Glulam beams that curve in plan use plies that are oriented vertically therefore the finished height of the beam is based on standard glulam widths.
Curved laminated timber beams.
They resist checking and twisting because of the use of multiple plies of kiln dried lumber bonded together with waterproof phenol resorcinol adhesive.
Laminated beams are superior in all strength characteristics to solid sawn lumber.
The tightness of the radius will determine the thickness of the laminations.
The flexibility of glulam beams allows for the designer s creative imagination to be realised.
A nine metre radius will require a plank thickness of 45mm but a two metre.
We can even fabricate complete circles.
Larger cross sections can be made via special wood manufacturing processes.
Factory made members can be formed into any practical shape and any desired size.
Curved beams are made by clamping glued lamella around an arrangement of clamp frames which are bolted to the floor.
As a rule of thumb the thickness of plank required is the radius 200 i e.
Radial curved elliptical shapes and reverse curves are all possible.
Rigidply rafters inc has been manufacturing glue laminated products since 1954.
Differing radii are achieved by adjusting the clamp layout and using different thicknesses of timber.
The thinner the planks are the easier they are to bend which allows tighter radii to be achieved.