Structural and mechanical characterization of twenty glulam combinations

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of four adhesives in the mechanical behavior of glulam on five species that are commercially utilized in Colombia (Acacia mangium Willd., Campnosperma panamense Standl., Gmelina arborea Roxb., Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. and Pinus caribaea Morelet). The adhesives tested were phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF), melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF), polymer emulsion of isocyanate (EPI) and polyurethane (PUR), all of them handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We also assessed the spread factor of 350g/ cm-2 under controlled humidity and temperature. To establish resistance parameters we performed mechanical static bending experiments according to the Colombian Technical Standard (NTC 663). We measured the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and work to maximum load in bending. The results showed an optimum mechanical performance for all of the wood/adhesive combinations rendering their use feasible for construction purposes in Colombia.