ENGINEERING – TRUCTURAL ENGINEERING — MAONRY & TIMBER CALCULATOR
Engineered Wood Span
A precise tool.
What is the Engineered Wood Span & How does it work?
Engineered wood products such as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) are designed to provide high strength and stiffness for long‑span applications, allowing designers to replace solid timber or steel in many cases.
The allowable span is governed by the interaction of material properties (allowable stress), geometric properties (section modulus), and the imposed loads. By rearranging the flexural formula, the maximum span can be expressed as a function of these variables.
Design codes also limit deflection, typically expressed as a fraction of the span (e.g., L/360). Ensuring both strength and serviceability criteria are met results in safe, efficient timber structures.
\frac{M_{allow}}{w}
M_{allow} = allowable moment, w = uniform load per foot
Parameters
Result
—
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for calculating the maximum span of engineered wood?
The maximum span can be calculated using the flexural formula, taking into account allowable stress, section modulus, and imposed loads.
How do I determine the allowable stress for engineered wood?
Allowable stress is typically determined by dividing the material’s ultimate strength by a safety factor, which varies based on the application and code requirements.
What are some common applications for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)?
LVL is commonly used in long-span floor systems, roof trusses, beams, and other structural applications where high strength and stiffness are required.
How does Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL) compare to Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)?
Both PSL and LVL are engineered wood products with high strength, but PSL is typically more cost-effective for large cross-sections and longer spans.
What factors affect the geometric properties of engineered wood?
Geometric properties such as section modulus are affected by factors like the dimensions of the wood product, the number of layers, and the orientation of the grain in each layer.
How do I determine the imposed loads for an engineered wood span calculation?
Imposed loads include dead loads (self-weight), live loads (e.g., people, furniture), and environmental loads (e.g., wind, snow). These are typically determined by local building codes and specific project requirements.
Can I use this calculator for all types of engineered wood?
This calculator is primarily designed for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL). Other types of engineered wood may require different calculations or adjustments.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.