glulam members at normal load duration and dry-use service conditions:
Fbx = 3,000 psi when tension zone is stressed in tension or 3,000 psi when compression zone is stressed in tension;
Fvx = 300 psi; Ex = 2.1 x 106 psi.
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CONC E A LE D OR E X POS E D
Glulam floor beams can be installed within the floor joist cavity if a concealed application is desired. Many stocking
distributors inventory glulam in I-joist-compatible depths (IJC) for use with I-joist framing systems but most standard-
depth stock beams can easily be used in a concealed floor application with minimal furring. They can also be partially
concealed in the floor joist cavity or left completely exposed below the floor framing, adding increased aesthetic value to
the room below.
Figures 1 through 13 illustrate a variety of simple floor-framing details incorporating glulam beams.
These details are also available from APA in CAD format at www.apacad.org.
GLUL A M COLUM N S
When a design calls for a column, glulam is an excellent option. Glulam columns are commonly available in standard
widths of 5-1/8 inches and 6-3/4 inches, and can be ordered in larger dimensions. For further information on glulam
colums, see EWS Data File: Design of Glued Laminated Timber Columns, Form EWS Y240.
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
BEAM BEARING AT END WALL BEAM BEARING AT END WALL
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
BEAM BEARING AT END WALL BEAM BEARING AT MASONRY WALL
16d
nails
15
FIGURE 5
BEAM SUPPORT AT END WALL WITH FLOOR JOIST OVER BEAM
Floor sheathing
2x floor joists
or I-joists
Rim joist
King stud
Glulam,
multiple studs or
solid-sawn post
King stud
nailed to beam
FIGURE 6
BEAM SUPPORT AT END WALL WITH FLOOR JOISTS FLUSH WITH BEAM
Floor sheathing
Pre-engineered
metal hangers
Rim joist
16
FIGURE 7
LUMBER JOISTS BEARING ON FLOOR BEAM
Glulam beam
FIGURE 8
I-JOISTS BEARING ON FLOOR BEAM
Glulam beam
FIGURE 9
JOISTS MOUNTED FLUSH WITH FLOOR BEAM
17
FIGURE 10
BEAMS BUTTING OVER
INTERMEDIATE WOOD SUPPORT
Through-bolt
Steel post cap
Glulam,
multiple studs or
solid-sawn post
FIGURE 11
CONTINUOUS FLOOR BEAM OVER INTERMEDIATE WOOD SUPPORTS
FIGURE 12
CONTINUOUS BEAM OVER INTERMEDIATE STEEL COLUMN
Weld to
steel column Glulam beam 1/2" Lag screws
18
FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14
BEAM SITTING IN CONCRETE OR FOUNDATION BEAM-POCKET DETAILS
MASONRY WALL POCKET
Minimum 1/2" air gap required at
1/2" minimum air space shall ends and sides
be provided between wood and
masonry surface
Foundation wall
FIGURE 15
FOUNDATION BEAM-POCKET DETAILS
(when uplift resistance is required by local building
jurisdiction)
19
A BOUT A PA – THE E NGIN E E RE D WOOD A S S OCIATION
APA – The Engineered Wood Association is a nonprofit trade association of and for structural wood
panel, glued laminated timber, wood I-joist, laminated veneer lumber and other engineered wood
product manufacturers. Based in Tacoma, Washington, APA represents approximately 150 mills
throughout North America, ranging from small, independently owned and operated companies to
large integrated corporations.
Always insist on panels bearing the mark of quality – the APA or APA EWS trademark. Your APA engineered
wood purchase is not only your highest possible assurance of product quality, but an investment in the
many trade services that APA provides on your behalf. The APA EWS trademark appears only on engineered
wood products manufactured by members of Engineered Wood Systems, a division of APA. The mark
signifies that the manufacturer is committed to a rigorous program of quality verification and testing and
that products are manufactured in conformance with an APA or national standard such as ANSI Standard
A190.1, American National Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber or with a manufacturer’s build-
ing code evaluation report.
■ Data File: Substitution of Glulam Beams for Steel and Solid-Sawn Lumber, EWS S570
DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is based on APA – The Engineered Wood Association‘s continuing
programs of laboratory testing, product research and comprehensive field experience. Neither APA,
nor its members make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal liability or respon-
sibility for the use, application of, and/or reference to opinions, findings, conclusions or recommen-
dations included in this publication. Consult your local jurisdiction or design professional to assure
compliance with code, construction and performance requirements. Because APA has no control over
quality of workmanship or the conditions under which engineered wood products are used, it cannot
accept responsibility for product performance or designs as actually constructed.