Racking & storing glulam beams

rying exEemely long beans on their sides.

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

SURFACE SEALANT (OPTIONAL)

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

Since glulams are commonly 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 beams, rather than the bottoms, rest on the fo*s. However, care must be taken to prevent flexing when car-

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

If possible, storage at the job site 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 assure optimum performance.

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

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 beams from moisture, dirt, sunlight" scrarches and impact damage.

For long term storage, it is advisable to cut holes m slits in the bottom of the wrappings to 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 cars or trucks. They can rest on their sides or bottoms. Loads should be secured with strdps 0o prevent shifting.

Lumber Bunks Or Skids

Contractors should be wamed that the ends of beams should be sealed immediately after trimming. Once beams are installed, they should be allowed to gradually season and adjust to the temperaure and moistue conditions of the strucnre.