Profiles · Sizes pending
Timber-Based Composite — indicative fig. C·54
Fire Combustible CombustibleEmbodied carbon -0.70kgCO₂e/kg Stores carbonCompressive 20MPa StructuralDesign life 50yr
High-strength structural composite lumber made from parallel veneer strands; Parallam PSL is commonly specified for long spans and high-load beams and columns.
01 Physical
Density 721kg/m3
Specific gravity 0.5dimensionless
UV resistance Moderate - requires protective coating for exterior use
Chemical resistance Good resistance to mild chemicals, susceptible to strong acids/bases
pH tolerance 3 – 11pH
Surface roughness Sanded smooth finish as manufacturedµm
02 Mechanical
Tensile strength 15.9MPa
Compressive strength 20MPa
Flexural strength 20MPa
Shear strength 2MPa
Creep resistance Good - engineered for long-term loading
03 Thermal
Thermal conductivity 0.13W/(m·K)
Specific heat 1.7kJ/(kg·K)
Thermal expansion 0.0000045mm/mm/°C
04 Compliance & Fire First question
Combustibility class Combustible
Fire resistance level Non-rated without protection - char rate similar to solid timber
Ignition temp 260°C
Flame spread index 75FSI
Smoke dev. index 150SDI
05 Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon -0.7kg CO₂e/kg
Recyclability 100%
Recycled content 0%
Renewable content 95%
VOC emissions Low - phenol-formaldehyde cured during manufacture
Toxicity rating Low - no added urea-formaldehyde
LEED contribution 2
06 Durability · Cost · Logistics
Expected lifespan 50years
Maintenance interval 5years
Warranty period 1years
Material cost (range) 15 – 45AUD/linear metre
Material cost (per unit) 2500AUD/m³
Lead time 8 – 16weeks
Annual maintenance 50AUD/m³
Market availability Limited - special order in Australia
07 Assessment
Advantages
- Superior bending strength and stiffness
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Consistent and predictable properties
- Long clear spans possible
- Can be preservative treated
- Attractive appearance for exposed applications
- High load-bearing capacity
- Efficient use of wood resources
Constraints
- Limited availability in Australia
- Higher cost than conventional timber
- Requires specialised design expertise
- Proprietary product with single manufacturer
- Not covered by Australian Standards
- Long lead times for procurement
- Limited fire resistance without treatment
- Heavy compared to solid timber
08 Applications
A1 Long-span beams and headers
A2 Heavy-loaded columns
A3 Architectural exposed beams
A4 Ridge beams and purlins
A5 Post and beam construction
A6 Commercial and industrial structures
A7 Multi-storey construction
A8 Bridge 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.