Engineered Structural Materials


CSI NUMBER

061 100
061 200
061 500
061 800

DEFINITION:

Engineered structural products are recycled/reconstituted wood materials that employ laminated wood chips or strands and fingerjointing (the gluing of larger pieces together).

CONSIDERATIONS:

These materials fall into the general category of engineered wood. This means that the tolerances in stability, consistency, straightness, and strength are more precise than dimensional lumber, making the products easier to work with. In joist and rafter applications, the reconstituted products are particularly useful for long spans without bowing or lateral movement.

These materials drastically minimize the amount of waste created in processing the raw materials. Waste wood and entire trees, regardless of species, shape, and age, can be used in making these products.

Fingerjointed studs reduce waste in two ways. Short pieces that normally would be unusable are combined rather than disposed and the engineered quality of fingerjointed materials eliminate warping or cracking. The strength of the joints in good quality material is such that the solid wood portions will be more likely to break than the adhered fingerjoint.
Commercial StatusImplementation Issues
T
E
C
H
N
O
L
O
G
Y
S
U
P
P
L
I
E
R
S
C
O
S
T
F
I
N
A
N
C
I
N
G
A
C
C
E
P
T
A
N
C
E
R
E
G
U
L
A
T
O
R
Y
Recycled/Reconstituted WoodSatisfactorySatisfactory in most conditionsSatisfactorySatisfactorySatisfactorySatisfactory
SatisfactorySatisfactory
Satisfactory in most conditionsSatisfactory in most conditions
Satisfactory in Limited ConditionsSatisfactory in Limited Conditions
Unsatisfactory or DifficultUnsatisfactory or Difficult

COMMERCIAL STATUS

TECHNOLOGY:

Well developed.

SUPPLIERS:

Dealers exist in Austin for I-beams and laminated materials and all local suppliers can order these materials. Fingerjointed structural material is not readily available locally.

COST:

Mostly equal to solid sawn wood. When labor savings and reduced job site waste are considered, the cost is highly competitive. Engineered wood products should be more stable in price than dimensional lumber.

IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES

FINANCING:

Available.

PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE:

Environmentally aware and/or quality conscious individuals may prefer these materials. Not objectionable to the general public, however.

REGULATORY:

None, when used to manufacturer’s approved specifications.

GUIDELINES

1.0 I-Beams

Reconstituted web material, typically of OSB (oriented-strand board), and solid wood flanges.Flanges should not be cut or notched.

Should be stored on edge in a vertical position.

Blocking or stiffeners will be needed in ridges, cantilevers, and other specific load bearing locations.

2.0 Laminated Beams

Can be nailed or bolted together to form multiple member beams for heavy load requirements.

3.0 Fingerjointed studs

May replace conventional studs; will not twist.

Add YOUR company to the Resource list on this page…