LVL Handbook EUROPE

1. LVL AS A CONSTRUCTIONMATERIAL

1.11 DESIGN TOOLS

LVL structures are designed with similar computer-aided de-

sign tools to other load-bearing construction materials. Some

structural calculation programs that support Eurocode compli-

ant design also include LVL product libraries, but usually the

user needs to enter the LVL product-specific properties into the

software database. Examples of structural calculation software

are Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis, Dlubal RF Timber,

Frilo HO11+ and Mitek Roofcon/Trusscon. Some of their de-

sign results, e.g. support reaction capacity, however need to be

verified manually as they do not include all of the LVL-specific

parameters for EN 1995 (Eurocode 5). The definition of LVL

strength classes in product standard EN 14374 will guide soft-

ware development in the future. LVL manufacturers are also

specifying the properties of their product brands individually

and also providing tailored calculation software, such as Finn-

wood® and Calculatis®.

For basic structural drawings 2D design tools such as Au-

todesk AutoCad are commonly used. More detailed LVL com-

ponent information can be utilized with 3D building infor-

mation modelling (BIM). In addition to the planning phase

of the project, BIM supports the whole building process from

cost and construction management to facility operation and

the whole life cycle of the building. LVL suppliers have created

BIM libraries of LVL components for the Autodesk Revit, Ar-

chicad, Vertex BD, HSB Cad, Cad Works and Trimble Sketch-

Up design software environments, among others. The librar-

ies are distributed, for example, via manufacturers’ websites or

portal program tools such as ProdLib 13, 14.

Design software can create steering files for CNC ma-

chines used for cutting LVL components (CAM) to improve

the efficiency of the whole manufacturing process. HSBCad

and Vertex BD software’s, for instance, have a strong position in

integrated chain support, from design to off-site manufacture.

The IFC file transfer formats 2x3 and ifc4 support some

basic properties of engineered wood products and the next

generation formats will take these better into account. For

example, due to the orthotropic properties of the products it

is important to be able to accurately define their orientation

(lengthwise, edgewise, flatwise parallel to surface veneer and

flat across the surface veneer) in the IFC objects.

Figure 1.63.

Design software for LVL structures: Calculatis by

Stora Enso, Finnwood by Metsä Wood and portal of BIM objects by

ProdLib.

LVL Handbook Europe