Glulam Product Guide

Glulam
Product Guide
Glulam Product Guide
WOOD
The Natural Choice
Engineered wood products are a good choice for the environment.
They are manufactured for years of trouble-free, dependable use. They
help reduce waste by decreasing disposal costs and product damage.
Wood is a renewable, recyclable, biodegradable resource that is easily
manufactured into a variety of viable products.
A few facts about wood.

■ We’re growing more wood every day. Forests fully cover one-third
of the United States’ and one-half of Canada’s land mass. American

landowners plant more than two billion trees every year. In addition,
millions of trees seed naturally. The forest products industry, which
comprises about 15 percent of forestland ownership, is responsible for
41 percent of replanted forest acreage. That works out to more than one billion trees a
year, or about three million trees planted every day. This high rate of replanting accounts
for the fact that each year, 27 percent more timber is grown than is harvested. Canada’s
replanting record shows a fourfold increase in the number of trees planted between 1975
and 1990.
■ Life Cycle Assessment shows wood is the greenest building product.
A 2004 Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials
(CORRIM) study gave scientific validation to the strength of wood as
a green building product. In examining building products’ life cycles
– from extraction of the raw material to demolition of the building at the
end of its long lifespan – CORRIM found that wood was better for the environment than
steel or concrete in terms of embodied energy, global warming potential, air emissions,
water emissions and solid waste production. For the complete details of the report, visit
www.CORRIM.org.
■ Manufacturing wood is energy efficient.
Percent of Percent of
Wood products made up 47 percent of all Material Production Energy Use
industrial raw materials manufactured in the Wood 47 4
United States, yet consumed only 4 percent
Steel 23 48
of the energy needed to manufacture all
Aluminum 2 8
industrial raw materials, according to
a 1987 study.
■ Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown, a
young forest produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of
carbon dioxide.
Wood: It’s the natural choice for the environment, for design and for
strong, lasting construction.
Form No. X440D ■ © 2008 APA – The Engineered Wood Association ■ www.apawood.org
Glued laminated timber (glulam)

redefines the possibilities for engi-
neered wood construction. Glulam is CONTENTS
an engineered wood product that Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

optimizes the structural values of a 100 Years of Glulam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
renewable resource – wood. Glulam
Anatomy of Glulam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
members are composed of individual
Glulam in Nonresidential Applications. . . . 8
pieces of dimension lumber. The pieces
Glulam in Residential Applications. . . . . . 13
are end-jointed together to produce
Designing for Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . 20
long lengths which are then bonded
Moisture Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
together with adhesives to create the
Design and Specification Considerations. . 26
required beam dimensions. Because
of their composition, large glulam Glulam Specification Guide . . . . . . . . . . . 27
members can be manufactured Storage, Handling and Installation . . . . . . 29
from smaller trees harvested from Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
second- and third-growth forests About APA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

and plantations. A variety of species
is used. With glulam, builders and
specifiers can continue to enjoy the
strength and versatility of large wood
members without relying on the old
growth-dependent solid-sawn timbers.
Glulam has greater strength and stiffness
than comparable dimensional lumber.
Pound for pound, it’s stronger than steel.
That means glulam beams can span long
distances with minimal need for inter-
mediate supports. It also means that
designers and builders have virtually
unlimited design flexibility when using
glulam, whether the application is home
construction, a commercial warehouse
roof or a highway bridge.
This brochure describes APA EWS trade-
marked glulam, addresses important
design considerations, and includes
a guide of recommended specifica-
tions. It also highlights just a few of the
On the Cover: Cathedral of
many applications where glulam is used Christ the Light in Oakland, Calif.
in construction. © John Blaustein 2008
100 Plus Years A n atomy of Glul a m
of Glulam Glulam is made up of wood laminations, or “lams,” that are bonded together with
adhesives. The grain of all laminations runs parallel with the length of the member.
In terms of current needs Individual lams typically are 1-3/8 inches thick for southern pine and 1-1/2 inches
to optimize products from thick for Western species, although other thicknesses may also be used. Glulam
a carefully managed tim- products typically range in net widths from 2-1/2 to 10-3/4 inches, although virtu-
ber resource, glulam is one ally any member width can be custom produced.
of the most resource-efficient
Because they are engineered products, glued laminated timbers are manufactured to
approaches to wood build-
meet a range of design stresses. Beams are manufactured with the strongest lams on
ing products. It is an engi-
the bottom and top of the beam, where maximum tension and compression stresses
neered product manufactured
occur. This concept allows the lumber resource to be used more efficiently by placing
to meet the most demanding
higher grade lumber in zones that have the maximum stresses and lumber with less
structural requirements. But
structural quality in lower stressed zones.
glued laminated timber is not
a new product.
Balanced and Unbalanced Beams
Glulam was first used in Glulam may be manufactured as unbalanced or balanced members.
Europe in the early 1890s. A
The most critical zone of a glulam
1901 patent from Switzerland
bending member with respect to
signaled the true beginning
controlling strength is the outer-
of glued laminated timber
most tension zone. In unbalanced
construction. One of the first
beams, the quality of lumber used
glulam structures erected in
on the tension side of the beam is
the U.S. was a research labo-
higher than the lumber used on
ratory at the USDA Forest
the corresponding compression
Products Laboratory in
side, allowing a more efficient use
Madison, Wisconsin. The
of the timber resource. Therefore,
structure was erected in 1934
unbalanced beams have different bending stresses assigned to the compression
and is still in service today.
and tension zones and must be installed accordingly. To ensure proper installation
A significant development in of unbalanced beams, the top of the beam is clearly stamped with the word “TOP.”
the glulam industry was the Unbalanced beams are primarily intended for simple span applications.
introduction of fully water-
Balanced members are symmetrical in lumber quality about the mid-height.
resistant phenol-resorcinol
Balanced beams are used in applications, such as cantilevers or continuous spans,
adhesives in 1942. This
where either the top or bottom of the member may be stressed in tension due to
allowed glulam to be used
service loads. They can also be used in single span applications, although an unbal-
in exposed exterior environ-
anced beam is more efficient for this use.
ments without concern of
glueline degradation.
Allowable Design Properties
The first U.S. manufactur- Allowable design properties are a key factor in specifying glulam. Bending members
ing standard for glulam are typically specified on the basis of the maximum allowable bending stress of the
was Commercial Standard member. For example, a 24F designation indicates a member with an allowable
CS253-63, which was pub- bending stress of 2,400 psi. Similarly, a 26F designation refers to a member with an
lished by the Department of allowable bending stress of 2,600 psi. These different stress levels are achieved by
Commerce in 1963. The most varying the percentages and grade of higher quality lumber in the beam layup. Use
recent standard is ANSI/AITC of different species may also result in different stress designations.
Standard A190.1-02, which
took effect in 2002.
To identify whether the lumber used in the beam is visually or mechanically graded, the stress combination also
includes a second set of designations. For example, for an unbalanced 24F layup using visually graded Douglas-fir
lumber, the layup designation is identified as a 24F-V4. The “V” indicates that the layup uses visually graded lum-
ber. (“E” is used for mechanically graded lumber.) The number “4” further identifies a specific combination of lum-
ber used to which a full set of
design stresses, such as hori-
Table 1
zontal shear, MOE, etc., are
assigned. Some of the most Allowable Stresses (psi)
Fbx
common glulam beam layups
Combination ten. comp. Fvx Ex Fc// Fc⊥ Ft
w ith their corresponding
Unbalanced Layups
allowable stresses are shown EWS 24F-1.8E 2,400 1,600 215 1.8 x 106 1,200 500 950
in Table 1. EWS 24F-V4/DF 2,400 1,850 265 1.8 x 106 1,650 650 1,100
EWS 24F-V3/SP 2,400 1,950 300 1.8 x 106 1,650 740 1,150
APA Glulam Design Specification, EWS 24F-E/ES1 2,400 1,700 215 1.7 x 106 1,150 560 1,050
Form EWS Y117, and ICC-ES Balanced Layups
report ESR-1940 (www.icc- EWS 24F-V8/DF 2,400 2,400 265 1.8 x 106 1,650 650 1,100
EWS 24F-V5/SP 2,400 2,400 300 1.8 x 106 1,650 740 1,150
es.org) provide design stresses EWS 24F-E/ES1M1 2,400 2,400 215 1.8 x 106 1,150 560 1,050
for all glulam produced by
APA members.
Axis Orientation
Glulam beams are typically installed with the wide face of the lami- FIGURE 1
nations perpendicular to the applied load, as shown in Figure 1. BEAM CROSS SECTION
These are commonly referred to as horizontally laminated mem-
y
bers. If this same member is rotated 90 degrees, such that the
load is applied parallel to the wide face of the laminations, it is
considered to be a vertically laminated member. Glulam mem-
bers have different tabulated stress proper ties depending on
whether the member is used in a horizontal or vertical orienta-
tion. For more information, refer to APA Glulam Design Specification,
x x
Form EWS Y117, or ICC-ES report ESR-1940.
Sizes
Glulam is available in both custom and stock sizes. Stock beams are
manufactured in commonly used dimensions and cut to length when
the beams are ordered from a distributor or dealer. Typical stock beam
widths include: 3-1/8, 3-1/2, 5-1/8, 5-1/2 and 6-3/4 inches, which meet y
the requirements for most residential construction applications.
Where long spans, unusually heavy loads or other circumstances control design, custom members are typically
specified. Custom members are available in virtually any size and shape that may be required to meet the design
conditions.
Some of the common custom shapes that are available include curved beams, pitched and curved beams, radial arches
and tudor arches.
Appearance Classification
Glulam is available in a range of appearances, all looking different but having the same structural characteristics for a
given strength grade. Glulam appearance classifications are:
Framing. This classification is intended only for use in concealed applications. Beams with this appearance classifica-
tion are provided in widths designed to fit flush with 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing.
Framing-L. The same as Framing classification except that LVL laminations are used on the outermost surfaces.
Industrial. Used for concealed applications or where appearance is not of primary importance.
Industrial-L. The same as Industrial classification except that LVL laminations are used on the outermost surfaces.
Architectural. The appearance of choice in applications where members are exposed to view, because they have a smooth,
attractive finish. Stock beams are often supplied with this appearance so they may be exposed to view in the finished structure.
Premium. Available only as a custom order where finished appearance is of primary importance.
All appearance classifications permit natural growth characteristics with varying degrees of open voids permitted.
Voids are filled as required by the appearance grade specified using inserts and wood fillers. The appearance classifica-
tion is not related to lumber layup requirements and thus does not affect design values for the beam.
Section Properties and Capacities

