Composite members made of glulam represent an interesting application variant that is soon to be standardized. As with the manufacturing process for glulam, individual glulam members are glued together into composite members. These composite members (also referred to as glued blocks) require adhesives that are approved for glue-line thicknesses up to two or even four millimeters. Because it is difficult to apply an even jointing pressure over the generally very large bonding surface, epoxy resins are sometimes used which require a significantly lower jointing pressure for initial bonding of the joint.
Composite members consisting of two glulam-beams can be useful in overcoming the manufacturing-related limitation of the member width. However, large structural hollow sections or p-panels can also be manufactured with block gluing. Composite members of glulam consisting of multiple individual cross-sections can sometimes have significant dimensions.
They are currently used most frequently in bridge structures. However, the use of wide-span structural hollow sections without bracings with elevated fire protection requirements is also an interesting application.
