MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), various sizes (Specified by section size)

Parallel Strand Lumber
composite › Timber-Based Composite › Parallel Strand Lumber
compositetimber-based compositeengineered-woodstructuralhigh-strengthlong-spanweyerhaeuserparallam
ATLAS CODE
COM-TBC-PSL-001
Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), various sizes (Specified by section size)
Category composite
Material Family Timber-Based Composite
Regulatory Status Combustible
Density
721 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
-0.7 kg CO₂e/kg
Fire Class
Combustible
Lifespan
50 years
Description

Parallel strand lumber (PSL) is a structural composite lumber product made by aligning long veneer strands parallel to the member axis and bonding them with waterproof adhesive under heat and pressure. Weyerhaeuser Parallam PSL is a common product with high stiffness and strength for long-span beams and columns.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Industrial][Transport & Infrastructure]
Typical Uses
  • Long-span beams and headers
  • Heavy-loaded columns
  • Architectural exposed beams
  • Ridge beams and purlins
  • Post and beam construction
  • Commercial and industrial structures
  • Multi-storey construction
  • Bridge components
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 95
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon -0.7 kg CO₂e/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Superior bending strength and stiffnessExcellent dimensional stabilityConsistent and predictable propertiesLong clear spans possibleCan be preservative treatedAttractive appearance for exposed applicationsHigh load-bearing capacityEfficient use of wood resources
Cautions
Limited availability in AustraliaHigher cost than conventional timberRequires specialised design expertiseProprietary product with single manufacturerNot covered by Australian StandardsLong lead times for procurementLimited fire resistance without treatmentHeavy compared to solid timber
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-TBC-PSL-001
Density (Dry) 721 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 0.5 dimensionless
Surface Roughness Sanded smooth finish as manufactured μm
UV Resistance Moderate - requires protective coating for exterior use
Chemical Resistance Good resistance to mild chemicals, susceptible to strong acids/bases
pH Tolerance 3 – 11 pH
Compressive Strength 20 MPa
Tensile Strength 15.9 MPa
Flexural Strength 20 MPa
Shear Strength 2 MPa
Elastic Modulus 15169 MPa
Bearing Capacity 4.3 MPa
Creep Resistance Good - engineered for long-term loading
Abrasion Resistance Moderate - similar to hardwood
Thermal Conductivity 0.13 W/(m·K)
Thermal Resistance 7.7 (m²·K)/W per metre
Specific Heat Capacity 1.7 kJ/(kg·K)
Thermal Expansion 0.0000045 mm/mm/°C
Melting Point Not applicable - chars rather than melts °C
Ignition Temperature 260 °C
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %

Originally developed by CSIRO Australia in 1976 as 'Scrimber' using timber forest thinnings. Technology licensed and commercialised by MacMillan Bloedel (now Weyerhaeuser) as 'Parallam' PSL from 1980s. First manufactured at scale in North America and now produced globally.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-TBC-PSL-001
Flame Spread Index 75 FSI
Smoke Developed Index 150 SDI
Combustibility Class Combustible
Ignition Temperature 260 °C
Fire Resistance Rating Non-rated without protection - char rate similar to solid timber hours
Toxicity of Combustion Low - similar to natural wood
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -0.7 kg CO₂e/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 95%
LEED Points 2
VOC Emissions Low - phenol-formaldehyde cured during manufacture g/L
Skill Level Advanced - structural carpentry experience required
Crew Size 2 – 4 persons
Installation Time 4 hours per beam
Curing Time Not applicable - factory cured hours
Setting Time Immediate - mechanical fastening min
Temperature Range -10 – 40 °C
Humidity Range 30 – 85 %RH
Required Tools
Circular saw with carbide bladePower drill with high-torqueCrane or lifting equipment for large membersStandard carpentry hand tools
Certifications Required
Licensed builderStructural carpenter
Weather Limitations
Protect from rain during installationAvoid installation in high winds
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-TBC-PSL-001
Material Cost 15 – 45 AUD/linear metre
Installation Cost 80 – 150 AUD/hour
Annual Maintenance 50 AUD/m³
Market Availability Limited - special order in Australia
Lead Time 8 – 16 weeks
Design Life 50 years
Warranty Period 1 years
Maintenance Interval 5 years
Service Temp Range -40 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Good with proper detailing
Dimensional Stability Excellent - minimal shrinkage and swelling

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-PSL-001 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4