The maximum span of a triple LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam depends on various factors including construction requirements, design, the species and grade of the lumber, the load it needs to support, the spacing of supports, and local building codes. Typically, a triple LVL can span a maximum distance of 20 to 40 feet without any load on it, means that no joists or walls are bearing on the LVL beam at all.
The design a beam width based on the fact that the typical width of an LVL beam is 1 3/4 inches. The width can be increased by laminating in multiples of 1 3/4 inches or 40mm. So a triple LVL is made up of three layers or is made up of laminating three multiples of 1 3/4″ layers, which means a triple LVL is about 5-1/4″ (120mm) thick.
Therefore, the nominal dimension of a 2×10 triple LVL is approximately 6×10, which is 6 inches wide and 10 inches deep, while the nominal dimension of a 2×12 triple LVL is approximately 6×12, which is 6 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
Likewise, the nominal dimension of a 2×14 triple LVL is approximately 6×14, which is 6 inches wide and 14 inches deep, while the nominal dimension of a 2×16 triple LVL is approximately 6×12, which is 6 inches wide and 16 inches deep. In addition, the nominal dimension of a 2×18 triple LVL is approximately 6×18, which is 6 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
In general, the maximum span for a triple 2×10 LVL need to be 20 feet, while the the maximum span for a triple 2×12 LVL need to be 24 feet. Moreover, the maximum span for a triple 2×14 LVL need to be 28 feet, while the the maximum span for a triple 2×16 LVL ought to be 32 feet. In addition, the maximum span for a triple 2×18 LVL should be 36 feet.
How far can a triple 2×10, 2×12, 2×14, 2×16 and 2×18 LVL span
As per LVL span rule of thumb the depth of the Glulam beam is 1/24th of span in inches and their width is 1/3 to 1/4 of the depth. If beam spanning is 24 feet in length, then their depth = (24 × 12) ÷ 24 = 12 inches and width is 12/3 = 4″. So, you would need 6″ × 12″ size of Glulam beam for 24 foot span.
In general, a triple 2×10 LVL beam can span a maximum distance of 20 feet, while a triple 2×12 LVL beam can span a maximum distance of 24 feet. Likewise, a triple 2×14 LVL beam can 28 feet, while a triple 2×16 LVL beam can 32 feet. In addition, a triple 2×18 LVL beam can 36 feet.
How far can a 2×10 LVL span
A triple 2×10 (or 6×10) LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 20 feet without any load on it or without support. If depth of the beam is 10 inches, then their span in feet is approximately = 10×2 = 20 feet. So, you will need a triple 2×10 LVL to span 20 feet.
How far can a triple 2×12 LVL span
A triple 2×12 (or 6×12) LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 24 feet without any load on it or without support. If depth of the beam is 12 inches, then their span in feet is approximately = 12×2 = 24 feet. So, you will need a triple 2×12 LVL to span 24 feet.
How far can a triple 2×14 LVL span
A triple 2×14 (or 6×14) LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 28 feet without any load on it or without support. If depth of the beam is 14 inches, then their span in feet is approximately = 14×2 = 28 feet. So, you will need a triple 2×14 LVL to span 28 feet.
How far can a triple 2×16 LVL span
A triple 2×16 (or 6×16) LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 32 feet without any load on it or without support. If depth of the beam is 16 inches, then their span in feet is approximately = 16×2 = 32 feet. So, you will need a triple 2×16 LVL to span 32 feet.
How far can a triple 2×18 LVL span
A triple 2×18 (or 6×18) LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 36 feet without any load on it or without support. If depth of the beam is 18 inches, then their span in feet is approximately = 18×2 = 36 feet. So, you will need a triple 2×18 LVL to span 36 feet.
Here are table for span of a triple LVL beam:
| LVL BEAM SIZE IN INCHES | SPAN IN FEET |
| A triple 2 x 10 or 6 x 10 | 20 feet |
| A triple 2 x 12 or 6 x 12 | 24 feet |
| A triple 2 x 14 or 6 x 14 | 28 feet |
| A triple 2 x 16 or 6 x 16 | 32 feet |
| A triple 2 x 18 or 6 x 18 | 36 feet |
Conclusions:-
The maximum span of a triple LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam depends on various factors, but however, a triple 2×12 LVL can allow to span a maximum distance of 24 feet without any load on it or without support.