Profiles · Sizes pending
Timber-Based Composite — indicative fig. C·49
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon -1.80kgCO₂e/kg Stores carbonCompressive 26MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
GL10-GL13 radiata pine glulam beams with predictable structural properties and long-span capability.
01 Physical
Density 550kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.51
Porosity 65%
Water absorption 130%
Hardness 3.2
UV resistance Low
Chemical resistance Moderate
pH tolerance 5-9
Surface roughness 12µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 11MPa
Compressive strength 26MPa
Flexural strength 22MPa
Shear strength 3.7MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.35
Impact resistance 35
Creep resistance Moderate
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.13W/m·K
Specific heat 1.67J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 3.5×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible
Fire resistance level 30-120 minutes
Ignition temp 280°C
Flame spread index 8
Smoke dev. index 5
Heat release rate 150
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon -1.8
Carbon footprint -900
Embodied energy 3.5MJ/kg
Water footprint 350L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 99%
Circular score 85
VOC emissions 0.05
Toxicity rating Low
LEED contribution 3
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50-100+ years
Maintenance interval 5-10 years
Warranty period 15-25 years
Material cost (range) $800-2500/m³
Material cost (per unit) $45-180/lineal metre
Lead time 1-6 weeks
Lifecycle cost $1200-3000/m³
Annual maintenance $5-15/m²
Market availability High
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Superior strength-to-weight ratio - approximately 900kg CO2 stored per m³
- Dimensionally stable with minimal shrinkage and warping
- Available in lengths up to 18m with consistent properties
- Easily machined and modified on-site with standard tools
- Renewable resource from certified sustainable plantations
- Fire resistant with predictable charring rate
- Cost-effective compared to steel for many applications
- Aesthetically pleasing natural appearance when exposed
- Compatible with standard timber connectors and fixings
- Local manufacture reduces transport emissions
Constraints
- Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly protected
- Requires preservative treatment for weather-exposed applications
- Limited in very high load or long span applications
- Quality dependent on adhesive bond integrity
- Natural variability in timber properties between batches
- Termite susceptible without appropriate treatment
- UV degradation of surface if left uncoated externally
- Transportation limitations for very large sections
- Requires skilled installation for complex connections
- Higher initial cost than solid timber alternatives
08 Applications
A1 Roof beams and rafters in residential and commercial construction
A2 Floor bearers and joists for multi-storey construction
A3 Lintels over windows and door openings
A4 Portal frame structures for industrial buildings
A5 Exposed architectural beams in feature applications
A6 Bridge girders and pedestrian walkways
A7 Curved architectural members and arches
A8 Posts and columns in post-and-beam construction
A9 Verandah and pergola structures
A10 Mass timber construction components
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.