How to get LVL specified

LTO MATTER how manY benefits

I\ purportedly are provided by laminated veneer lumber, there is no sale to the contractor unless the architect and structural engineer specifies the product.

Increasing specifications and usage of LVL depends on targeted marketing efforts to the architect, structural engineer and contractor, according to Leonard Guss Associates, Inc'

Like other building materials, laminated veneer lumber is specified by architects and/or their structural engineers, but bought by contractors. Yet while contractors bid to specifications, they often have much influence over architectural specifications'

Story at a Glance

Customize efforts to archi' tects, engineers and contractors to boost LVL sales.

Contractors may be able to persuade an archiect to use an alternative material if they can present a reasonable case for saving money, using a material more readily obtained or installed or gaining some other advantage (or simply by complaining enough).

Architects, engineers and building contractors all influence the structural materials used in roof and floor systems. Each have their own motives and rationale.

Architects select their materials based on the freedom theY gain in organizing interior space and exterior appearance. They weight such concerns as how thick the floor or roof must be, what spans are available for the open space theY want, how exposed structural elements will look' and how they can create unique designs. Architects are also the key decision makers since they hire the structural engineers, either as staff or as subcontractors.

To increase their specifications of LVL, architects must be shown how the use of the material allows for complex designs, cathedral ceilings, cantilevered construction and other innovative applications. Architects typically respond well to "missionary calls," technical presentations at their offices and product literature, especially literature that showcases actual examples ofusage by other architects.

Like other professional licensed engineers, structural engineers specify in full detail performance needed and expected, as well as what, where and how they use materials in their structures. They acquire confidence in familiar, reliable materials that will not fail and potentially harm their reputations.

Their major concerns are "reliability based design" and "load and resistance factor design," which require materials with known properties that can be measured within narrow ranges. Such concerns provide the opportunity for LVL and other engineered wood products.

Structural engineers need to be assured about the strength values of LVL, especially its consistency from piece to piece and within each piece. They react positively to technical presentations and literature.

Structural engineers work verY closely with the contractors during construction and try to be responsive to their wishes. Contractors also prefer traditional and proven materials, but are receptive to new materials or techniques that may lower their costs - especially if they see their competitors using them. Contractors can and often do demand and receive "variances" from the engineers to enable them to substitute materials.

Yet contractors are reluctant to use only one or two pieces or parts of a new material or product, since it may require additional effort to obtain and learn its use for little if any additional return. They are less resistant if the material or product is used on a large enough scale tojustify the effort.

Large builders of commercial and multi-family residential buildin gs know their total, in-place costs better than smaller, single-family builders, who look more at material first costs. Many structural elements, such as girders, beams, purlins and joists, are fastened with metal couplings. These are standardized to dimension lumber, encouraging the use of l-314" LYL.

Contractors will use what is specified, if it is readily available at their preferred distributor or other supplier. They are open to instruction in application techniques, such as nailing practices.