Successful performance in fire tests of three types of off-the-shelf metal connectors for glue-laminated-timber column-to-beam assemblies will make it easier for designers to get approval for GLT structural systems in buildings up to 85 ft in height, says the Softwood Lumber Board, which sponsored the tests.
With the test report as documentation, designers now should be able to specify the tested assemblies and satisfy requirements of the International Building Code for mass-timber buildings, which the IBC refers to as Type IV construction, says the group.