Curved Laminated Timber Beams

Radial curved elliptical shapes and reverse curves are all possible.

Curved laminated timber beams.

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. 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. The tightness of the radius will determine the thickness of the laminations. Our creative curves can turn a humble beam into an arch and open a box into an atrium.

The flexibility of glulam beams allows for the designer s creative imagination to be realised. Rigidply rafters inc has been manufacturing glue laminated products since 1954. Larger cross sections can be made via special wood manufacturing processes. They resist checking and twisting because of the use of multiple plies of kiln dried lumber bonded together with waterproof phenol resorcinol adhesive.

We can even fabricate complete circles. Use other member stress combinations e g. Curved beams are made by clamping glued lamella around an arrangement of clamp frames which are bolted to the floor. The thinner the planks are the easier they are to bend which allows tighter radii to be achieved.

Differing radii are achieved by adjusting the clamp layout and using different thicknesses of timber. Factory made members can be formed into any practical shape and any desired size.