How should the length of glulam beams be determined if they exceed 16 feet?

Determining the length of glulam beams, particularly for lengths exceeding 16 feet, primarily requires the expertise of an engineer. This is because glulam beams must be designed to handle the specific loads and stresses that they will encounter in their application. An engineer will take into account various factors such as span lengths, load-bearing requirements, and potential deflection to ensure that the beams will perform safely and effectively.

Engineers rely on established engineering principles and codes to calculate the optimal beam length, ensuring that all safety and structural integrity standards are met. This approach minimizes the risk of structural failure and is crucial for compliance with building regulations and standards. Therefore, the involvement of an engineer in calculating the length of glulam beams is essential for accurate design and safety considerations.