2. LVL STRUCTURES IN FLOORS, WALLS, ROOFS AND IN SPECIAL APPLICATIONS Eurofins 2.1 GENERAL LVL is available in a large variety of standard stock sizes, as well as in user-defined cross sections. Tall and slim beams and studs are useful, for example, for reducing heat loss through wall, floor and roof structures, while optimized cross section improve material efficiency and high bending stiffness minimizes deflection. Long LVL beams are well suited as headers and multi-span purlins in roof constructions. LVL can be easily combined with other structures with standard connection parts and simple joint details. LVL material values and design methods are carefully tested to provide reliable information for designer to specify robust load-bearing wooden structures. LVL-P has the highest bending strength and stiffness properties and is therefore the standard choice for beam structures. However, sometimes structural details can cause local stresses, such as connection forces at an angle to the grain, and, in such cases, LVL-C with its reinforcing cross-bonded veneers is the preferred product. LVL-C has better stiffness, resistance and dimensional stability in the cross direction and is therefore recommended for members mainly loaded in the cross direction, such as rim boards. 2.2 FLOOR STRUCTURES LVL offers numerous alternatives for creating floor structures, from traditional joist floors to stressed-skin panels and massive floor panels. LVL-P joists have precise dimensions and good modulus of elasticity, which are important for a robust and convenient floor. Stressed-skin panels can achieve the longest spans, and massive LVL panels minimize the height of the floor structure. Straight, precise and dry LVL-P joists are ideally suited for off-site production of floor elements. 2.2.1 Beam & joist floors In wooden joist floors the serviceability design of deflections and human-induced vibration from walking are usually the most important design tasks. Wooden joists are strong, so the strength design is rarely an issue if the supports are wide enough. LVL joists are ideal for timber frame floors as they are rigid and straight with accurate dimensions. They are supplied at a moisture content close to that of the ready building, which reduces deformation and creaking. Figure 2.2. LVL-P joist floor structures. Figure 2.3. Joist hanger connections of floor joists. LVL Handbook Europe 51
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