Built-Up Timber

Definition

Built-up timber is a timber made of several pieces fastened together, forming one piece of larger dimension.

Purpose

Built-up timber is used in construction to create larger and stronger structural members than what can be achieved with single pieces of wood. This technique allows for the use of smaller, more manageable pieces of timber to construct beams, columns, and other structural components with enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Examples of Use

1. Roof Beams: Built-up timbers are commonly used as roof beams in residential and commercial construction, providing necessary support for the roof structure.
2. Floor Joists: In flooring systems, built-up timbers offer increased strength and stability for supporting heavy loads.
3. Bridges: Small pedestrian and vehicular bridges often utilize built-up timber beams to span distances and support traffic loads.

Related Terms

• Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL): An engineered wood product that combines multiple layers of thin wood veneers glued together.
• Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber): A type of built-up timber made from layers of wood bonded with strong adhesives.
• Engineered Wood: Wood products manufactured by binding together wood strands, fibers, or veneers with adhesives.

Notes

Built-up timbers must be carefully engineered and constructed to ensure they can handle the required loads and stresses. Proper fastening methods and adhesives are crucial for the strength and durability of built-up timber structures.