When selecting a glulam member, the builder, designer or specifier must use a member with the required section
properties to satisfy the load-carrying requirements. Different load capacities are possible for different stress level
combinations of glulam. Tables giving the load-carrying capacities for glulam are included in the APA Data File: Glued
Laminated Beam Design Tables, Form EWS S475. These beam capacities are based on loading perpendicular to the
wide faces of the laminations; that is, bending about the x-x axis of the beam, as shown in Figure 1.
Camber
One of the most important design considerations for wood framing is deflection. For longer spans, deflection is often the con-
trolling design factor. While any wood bending member can be designed to minimize deflection, glulam is the only engineered
wood product that can be easily cambered to reduce the aesthetic effect of in-service deflections. Camber is curvature built
into a fabricated member (see Figure 2)
which is opposite in direction and
FIGURE 2
magnitude to the calculated deflection
BEAM CAMBER PARAMETERS
that occurs under gravity loads.
L = Span (ft.)
The glulam industry recommends
that roof beams be cambered for 1-
Cambered Beam
1/2 times the calculated dead load
deflection. This will generally be suf-
ficient to assure that the beam will R = Radius of curvature (ft.) = Camber (in.)
not exhibit a sag over a period of
many years of loading, as may occur
with non-cambered wood products.
Table 2
To achieve a level profile, it is recom-
Camber for 3500-Foot Radius
mended that floor beams be only
Span in feet: 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
cambered for 1.0 times the calculated Camber in inches: .04 .06 .08 .11 .14 .17 .21 .25 .29 .34
dead load deflection.
Camber for glulam beams is specified as either “inches of camber” or as a radius of curvature that is to be used in
the manufacturing process. Commonly used curvature radii for commercial applications are 1,600 and 2,000 feet,
although any camber may be specified.
Most residential applications require very little or no camber which, in turn, makes glulam the ideal choice. Stock
beams are typically supplied with a relatively flat camber radius of 3,500 feet as shown in Table 2 or zero camber;
thus, they have just the right camber for residential construction. If, however, more camber is required, such as for a
long-span roof beam, custom beams are available through manufacturers to meet the most exacting specifications.
For additional information on cambering glulam beams, refer to APA Technical Note: Glulam Beam Camber, Form EWS
S550, which provides a camber table for various beam spans and radii of curvature.
Hybrid Beams Offer New Design Options

In response to market demands for increased structural performance, APA worked with
its member manufacturers to develop a new high strength “hybrid” glulam beam. This
beam uses laminated veneer lumber (LVL) as the outermost top and bottom laminations.
The beam has a balanced layup, eliminating the concern about losing structural value if
the beam is inadvertently installed upside down. The hybrid glulam is rated at 30F – 2.1E
as compared to the traditional 24F – 1.8E glulam. These beam layups have been incorpo-
rated in APA Glulam Design Specification, Form EWS Y117, and ICC-ES report ESR-1940.
Since these high-strength hybrid beams are often used to support wood I-joist floor
framing, they are typically supplied in I-joist compatible (IJC) sizes. This means the
depths match the typical residential I-joist depths of 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14 and 16 inches, and
the widths match conventional 2x4 and 2x6 wall framing. Beam depths greater than 16
inches are available up to 30 inches.
Hybrid glulam beams are only available in Framing-L and Industrial-L appearance classifications and will typically
have “hit or miss” surfacing of the wide faces.
Formaldehyde Emissions
Formaldehyde emissions from glulam manufactured to the ANSI/AITC A190.1-07 Standard are extremely low.
ANSI/AITC A190.1 compliant glulam meets or is exempt from the most stringent formaldehyde emission stan-
dards and regulations, including the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Air Toxic Control Measure for
Composite Wood Products and the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS).
Trademarks and Acceptances

Glulam beams manufactured by APA members are certified with the APA EWS trademark. 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 ANSI/AITC Standard A190.1-07, American National Standard for Structural Glued Laminated
Timber.
Typical information included in an APA EWS trademark is shown on the sample trademark on page 28. This informa-
tion may vary depending on whether the member is supplied as a custom or stock product. The APA EWS trademark
is recognized by all major model building codes for the certification of glued laminated timber produced by APA
members.
APA also issues APA Product Reports to specific glulam manufacturers whose proprietary products are meet-
ing the code requirements and suitable for use in building construction. For more information on APA Product
Reports, please visit the APA web site, www.apawood.org/ProductReports.
Glu l a m in
Non r e s ide nti a l
A pplic ation s
Visible Beauty, Hidden Strength

