Wood is one of the most used materials in building industry, and the progresses that have been made in the field of woodworking have increased its use in many different sectors. Glulam(glued laminated timber, also called Gluelam), for example, permits us to go beyond the dimensional limits of wood, to realise trusses with suitable section and length and to build curved beams.
Woodworking is still very important in many fields, first of all in building industry. A natural and ancient material (the first huts and pile-dwellings built by men were made of wood), wood has accompanied the humankind over millennia, and nowadays it is still able to keep pace with the times, meeting the needs imposed by the era we are living in. One of the most urgent issues affecting our planet and our society is pollution, but if we choose to use wood to build houses and buildings we can help stemming, in part, this big problem. Wood is indeed one of the most used materials in bioconstruction, as it produces a low consumption of energy and a small amount of waste during its working. Wood has also many other advantages: for example, it creates a unique atmosphere in each room, building or house in which it is used, making every place very warm and cosy. Also, wood is a resistant and cheap material as well as a good sound and heat insulator.
Certainly wood does not only have advantages, on the contrary, it also has some peculiarities which might compromise its use in some fields: the size of logs, for example, i.e. their length and section, is limited, and this might be a problem as far as trusses building is concerned. Moreover, logs do not lend themselves naturally to the construction of curved beams. To solve these problems many solutions have been found over centuries, and the most recent one, and the best, is that of producing finger jointed wood panels, which have almost unlimited fields of applications. It was carpenter Otto Karl Friedrich Hetzer who invented, in 1901, this type of working, which makes wood very ductile, ready to be used even in the most complicated architectural structures, and suitable for being used without restriction in building industry and civil engineering, as well as in art.
The production of glulam includes various steps and takes place in appropriate plants. The first step of the process is choosing timber, which must be as homogeneous as possible. The most used timber in Europe is spruce, then Scots pine, larch and oak. Then logs are cut into battens, which are dried to reach the right degree of humidity. Timber layers are then checked to verify their humidity and defects, they are planed and glued together. Gluing is the most important and delicate step of the whole process. At this point layers are pressed, they are let to rest for a couple of days and are then planed to make their surface smooth and uniform. The last steps of glulam working are finishing and application of special products which are meant to preserve wood from noxious agents.
The Alluring Coastline of Calabria: A Year-Round Italian Paradise
Calabria, the toe of Italy's boot, is a year-round haven that captivates visitors with its stunning vistas, rich historical tapestry, and artistic legacy. This Italian gem, with its extended summer season, offers an idyllic escape for beach lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, ensuring an unforgettable experience in every visit.
Discovering the Seychelles: A Tropical Paradise
The Seychelles archipelago, a cluster of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a breathtaking destination known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beaches, and lush tropical foliage. This idyllic setting offers a serene escape beneath the sun or the shade of a palm tree, making it one of the most exquisite natural havens on the planet.
The Pivotal Role of Plastic Materials in the Italian Economy and Innovative Sustainable Alternatives
The Italian economy significantly benefits from the plastic materials sector, particularly through the export of these products. Despite recent economic challenges, there are signs of recovery, and the industry is exploring sustainable innovations, such as biodegradable films made from agricultural waste.
