Versatile Versa-Lam LVL from Boise Cascade
Boise Cascade looks to simplify the process of designing wood structures.
Boise Cascade Company has relaunched its 2.1E Versa-Lam LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams and headers with increased modulus of elasticity (MOE) grades.
By shifting to a common approach for assigning MOE grades, Boise Cascade will simplify the process of designing wood structures.
“Currently, there are two acceptable methods of determining the MOE value for structural wood beams, and EWP manufacturers have been split between the two methods,” said Tim Debelius, division marketing director for Boise Cascade Wood Products. “Boise Cascade is shifting to assigning MOE grades based on the method used by other EWP producers in order to simplify the design process for specifiers."
The shift not only showcases the design values of Versa-Lam LVL, but is also designed to help lumberyards reduce the risk of inadvertently substituting beams with lower design values where Versa-Lam LVL has been specified.
According to Debelius, Boise Cascade will update its software design engine with the new grades in April and begin shipping Versa-Lam LVL with increased MOE grades in early summer 2019.
Boise Cascade will continue to publish Versa-Lam LVL product code reports in both ‘True E,’ as well as ‘Apparent E’ values, allowing engineers to continue using either calculation method.
“Our engineers and local representatives are committed to assisting customers and provide the support needed for a smooth transition,” said Debelius. “While designers are encouraged to begin using the new grades in their layouts as soon as possible, we fully understand that they need the latitude to start the transition based on their current inventory levels and the projects they have in the pipeline"
By shifting to a common approach for assigning MOE grades, Boise Cascade will simplify the process of designing wood structures.
“Currently, there are two acceptable methods of determining the MOE value for structural wood beams, and EWP manufacturers have been split between the two methods,” said Tim Debelius, division marketing director for Boise Cascade Wood Products. “Boise Cascade is shifting to assigning MOE grades based on the method used by other EWP producers in order to simplify the design process for specifiers."
The shift not only showcases the design values of Versa-Lam LVL, but is also designed to help lumberyards reduce the risk of inadvertently substituting beams with lower design values where Versa-Lam LVL has been specified.According to Debelius, Boise Cascade will update its software design engine with the new grades in April and begin shipping Versa-Lam LVL with increased MOE grades in early summer 2019.
Boise Cascade will continue to publish Versa-Lam LVL product code reports in both ‘True E,’ as well as ‘Apparent E’ values, allowing engineers to continue using either calculation method.
“Our engineers and local representatives are committed to assisting customers and provide the support needed for a smooth transition,” said Debelius. “While designers are encouraged to begin using the new grades in their layouts as soon as possible, we fully understand that they need the latitude to start the transition based on their current inventory levels and the projects they have in the pipeline"
