Appearances and Grades
Appearance
Just as the word implies, ‘appearance’ refers to aesthetic criteria, rather than performance capabilities. Color, grain pattern, texture, knot type and size are the factors that influence the appearance classification.
Available Appearances
Framing Appearance
Intended for concealed applications and available in widths designed to fit flush with standard wall framing.
Industrial Appearance
Used in applications where appearance in not primary importance, such as industrial and warehouse buildings.
Architectural Douglas Fir
Used when finished appearance is important but perhaps not the overriding consideration.
Architectural Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Used when finished appearance is important but perhaps not the overriding consideration.
Premium Appearance
Specified for applications in which appearances are critical.
Premium “Hand Select” Appearance
Western Structures’ top appearance classification; for use when aesthetic appeal is of utmost importance.
Textures & Finishes
Additional finishing is available for all appearances and grades.
Available Textures and Finishes
Rough Sawn
We can provide a rough sawn finish to any glulam beam or column when you’re looking for the rustic look.
Incising
Beams can be factory incised when required by your treatment specifications
Grades
Typically, when the term ‘grade’ is used, it is referring to the beam’s structural performance and characteristics. These different grades (e.g. 24F-E4, 26F, etc.) are achieved by varying the percentage and grade of higher quality lumber in the beam layup, as well as the use of different wood species.
Notes:
- (U) designation indicates an unbalanced layup, (B) designation incdicates a balanced layup.
- Fb shall be adjusted by the volume effect factor using the following formula:
Cv = (5.125/b) ⅒ x (12/d) ⅒ x (21/L) ⅒ ≤ 1.0 (NDS-18 Eq. 5.3-1) where: b = beam width (in.), d = beam depth (in.), L = beam span length (ft.) - For non-prismatic members, notched members, members subject to impact or cyclic loading, or shear design of bending members at connections (NDS-18 5.3.10), the design shear (FV) shall be multipled by a factor of 0.72.
- The FV values do not include adjustment for checking.
- Applicable to dry-use conditions (CM = 1.0).
Notes:
- Applicable to columns manufactured with 4 or more lams. For columns with 2 or 3 laminations refer to ANSI/APA 117 Table A2 for Fby values.
- Applicable to column depths up to 15″. For column depths exceeding 15″, refer to ANSI/APA 117 Table A2 for Fbx values.
- Applicable to 4 or more lams. For columns with 2 or 3 laminations refer to ANSI/APA 117 Table A2 for Fc values.
- Applicable to column stability calculations for member buckling. (NDS-18 5.2.7)
- Applicable to dry-use conditions (CM = 1.0).