Glulam has a reputation for being used in strik-
ing applications, such as vaulted ceilings and
other designs with soaring open spaces. In
churches, schools, restaurants and other com-
mercial buildings, glulam is often specified for its
beauty, as well as its strength, for good reason.
Glulam has the classic natural wood appearance
that holds a timeless appeal.
Aesthetics aside, there are many other applications

where the strength and durability of glulam beams
make them the ideal structural choice. Typical
uses range from simple purlins, ridge beams, floor
beams and cantilevered beams to complete com- The Tar River trail bridge in Rocky Mount, North Carolina
mercial roof systems. In some instances, ware- features glued laminated arches.
house and distribution centers with roof areas
exceeding 1 million square feet have been constructed using glulam framing. In large open spaces, glulam beams can span
more than 100 feet.
One of the greatest advantages of glulam is that it can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes, sizes and configu-
rations. In addition to straight prismatic sections, beams can also be produced in a variety of tapered configurations,
such as single tapered, double tapered and off-centered ridges. Curved shapes range from a simple curved beam to
a pitched and tapered curved beam to a complex arch configuration. Spans using glulam arches are virtually unlim-
ited. For example, in reticulated glulam framed dome structures, arches span more than 500 feet.
Glulam Trusses Add Design Options for Long Spans

Glulam trusses also take many shapes, including simple pitched trusses, complicated scissor configurations and long
span bowstring trusses with curved upper chords. When designed as space frames, glulam truss systems can create
great clear spans for auditoriums, gymnasiums and other applications requiring large, open floor areas.
Exposed Applications
When manufactured with waterproof adhesives, glulam products can be fully exposed to the environment provided
they are properly pressure-preservative treated. Exposed applications include utility poles and crossarms, marinas,
docks and other waterfront structures and bridges.
Bridges represent a growing market for glulam in pedestrian and light vehicular applications for stream and roadway
crossings. Glulam is also used in secondary highway bridge designs ranging from straight girders to soaring arches.
The railroads are finding glulam to be a viable structural product for use in their heavily loaded bridge structures. As
loads increase on the main lines, it is necessary to upgrade bridge capacities. Adding glulam “helper” stringers is a
viable solution for increasing capacities.
In all of these uses, the strength and stiffness of glulam give builders and designers more design versatility than they have
with other structural products. And, these advantages come at a cost that is competitive with other structural systems.
The Disney ICE rink in Anaheim, California features glulam arches curved to a 75-foot radius to form the ice center´s roof system.
The dome of this synagogue is constructed with 54 Douglas-fir The architect achieved cost savings and energy savings with
glulam beams covered with a veneer of white oak. the wood design of Gunter Primary School in Gunter, Texas.
Glulam Product Guide 10
Architectural-grade glulam supports the atrium in the Garfield Commons building at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash.
This glulam bridge connects the Sheshan Golf Couse with Campbell Basin Lodge at Crystal Mountain, Wash. This
a nearby luxury residential community, providing both style 12,500-square-foot ski lodge includes an upscale food court
and functionality. The project prompted new interest in using and plenty of seating.
glulam for golf couse bridges in China.
The Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Wash. features 65-foot Durable glulam forms a resilient stair tread.
glulam beams over the enclosed water park.
Glulam arches support the roof of the Chicago Bears practice

facility in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Two 107-foot poles are bolted together in this unique utility This 236,000-square-foot potash storage building in Portland,
pole design. Photo courtesy of Western Archrib. Oregon features APA EWS glulam arches.
Glu l a m in R e s ide nti a l

A pplic ation s
In residential construction, APA EWS trade-

marked glulam beams are often chosen for
their beauty in exposed designs, such as rafters
in vaulted ceilings or long clear-span ridge
beams. They’re also ideal for hidden structural
applications, such as floor beams and head-
ers. No other product combines the strength
and natural beauty of wood like glulam, and
nothing provides builders and designers with
the design flexibility demanded by today’s
homeowner.
Stock Beams and Custom Beams

For most residential applications, stock beams are
the product of choice. Stock beams, readily avail- I-joist compatible (IJC) glulam beams are supplied in depths
able from distributors throughout North America, of 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14 and 16 inches.
are manufactured in widths of 3-1/8, 3-1/2,
5-1/8, 5-1/2 and 6-3/4 inches with depths ranging from 9 to 36 inches. Often, stock beams are supplied as an architectural
appearance classification making them suitable for exposed applications. These are typically a 24F-1.8E stress combination.
Custom glulam beams are also readily available in most market areas and are used when a larger cross-section, longer
length, curved shape or different appearance classification is needed. Examples of curved custom applications include
curved fascia members and arches over clear span areas, such as great rooms and interior pool enclosures.
Hybrid beams, described on page 7, are also an option for residential construction. These are typically used when higher
design properties have been specified by the designer.
Floor Beams
The superior strength of glulam allows longer clear spans than solid-sawn lumber. Because glulam is manufactured from
kiln-dried lumber, shrinkage and warping are minimized. In addition, glulam beams have excellent fastener-holding
capability, which means a firm subfloor with minimal nail popping or squeaks.
Glulam floor beams offer several advantages over steel beams. They are lighter in weight, easy to install with typical residential
construction equipment, and are a better value on an installed cost basis. When attaching glulam to other framing members,
construction crews can use standard tools and fasteners because they are making wood-to-wood connections. If necessary, a
glulam beam can be cut to length at the job site, while cutting a steel beam requires a torch and a second trade crew.
Glulam is available in I-joist compatible depths to easily permit flush framing without special furring, as shown in the
photo above. I-joist compatible beams (IJC), are supplied in depths of 9-1/2, 11-7/8, 14 and 16 inches to match the depths
of I-joists used in residential construction. In the application shown at the top of page 14, a glulam supports the second
floor I-joist framing. The glulam beam was chosen for its size, strength, cost competitiveness and availability.
Ridge and Rafter Beams

The open, airy designs and high ceilings common in residential construction today make glulam the perfect choice for
ridge beam applications as shown on page 14. They can span long distances and carry virtually any design load. Sloping
glulam rafter beams are the perfect complement to ridge beams in exposed applications.
Exposed glulam beams in the ridge and intermediate supports for this condominium residence provide both visual drama and
structural integrity.
A glulam ridge beam supports the dramatic roof lines in this Western Washington home, shown under construction, left, and
finished, right.
Glulam garage door header extends over adjacent narrow shear wall. (See Figure 4 for further details.)
This test in the APA research center simulates seismic lateral Glulam columns and headers provide primary support in this
loads over dozens of cycles to the same wall line. APA condominium construction.
researchers can then determine the suitability of various
bracing details for seismic performance, such as extending
the glulam header over the narrow end wall.
Garage Door Headers

Glulam headers can easily span distances long enough to allow garage door openings for two or three cars. And
because they are cut to length when you buy them, you pay only for the length you need – nothing is wasted. A com-
mon width of glulam garage door header is 3-1/2 inches, which fits conventional 2x4 wall construction. For 2x6 wall
construction, a 5-1/2-inch-wide glulam provides the perfect fit. Beams with widths of 3-1/8 inches and 5-1/8 inches
are also used for these applications, but may require shimming.
FIGURE 3
GLULAM GARAGE DOOR HEADERS – DESIGN EXAMPLE
The 16'-3" beam span in this figure supports roof trusses on a 28-foot-wide house with 2' overhangs, under a 15 psf design
dead load and 25 psf design snow load. According to the data in Tables 3A and 3B (pages 18-19), four different sizes of glulam
beams could be selected: 3-1/8" by 15", 3-1/2" by 13-1/2", 5-1/8" by 12" and 5-1/2" by 12", all suitable to carry the required
design loads with the final choice being based on local availability, cost, framing compatibility and designer preference.
2'
Sp
an 28'
o Glulam header
roo f sup
f fr por
am ted
ing
2'
"
'-3 g
16 enin
p
ro
C lea
FIGURE 4
WALLS WITH 6:1 ASPECT RATIO USED WITH CONTINUOUS WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL SHEATHING
Over Concrete or Masonry Block Foundation
OUTSIDE ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION

