Proofloading of Finger-Joints for Glulam Timber

The need for positive assurance that the strength of all end-joints in the critical outer tension zone of beams is in balance with the strength of the wood has been the number one quality concern of the glulam timber industry for several years. Large beam tests have consistently shown that end-joints are critical in assuring that beam strengths meet assigned values. A Weyerhaeuser designed bending proofloader was installed in their Cottage Grove, Oregon glulam plant continuous end-joint curing line in September 1976 to develop data on proofloading the hot, partially cured finger-joints. Tests were conducted to assure that the system would meet the critical criteria of a meaningful proof load system for engineered products. Code acceptance was received in December 1977 to become the first approved system used by the U.S. glulam industry. This is a significant quality control tool as it provides 100 percent testing and minimum strength assurance of all end-joints in the critical zones of the glulam timber.

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