The effect of storage conditions on the strength characteristic of glulam beams

Despite many outdoors applications, the number of works aimed to determine the effect of changing conditions on the properties of glulam beams, in particular those produced in non-standard arrangements, is few. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess changes in flexural strength properties (MOE, MOR) of the beams stored for 30 months in varying conditions. Analyzed variants of pine GLT beams included five-meter-long structural elements reinforced with oak timber, high-quality pine timber and steel rods stored both in the roofed shed outdoors and inside the climatic chamber. Moisture content of the beam varied significantly depending on the placement of the sensors (on the surface or inside the beam). The average modulus of elasticity after 30 months of storage decreased by approx. 7% compared to initial values. The results varied depending on both the assumed beam arrangement and the applied conditions.