Extent of header (two braced wall segments)
Extent of header (one braced wall segment)
Pony Min. 1,000 lb

Braced wall segment tension strap.(a)
wall per IRC Table R602.10.4
height(a) Strap shall be
centered at
Min. 3" x 11-1/4" net header bottom of
header.
2' to 18' (finished opening width) 16d sinker

12' Fasten sheathing to header with 8d common nails (0.148"
max. nails (0.131" x 2-1/2") in 3" grid pattern as shown x 3-1/4") in
total and 3" o.c. in all framing (studs and sills) typ. 2 rows
wall @ 3" o.c.
Header shall be fastened to the king stud
height1 with 6-16d sinker nails (0.148" x 3-1/4") Wood struc-
Minimum 1,000 lb strap shall be tural panel
10' centered at bottom of header and installed must be
max. on backside as shown on side elevation(a) continuous
height from top of
For a panel splice (if needed), wall to bottom
panel edges shall be blocked and of wall, or
occur within middle 24" of wall height from top of
wall to
Wood structural panel strength axis permitted
splice area
Min. number of studs shown(a)
Min. length based on 6:1 aspect ratio. 7/16" min.
For example:16" min. for 8' height. thickness
wood
structural
panel
Anchor bolt per IRC Table R403.1.6 typ. sheathing
Min. 2"x2"x3/16" plate washer No. of jack studs per
Note: IRC Table R502.5(1&2)
(a) See IRC for additional requirements Not to scale
Full-length glulam headers at an end-wall provide an excellent nailing surface for structural wood panels, which help tie
the beam to wall framing members on either side of the garage door opening to improve bracing. The APA Narrow Wall
Bracing Method (as shown above) addresses such applications, where narrow wall sections must withstand the same
lateral forces that bear on other larger wall and roof sections of the home. The connections in the frame add rigidity and
improve resistance to wind and earthquake loads by effectively creating a narrow shear wall, as shown in Figure 4.
For more information on the Narrow Wall Bracing Method, refer to www.wallbracing.org.
Columns
Glulam columns are straight and dimensionally true, making framing an easy task. Because glulam columns are avail-
able in long lengths, the members don’t have to be spliced together, as is often necessary with sawn lumber. And,
glulam columns can be exposed to view as a unique architectural feature of the framing system. Reference APA Data
File: Design of Structural Glued Laminated Timber Columns, Form EWS Y240.
Table 3a
APA EWS 24F-1.8E Grade Glulam Garage Door Headers for Single-Story Applications
Rough Door Opening = 9'-3" (Beam depths based on 1-1/2" laminations.)
Span of supported roof trusses (ft)
22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
Non-Snow Load 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9
(125%) 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 6 5-1/8 x 6 5-1/8 x 6 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2
20 psf Live 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 7-1/2 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 10-1/2
(115%) 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 6 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2
25 psf Live 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 6 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2
(115%) 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2
30 psf Live 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 9 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 10-1/2 3-1/8 x 12
(115%) 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 9 3-1/2 x 10-1/2 3-1/2 x 10-1/2 3-1/2 x 10-1/2 3-1/2 x 10-1/2
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 7-1/2 5-1/8 x 9 5-1/8 x 9 5-1/8 x 9 5-1/8 x 9
40 psf Live 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 5-1/2 x 9 5-1/2 x 9

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
Non-Snow Load 3-1/8 x 12 3-1/8 x 12 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15
(125%) 3-1/2 x 12 3-1/2 x 12 3-1/2 x 12 3-1/2 x 12 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 10-1/2 5-1/8 x 10-1/2 5-1/8 x 10-1/2 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12
20 psf Live 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 16-1/2
(115%) 3-1/2 x 12 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 10-1/2 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 13-1/2
25 psf Live 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 13-1/2 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 18
(115%) 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 13-1/2 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 16-1/2
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 13-1/2
30 psf Live 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 13-1/2
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 15 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 16-1/2 3-1/8 x 18 3-1/8 x 18 3-1/8 x 18 3-1/8 x 19-1/2
(115%) 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 15 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 18 3-1/2 x 18
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 12 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 13-1/2 5-1/8 x 15 5-1/8 x 15
40 psf Live 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 12 5-1/2 x 13-1/2 5-1/2 x 13-1/2 5-1/2 x 13-1/2 5-1/2 x 13-1/2 5-1/2 x 15
Notes:
(1) This table is for preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Service condition = dry.
(3) Maximum deflection under live load = span/240.
(4) Maximum deflection under total load = span/180.
(5) Maximum 2' roof truss overhangs.
(6) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(7) Assumes a maximum bearing length of 4-1/2".
(8) Design properties at normal load duration and dry service conditions Fb = 2,400 psi, Fv = 215 psi, Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(9) Beam widths of 3" and 5" may be substituted for 3-1/8" and 5-1/8", respectively, at the same tabulated depth.
Table 3B
APA EWS 24F-1.8E Grade Glulam Garage Door Headers for Single-Story Applications
22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
Non-Snow Load 3-1/8 x 6-7/8 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4
(125%) 3-1/2 x 6-7/8 3-1/2 x 6-7/8 3-1/2 x 6-7/8 3-1/2 x 6-7/8 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 8-1/4 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8
(115%) 3-1/2 x 6-7/8 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 9-5/8
(115%) 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8
Snow Load 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 9-5/8 3-1/8 x 11 3-1/8 x 11 3-1/8 x 11 3-1/8 x 11
(115%) 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 8-1/4 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 9-5/8 3-1/2 x 11

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36
Non-Snow Load 3-1/8 x 12-3/8 3-1/8 x 12-3/8 3-1/8 x 12-3/8 3-1/8 x 13-3/4 3-1/8 x 13-3/4 3-1/8 x 13-3/4 3-1/8 x 13-3/4 3-1/8 x 15-1/8
(125%) 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8
20 psf Live 5-1/2 x 9-5/8 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 12-3/8
(115%) 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 12-3/8 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 15-1/8
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8
25 psf Live 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8
(115%) 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 16-1/2
15 psf Dead 5-1/8 x 11 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 12-3/8 5-1/8 x 13-3/4 5-1/8 x 13-3/4
30 psf Live 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 11 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8 5-1/2 x 12-3/8
(115%) 3-1/2 x 13-3/4 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 15-1/8 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 16-1/2 3-1/2 x 17-7/8 3-1/2 x 17-7/8
Notes:
(1) This table is for preliminary design use only. Final design should include a complete analysis, including bearing stresses and lateral stability.
(2) Service condition = dry.
(3) Maximum deflection under live load = span/240.
(4) Maximum deflection under total load = span/180.
(5) Maximum 2' roof truss overhangs.
(6) Beam weight = 36 pcf.
(7) Assumes a maximum bearing length of 4-1/2" and minimum bearing length of 3".
(8) Design properties at normal load duration and dry service conditions Fb = 2,400 psi, Fv = 215 psi, Ex = 1.8 x 106 psi.
(9) Beam widths of 3" and 5" may be substituted for 3-1/8" and 5-1/8", respectively, at the same tabulated depth.
De s ign ing for F ir e R e s i s ta nc e
Fire Performance of Wood Construction

