Production of radiata glulam to demanding specifications

Radiata pine glulam members for the construction of buildings to be used for the Olympics 2000 games in Sydney, were specified as F11 grade which is a classification used in Australia. This grade requires a characteristic bending strength in the outer laminations of 33 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 10.5 GPa. Thus the glulam corresponds to GL20 for stiffness and GL28 for strength in the Eurocode system. Proof tests on the initial production of glulam showed it to be inadequate in both strength and stiffness. This paper describes the material selection, proof testing of laminations, and other measures taken to provide glulam with the required performance.