The availability of LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams is now increasing. These consist of peeled veneers, laminated and with all plies and grain parallel to the length, to produce components for load-bearing structures, that are said to combine low weight with steel-like strength. These characteristics and the many applications for such beams translate into increased product demand. The Swedish manufacturer Vänerply AB has received type approval for its Swedlam LVL beams in several countries, where they will now be introduced. These differ, according to the manufacturer, from competitive products in that the short ends of the veneers are scarf-jointed with transparent glue for a more aesthetic result.

The company claims material savings of 20-35% compared to conventional gluelam.
"No other building material possessing such a low weight has the same load-bearing strength," says Bengt Persson, Marketing Manager for Vänerply AB. The beams are twice as strong as sawn timber. Hence only half the dimensions are usually needed to carry the same load, but this type of beam can also be used in lengths of up to 12.5 metres, with the capability of up to 8 metres clear span.
The strength is said to be at least 20% greater than that for gluelam, so the dimensions can be reduced by an equivalent amount, while retaining the structural load-bearing capacity. This means lower material costs and better transport economics, whilst the low weight makes the job easier.
"This product can be used for longer spans and take higher loads than a beam composed of hardboard and solid timber or solid wood alone, of the same dimensions, and is also much more fire-resistant," Bengt Persson continues. In addition, Swedlam is a labour-saving alternative to steel beams since a wood-based beam can be worked with conventional carpentry tools. Architects and builders can then combine the beams with other materials.

Many application areas
The high bearing strength makes Swedlam suitable for roof beams, floor beams, ridge beams, or top plates, or as trimmed joists over wide door and window openings. It can also be used for prefabricated building elements, concrete shuttering beams, scaffolding boards and bridge components, and as I-beam flanges in roof and floor joists. According to Vänerply, in the USA 50-60% of all floor and roof structural members will in a few years consist of this type of beam.
The beams are built up of strength-sorted waterproof-glued veneers, 3 mm thick. The great load-bearing capability derives from the fact that all the veneer layers and fibres lie along the beam axis.
The lumber is available in standard sizes, but can also be custom-sized in 42 different dimensions, up to 12.5 metres long. Although the product has been developed for use as beams in long lengths, sheet material can also be manufactured using the same principles, in thicknesses of up to 75 mm within the press size 12500 x 1500 mm.
Swedlam is type-approved in Scandinavia, Germany and the USA.

Caption: The Swedish company Vänerply AB has gained type approval for its LVL beams in several countries.

For further information, please contact:
Vänerply AB
Bengt Persson, Marketing Manager
Björkliden 11, SE-187 41 Täby
Tel: +46 8 768 10 40 Telefax: +46 8 768 83 29

Press release images