The truly fireproof building does not exist. In nearly all buildings, the contents are flammable and are the critical factor
in a fire. The smoke and heat generated by the burning contents can cause extensive damage and loss of life long before
the structural components of the building are affected.
The primary objective in any fire-rated construction is protection of human life. The combination of a vari-
ety of products and construction methods can slow flame spread and make a building fire-safe. In addition
to the structural materials used, the variables involved in creating a fire-safe environment include the use of
sprinkler systems, gypsum wallboard, acoustical tiles and separation walls. Sprinkler systems may be used
to increase allowable floor areas for most occupancies and in some instances, sprinklers may be substituted
for one-hour fire-resistive construction in certain sections of a building. Building codes vary widely, so it is
important to review the codes for the geographic area in which the building is being constructed to determine
fire safety requirements.
Glulam Performance in Fire

Glulam performs very well in the intense heat of a fire, where temperatures can achieve 1,650° F or higher.
Unprotected steel members typically buckle and twist in such high temperatures, causing catastrophic
collapse of both the roof and supporting walls.
Wood ignites at about 450-500° F, but charring may begin as low as 300° F. Wood typically chars at a rate of
1/40 inch per minute. Thus, after 30 minutes of fire exposure, only the outer 3/4 inch of the glulam will be
damaged. It is important to note that the adhesives used in the manufacture of a glulam beam burn at about
the same rate as the wood and do not affect the overall fire performance of the member. The char that devel-
ops insulates the glulam member and, hence, raises the temperatures it can withstand. Most of the cross sec-
tion of a large glulam will remain intact when exposed to fire, and the member will continue to support load.
Thus, depending on the severity of the fire and after a structural re-analysis by a qualified design profes-
sional, it is often possible to salvage the glulam members by merely removing the fire-damaged material and
refinishing the surface of the member.
One-hour Fire Resistance

To assure a safe structure in the event of a fire, authorities base fire and building code requirements on
research and testing, as well as fire histories. Based on these and other considerations, the model building
codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), classify Heavy Timber as a specific type of construc-
tion and set minimum sizes for roof and floor beams to assure fire performance.
Procedures are also available to determine the minimum glulam size for projects in which one-hour fire
resistance of components is required. Tables 4 and 5 on page 21 illustrate this principle for glulam timber.
Additional details are provided in EWS Y245, Calculating Fire Resistance of Glulam Beams and Columns.
A structural member’s fire resistance is measured by the time it can support its design load during a fire. An
exposed beam or column sized for a minimum one-hour fire resistance will support a design load for at least
one hour during standard fire test conditions which simulate an actual fire. The IBC provide a methodology
for calculating the minimum size of glulam to provide a one-hour fire rating under given design conditions.
An alternate procedure is given in Chapter 16 of the 2005 National Design Specifications.
It is important to note that to

Table 4 qualify for a one-hour fire rat-
Minimum Depths at Which 6-3/4" and 8-3/4" Wide Beams can be ing for a glulam member, it is
adapted for one-Hour Fire Ratings
necessary to replace one core
Depth Depth
Beam Width 3 Sides Exposed 4 Sides Exposed lamination w ith one tension
(in.) (in.) (in.) lamination, as illustrated by
6-3/4 13-1/2 27
Figure 5.
8-3/4 7-1/2 13-1/2
A s w ith all other str uctural
framing, specifications of mem-
bers designed to have one-hour
Table 5
fire resistance should be care-
Minimum Depths at Which 8-3/4" and 10-3/4" Column Widths
qualify for one-Hour rating for Given /d fully checked by a professional
Column Depth Depth engineer or architect to assure
/d Width 3 Sides Exposed 4 Sides Exposed compliance with all local build-
Criteria (in.) (in.) (in.)
ing codes.
/d  11 10-3/4 10-1/2 13-1/2
8-3/4 7-1/2 12
/d  11 Fire Treatments
10-3/4 7-1/2 10-1/2
While pressure impregnated fire
retardant chemicals are often
used to reduce flame spread of
FIGURE 5 some wood products, they are
SIMPLE SPAN UNBALANCED LAYUP not recommended for use with
glulam. If a fire retardant treat-
Standard One-Hour
Beam Rated Beam ment is used, it is the responsi-
Layup Layup bility of the design professional
Compression
to determine the effects of the
lam at top treatment on the strength of
the glulam by consulting the
manufacturer of the fire retar-
One core
dant treatment. Another option
Core lams lam removed
in center from center for reducing flame spread is to
apply an intumescent paint to
the surface of the glulam, which
does not affect the structural
Tension lam One tension
integrity of the member.
at bottom lam added
at bottom For more information on fire-
rated construction systems and
one-hour rated glulam, refer to the
APA Fire-Rated Systems guide,
Form W305.
Moi s tur e E f f ects
Moisture Control in Wood Systems

Wood is a natural, porous material which always contains some degree of moisture. Wood moisture content is a
measure of the total weight of moisture in the wood as a percentage of the oven-dried weight of the wood. Wood pro-
duction processes generally involve some drying. At the time of production, glulam beams typically have an average
moisture content of about 12 percent. As a comparison, the moisture content of green lumber can range from 20 to
50 percent, with kiln-dried lumber at 16 percent.
Once installed, glulam beams in interior applications will equilibrate to approximately 8 to 12 percent moisture con-
tent. Exact equilibrium moisture content is primarily a function of interior relative humidity and temperature. The time
it takes for the moisture content of a wood member to equilibrate with its environment is a function of the beam size
and interior humidity levels and can be substantial for large glulam beams.
Model building codes specify minimum requirements for ventilation of floor and roof spaces. These ventilation require-
ments vary depending on whether or not vapor retarders are used. Consult with local codes to assure compliance.
Glulam can be protected from surface moisture intrusion during transit and the construction cycle by the use of
protective plastic wrapping or sealers. Surface sealants, which can be applied to the top, bottom and sides of beams,
resist dirt and moisture and help control checking and grain raising. Use of a penetrating sealant is recommended if
beams are to be stained or given a natural finish. Sealants can be applied to the beams before they leave the mill or
they can be field applied by the contractor. The application of sealants must be part of the specification if they are to
be applied at the mill.
Sealants applied to the ends of beams also help guard against moisture penetration and excessive end grain checking.
A coat of sealant should be field applied to the ends of beams if they are trimmed to length or otherwise field cut.
For more information on moisture control in wood construction, refer to APA Build A Better Home: Mold and Mildew
publication, Form A525, and Technical Notes: Controlling Decay in Wood Construction, Form EWS R495, and Moisture
Control in Low Slope Roofs, Form EWS R525.
Effect of Mold and Mildew Growth on Wood Components

