The thinner the planks are the easier they are to bend which allows tighter radii to be achieved.
Curved laminated timber beams.
As a rule of thumb the thickness of plank required is the radius 200 i e.
They resist checking and twisting because of the use of multiple plies of kiln dried lumber bonded together with waterproof phenol resorcinol adhesive.
Curved beams are made by clamping glued lamella around an arrangement of clamp frames which are bolted to the floor.
Curved beams creativity involves thinking outside the square and wouldn t it be great to work with a material that allows you to do just that.
Glulam beams that curve in plan use plies that are oriented vertically therefore the finished height of the beam is based on standard glulam widths.
Laminated beams are superior in all strength characteristics to solid sawn lumber.
Rigidply rafters inc has been manufacturing glue laminated products since 1954.
The tightness of the radius will determine the thickness of the laminations.
Factory made members can be formed into any practical shape and any desired size.
Use other member stress combinations e g.
A nine metre radius will require a plank thickness of 45mm but a two metre.
Radial curved elliptical shapes and reverse curves are all possible.
Our creative curves can turn a humble beam into an arch and open a box into an atrium.
Larger cross sections can be made via special wood manufacturing processes.