GLULAM produces CLT structural panels on the first and only hydraulic pressing line in the country

GLULAM, best known for the production of glulam beams, has taken a significant step in modernizing and expanding its production capacities. In 2023, the company inaugurated the first and only hydraulic pressing line for CLT (cross laminated timber) panels in Romania. This strategic investment amplifies the company's ability to meet the growing demand for sustainable structural solutions in construction.

Strategic investment at GLULAM, Targoviste

GLULAM Company, known for the production of glulam glued laminated timber beams and large glulam structures, continuously invests in modern production technologies. In 2023, it made a major investment at its factory in Târgoviște by installing the first hydraulic pressing line for the production of CLT structural panels. This is an important step for GLULAM, which thus becomes the first producer in Romania of CLT structural panels obtained by hydraulic pressing.

The new CLT press line, unique in the country, allows the production of large panels with dimensions up to 3.20 x 13.20 meters and thickness up to 400 mm. These panels, used in construction for walls, floors and roofs, are made of resinous wood, providing both structural strength and superior thermal insulation and fire resistance performance.

Regarding the production of glulam beams, the company is certified by lCECON CERT institute for the production of glulam in strength classes GL 32h, GL 28h, GL 24h according to the European standard SR EN 14080:2013 and by Rina-COC for the use in the manufacturing process of spruce timber from forests managed with sustainable forest management - FSC. The company also has certified and operational Quality Management according to ISO 9001:2015, Environmental Management according to ISO 14001:2015 and Occupational Health and Safety Management according to ISO 45001:2018.

Its field of activity includes the design of glulam structures, the production of glulam beams, welded metal connections and high-density polyurethane foam sandwich insulating panels, as well as the assembly of glulam structures and insulating panels.

CLT structural panels - strong and lightweight building materials

CLT (cross-laminated timber) structural panels are revolutionary products in the construction industry, offering a sustainable and highly efficient alternative to traditional materials such as concrete or steel. CLT is composed of several layers of resinous wood arranged perpendicular to each other, giving it outstanding structural strength. This cross-laminating technique was designed to make the most of the natural properties of the wood, providing stability and superior mechanical strength.

CLT technology was developed in Europe in the 1980s. Manufacturing involves an advanced technological process that includes several stages: sorting the wood, sawing and planing it, applying a special glue and arranging the panels in layers, followed by pressing under high hydraulic force. The resulting panels have an odd number of layers, a minimum of 3, but can be up to 7 or more.

Due to its criss-cross structure, CLT is extremely rigid and able to withstand high loads, comparable to those taken by reinforced concrete. This type of panel also has a low weight compared to concrete or steel, making it ideal for lightweight construction and areas with high seismic activity. The specific weight of CLT panels is about 4-5 times less than concrete and masonry, which has a direct impact on infrastructure calculations and on transportation and material handling costs, as well as erection time.

A versatile material for the future of construction

The use of CLT is becoming increasingly popular in construction projects around the world and is on a rapid upward trend due to its structural characteristics, environmental benefits and sustainability. Unlike the production of concrete or steel, which consume large amounts of energy and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the manufacture of CLT panels requires much less energy and wood, being a renewable material, stores carbon throughout the lifetime of the product.

CLT contributes significantly to the realization of nZEB buildings due to its excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Wood has a low thermal conductivity (about 0.12 W/mK), which reduces the energy needed to heat and cool spaces, making these buildings more energy efficient. CLT panels also eliminate thermal bridging, ensuring high air tightness, which contributes to comfortable and healthy indoor environments.

Thanks to CLT's versatility and structural performance, this material is used in a wide range of construction applications. From single-family houses to high-rise buildings of up to 25 storeys, CLT can be used for exterior and interior walls, floors and roofs. In addition, CLT combines excellently with other glulam structural elements, providing flexibility for architects and engineers to create innovative structures.

GLULAM participation at the nZEB Expo in Cluj

In the context of the growing interest in sustainable and energy-efficient construction, GLULAM participated this year at the nZEB Expo in Bucharest, an event dedicated to the promotion of innovative technologies and materials for low-energy buildings. The public interest, the success of the fair and belonging to this ever-growing niche of timber construction and sustained in recent years, led the company to participate in the November edition of the fair, held at the BT Arena in Cluj Napoca.

At the nZEB Expo Cluj, GLULAM will present, along with its own established products, the CLT structural panels obtained on the new production line, highlighting the versatility and sustainability of this material in various types of projects. Participating in such events helps the company to connect with industry partners and strengthen its recognized position in the field of timber construction.

Materials such as glulam and CLT are the smart and responsible choice in construction. They reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption and contribute to the health and well-being of users, providing spaces that combine technological efficiency with natural comfort.

The products are already integrated into the GLULAM portfolio, which thus responds positively to the requirements of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company is the first local manufacturer to fill a niche in the specific demand for materials in the industry.

GLULAM is a unified brand and concept encompassing consultancy, design, production, distribution and installation services.