3 minute read
New standard eases glulam use
A NEw pERFoRMnNCs srnNnano for flstock glulam beams has been published by APA. In response to customer requests for a simplified product offering and reduced SKUs by distributors, the association worked with its member glulam manufacturers to develop APA PRG-305 performance Standard for APA EWS Stock Glulam Beams.
With an emphasis on l.9E-2400Fb and 2.2E-3000Fb design properties, PRG glulam can be easily compared to the design properties puUti.n"a fo. other commonly used engineered wood beam and header products. In addition. PRG-305 glulam offers the following benefits:
. Standard widths of 3-112,, and 5l12" to match conventional 2x4 and. 2x6 framing
I-joist compatible depths (IJC) of 9-t t2" , I t-l t8" , 14,, , 16" , and I 8" . Balanced layups that have the same load-carrying capacity irrespective ofthe beam orientation
. Zero camber
Framing appearance classification
Meets the national product standard and building code requirements
By dialing in on two common framing widths in the I .9E and 2.2E design combinations, buildine material distributors can reduce the- number of SKUs while offering and substituting PRG IJC glulam. The srandard also streamlines the selection and specification process for buildine designers who are working with coml mon framing applications. Since most of these applications are in concealed floor, roof, and wall locations. a fram- lng appearance classification was determined to be suitable.
PRG-305 stock glulam beams are classified based on a "true E" ratins. similar to the system used by most IJ"C engineered wood products. This makes it easier for building material suppliers and their customers to compare and equate the design properties and cost of PRG-305 stock slulam beams with other I-joist com-patible engineered wood products, including LVL, PSL, LSL. and OSL.
"While the PRG standard is new, IJC 3000F glulam has been a mainsray of the glulam industry and we are improving on long-established sizes for beams, and putting more emphasis on the value proposition and availability of beams in I-joist comparible depths," said Kerlin Drake, vice president of marketing for Anthony Forest Products and chair of APA's glulam management committee. "The manufacturers are committed to producing and supplying the range of products that our customers want, but the standard enables us to offer a simplified approach for common beam and- header applications. By focusing on the l.9E and 2.2E beams, we can work with our customers to ensure the beams that are used and sold fbr these typical uses are easy to specify and readily available."
The I-joist compatible depths mean that builders can install f'loor systems with flush framing and don't need to invest extra time and materials in special furring. The balanced layup eliminates the concern of the "right side up" in simple-span or multiple-span installation. and means the glulam can be installed just like lumber and other engineered wood products. The connections between the wood components are simple, too. since they are basic wood-to-wood connections that can be made with common carpentry tools and fasteners'
For customers looking for glulam in other sizes and configurations, the products are still available fiom manufacturers. One of glulam's -qreatest attributes is that it can be manufactured in a wide range of shapes, stzes and configurations. Whether the designer is looking for high appearzince quality fbr exposed applications. curved members to meet the requirements of a unique design. or camber to meet the requirements of a long span. glulam manufacturers are able to produce the right Product for the job.
Some of the more PoPular features include the abilitY to choose from appearance classifications that range from framing to industrial to architectural classifications. the ability to notch and drill beams in recommended locations. cantilever and multi-span capabilities. the availability of preservative treated Product, and custom options fbr curves, long spans. fabricati:on services, and specialty species such as Alaska yellow cedar. Whether ordered in the simPlified sizes of the new standard or in custom configurations, glulam delivers excellent value for builders who are looking for green, sustainable building materials. Glulam meets many of the criteria stipulated under green building standards and rating systems. including the National Green Building Standard, ICC-700. NearlY all glulam beams sold in North Amcrica arc manufuctured with wood that is harvcsted from mlnuged forests and certilied undcr FSC, SFl, CSA. or ATFS. Glulam also meets the green building standard requirements for resource-efficient maierials, is made with ener-ey derived in oart from renewable rcsources. und scoles well in Life Cycle Analysis. The new standard. along with additional desi-en and product information, can be found at APA's glulam web page: www.glulambeams.org.
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