Description
1. LVL Beam Density
• Unsanded: 520–730 kg/m³ (core species dependent; pine ≈ 580 kg/m³, larch ≈ 730 kg/m³)
• Sanded: identical mean density, but sanding removes ≈ 1 mm per face, so bulk weight per metre is 1–2 % lower. No change in nominal density class.
2. LVL Beam Moisture Content (MC)
• Factory-ship target: 9–12 % (range 6–15 % per EN 14279 & AS/NZS 4357).
• Sanding does not alter MC; however, the exposed surface may equilibrate 10–15 % faster because the outer compression veneer is removed. Site storage recommendations remain identical for both finishes.
3.LVL Beam same nominal bands, but tolerance tightens to ±0.5 mm regardless of thickness band; sanding removes ≈ 1 mm per side, so a 63 mm unsanded blank becomes 61 mm finished and still within the ±0.5 mm window .
1.LVL Beam Common Trade Size & Tolerance
• Section: 90 × 45 mm, 120 × 45 mm, 150 × 63 mm, 200 × 75 mm, 240 × 63 mm, 300 × 63 mm, 360 × 45 mm, 400 × 63 mm, 600 × 75 mm
• Length: 1.2 m – 9.5 m (standard increments 0.6 m; 18 m available on request)
• Tolerance on width/thickness: ±1 mm (-1 / +2 mm for 300 mm & deeper)
• Straightness: ≤1.5 mm per m (bow & spring)
2.LVL Beam Physical Properties
• Density: 520–730 kg/m³ (pine core ~580 kg/m³, larch core ~730 kg/m³)
• Moisture content at dispatch: 9–12 % (range 6–15 % per AS/NZS 4357)
• Edge finish: square, arrised 2 × 2 mm or 3 × 3 mm chamfer; raw or sealed
3. LVL Beam Mechanical Characteristic Values (AS/NZS 4357 grade F17-E14, 90 × 45 mm example)
• Bending strength f’b: 63 MPa
• Shear strength f’s: 4.7 MPa
• Compression perpendicular f’p: 8 MPa
• Modulus of elasticity E: 14 GPa (major axis)
• Shear modulus G: 650 MPa
• Bearing (parallel) f’c: 45 MPa
4. LVL Beam Adhesive & Durability
• Glue type: phenolic WBP (EN 314-2 / AS 2754.1 class A-Bond)
• Formaldehyde: Super E0 ≤ 0.3 mg L⁻¹
• Treatment: untreated, H2 (LOSP), H2-S, H3 CCA or ACQ; colour-coded ends
5. LVL Beam Camber & Precamber
• Stock supplied straight; camber 0–2 mm m⁻¹ available on request for long-span roof beams
6. LVL Beam Packaging & Logistics
• 20′ GP: 8 pallets ≈ 22 m³
• 40′ HQ: 18–20 pallets ≈ 43–50 m³
• Weight per lin-m (90 × 45 mm): ≈ 2.4 kg
7.LVL Beam Certification & Marking
• Standards: AS/NZS 4357, EN 14279, ISO 9001
• Chain-of-custody: FSC & PEFC
• Each piece hot-branded with producer ID, grade, batch, mill number, “F17” or “E14”, treatment code
8. LVL Beam Design Aids Supplied
• Span tables for floor joists, rafters, lintels—Wind class N2/N3, live load 1.5 kPa / 2.0 kPa, deflection limit L/300 & L/500
• Connection values for M12 bolts, 3.15 Ø nails, 14-g screws—withdrawal & lateral load tables
9. LVL BeamStorage & Handling on Site
• Store under cover, stacked on level bearers ≤600 mm c/c, free air flow
• Cut ends re-seal within 4 h; pre-drill holes ≥80 % bolt Ø to minimise splitting
