Application of hardwood for glued laminated timber in Europe

Abstract

Glued laminated timber (GLT) made of hardwood is a modern construction product developed in line with the current changes in the forestry industry. In the last decade studies on hardwoods (deciduous) such as beech, oak, chestnut and ash have been intensively conducted in Europe. The results of those studies are GLT with favourable mechanical characteristics and provisional approvals for their use in construction. This paper presents an overview of currently approved GLT made of hardwood, relevant wood species and adhesive types in their production, as well as currently applicable numerical models.