shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
(OP)
The EOR for a commercial building that I'm framing, is asking me to shape the top of a Glulam ride beam. 10:12 pitch, 5 1/8 x 13 1/2 24F-V4", I was always under the impression that you couldn't shape the top of a Glulam beam because you would be removing the compression cord of the GluLam beam and then it would just be a pile of lumber with some glue holding it together.
Can you shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam?
Sim
Can you shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam?
Sim





RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
However, small holes and beam seating end notches are common with glulams. The structural engineer of record should be contacted by the contractor regarding the plumbing holes, but seldom is.
The top flange is usually not as critical, except in V8 beams, as the bottom flange, the tension flange. To cut any tension flange, top or bottom, is always a no-no.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
Often with glulam, they use better quality material for the outer fibres and by cutting off the 'good stuff' you may weaken the beam.
Dik
RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
woodengineer
RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam
Beveling is commonly done. My person preference as an engineer is to add bevel blocking. Suppliers like to bevel the beam because it cost less than to add the blocking. If the plans show a 6 3/4" x 24" beam they base there bid on that. If they have to add blocking later it is an additional cost.
RE: shape the top of a Glulam ridge beam