The flexibility of glulam beams allows for the designer s creative imagination to be realised.
Curved laminated timber beams.
As a rule of thumb the thickness of plank required is the radius 200 i e.
Factory made members can be formed into any practical shape and any desired size.
Curved beams are made by clamping glued lamella around an arrangement of clamp frames which are bolted to the floor.
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.
We can even fabricate complete circles.
The tightness of the radius will determine the thickness of the laminations.
Differing radii are achieved by adjusting the clamp layout and using different thicknesses of timber.
Our creative curves can turn a humble beam into an arch and open a box into an atrium.
Use other member stress combinations e g.
A nine metre radius will require a plank thickness of 45mm but a two metre.
The thinner the planks are the easier they are to bend which allows tighter radii to be achieved.
Rigidply rafters inc has been manufacturing glue laminated products since 1954.
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.