MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Radiata Pine, LVL beam, various sizes (Specified by section size)

Laminated Veneer Lumber
composite › Timber-Based Composite › Laminated Veneer Lumber
compositetimber-based compositeengineered woodstructuralLVLradiata pineplantation timberAS/NZS 4357sustainablerenewable
ATLAS CODE
COM-TBC-LVL-001
Radiata Pine, LVL beam, various sizes (Specified by section size)
Category composite
Material Family Timber-Based Composite
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
660 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
-789 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
50+ yrs
Description

Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product made from thin veneers bonded with structural resin, providing high strength and stiffness in beams and lintels.

Typical Uses
  • Structural beams and headers
  • Floor joists and bearers
  • Roof rafters and ridge beams
  • Lintels over openings
  • Portal frame construction
  • Concrete formwork beams
  • Scaffold planking
  • I-joist flanges
  • Truss chords
  • Laminated columns
  • Box beams
  • Rim boards
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 97
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon -789 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 3500 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Superior strength and stiffness compared to solid timberDimensional stability with minimal shrinkage or warpingConsistent and predictable mechanical propertiesAvailable in long lengths (up to 12m)Can be manufactured to precise dimensionsEfficient use of plantation resourceLower variability than solid timberCan be preservative treated for durabilityRenewable and sustainable materialGood strength-to-weight ratioEasy to work with standard toolsCarbon sequestration benefits
Cautions
Higher initial cost than solid timberRequires weather protection during constructionCut ends require sealing if envelope treatedLimited availability of higher grades (F17+)Adhesive content adds to embodied energyCannot be recycled as solid woodSusceptible to moisture if not protectedRequires careful handling to avoid damageMay require special connectors for some applicationsNot suitable for appearance applications without finishing
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-TBC-LVL-001
Density (Dry) 660 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.6
Porosity 55 %
Water Absorption 130 %
Hardness 3.5
Surface Roughness 100 μm
UV Resistance Low
Chemical Resistance Moderate
pH Tolerance 4-9
Compressive Strength 47 MPa
Tensile Strength 34 MPa
Flexural Strength 50 MPa
Shear Strength 5 MPa
Elastic Modulus 13200 MPa
Impact Resistance 35 J/m
Bearing Capacity 12 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.35
Creep Resistance 2
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 0.14 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 7.14 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 2300 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.000035 μm/m·K
Ignition Temperature 280 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 32
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.1
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 35 %

LVL technology was developed in the 1940s for aircraft components using Sitka spruce. Commercial production began in the 1960s with Douglas fir in North America. Radiata Pine LVL production commenced in New Zealand in the 1980s and Australia in the 1990s. Major Australian production facilities include Carter Holt Harvey's Marsden Point plant (NZ supplying Australia) and Nelson Pine Industries (commissioned 2002). The product has evolved from basic structural applications to sophisticated engineered solutions including I-joists and prefabricated building systems. Current Australian production follows AS/NZS 4357 standards with continuous quality monitoring and third-party certification through schemes like EWPAA.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-TBC-LVL-001
Flame Spread Index 8
Smoke Developed Index 3
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 280 °C
Fire Resistance Rating None hours
Heat Release Rate 120 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -789 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 3500 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 850 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 97%
LEED Points 3
Circular Economy Score 75 /100
VOC Emissions 0.05 g/L
Skill Level Qualified carpenter
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 0.5-2.0 hr/m²
Temperature Range -10 to 50 °C
Humidity Range 10-90 %
Required Tools
Circular saw or drop sawPower drillMeasuring tapeSpirit levelSafety equipment (PPE)
Certifications Required
Carpentry trade qualificationWhite card (construction induction)
Weather Limitations
Protect from rain during installationAvoid prolonged moisture exposure
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-TBC-LVL-001
Material Cost 800-1500
Installation Cost 80-150
Annual Maintenance Minimal
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) Low
Market Availability Good
Lead Time 1-4 weeks weeks
Design Life 50+ years
Warranty Period 10-25 years
Maintenance Interval Annual months
Service Temp Range -30 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 4357 compliantEWPAA certifiedJAS-ANZ product certificationPEFC certifiedFSC availableEPD available (FWPA)E0 formaldehyde emission classGREENGUARD Gold available
Fire Code Compliance
Group 3 material (AS/NZS 1530.3)Suitable for BAL-12.5 and BAL-19 with treatment
Standards Compliance
NCC/BCA compliantAS 1720.1 - Timber structuresAS 1684 - Residential timber framingASTM D5456 (LVL specification)ISO 18776 (LVL specifications)EN 14374 (European LVL standard)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-TBC-LVL-001 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4