Product Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber

ANSI A190.1-2022: Product Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber

For structural engineers, architects, and wood product manufacturers, understanding the foundational standards for engineered wood products is paramount to ensuring building safety and performance. The ANSI A190.1-2022: Product Standard for Structural Glued Laminated Timber is an essential document that sets the benchmark for the design, manufacturing, and quality assurance of glulam. This comprehensive standard provides the technical framework necessary for the reliable application of this versatile structural material.

What is ANSI A190.1-2022?

ANSI A190.1-2022 is the authoritative American National Standard that defines the requirements for producing structural glued laminated timber (glulam). Developed by APA – The Engineered Wood Association and approved by ANSI, this standard ensures a common understanding of glulam characteristics, encompassing manufacturing processes, quality control, and product marking. Its primary purpose is to establish a nationally recognized basis for the production and certification of glulam, promoting consistency and reliability in the construction industry.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the production of structural glued laminated timber, including material specifications, manufacturing tolerances, adhesive applications, and appearance classifications. It details the necessary quality control systems for manufacturers, plant qualification processes, and the requirements for product marking and certification. While it provides minimum requirements for production, it permits the use of any suitable manufacturing method that achieves equal or superior quality, provided it meets the standard's criteria. The standard does not cover the structural design calculations for glulam members, which are addressed by other referenced codes and standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Structural Engineers, Architects, Wood Product Manufacturers, Quality Control Inspectors, Building Officials, and Materials Scientists.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Wood Products Manufacturing, Architecture, and Structural Engineering.
• • Compliance nature: While the use of American National Standards is voluntary, compliance with ANSI A190.1-2022 is often mandated by building codes and project specifications, making it effectively required for glulam used in structural applications.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through third-party inspection agencies accredited to audit manufacturing facilities and product quality, and by building code officials during construction reviews.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard outlines several critical requirements for the production of structural glulam:

• • Material Specifications: Professionals must ensure that lumber used for laminating meets specified species, moisture content, and grading requirements, including provisions for structural composite lumber.
• • Manufacturing Processes: Key provisions include detailed requirements for bonding surfaces, lamination thickness tolerances, and the proper application and curing of adhesives for both face, edge, and end joints.
• • Quality Control System: The standard mandates a robust quality control system for manufacturers, covering plant and process qualification, adhesive testing, daily quality checks, and record-keeping.
• • Appearance Classifications: Provisions are made for various appearance grades, from Framing to Premium, allowing selection based on aesthetic and functional requirements.
• • Product Marking: Glulam members must be clearly marked with essential information, including manufacturer identification, conformance statements, and any applicable fire-resistance ratings.

Related Standards & References

ANSI A190