Racking & storing glulam beams

rying extremely long beams on their sides.

Beam corners should be protected when the load is srapped down.

SURFACE SEALANT (OPTIONAL)

Water-resistant wrappings protect beams from moisture, dirt and scratches. opaque wrappings are best because sunlight can discolor beams. Beams can be wrapped individually, by the bundle or by the load. In situations where appearance is especially important" wrappings should be left on until after installation.

Since glulams are conmonly loaded and unloaded with a forklift, drivers must practice techniques that reduce the risk of damage. Greater stability is achieved when the sides of the beans, ratler than the bottoms, rest on the forks. However, care must be taken to prevent flexing when cat-

Seal Ends Of Beams After Trimming

If a crane with cable slings or chokers is used to load or unload beams, adequate blocking must be provided between the cable and the member. Wooden cleats or blocking should be used to protect corners. Using spreader bars can reduce the likelihood of damage when lifting especially long beams.

In the yard, glulams need a level, well-drained, covered storage site. Beams should be kept off the ground with lumber bunks, skids or rack systems. Wrappings should be kept intact during storage to protect the beans ftom moisture, dirt, sunlight, scratches and impact danage.

For long term storagq it is advisable o cut holes u slits in the bottom of the wrappings o allow ventilation and water draining. Proper ventilation and drainage will reduce the likelihood of water damage,staining and decay.

Glulam beans should be stacked on lumber bunks or skids when they are loaded on rail cafs or trucks. They can rest on their sides or bottoms. Loads should be secured with straps to prevent shifting.

If possible, storage at the job sile should also be under cover. The beams should also be placed on

Story at a Glance

How to rack and store glulam beams ... ways to assurc optimum performance.

spaced lumber bunks on level, welldrained grornd. Wrappings should be left in place to protect beams until installation.

Lijmber Bunks Or Skids

Contractms should be warned that the ends of beams should be sealed immediately after trimming" Once beans are installed, tbey should be allowed to gradually season and adjust to the tenperaure and moisture conditions of the struchre.