The Glued Laminated Timber Association (GLTA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and recently we’ve heard of several moves to form new structural timber composite or “engineered wood” groups.

The GLTA has the expertise and backing needed to support both its existing membership and potential newcomers. We can also support new materials such as glued structural timber (GST) and cross-laminated timber (CLT).

The GLTA recognised that more glulam was being used on the Continent than here. Nowadays, thanks to the efforts of BM TRADA Group, the GLTA, the TTF and other supporters, our specifiers match countries such as Austria, France and Germany in imaginativeness, architectural quality and variety, while GST and CLT have supplemented traditional glulam. Prefabricated open framing construction requires specialist knowledge different from that of the lightweight platform-framed and timber trussed rafter markets. Consequently, the GLTA is thriving.

Recently we’ve also become engaged in a new version of the Harmonised Standard for glulam, EN 14080, which is soon to replace the BS Standard of that number. We see dangers in excessively rigorous European legislation. Following hard-fought battles, it has been agreed that, for now, several existing Standards, including EN 385, EN 386, EN 392 and EN 391, cannot be deleted. To say that our Austrian and German CEN colleagues have a different view of the European Standards process from ours would be putting it mildly!

Innovations for glued softwood laminated products include a new set of Tension Strength Classes, to be achieved by machine strength grading. Glued solid timber, the generic term for products such as Duo- and Trio-Beams, is also added. It is important to ensure stability in GST beams with their rather thick laminations, so we insisted on changes to ensure continued use of only high-quality softwood.

Soon the GLTA will launch a new website offering an efficient technical and enquiry service for all UK construction professionals and trading companies.

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