As an organic material, mold and mildew readily grow on wood if excessive moisture is present. Mold grows on wood
if exposed to water or prolonged humidity in excess of 70 percent.
Mold and mildew are of a different type of fungi than those that cause wood to rot. Unlike wood decay fungi, molds do
not cause significant loss of the strength of wood products. Nonetheless, mold and mildew on wood may raise a health
concern and indicate high moisture conditions are present. Prolonged periods of high moisture may also support the
growth of wood decay fungi, which is another reason why it is important to follow proper methods of design, handling,
installation and maintenance that will control moisture and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Checking
A common moisture-related phenomenon in wood is checking. FIGURE 6
Checking occurs naturally to wood in service. Checks are open- CHECKING

ings that occur on the surface of the wood and follow parallel to End
face
the natural grain direction of the piece. A close visual evaluation of
a check will always reveal torn wood fibers. The cause of checking End
check
is shrinkage of the wood fibers as moisture is lost to the surround-
ing environment. Rapid drying increases this differential moisture
content between the inner and outer fibers and increases the
chance for checking to occur. Side
face
Glulam beams typically exhibit fewer and less severe checks than Side
comparable size sawn timbers due to their relatively low moisture check
content at time of manufacture. It is often difficult, however, to
control the exposure of glulam to the elements during shipping,
storage and erection. Glulam may pick up surface moisture dur-
ing any of these stages of the construction process.
Checks are often observed near a glueline in a glulam member

where differential drying stresses are greatest. This most often Bottom face
occurs near the outermost glueline where the amount of surface Bottom check
exposed by the outermost lamination is greatest. Checks are a

natural characteristic of wood and are not considered to have
In bending members (beams, rafters, girders,
a detrimental effect on the strength of the member unless they etc.), checks are commonly observed in the
develop into a full width split. face of the bottom lamination, in the side of
the members, and at the end of the members.
For additional information on checking and the effects of check-

ing on the strength of glulam, refer to publications, Owner’s Guide to Understanding Checks in Glued Laminated Timber,
Form EWS F450, and Technical Note: Evaluation of Check Size in Glued Laminated Timber Beams, Form EWS R475.
Preservative Treatments
Decay growth in wood occurs when the wood moisture content exceeds 20–25 percent for a prolonged time. Proper
detailing and maintenance can help control moisture content and prevent decay fungi growth; however, in many
applications directly exposed to the elements, or other high humidity environments, this is not possible. In these
cases, it is necessary to specify the use of an appropriate pressure impregnated preservative treatment to eliminate
decay and insect hazards or to specify the use of heartwood of a naturally durable species, such as Alaska Yellow
Cedar, Western Red Cedar or Port Orford Cedar.
Glulam may be treated after gluing and fabrication or the individual laminations may be treated prior to gluing,
depending on the species of wood used and the treatment specified. The availability of preservative-treated glulam
varies from one geographic area to another, so check with your supplier before specifying a particular treatment.
When glulam beams are to be preservative-treated after gluing, members should be ordered to exact dimensions with
all hole drilling and fabrication done prior to the treatment process. This will eliminate penetrating the treatment enve-
lope by post-treatment cutting and drilling and help insure a long life for the member. Glulam beams that are pressure-
preservative treated must be bonded with wet-use adhesives.
For further information on this subject, refer to APA Technical Note: Preservative Treatment of Glued Laminated Timber,
Form EWS S580.
Connection Detailing
As with any structural material,
proper connection detailing is
essential to assure the structural
performance of the member.
This is also true with glulam
since an improperly designed
and installed connection detail
may lead to a serious failure.
The designer must consider
the effects of moisture changes
in the glulam member, proper
positioning of the mechanical
fasteners and the number of
fasteners required to carry the
loads to develop an adequate
connection detail.
Based on many years of experi- Connection details for glulam framing are available in CAD format at www.apacad.org.
ence, the glulam industry has
developed details for typical
connection situations. These
details illustrate the right and
wrong way to make these con-
nections and indicate the con-
sequences of an incorrect detail.
The details are illustrated and
described in APA Technical
Note: Glulam Connection Details,
Form EWS T300. Additional
connection recommendations
are illustrated in the Data File:
Lateral Load Connections for Low-
Slope Roof Diaphragms, Form
Z350. The connection details
shown in the Data File may
be downloaded in CAD for-
mat from APA’s CAD web site,
located at www.apacad.org.
Slotted bolt holes permit horizontal movement of pitched and curved glulam beam.
Notching and
Drilling of Glulam
Closely related to connection
details is notching and drilling
of glulam. Since glulam timbers
are highly engineered compo-
nents manufactured from spe-
cially selected and positioned
lumber laminations, an improp-
erly cut notch or a hole drilled
in the wrong place can seri-
ously affect the load-carrying
capacity of the member. Only
holes, notches and tapered cuts
approved by the design profes-
sional of record and detailed on
shop drawings should be made
in a glulam member.
Holes and notches must be precisely located and detailed for architectural appearance and
Field notching, cutting or drill- accounted for in the design of beam connections and column capacity.
ing of a glulam beam, particu-

larly on the tension side of the
member, should be avoided.
Field conditions may require
making a cut, notch or hole that
was not originally anticipated.
In some instances, these can
be made in areas of the glulam
which are not highly stressed
and will thus have minimal
effect on the structural capac-
ity of the member. To address
these specific conditions, APA
has published Technical Note:
Field Notching and Drilling of
Glued Laminated Timber Beams,
Form EWS S560.
Structurlam photo
These glulam members use notches and hidden connectors, resulting in a clean,
uncluttered design.
De s ign a n d
Spec if ic ation
Con s ide r ation s
Beam and Column Design

To determine the load capacity and recom-
mended size for a glulam beam, consult the
following APA publications:
Data File: Glued Laminated Beam Design Tables,

Form EWS S475
Data File: Substitution of Glulam Beams for Steel

and Solid-Sawn Lumber, Form EWS S570
Data File: Design of Structural Glued Laminated

Timber Columns, Form EWS Y240
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Proper Specification
In many residential and light commercial applications, stock glulam beams meet the requirements for the job. Other
residential applications and many commercial designs require custom members. In either case, the member capacity
and size specified must be verified by a design professional.
To properly specify a glulam member, use the Specification Guide on pages 27-28. While all possible design con-
siderations cannot be covered by a general specification of this type, most of the common specification concerns
are incorporated.
Glu l a m Spec if ic ation Guide
The following is a guide for preparing specifications for structural glued laminated timber used for bending members
such as purlins, beams, girders or for axially loaded members, such as columns or truss chords.
A. General
1. Structural glued laminated timber shall be furnished as shown on the plans and in accordance with the following
specifications. (Where other uses or requirements are applicable, modify specifications accordingly.)
2. For custom-designed members, shop drawings and details shall be furnished by the (manufacturer) and (seller) and
approval obtained from the (architect) (engineer) (general contractor) and (buyer) before fabrication begins.
3. The (manufacturer) (seller) (general contractor) shall furnish connection steel and hardware for joining structural
glued laminated timber members to each other and to their supports, exclusive of anchorage embedded in masonry or
concrete, setting plates and items field-welded to structural steel. Steel connections shall be finished with one coat of
rust-inhibiting paint.
B. Manufacture
1. Materials, Manufacture and Quality Assurance – Structural glued laminated timber of softwood species shall be in
conformance with ANSI/AITC Standard A190.1, American National Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber, or
other code-approved design, manufacturing and/or quality assurance procedures.
2. End-Use Application – Structural glued laminated timber members shall be manufactured for the following struc-
tural uses as applicable: (Simple span bending member – B) (Continuous or cantilever span bending member – CB)
(Compression member – C) (Tension member – T).
3. Design Values – Structural

glued laminated timber shall Table 6
provide design values for nor- Glulam Stress Classes

