Glulam (glued laminated timber) is a construction material made of wooden lamellas glued together in multiple layers to create strong and durable beams and columns. Glulam is produced to specific dimensions and strength classes based on project needs. The wood fibers are aligned in the lengthwise direction, giving glulam high strength along its length, making it ideal for beams, columns, and rafters. In addition to its strength and flexibility, glulam also has an aesthetic appeal, making it a smart choice for modern construction.
Glulam combines the natural properties of wood with modern production technology to create a material that surpasses traditional timber. Its high strength and flexibility allow it to bear heavy loads over large spans, making it well-suited for hall constructions, bridges, and large open spaces where minimal columns or supports are required. Glulam is available in multiple strength classes, typically ranging from 24C to 32H, making it suitable for various applications. In most cases, glulam with a strength class of 30C is sufficient for general use.
The flexibility of glulam also allows it to be shaped into curved structures, providing architects and engineers with creative design possibilities without compromising strength.
One of the economic advantages of glulam is its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is lighter than steel and concrete, making it cheaper to transport and easier to handle on construction sites. Additionally, since glulam is prefabricated, it can be delivered in large, precisely tailored elements, reducing construction time and overall costs.
Glulam also has a long lifespan, making it a cost-effective material choice in the long run.
Glulam elements are assembled using screws and brackets, allowing them to be dismantled and reused after their initial use. We follow the "Design for Disassembly" principle—entire structures can be taken apart and repurposed for other timber buildings or wood-based products, ensuring that resources remain in circulation.
Wood is a sustainable building material because it is a renewable resource. When glulam is produced from certified forests, it ensures responsible forest management, where new trees are planted for every tree harvested. Additionally, wood stores CO2, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of construction. The production of glulam also requires significantly less energy compared to steel and concrete, making it easier to meet the maximum allowed CO2 emissions in construction projects.
With the growing focus on sustainable building practices, glulam is set to play a key role in the future of construction. It combines strength, aesthetics, and a low environmental impact, making it an attractive choice for architects and developers looking to build cost-effective, visually appealing, and climate-friendly structures.
We love building with wood and want the rest of Denmark to join us. Woodconstruction A/S is the most experienced in timber construction in the Nordic region.