AS/NZS 4357 is a standard that specifies the requirements for Pine LVL Formwork Beams used in structural applications in Australia and New Zealand. Pine LVL Formwork Beams are engineered wood products made by bonding together multiple layers of thin pine veneers with adhesives under high heat and pressure to create a strong and durable structural member.

The AS/NZS 4357 standard sets out the minimum requirements for the manufacture, testing, and certification of Pine LVL Formwork Beams, including specifications for dimensions, moisture content, bonding strength, and other mechanical properties. The standard also specifies requirements for marking and labeling, storage and handling, and quality control.

Pine LVL Formwork Beams are commonly used in construction and building projects as structural supports, beams, and headers. They are often preferred over traditional sawn lumber due to their superior strength, consistency, and resistance to warping and twisting. Additionally, Pine LVL Formwork Beams are often more environmentally friendly and fire-resistant than traditional lumber.

Product Description OF AS/NZS 4357 Pine LVL Formwork Beam

Full Pine LVL beam, LVL framing, LVL rafters or Strand lumber/Engineered lumber/Wood beam of engineered wood for LVL molding Structural LVL

HW structural laminated veneer lumber (LVL) has been manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 4357 with properties determined in accordance with AS/NZS 4063.2 and therefore complies with the requirements for structural design in accordance with AS1720.1

HW LVL terminator is available in all sizes and is part of the Carter Holt Harvey Terminator range. HW H2-S Terminator is treated against termites south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The treatment is applied to the glue line during manufacture to achieve full termite protection to the core of the beam. No further sealing is required on cut ends, holes, or notches. Other treatment levels are available from suppliers on request, but treatment is limited to above-ground use. hySPAN cannot be readily treated for in-ground contact applications.

HW LVL is manufactured using an ‘A’ Bond with less than 0.5mg/l Formaldehyde (equivalent to E0) emissions from the final product.
laminated veneer lumber type structural lvl
For quality assurance, the HW range is manufactured with independent audit processes and product certification. Carter Holt Harvey ensures that its wood is legally sourced from managed forests and offers FSC’s Chain of Custody certification upon request.

HW LVL is produced with a structural grade face and is not generally used in appearance applications and at the time of dispatch from the manufacturing site has a moisture content of between 8-15%.

Size Range

SIZE	35mm	45mm	63mm	75mm
90 mm		A	A
130 mm	A	A	A
150 mm	A	A	A	A
170 mm	A	A	A
200 mm	A	A	A
240 mm		A	A
300 mm		A	A	A
360 mm		A	A
400 mm		A	A	A
450 mm			A
525 mm			A	A
600 mm			A

Advantage of AS/NZS 4357 Pine LVL Formwork Beam

1. High strength: Pine LVL Formwork Beams are made by bonding together multiple layers of thin pine veneers with adhesives under high heat and pressure, resulting in a strong and durable structural member.
2. Consistency: Unlike traditional sawn lumber, Pine LVL Formwork Beams have a uniform and consistent size and shape, making them easier to work with and ensuring predictable performance in load-bearing applications.
3. Resistance to warping and twisting: Due to their layered construction, Pine LVL Formwork Beams are less susceptible to warping, twisting, and other forms of distortion than traditional sawn lumber.
4. Environmentally friendly: Pine LVL Formwork Beams are made from sustainably harvested wood and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their life, making them a more environmentally friendly choice than many other building materials.
5. Fire-resistant: Pine LVL Formwork Beams are typically more fire-resistant than traditional sawn lumber, which can help to improve the safety of a building in the event of a fire.
6. Versatility: Pine LVL Formwork Beams can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped to suit a wide range of structural applications, making them a versatile choice for builders and contractors.

          

 

Application of AS/NZS 4357 Pine LVL Formwork Beam

LVL is particularly well suited to the following applications
Rafters and joists
Lintels, beams, and framing members
Truss chords
Portal frames
I-beams
Box-beams
Scaffold planks
Formwork
Panels of LVL are cut into structural members which have high strength and stiffness.
LVL is suited to structural applications such as beams, rafters, and columns in a wide range of buildings including houses, and commercial, industrial, and rural structures. Some special LVL has a small number of veneers laid perpendicularly (cross-banded).
In commercial or industrial structures it is often used as a wood-based alternative to structural steel or reinforced concrete.

Packaging and Containerization OF AS/NZS 4357 Pine LVL Formwork Beam

FAQ

Q: What is the maximum length of a Pine LVL Formwork Beam?

A: The maximum length of a Pine LVL Formwork Beam can vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use. However, most suppliers offer beams up to 12 meters in length.

Q: What sizes are available for Pine LVL Formwork Beams?

A: Pine LVL Formwork Beams come in a range of standard sizes, including 120x45mm, 170x45mm, 200x45mm, 240x45mm, and 300x63mm. Custom sizes may also be available from some manufacturers.

Q: Can Pine LVL Formwork Beams be used outdoors?

A: Pine LVL Formwork Beams are designed for use in structural applications indoors, but they can also be used outdoors if they are treated with a suitable preservative treatment to protect against moisture, decay, and insects.

Q: How do Pine LVL Formwork Beams compare to traditional sawn lumber?

A: Pine LVL Formwork Beams offer several advantages over traditional sawn lumber, including higher strength and stiffness, greater resistance to warping and twisting, and greater consistency in size and shape. Additionally, Pine LVL Formwork Beams are typically more environmentally friendly and fire-resistant than traditional lumber.

Q: Are Pine LVL Formwork Beams suitable for use in load-bearing applications?

A: Yes, Pine LVL Formwork Beams are suitable for use in load-bearing applications, and they are often used as structural supports, beams, and headers in construction and building projects. However, the specific load capacity will depend on factors such as the beam size, span, and orientation, and it is important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and relevant building codes and standards to ensure proper use and installation.