mal load duration and dry-use Fbx+ Fbx–(1) Fc⊥ x Fvx(3) Ex
Stress Class (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi) (106 psi)
condition.(1)(2) The design
SC 16F-1.3E 1,600 925 315 195 1.3
should specify a layup combi- SC 20F-1.5E 2,000 1,100 425 210 1.5(5)
nation from Form EWS Y117, SC 24F-1.7E 2,400 1,450 500 210 1.7
SC 24F-1.8E 2,400 1,450(2) 650 265(4) 1.8
or specify a stress combination SC 26F-1.9E 2,600 1,950 650 265(4) 1.9
from Table 6. SC 28F-2.1E SP 2,800 2,300 805 300 2.1(6)
SC 30F-2.1E SP(7) 3,000 2,400 805(8) 300 2.1(6)
4. Appearance Grade – Glulam Footnotes
shall be (framing) (framing-L) (1) For balanced layups, Fbx– shall be equal to Fbx+ for the stress class. Designer shall specify when
balanced layup is required.
(industrial) (industrial-L) (archi- (2) Negative bending stress, Fbx–, is permitted to be increased to 1,850 psi for Douglas-fir and to 1,950
psi for southern pine for specific combinations. Designer shall specify when these increased stresses
tectural) or (premium) grade(3) are required.
in accordance with ANSI/AITC (3) For non-prismatic members, notched members, and members subject to impact or cyclic loading,
the design value for shear shall be multiplied by a factor of 0.72.
Standard A190.1. (4) Fvx = 300 psi for glulam made of southern pine.
(5) Ex may be increased to 1.8 x 106 psi for glulam made of Canadian Spruce-Pine-Fir or Eastern
5. Laminating Adhesives – Spruce.
Adhesives used in the manu- (6) Ex = 2.0 x 106 psi for members with more than 15 laminations except for hybrid glulam (see
page 7).
facture of structural glued (7) Limited to maximum width of 6 inches except for hybrid glulam (see page 7).
laminated timber shall meet (8) Fc⊥x = 650 psi for hybrid glulam (see page 7).
Design values in this table represent design values for groups of similar glued laminated
requirements for (wet-use) and timber combinations. Higher design values for some properties may be obtained by specifying
a particular combination listed in Glulam Design Specification, APA Form EWS Y117 or
(dry-use) service conditions.(1) ICC-ES report ESR-1940. Design values are for members with 4 or more laminations. Some
stress classes are not available in all species. Contact glulam manufacturer for availability.
6. Camber (when applicable) – Structural glued laminated

timber (shall) (shall not) be manufactured with a built-in
camber. 1 4
B IND EWS Y117 6
7
7. Preservative Treatment (when applicable) – Glulam shall EWS 24F-1.8E HEADER WW 5
2 MILL 0000 ANSI/AITC A190.1-2007 3
be pressure treated after manufacture in accordance with
American Wood-Preservers’ Association (AWPA) Standard (1) Indicates structural use: B-Simple span bending member.
C-Compression member. T-Tension member. CB-Continuous or
U1 with (creosote or creosote/coal tar solution) (penta- cantilevered span bending member.
chlorophenol in oil) (pentachlorophenol in light solvent) (2) Mill number.
(3) Identification of ANSI/AITC Standard A190.1, Structural
preservatives as required for (soil contact) (above ground) Glued Laminated Timber. ANSI/AITC A190.1 is the American
National Standard for glulam beams.
exposure.
(4) Applicable APA Glulam Design Specification.
(5) Western woods (see note 6).
8. Fire Resistance (when applicable) – Glulam shall be sized
(6) Structural grade designation. The APA EWS 24F-1.8E
and manufactured for one-hour fire resistance.(4) designation is a glulam grade commonly used in residential
applications. Combining a group of six layup combinations
made with Douglas-fir-Larch, Spruce-Pine-Fir, southern pine,
9. Protective Sealers and Finishes – Unless otherwise speci- and/or Hem fir, this grade provides strength (allowable bending
stress of 2,400 psi and allowable shear stress of 215 psi) and
fied, sealer shall be applied to the ends of all members. stiffness (modulus of elasticity of 1.8 x 106 psi) needed for
typical residential applications, while greatly simplifying the
Surfaces of members shall be (not sealed) (sealed with pen- design specification.
etrating sealer) (sealed with primer/sealer coating).(5) (7) Designation of appearance grade. FRAMING, FRAMING-L,
INDUSTRIAL, INDUSTRIAL-L, ARCHITECTURAL, or PREMIUM.
10. Trademarks – Members shall be marked with the APA

EWS trademark indicating conformance with the manufac-
turing, quality assurance and marking provisions of ANSI/AITC Standard A190.1.
11. Certificates (when applicable) – A Certificate of Conformance may be provided by the (manufacturer) (seller) to
indicate conformance with ANSI/AITC Standard A190.1 if requested.
12. Protection for Shipment – Members shall be (not wrapped) (load wrapped) (bundle wrapped) (individually
wrapped) with a water-resistant covering for shipment.
Notes to Specifiers:
(1) Dry service condition – moisture content of the member will be below 16% in service; wet service condition – moisture content of
the member will be at or above 16% in service. When structural glued laminated timber members are to be preservative treated, wet-use
adhesives must be specified.
(2) An alternative to specifying a layup combination or stress combination is to specify the required allowable design stresses for the spe-
cific design application.
(3) Appearance classifications are described in APA Technical Note: Glued Laminated Timber Appearance Classifications for Construction
Applications, Form EWS Y110.
(4) When structural glued laminated timber with one-hour fire resistance is specified, minimum size limitations and additional lamination
requirements are applicable. Supporting steel connectors and fasteners also must be protected to achieve a one-hour fire rating. Cover with
fire-rated (Type X) gypsum wallboard or sheathing, or 1-1/2" wood, to provide the needed protection. See page 20.
(5) Specify a penetrating sealer when the finish will be natural or a semitransparent stain. Primer/sealer coatings have a higher solids con-
tent and provide greater moisture protection, and are suitable for use with opaque or solid-color finishes.
S tor age , H a n dling

a n d In s ta ll ation
APA EWS trademarked glulam beams must

be stored properly and handled with care
to assure optimum performance. Beams
may be protected with sealants, primers or
paper wrap when they leave the manufac-
turing plant. Sealants on the ends of beams
help guard against moisture penetration and
checking. A coat of sealant should be applied
to the ends of any beams trimmed or other-
wise cut in the field. Surface sealants, which
can be applied to the top, bottom and sides
of beams, resist dirt and moisture and help
control checking and grain raising. Use a
penetrating sealant if beams will be stained
or given a natural finish.
A primer coat also protects beams from mois-

