Need Some Help Making Arched LVL's????

maleko

Ok i need to make my own LvLs that are not a true raduis. custom shaped very close to a true raduis but not true.. they need to measure like a 4x6 beam, 20 feet total lenght,
i was thinking taking 20 foot 2x4's rip them in half planning both sides so i am able to bend them to the arch i need. and glue six of them toghether in a jig . will this work. it is going to be used for a ached roof over a pool house. with 2x6 t&g for sheathing ..
any ideas on how to do this??? and make them strong...
thankss

Joe Carola

Yes, call an Architect or Engineer because that's who will have the experience and knowledge, not you or anyone here can help you with this, especially it being a roof and no information.

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SLSTech

Correct - you definitely need to get an engineer to draw it up

FYI - last time I checked you need a longer board than 20' to make a 20' arch. Depending on the bend / arch you are looking for, you can get a Glulam that's cambered - but it depends on exactly what you are looking for & you didn't give enough info

I have seen beams made with 1/4" plywood bent & glued up but as stated above you will need an engineer to help you out with type of wood, glue, other connections, load and how much it will spring back after being released from the form.

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Cole

I agree with Joe, please consult an engineer.

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Meetre

yeah, get some help on this one, bending changes the loads it can handle.

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BuiltByMAC

Perfect responses above...

For my own curiosity, what radius are you looking at bending the beam to?

And is this a fakie beam out in front under the eaves that's just for show or is it a load-bearing structural member?

Mac

maleko

the beams will be supporting the weight of the roof. the structure is only 14 feet by 20 feet, 14 feet left to right is were the beams will span,
the ridge is only 30 inches above the top plate so its not a very sharp radius. i figured the beams would be 20 feet total length ,

joasis

My lumber yard can actually order arched glulams.

As to making your own, if an engineer signs off on the design, you can use 1x4's, and stagger the length.......glued and nailed......how do I know? hundreds of barns were built this way...all those old round tops, look at the wooden frames, and that is what you will see.

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maleko

is there a benifit to using stagered lengths? if i can use all single lengths is that better, or staggered are stronger???

neolitic

If you don't do it as a truss,
you'll still have to accommodate
for outward thrust/spread.

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joasis

Up to the engineer that draws the design. If we are talking strictly why, then try to find 22 or 24 foot long 1's free of defect for this.....I suppose you could order finger jointed material, but the old timers simply staggered the laps in the 1x4's.

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neolitic

Does that mean what it sounds
like it means?

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Morning Wood

Instead of using KD lumber I would use douglas fir decking. You can make a jig on the ground or on the side of a building and then glue it up with epoxy. You usually allow for 10% spring back when gluing a curve like that. Probably would be easier to just order an arched lam though.

Mike Barry

I do this everyday with my business. We make arches and all kinds of round products for framing purposes. Depending on the radius your idea should work just fine and be plenty strong.

THe Builder

Have a 1/2" flitch plate made and bolt and glue your lams to it.