3. PURCHASING, TRANSPORT, HANDLING AND STORAGE OF LVL Storage LVL products must be stored under cover. When storing the products temporarily on site, a solid, straight and dry platform should be used. The height of ground bearers (skids) must be at least 30 cm. To avoid twisting or cracking of the product, the bearers between packs must be aligned vertically with the ground bears. Bearers must be of a suitable size and number and spread evenly. The plastic wrapping of each pack must be cut open from underneath to enable air circulation and moisture to evaporate from the bundles. If the products are stored on site for longer than one week, the bundles must be covered with an additional protective covering. The condition of the product and the protective cover should be monitored regularly during storage 2, 27. Handling and processing LVL product packs can be unloaded on site with either a forklift or a crane. When unloading with a forklift, follow the instructions given in the ‘Transport’ section. When unloading by crane, approved webbing slings in proper condition and of the appropriate strength class must be used. Do not use chains or wires. If unloading is done manually, open the pack and carry the products one-by-one. When cutting the banding, beware of the band ends. LVL products should not be dragged, pushed or dropped. LVL is a light-weight material and is easy to shape, which means notable time and cost savings in construction. LVL products can be processed with conventional wood working and power tools. There is no need for separate specialist tools. Surface-treated products should be unloaded individually. If needed, a cellular plastic padding that does not stain, should be used under the webbing slings 2, 27. 3.3 PROTECTING THE STRUCTURE DURING CONSTRUCTION LVL structures must be protected on construction site to avoid dimensional changes and surface mould due to exposure to moisture. Exposure to rain, splashing, and wetting from water convection from other structures must be avoided. In addition, the designer must ensure in the detailed design that no water pockets can form on the product in situ. The product may be exposed to weather for a short period during installation. During the erection of the building, structural LVL products and elements, which are structurally glued from LVL components, have good resistance to temporary exStora Enso Stora Enso Figure 3.5. Handling of LVL beams Figure 3.4. Storage of LVL packages 110 LVL Handbook Europe
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