Profiles · Sizes pending
Timber-Based Composite — indicative fig. C·52
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon Data pending Unit unclearCompressive 47MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
High-strength LVL beams from radiata pine with predictable structural properties and long spans.
01 Physical
Density 660kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.6
Porosity 55%
Water absorption 130%
Hardness 3.5
UV resistance Low
Chemical resistance Moderate
pH tolerance 4-9
Surface roughness 100µm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 34MPa
Compressive strength 47MPa
Flexural strength 50MPa
Shear strength 5MPa
Poisson's ratio 0.35
Impact resistance 35
Creep resistance 2
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.14W/m·K
Specific heat 2300J/kg·K
Thermal expansion 0.000035×10⁻⁶/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible
Fire resistance level None
Ignition temp 280°C
Flame spread index 8
Smoke dev. index 3
Heat release rate 120
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon -789
Carbon footprint 195
Embodied energy 3500MJ/kg
Water footprint 850L/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 97%
Circular score 75
VOC emissions 0.05
Toxicity rating Low
LEED contribution 3
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50+
Maintenance interval Annual
Warranty period 10-25
Material cost (range) 800-1500
Material cost (per unit) 45-85
Lead time 1-4 weeks
Lifecycle cost Low
Annual maintenance Minimal
Market availability Good
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Superior strength and stiffness compared to solid timber
- Dimensional stability with minimal shrinkage or warping
- Consistent and predictable mechanical properties
- Available in long lengths (up to 12m)
- Can be manufactured to precise dimensions
- Efficient use of plantation resource
- Lower variability than solid timber
- Can be preservative treated for durability
- Renewable and sustainable material
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- Easy to work with standard tools
- Carbon sequestration benefits
Constraints
- Higher initial cost than solid timber
- Requires weather protection during construction
- Cut ends require sealing if envelope treated
- Limited availability of higher grades (F17+)
- Adhesive content adds to embodied energy
- Cannot be recycled as solid wood
- Susceptible to moisture if not protected
- Requires careful handling to avoid damage
- May require special connectors for some applications
- Not suitable for appearance applications without finishing
08 Applications
A1 Structural beams and headers
A2 Floor joists and bearers
A3 Roof rafters and ridge beams
A4 Lintels over openings
A5 Portal frame construction
A6 Concrete formwork beams
A7 Scaffold planking
A8 I-joist flanges
A9 Truss chords
A10 Laminated columns
A11 Box beams
A12 Rim boards
09 Sources & Standards
Sources pending — citations for this material are not yet recorded. Verify all figures against manufacturer data and current standards before specifying.