ture and dirt and provides a paintable surface.
Water-resistant wrappings are another way
to protect beams from exposure to moisture,
dirt and scratches during transit, storage and
erection. Because sunlight can discolor beams, opaque wrappings are recommended. Beams can be wrapped individu-
ally, by the bundle or by the load. If it is necessary to remove portions of the wrapping during the erection sequence to
facilitate making connections, remove all of the wrapping to avoid uneven discoloration due to exposure to the sun.
Glulam beams are commonly loaded and unloaded with a fork lift. For greater stability, the sides of the beams, rather
than the bottoms, should rest on the forks. Supporting extremely long beams on their sides, however, can cause them
to flex excessively, increasing the risk of damage. Use multiple forklifts to lift long glulam members. If a crane with
slings is used to load or unload beams, provide adequate blocking between the cable and the member. Use wooden
cleats or blocking to protect corners. Only non-marring fabric slings should be used to lift glulams. Using spreader bars
can reduce the likelihood of damage when lifting especially long beams with a crane.
When transporting beams, stack them on lumber blocking or skids when loading them on rail cars or trucks. Beams
can rest on their sides or bottoms. Secure the load with straps to keep it from shifting. Protect beam corners with “soft-
eners” when strapping down the load.
In the distribution yard and on the job site, a well-drained covered storage site is recommended. Keep glulam mem-
bers off the ground with lumber blocking, skids or rack systems. Beams should remain wrapped to protect them from
moisture, dirt, sunlight and scratches. Cut slits in the bottom of the wrapping to allow ventilation and water drainage.
At the job site, use similar storage provisions when possible.
One of the advantages of the high strength-to-weight ratio of glulam beams is that in many residential and light com-
mercial applications they can be installed with forklifts, front-end loaders and other commonly available construction
equipment. That eliminates the time and cost required to have a crane on the job site.
Additional information can be found in APA Builder Tip: Minimize Glulam Checking Through Proper Storage and Handling,
Form EWS F455.
Glos sa ry of Te r m s
Appearance Classification: Defines the surface finish of the beam. Architectural and Industrial are the most common
appearance classifications. Premium appearance beams are available as custom orders. The structural quality of glulam
has no relation to the appearance grade specified.
Beam: Normally a horizontal or sloping member that is designed to carry vertical loads:
■ Simple Span: A member that is supported at both ends.
■ Continuous: A single member that is supported at more than two bearing locations.
■ Cantilever: A member that has one or both supports away from the ends; one of which overhangs its support.
Camber: The curvature built into a beam (in a direction opposite to the expected deflection) to prevent it from appear-
ing to sag under a loaded condition.
Column: Normally a vertical member that is designed to carry loads from a beam:
■ Concentrically Loaded: When the resultant load acts parallel to the axis of the member and is applied at its centerline.
■ Eccentrically Loaded: When the resultant load acts parallel to the axis of the member but is applied away from its centerline.
Combination Number: The identification used to describe the type of lamination layup in the glulam member, the
associated allowable design stresses, and if the lumber used was visually or mechanically graded.
Deflection: The vertical displacement that occurs when a beam is loaded, generally measured at positions between sup-
ports or at the end of a cantilever.
Deflection Limit: The maximum amount the beam is permitted to deflect under load. Different deflection limits are
normally established for live load and total load.
Design Values: Allowable stress values as they are established for each glulam beam, described in terms of Bending
(Fb ), Horizontal Shear (Fv), Modulus of Elasticity (E) and other stresses.
Equilibrium Moisture Content: Any piece of wood will give off or take on moisture from the surrounding atmosphere until
the moisture in the wood comes to equilibrium with that in the atmosphere. The moisture content of wood at the point of
balance is called the equilibrium moisture content and is expressed as a percentage of the weight of the oven-dried wood.
Header: A beam that is used to support walls and/or floor and roof joists that run perpendicular to it.
Laminations: Individual pieces of lumber that are glued together end to end for use in the manufacture of glued lami-
nated timber. These end-jointed laminations are then face-bonded together to create the desired member shape and size.
Lamination Layup: The physical arrangement of different grades of laminations throughout the depth of a glulam member.
Moisture Content: The amount of water contained in the wood, usually expressed as a percentage of the weight of
oven-dry wood.
Purlin: A secondary structural framing member, such as a joist or rafter, that is normally supported by walls or primary beams.
Radius of Curvature: A dimension that is commonly used as a means of describing the camber requirements in a
glulam beam.
“Stock” Glulams: Glulams that are manufactured to common, standard dimensions and characteristics, and kept in
inventory by distributors or dealers for immediate job site delivery. (May be cut to customer-specified lengths.)
A bout A PA
APA is a nonprofit trade association of and

for structural wood panel, glulam timber,
wood I-joist, laminated veneer lumber and
other engineered wood product manu-
facturers. 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 engineered wood prod-

ucts 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 Association’s trademark appears only on products manufactured by member mills and is the manufactur-
er’s assurance that the product conforms to the standard shown on the trademark.
For panels, that standard may be an APA performance standard, the Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-07 – Structural
Plywood or Voluntary Product Standard PS 2-04, Performance Standards for Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels. Panel
quality of all APA trademarked products is subject to verification through APA audit.
APA’s services go far beyond quality testing and inspection. Research and promotion programs play important roles
in developing and improving plywood and other panel construction systems, and in helping users and specifiers to
better understand and apply engineered wood products. For more information on wood construction systems, contact
APA, 7011 S. 19th St., Tacoma, Washington 98466, or visit the Association’s web site at www.apawood.org.
We have field representatives in many major U.S. cities and in Canada
who can help answer questions involving APA and APA EWS trademarked products.
For additional assistance in specifying engineered wood products, contact us:
A PA H ea d q ua r te r s
7011 So. 19th St. ■ Tacoma, Washington 98466 ■ (253) 565-6600 ■ Fax: (253) 565-7265
Product Support HELP Desk

(253) 620-7400 ■ E-mail Address: help@apawood.org
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is based on APA – The Engineered Wood Association‘s continu-
ing 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
responsibility for the use, application of, and/or reference to opinions, findings, conclusions or
recommendations 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.
Form No. EWS X440D/Revised November 2008/0300

Glulam Product Guide

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A few facts about wood.

of the United States’ and one-half of Canada’s land mass. American

Glued laminated timber (glulam)

an engineered wood product that Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

members can be manufactured Storage, Handling and Installation . . . . . . 29

from smaller trees harvested from Glossary of Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

second- and third-growth forests About APA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

100 Plus Years A n atomy of Glul a m

Section Properties and Capacities

Hybrid Beams Offer New Design Options

Trademarks and Acceptances

Visible Beauty, Hidden Strength

Aesthetics aside, there are many other applications

Glulam Trusses Add Design Options for Long Spans

Glulam arches support the roof of the Chicago Bears practice

Glu l a m in R e s ide nti a l

In residential construction, APA EWS trade-

Stock Beams and Custom Beams

Ridge and Rafter Beams

Garage Door Headers

GLULAM GARAGE DOOR HEADERS – DESIGN EXAMPLE

OUTSIDE ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION

Pony Min. 1,000 lb

2' to 18' (finished opening width) 16d sinker

Rough Door Opening = 16'-3" (Beam depths based on 1-1/2" laminations.)

Rough Door Opening = 16'-3" (Beam depths based on 1-3/8" laminations.)

De s ign ing for F ir e R e s i s ta nc e

Fire Performance of Wood Construction

Glulam Performance in Fire

One-hour Fire Resistance

It is important to note that to

Moi s tur e E f f ects

Moisture Control in Wood Systems

Effect of Mold and Mildew Growth on Wood Components

Checking occurs naturally to wood in service. Checks are open- CHECKING

Checks are often observed near a glueline in a glulam member

exposed by the outermost lamination is greatest. Checks are a

For additional information on checking and the effects of check-

ing of a glulam beam, particu-

Beam and Column Design

Data File: Glued Laminated Beam Design Tables,

Data File: Substitution of Glulam Beams for Steel

Data File: Design of Structural Glued Laminated

Glu l a m Spec if ic ation Guide

3. Design Values – Structural

provide design values for nor- Glulam Stress Classes

6. Camber (when applicable) – Structural glued laminated

10. Trademarks – Members shall be marked with the APA

S tor age , H a n dling

APA EWS trademarked glulam beams must

A primer coat also protects beams from mois-

■ Simple Span: A member that is supported at both ends.

APA is a nonprofit trade association of and

Always insist on engineered wood prod-

Product Support HELP Desk

Form No. EWS X440D/Revised November 2008/0300

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