Profiles · Sizes pending
Timber-Based Composite — indicative fig. C·50
High-strength hardwood glulam beams (GL17-GL18) for long spans and high-load structures.
01 Physical
Density 650kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.70 (for Victorian Ash) [2]
Hardness Janka hardness of 5.0 - 5.4 kN (for Victorian Ash) [2, 3]
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 21-25MPa
Compressive strength 35-50MPa
Flexural strength 42-50MPa
Shear strength 3.7-5.0MPa
03 Thermal
Data pending — not yet recorded for this material.
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Fire resistance level A one-hour fire resistance rating can be achieved with appropriate design and specification. [32, 35, 36]
05 Sustainability & Health
Recyclability Old glulam pieces can be recycled and used again if well-preserved. [8]%
Recycled content Can be manufactured from smaller, otherwise less usable pieces of timber.%
Renewable content 100% (as it is a wood product from managed forests) [26]%
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan Can last for well over 50 years with proper design and maintenance. [7, 8, 16]
Maintenance interval Regular inspection is recommended, especially for exterior applications. Recoating of exterior finishes may be needed every 18-24 months. [21]
Warranty period A 25-year warranty is available for H3 treated Vic Ash glulam. [9]
Material cost (range) Prices can vary significantly based on size and grade. For example, a 170x70mm GL18 beam is around $50/linear meter, while a 290x65mm laminated beam is around $60/linear meter. [30, 43, 44]
Market availability Mainly available in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW, with limited availability to other parts of Australia. [33]
07 Assessment
Advantages
- High strength-to-weight ratio [42]
- Good design flexibility, can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes [34]
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance [34]
- Good fire resistance, chars at a predictable rate [16, 32]
- Utilizes smaller pieces of timber, which can be more sustainable
- Sourced from sustainably managed forests [44]
Constraints
- Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly detailed and protected [8, 15]
- Requires preservative treatment for exterior use [9, 21]
- Can be more expensive than other structural materials
- Limited by transport and handling capabilities for very large members [37]
08 Applications
A1 Structural beams and columns [9]
A2 Rafters and trusses [9]
A3 Lintels
A4 Floor joists
A5 Architectural features
A6 Bridge components
A7 Furniture [5]
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.