Framing LVL Beam
Framing a building with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams is a popular choice in the construction industry. LVL beams are engineered wood products that are stronger and more consistent than traditional solid wood beams. They are made by bonding thin layers of wood veneers together with a strong adhesive, resulting in a highly durable and dimensionally stable product.
LVL beams are commonly used for load-bearing applications such as beams, headers, columns, and posts. They are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and lengths, making them suitable for both residential and commercial construction projects.
Framing a building with LVL beams involves selecting the appropriate beam size and grade based on the load requirements of the structure. Once the beam is selected, it is cut to length and installed with appropriate connectors such as hangers or bolts. Additional support may be required for longer spans.
LVL beams offer several advantages over traditional solid wood beams, including increased strength, dimensional stability, and sustainability. They are also more cost-effective over the long term, as they require less maintenance and replacement than solid wood.
It is important to follow local building codes and manufacturer’s installation instructions when framing a building with LVL beams. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a structural engineer or building professional to ensure that the beams are installed properly and can safely support the load requirements of the structure.
Product Description of Framing LVL Beam:
Full Pine LVL beam, LVL framing, LVL rafters or Strand lumber/Engineered lumber/Wood beam of engineered wood for LVL moulding Structural LVL
HW structural laminated veneer lumber (LVL) which 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 offer FSC ‘Chain of Custody’ certified 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
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SIZE |
35mm |
45mm |
63mm |
75mm |
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90 mm |
A |
A |
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130 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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150 mm |
A |
A |
A |
A |
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170 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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200 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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240 mm |
A |
A |
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300 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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360 mm |
A |
A |
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400 mm |
A |
A |
A |
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450 mm |
A |
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525 mm |
A |
A |
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600 mm |
A |
Advantage of HW structural LVL
1. Small logs can be made into large-dimension LVL products.
2. Long lengths of LVL are available up to 12m
The wood resource can be optimized by grading and selecting veneer for different parts of an LVL cross-section and making a range of products with different properties.
The structural properties of LVL are very uniform because the randomized layers of thin veneers are pre-graded for stiffness (coefficient of variation for modulus of elasticity less than 5%).
LVL members have high strength because of the low variability and randomized wood properties in thin layers.
LVL can be cut and machined with normal woodworking tools.
LVL is often used to complement the use of sawn timber in domestic construction.
3. Increased strength: LVL beams are engineered to be stronger and more consistent than traditional solid wood beams. This means they can support heavier loads with minimal deflection.
4. Dimensional stability: LVL beams are less prone to warping, twisting, or bowing than traditional solid wood beams, which can result in a more stable and level structure.
5. Versatility: LVL beams are available in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and lengths, making them suitable for a wide range of construction applications.
6. Sustainability: LVL beams are made from fast-growing trees, and the manufacturing process produces less waste than other wood products. As a result, LVL is considered to be an environmentally friendly building material.
7. Cost-effective: Although LVL beams may initially cost more than solid wood, their strength and durability make them a cost-effective choice over the long term. They require less maintenance and replacement than solid wood, which can save time and money in the future.
8. Compatible with traditional framing methods: LVL beams can be installed using traditional framing methods, such as nails and screws. They are also compatible with many types of connectors and hardware, including bolts and hangers.
Application of HW structural LVL
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, 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 Framing LVL Beam:
FAQ
Q:What is the maximum span for LVL beams?
A:The maximum span for LVL beams depends on several factors, including the load requirements of the structure, the size and grade of the LVL beam, and local building codes. It is important to consult with a structural engineer or building professional to determine the appropriate span for your specific project.
Q:How are LVL beams connected to the rest of the structure?
A:LVL beams are typically connected to the rest of the structure using hangers or other connectors, as required by local building codes. These connectors are designed to provide a secure connection between the beam and the supporting posts or walls.
Q:Can LVL beams be cut to length on-site?
A:Yes, LVL beams can be cut to length on-site using a circular saw or other appropriate cutting tool. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and use the proper safety equipment when cutting LVL beams.
Q:How are LVL beams installed in a building?
A:LVL beams are typically installed by placing them in position and securing them with hangers or other connectors. Additional support posts or walls may be required for longer spans. It is important to follow local building codes and manufacturer’s installation instructions when installing LVL beams.
Q:Are LVL beams more expensive than traditional solid wood beams?
A:LVL beams may initially cost more than traditional solid wood beams, but they offer several cost-saving advantages over the long term. Their strength and durability mean they require less maintenance and replacement than solid wood, which can save time and money in the future.
