Determination of characteristic strength and stiffness values in glued laminated beams of Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis according to European standards

The present paper reports the results of an investigation regarding the determination of characteristic strength and stiffness values in glued laminated beams of fast-growth Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis according to the criteria established in European standards. An empirical research project with 100 beams in structural sizes and 191 finger-jointed laminations was carried out. Test results allow to analyse the mechanical property values of this glued laminated timber in comparison with those adopted by the strength class system established in the European standard EN 1194 (1999), and they reveal a very high ratio of modulus of elasticity to density. Test results were also compared with values obtained by means of the equations provided by EN 1194 (1999). The effectiveness of the criteria established in this European standard for determining mechanical properties in beams of this deciduous species is analysed through the discussion of test results and those obtained from calculations based on lamination properties.