Calculating the span for an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beam depends on various factors such as the load it needs to support, the species and grade of the LVL, and the specific design requirements.
Laminated veneer lumber or LVL is much look like plywood, generally made of thin sheets of wood which are sandwiched and bound with super stronger glue. It is a high-strength structural engineered wood product of recent innovation and one of the most widely used kinds of lumber in construction projects in. It is typically used for boards of all kinds, for headers, beam rim boards, skateboards, as well as beams, trusses, edge forming materials and more. It is available in a wide range of lengths, widths and thicknesses.
The American wood Council National design specification for wood, lvl is type of structural composite lumber comparable to glued laminated timber (Glulam). LVL is product of recent innovation they are result of new technology and economic pressure to make use of new wood species and smaller trees that cannot be used to make solid Lumber.
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product that uses multiple layers of thin wood assembled with adhesives. It is typically used for headers, beams, rim board, and edge-forming material.
This article describe about LVL beam span calculator and how to determine size of beam do you need. It helps in better understanding about span and depth of LVL beam.
LVL beam is generally made of thin sheets of wood which are sandwiched and bound with super stronger glue. It is a straight, enough strong wood that fights warping and shrinking, providing great stability for your projects. Use an LVL beam to eliminate twisting and splitting for quiet floors. Because of the wood’s dimensional stability, inspection times are often reduced, too.
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LVL has a “maximum allowable bending stress” of 2,800 or 3,000 psi. LVL offer several advantages over technical milled lumber, it is made in factory under control specification and it is more stronger straighter and more uniform in size.
LVL beam sizes may vary according to manufacturer but lvl standard thickness are 1-3/4 inches to 3-1/2 inches. An LVL beam length are generally available in 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 and 44 feet with special order upto 60 Feet. LVL beam depth are typically 5 1/2 inches to 24 inches. It comes in depth of 7-1/4 inches , 9-1/4 inches , 9-1/2 inches, 11-1/4 inches, 11-7/8 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, 18 3/4 inches, 20 inches and 23 7/8 inches.
LVL beam span calculator
To determine the size of LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beam you need, calculate LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20 and width of a LVL beam is 1/3 or 1/ 4 of its depth. For example: A 20 foot long LVL beam should be 12 inches deep (20×12) ÷20 = 12 inches).
To calculate the size of the LVL beam simply divide the span in inches by 20 which gives the depth of the beam and the width of the LVL beam 1/3 or 1/4 of its depth.
To figure out or estimate of LVL beam size and their depth. Design a beam width based on the fact that the typical width of an LVL beam is 1-3/4 inches to 3-1/2 inches. The width can be increased by laminating in multiples of 1-3/4 inches or 40mm. Beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth. You can use LVL beam calculator to find required size of lvl beam.
LVL beam calculator
Calculate LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20. LVL beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth. For example: A 20 foot long LVL beam should be 12 inches deep (20×12) ÷20 = 12 inches).
◆ LVL beam: Sizes, Cost, Span, Calculator and price
◆ How much does it cost to install a LVL beam
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◆ What size wood beam for 20, 16, 18, 12, 22, 24, 25, 26 & 30 feet span
Beam depths are typically 5-1/2 inches, 7-1/4 inches, 9-1/4 inches, 11-1/4 inches, 11-7/8 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches. LVL beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.
For example what size lvl beam for a 20 foot span, as per general thumb rule, for a 20 foot span, size of LVL beam or GLULAM should be (20×12)÷20 = 12 inches deep and width of LVL beam = 12÷ 4 = 3″, which is nearly equal as 3-1/2 inches or 2ply wide, thus you need something like a 12″ thick or 3-1/2″× 11-7/8″ size of LVL beam to span up to 20 feet.
An LVL beam can span up to 60 feet due to its strength and is much stronger than traditional lumber. Generally, you can find LVL beams in a 4-foot increments starting at 24 feet and going up to 44 feet long, with special customize size up to 60 feet. LVL beam thickness is usually between 1-3/4″ (one ply) and 7 inches (4ply).
LVL span calculator
Calculate LVL beam span on the rule of thumb for estimating the span of LVL manufactured beam which is to multiply the depth in feet by figure 20, resulting figure is span of LVL beam. For example: An 12 inches deep an LVL beam can span up to 20 feet (12″÷12× 20= 20 foot).
Rule of thumb for sizing LVL beam
Design an LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20. LVL Beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.
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. Beam depths are typically 5 1/2 inches, 7 1/4 inches, 9 1/4 inches, 11 1/4 inches, 11 7/8 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches.
Conclusions:
LVL beam span calculator, design an LVL beam depth based on the rule of thumb for estimating the depth of manufactured beams which is to divide the span in inches by 20. LVL Beam width should be 1/4 to 1/3 beam depth.