GLULAM REBORN : A flexible adhesive interface to increase the bending resistance of glulam

Since its invention in Germany a hundred years ago, glulam has been manufactured with stiff adhesives. The authors of this paper challenge this established rule and investigate the use of flexible adhesives. They work with the so-called " Gamma-Method " to study the load-bearing behaviour of such modified beams und propose that a single elastic adhesive interface, placed at an optimal position in the cross-section, could help to elevate the bending strength of glulam by as much as 20%. They develop further mathematical models to describe the necessary load-bearing behaviour of the adhesive interface. The theoretical rules help the industrial partner to develop adhesive interfaces which meet the requirements. This may mark the birth of a new technique to help enhance the performance of timber structures.