The power behind glulam quality

It RODUCT superiority is a major F claim for engineered wood products. High dimensional stability with none of the warping, twisting and other defects often associated with traditional sawn lumber is emphasized in the literature, advertising and sales pitches for each manufacturer.

Standing behind these quality declarations is the American Institute of Timber Construction. Quality control and inspection are major functions of this national technical trade association of the structural glued laminating (glulam) industry. Based in Vancouver, Wa., it represents laminators all over the country.

The association has a threefold purpose:

(1) to provide a common basis of understanding in the trade as to sound practices for the production, testing, inspection, identification and certification of structural glue laminated lumber.

(2) To affect economies through a wider utilization of standards.

(3) To encourage production of dependable products that will be adequate for the principal needs of the trade.

Under the program, AITC licenses qualified laminators whose personnel, procedures and facilities comply with the requirements of ANSI/AITC Al90.l, the American National Standard for structural glued laminated timber. The association requires the licensee to maintain a quality control system in accordance with this standard. The AITC Inspection Bureau conducts periodic inspections and verification of the laminator member's quality control system, procedures and product.

Quality marks and certificates of conformance identifying material as conforming with the requirements of the industry standard can be used only by licensed, qualified producers.

In addition to maintaining a qual- ity program, AITC works closely with other professional and forest products organizations and governmental agencies. A Timber Construction Manual is published by the organization as well as timber construction standards publications.

The institute conducts research on topics such as end joints, structural design, adhesives, full scale testing and other projects of interest and benefit to both producers and consumers.

A marketing program is directed toward expanding the markets for engineered timber construction by means of publicizing technical advancements and achievements and by exploring and pointing out potential applications where the use of engineered timber construction will benefit the consumer, the industry and the national economy.

Publicity, publications, visual aids and presentations on the industry and timber construction are directed toward expanding markets. The organization is also a source of information for specifiers and others concerned with construction.

"The glued laminated wood industry is undergoing major changes which we must manage to our advantage, said Carlton Whittle, president and ceo of Structural Wood Systems, [nc., Greenville, Al., and the newly elected president of AITC. "l'm confident, through it all, engineered wood will continue to play an important part in the future of our nation's construction industry."