AMERICAN WHITE OAK
American white oak is one of the most popular species from the U.S. hardwood forests in export markets – and is unique to North America. American white oaks have excellent overall strength properties relative to weight, making them a preferred hardwood species for structural applications. Structural testing carried out in Europe confirms that the white oak has greater inherent fibre strength than European oak. FIA data shows American white oak is growing 39.6 million m3 per year while the harvest is 20.9 million m3per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 18.6 million m3each year. U.S. white oak growth exceeds harvest in all major supplying states.
GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) is an engineered wooden beam composed of wood laminations that are bonded together, often finger jointed with durable moisture resistant adhesives. The grain of the laminations runs parallel with the length of the beam. This engineered material can be made into simple straight beams or used to form complex curved members.
A glulam timber beam has greater stiffness and strength than a similarly sized single timber section. It is weight for weight stronger than steel. Traditionally, Glulam beams are made from low-cost graded softwood to achieve a certain level of strength. Whereas, when a much higher level of strength is required – from a more slender sized beam – hardwood offers greater benefits for the fabrication of the beams.
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) is redefining the possibilities for engineered wood in construction and optimises the structural value of timber.
