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European LVL Handbook

The European LVL Handbook is an extensive source of information for designers, engineers and builders.

The European LVL handbook is the first comprehensive summary of the properties and end uses of structural LVL (laminated veneer lumber) products. It has been published by the Federation of the Finnish Woodworking Industries. The handbook is an extensive source of information for designers, engineers and builders.

Glued veneer structure makes structural LVL an efficient material for construction. The product is used for beams, plates, studs, panels and elements: from new buildings to renovations and further industrial applications.

The companies Metsä Wood, Stora Enso Wood Products and Raute Oyj participated in the project.

Downloads

European LVL strength classes

In connection with LVL Handbook the Federation of the Finnish Woodworking Industries and the German Studiengemeinschaft Holzleimbau published on behalf of the LVL producers a joint technical bulletin that specifies the strength classes, tolerances and additional design provisions for LVL. The calculations in the LVL Handbook are based on the bulletin, which can be found under downloads on this page.

Want to know more?

Kerto LVL products

Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL products fulfil or exceed the requirements for strength class requirements defined by European LVL producers according to the following table:

Type

Density 510 kg/m3

Density 440 kg/m3

Beams, joists, studs, formwork

LVL 48 P
Kerto LVL S-beam

LVL 32 P
Kerto LVL T-stud

Vertical and horizontal panels

LVL 36 C / 32 C
Kerto LVL Q-panel

LVL 25 C / 22 C
Kerto LVL L-panel

Industrial panels and beams

Kerto LVL Qp-beam & Kate
Kerto LVL special constructions

Q&A

  1. 1.

    Who is the LVL handbook targeted for?

    The first three chapters are suitable reading for anyone interested in wood construction and use of LVL. Chapters 4–9 are technical details mainly targeted for engineers.

  2. 2.

    What do ‘P’ and ‘C’ used in the strength classes stand for?

    P = all veneers are parallel, C = at least two veneers crossbond

  3. 3.

    Does the handbook provide all the necessary information for a local engineer in any European country to design with LVL?

    No. It will offer enough info on LVL for most of the cases though.

  4. 4.

    LVL handbook shows general information on LVL, can I find somewhere more information on Kerto LVL?

    More information related to Kerto LVL i  available at Kerto LVL product page and Kerto LVL Manual.

  5. 5.

    Which producers back-up European LVL handbook?

    Metsä Wood and Stora Enso.

  6. 6.

    Different manufacturers use different species but how do the strengths differ?

    Density is generally the main driver for strength and stiffness values of LVL. Producers can produce from what spices they want to obtain the standard class values.

  7. 7.

    How does veneer thickness affect LVL properties?

    Generally thinner veneers offer better strength, the per producer thickness is related to properties and production speed.

  8. 8.

    Why are given strenght class properties different from Kerto LVL properties?

    Strength and stiffness properties are aligned with all producers and do not only reflect just Kerto LVL.
    For Kerto LVL we use our own material values stated in Declaration of Performance documents.

  9. 9.

    How is LVL present in design tools?

    The list of tools is available in Handbook’s section 1.11. See also the list of applications including Kerto LVL. Generally there is either cross-section library or material properties.