LVL Handbook EUROPE

2. LVL STRUCTURES IN FLOORS, WALLS, ROOFS AND IN SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

Figure 2.68.

Sole plates from LVL. Thin plates reduce settling

perpendicular to grain and reduce cold bridges. Left: LVL-C sole

plates may be extended beyond the edge of foundation to reduce

cold bridges in the structure. It is recommended to connect the

anchoring hold-downs to the studs.

2.4.6 Sole plates, bottom cords, top cords

and top binders

LVL-P or LVL-C boards function flatwise as sole plates, bot-

tom cords under wall studs, and top cords or top binders above

studs in timber frame walls. The members can be designed to

thinner thicknesses than solid wood, e.g. 45 mm, as they are

dimensionally stable and not sensitive to twisting or crack-

ing. Smaller thickness reduces settlement of the frame in the

perpendicular to grain direction. LVL sole plate and bottom

cord sizes also make good combinations with I-studs in timber

frame walls. For the best wall bracing performance it is recom-

mended to connect the hold-down anchors to the wall studs.

LVL-C sole plates can be extended beyond the edge of the

concrete foundation slab to create a drip edge. This helps to in-

sulate the foundation, e.g. rendering panels, and to avoid cold

bridges.

As compression perpendicular to the grain is lower flat-

wise compared to an edgewise orientation, an LVL product

with higher strength made from pine veneer can be supplied

for this application to help reduce the cross-section sizes of

highly loaded studs, e.g. next to windows.

The need for treatment against insects or decay is to be

verified according to national requirements. However, if a bi-

tumen felt strip is installed between the sole plate and the con-

crete foundation service class 1 conditions are met for the sole

plate and chemical treatment is usually not mandatory.

2.4.7 Window frame boards

Long and straight LVL-C boards offer a practical solution for

the installation of window elements or other cladding elements

in concrete buildings. The boards are extended beyond the

concrete frame to create a flat and aligned surface for the fa-

cade and to compensate the tolerances of the main frame. This

saves time and labour costs and improves the building quality.

Wedge anchors can be used for the connections. Board sizes

depend on the structure of the facade, in the example of Figure

2.69. the size is 39x260 mm.

2.4.8 Bracing panels

Robust LVL-C panels are suitable for panel bracing of timber

frame walls and beam & post structures when high capacity is

required or there is only limited space for the bracing structure,

e.g. due to large window openings.

Panel bracing simplifies the structure, as trusses or diago-

nal bars are usually not necessary. LVL-C panels up to 75 mm

thickness allow large frame spacing without risk of buckling

the bracing panel.

In timber frame walls the LVL-C panels are screwed or

nailed to the studs and to sole and top binders which togeth-

er form the diaphragm. The thickest panels or multiple-glued

elements can act as bracing columns when they are anchored

to the foundations.

LVL Handbook Europe