Should your structure be built with steel or glulam? There are many glulam benefits to consider, but we want to share how it compares to materials like steel. Let’s take a look at how steel and glulam compare in all areas when it comes to commercial construction.
What Are the Differences Between Steel and Glulam?
The main difference between steel and glulam lies in the materials used. Steel beams offer high strength but require protection against fire and corrosion. This is often through additional coatings or encasements. On the other hand, glued laminated timber provides comparable strength. Glulam adds aesthetic variety, sustainability, and resilience to fire without additional treatments.
Benefits of Glulam Over Steel
In comparing glulam to steel, aesthetics often emerge as a key factor. Glulam offers a broad spectrum of colors, ranging from cool silvery tones to warm hues or deep browns. Steel has more restricted aesthetic possibilities even with coatings. This is where glulam provides greater versatility in achieving desired looks and textures. This makes it suitable for maintaining aesthetic integrity in long-span or curved designs. More is possible without sacrificing structural integrity.
In Terms of Sustainability
Glulam primarily consists of wood, sourcing from sustainable and locally grown forests. This not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint of a project but also supports environmentally friendly practices. In contrast, steel production involves mining and undergoes energy-intensive manufacturing processes. This of course leads to higher carbon emissions. With Glulam, sustainability is prioritized through renewable resources and minimizing environmental impact.
Steel and Glulam Strength
Glulam boasts impressive strength compared to steel. It has a strength-to-weight ratio of approximately three times higher. This not only makes it suitable for structural applications but facilitates easier installation. It’s considerable for maneuvering beams into tight spaces or lifting large elements with cranes. Additionally, the reduced weight of glulam frames allows for smaller foundations. This can further contribute to cost and resource efficiency.
Steel results in smaller members compared to equivalent glulam counterparts. While steel typically has a higher allowable stress, glulam’s lighter weight offers its advantages. As a general guideline, the depth of glulam required to perform a comparable task to steel ranges from 1.5 to 2 times greater. In scenarios where space constraints are a concern, steel may be a more practical choice.
Fire Resistance
Although it may seem counterintuitive, wood demonstrates notable fire resilience compared to steel. This is particularly in the form of large glulam beams and frames. Steel requires additional measures such as boxing or coating with intumescent paint. This is to prevent distortion and buckling under high temperatures.
In contrast, timber surfaces char at a predictable rate during fires. This allows for a more precise design of glulam structures with desired fire resistance levels. While no further materials are necessary, additional fire-protective finishes can be applied. If desired, this enhancement offers a comprehensive approach to fire safety.
Get Your Glulam Project Started Today
Ready to embark on your next construction project? Weighing the options between steel or glulam, the glulam benefits speak for themselves. With strength, sustainability, and aesthetic versatility, glulam offers a superior choice for building.
Connect with us to start your glulam project today and experience the advantages firsthand. Let’s build a sustainable future together!
