“Wood is destined to play a major role in combating climate change”. European Commission DE Enterprises 2003.
Stratalam is the name given to the new generation of New Zealand glulam. It is the new symbol of quality adopted by the foremost Glulam manufacturers, all members of New Zealand Pine Manufacturers Association. These fifteen approved Stratalam manufacturers share a philosophy of delivering uncompromising standard of world class product quality to give specifiers an extra assurance of excellence in manufacturing and product performance.
Stratalam features higher certification standards than conventional glulam because it meets international and independent Bureau Veritas standards that are performance based. In addition, Stratalam beams are produced in licensed plants to AS/NZS 1328.1.1998.
Beams are individually tested for strength as recommended in AS/NZS 1328.2.1998.
Those manufacturers that fingerjoint are licensed in accordance with AS/NZS 1491.1996 standards.
Stratalam beams are also certified to the ‘S’ mark and meet the strict criteria
- Compliance
- Control
- Confidence
The Stratalam quality symbol tells your clients and building authorities that the product you specify has been independently assessed to international standards. Corporate, government and territorial authorities also recognize that Stratalam is performance assessed to help simplify the approval process.
For more information on certification standards, click here.
Stratalam is better for the environment.
It utilises wood, the only renewable construction material. The plantation timber used takes 14 times less energy to produce compared to the equivalent steel beam. It reduces the effects of global warming as trees and wood products act as carbon sinks. It reduces energy use with its outstanding insulation properties, and is also recyclable.
For more information on the environmental benefits, click here.
Stratalam has high strength to weight ratio.
A comparison with steel and concrete shows that Radiata Pine structural timber, for example, has a strength for weight ratio 20% higher than structural steel, and four to five times better than unreinforced concrete. (Australian Government)
Stratalam offers infinite design possibilities.
This design freedom brings Stratalam to the forefront of cutting edge architectural design. Nothing equals the natural look of wood, so it never needs false facing or camouflage. Stratalam beams can also be bent or shaped in a variety of ways and at the same time have the capacity to span large distances.
Stratalam is cost effective as a construction material
Stratalam is cost effective as a construction material, when the construction process is considered in its entirety. Stratalam is lightweight, easy to work with for sub-trades. Stratalam beams can be delivered on site, including connections ready for speedy installation. Carpenters and sub-contractors can utilize existing skills and no specific complicated techniques are required.
Stratalam is resilient and this enables it to easily absorb seismic and wind shocks that would cause failure in other materials.
Stratalam has great insulating qualities.
This is because wood also has excellent thermal, acoustic and electrical insulating properties.
Stratalam members maintain their strength in case of fire
Stratalam members maintain their strength in case of fire and do not fail because a char layer forming on the outer surface prevents continuous combustion. Fire fighters and the insurance industries recognise the superior fire resistant qualities of Stratalam. In many cases, the char layer can be sandblasted; the Stratalam resealed and the beams are ready for use again.
Stratalam resists corrosion.
Timber is naturally resistant to attack by corrosive atmosphere and timber treatment minimises deterioration.
