Field Notching and Drilling of Glued Laminated Timber Beams

Glued laminated timber (glulam) beams are highly engineered components manufactured from specially selected and positioned lumber laminations of varying strength and stiffness. These fabricated beams are often specified where a certain span, strength and/or stiffness is required. As such, glulam beams are generally designed for and used in applications where they will be highly stressed under design loads. For this reason, follow the guideline provided in this publication when making any field modifications such as notching, tapering or drilling not shown on the design or shop drawings.

This publication is designed for: glulam manufacturers, architects, builders, engineers

This publication provides prescriptive recommendations for field notching, tapering and drilling glulam beams. This includes diagrams, tables and design equations.

Key sections include:

• Notching

• Holes

• Horizontal holes

• Hole size and location

• Vertical holes

• Holes for support of suspended equipment

• Protection of field-cut notches and holes

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.