dboice posted on February 08, 2010 12:27
Numerous "laminated" columns have begun cropping up around the country. Most of them are nail
laminated and some have added a bead or two of non-structural adhesive between the plies. This adhesive
is totally useless to hold multiple plies of dimensional lumber in tension or shear and therefore is of no use in
assigning strength to the product. Do not be deceived by the claim of "nail plus". It is non-structural
adhesive with 2 (two) stainless wires pulled through every 8 inches! These columns are limited in their
application in that they must have lateral bracing in the weak axis (can't be used as a stand-alone column)
and the nails create problems for the contractors when they need to be cut. The nail pattern equivalent of
our permanent adhesive would be 1-20d each square inch of column face area each ply. The column is also
approximately 15% weaker than the Gruen-Wald Classic Column and cannot be stock piled for extended
periods oftime!
A second column has appeared that is built by assembling several plies of Ponderosa Pine with permanent
adhesive. The "column" is then treated full length and has to be dried to be useable in the construction of
Post-Frame Buildings. Often these are "drip dried" and may take months to reach 19% moisture content.
A nail laminated column using ACQ treatment has appeared also. Research we have done shows that ACQ
is very corrosive and would require stainless steel connectors be used throughout. Our efforts at
investigating this column reveals that they use a standard electroplate galvanized nail to ply the treated
portion "above grade". It is not the ground that eats the nails; it is the ACQ that will destroy the nails!
Again I remind you, a 20d nail each square inch of each ply would be required to equal the holding capacity
of our permanent adhesive. Metal connector plates would also be eaten up quickly by the ACQ.
One company founded by two salesmen offers glu-Iam products without third party certification. This is
extremely dangerous because this company lacks the technical oversight and quality control standards of
AP AlEWS or AITC member plants. My question to you, if you plan to buy these uncertified products is
"Do you feel lucky today? Check with your local or state building officials if they are comfortable with
uncertified product. More importantly, ask the owner if they feel lucky!
Gruen-Wald Classic Columns are technically supported by a team of Structural Engineers and APAIEWS.
Our products all meet AITC/ANSI A 190.1 standards so you can buy and use these products with total
confidence. Your questions will always be answered quickly so that you can bid with confidence. Complete
certified (stamped) drawings are available for any state in the USA.
In summary, the Gruen-Wald Classic Column will give you a superior product in every way at a competitive
price. Your buildings may be insurable at a better rate, the service life will be longer and you will have
more satisfied customers using Gruen-Wald Classic Columns.
Please contact Loren, Andy or Duane to discuss vour next project using Gruen-Wald Classic Columns.
Remember, "GOOD ENOUGH" NEVER IS!!