Glulam beam distress
Glulam beam distress
(OP)
Does anyone have experience with glulam beams delaminating? I have a beam which has failed possibly due to the beam delaminating from moisture swelling. The beam is in an area where there has been moisture (poorly vented crawlspace). The glue lines have split open while the 2x wood laminations are intact.





RE: Glulam beam distress
Never, but never question engineer's judgement
RE: Glulam beam distress
RE: Glulam beam distress
Not sure of the era of construction, but some problems were noticed in the late 70's to mid-80's with glulam products. Ran into several down in Central Florida.
RE: Glulam beam distress
It was recommended to replace beams. Because the splits were so fine, in most cases, it was not possible to inject epoxy into the splits with the problem being the existing glueline. The owner opted for providing intermediate supports to minimise the span.
Homes have changed and people are spending more time at home and, in general, generate more humidity. This coupled with an improvement in sealing and insulating homes has caused some new problems that didn't exist two decades ago.
Dik