Design of Structural Glued Laminated Timber Columns

Glued laminated timber (glulam) columns offer superior performance characteristics compared to traditional solid-sawn timber columns. Manufactured from dry lumber with controlled moisture content, glulam columns provide excellent dimensional stability, reduced susceptibility to checking and splitting, and enhanced fastener holding capacity.

This publication is designed for: engineers, architects, designers

This publication provides comprehensive design guidance for glulam columns including member sizing recommendations, layup combinations, and detailed design equations based on the National Design Specification (NDS).

Key sections include:

• Member sizes and typical dimensional specifications

• Member layup combinations and design stresses

• Column design equations for axial loading

• Column design tables for eccentric loading conditions

• Design example with step-by-step calculations

• Allowable axial load tables

  • Combination no. 2 Douglas fir glulam columns

  • Combination no. 47 southern pine glulam columns

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.