Technological Developments and Glulam edit

Resin Glues

When glues laminated timber were introduced to the building technology in the early twentieth century, casein glues, which are merely waterproof and has low shear strengths, were widely used. Therefore, joints with casein glues struggled with detachment due to inherent stresses in the wood. However, the invention of cold-curing synthetic resin glues ("Kaurit"), in 1928, could solve the deficit that casein glues had. Resin glues, which are inexpensive and easy-to-use, is completely waterproof and enables high-degree adhesive strength in the joint. The development of resin glues contributed the wide use of glued laminated timber construction.[1]

Finger Joints

Finger joints made a significant contribution to the production glulam beams and columns in a larger scale. Finger joints were developed as a way to connect the timber pieces effectively, as they provide the larger contact area for gluing. Automatic finger-jointing machines help to cut the finger joints, connect and glue them together under pressure, which enables the finger jointed point with high-strength and durability against pressure. With this capability, glues laminated timber construction can have high-leveled load-carrying capabilities, comparing to a wood piece of the same cross-section.[2]

Computer Numerical Control

Recently, computer numerical control (CNC) is paving the way for architects/designers aesthetic opportunities with glued laminated timber. It is now possible to cut glued laminated timber exquisitely to nearly meet the final forms, with using CNC machine tools. CNC machine tools can utilize up to five-axis, which enables undercutting and hollowing-out processes with gentle and simple ways. Contrast to laser cutter which provides heat for cutting the materials, CNC machine utilize automatically operated mechanical tools such as router. This automatic process has a benefit of cost-cutting and therefore boosts timber construction.[3]

Use

Sports Structures

Anaheim ICE, located in Anaheim, CA, is also an example of using glued laminated timber. Disney Development Company desired to build an aesthetic ice rink with less cost, and glulam was one of the most qualified materials in order to meet the owner's requirement. The architect Frank Gehry suggested a design with large double-curved Yellow-Pine Glulam beams, and the ice rink was constructed in 1995.[4]

Religious buildings

 
The interior of the Cathedral of Christ the Light formed with glued laminated timber

Glulam is also used for the construction of multi-use facilities such as churches, school buildings, and libraries, and the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, is one of the examples in a way to enhance the ecological and aesthetic effect. It was built as the replacement of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, which became unusable because of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The 21,600-square-feet wide and 110-foot high Vesica Pisces-shaped building formed the frame with a glued-laminated timber beam and steel-rod skeleton covered with a glass skin. Considering the conventional way of construction with steel or reinforced concrete moment-frame, this glulam-and-steel combination case is regarded as an advanced way to realize the economy and aesthetic in the construction.[5]

American national Standard for Wood Products - Structural Glued Laminated Timber edit

Since the year of 1963, The United States have been operating the glulam manufacturing standards. The current standard form (ANSI A190.1-2002) was developed and published in 2002, by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In 2017, the Standard was revised (ANSI190.1-2017) and is now applied on manufacturing glulam and controlling its quality.


This is a great start to your article edits. I like how you've really explored the evolution of wood glues in the twentieth century. I would explain a little more about how the Computer Numerical Control process works. Is this similar to a laser cutter? I also like how you've provided real-world examples in your topics, such as with the ice rink. I would also suggest trying to add some applied examples of glue laminated timber concepts wherever possible. You may want to try to find some information on any problems or deficiencies that glue laminated lumber has shown over the years. Are there any? Overall this is a very thorough start to your article. -Justin

I tried to find out some deficiency of glulam, but I am afraid there are few articles/papers which introduce the problem of the material clearly. I would like to add it if I can get any explanations on that. Thank you for your advice. -Jungseop

  1. ^ Simone,, Jeska, (2015). Emergent timber technologies : materials, structures, engineering, projects. Pascha, Khaled Saleh,, Hascher, Rainer, 1950-. Basel. p. 40. ISBN 9783038215028. OCLC 903276880.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Jeska 2015, p. 41.
  3. ^ Jeska 2015, p. 46.
  4. ^ Case Study: Disney ICE - the warmth of wood heats up an Anaheim ice link (PDF). APA - The Engineered Wood Assiciation. 2002.
  5. ^ Case Study: Cathedral of Christ The Light - The Ultimate Engineering Challenge (PDF). APA - The Engineered Wood Association. 2008.