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Title

ग्लूलैम काष्ठ (Glulam Timber)

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
Rare

Glūlām Kāṣṭha

Glulam Timber

4.5/5(Based on 1 heritage site)
DescriptionGlūlām Kāṣṭha (ग्लू-लैमिनेटेड काष्ठ), or Glulam Timber, is an engineered wood product increasingly utilized in modern Indic architecture, offering an alternative to traditional solid timber members [1]. Its composition involves bonding layers of *kāṣṭha* (काष्ठ, wood) using durable adhesives. Density ranges from 400-700 kg/m³, while bending strength is typically 40-70 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity is 10-14 GPa. Sourcing timber from sustainable *vana* (वन, forests) across the Indian subcontinent is crucial. While not historically prevalent in ancient structures, its application in contemporary temple construction and community halls reflects evolving building practices. Fire resistance can be enhanced through chemical treatments. Conservation efforts focus on adhesive stability and preventing biological degradation (*kṣaya*, क्षय). The material's durability is paramount, especially when integrated with existing heritage structures during restoration. Its use allows for long-span structural elements, such as roof beams and arches, previously unattainable with traditional *lakdi ka lattha* (लकड़ी का लट्ठ, wooden log) construction [2].
Also Known As
Glulam Timber
Glūlām Kāṣṭha
Glued Laminated Timber
Engineered Wood
Structural Glued Laminated Timber
Glulam
ग्लू-लैमिनेटेड काष्ठ
अभियंत्रित काष्ठ
संश्लिष्ट काष्ठ
लकड़ी का लट्ठ
ஒட்டு பலகை மரம் (Oṭṭu palakai maram)
అతుక్కున్న కలప (Atukkunna kalapa)
ಅಂಟಿಕೊಂಡ ಮರ (Aṇṭikoṇḍa mara)
ഒട്ടിച്ച മരം (Oṭṭicca maraṁ)
Tags
Glulam
Timber
Engineered Wood
Structural Timber
Material ID
INHFMAT-889667177-20-11-25-GI
URIhttps://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/material/glulam-timber
API Endpoint
https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/materials/glulam-timber
Total Sites1
Primary Sites1
CreatedNovember 20, 2025
Last UpdatedNovember 28, 2025

External References

View on Getty AAT

Material Types

Types
Engineered Wood
Timber

Regions

Regions
India (Pan-Indian)

Historical Context

Time Periods
20th Century CE - Present

Geographic Sources

Sources
Timber mills
Adhesive manufacturers

Properties

Properties
Density: 400-700 kg/m³
Bending strength: 40-70 MPa
Modulus of elasticity: 10-14 GPa
Fire resistance: Can be treated to improve fire resistance

Common Uses

Uses
Roof beams
Arches
Columns
Long-span structural elements
Modern temple construction
Community halls

Related Materials

Materials
इस्पात - Ispāt (Steel)
कंक्रीट - Kaṅkrīṭ (Concrete)

Related Styles

Styles
Modern architecture

Related Categories

Categories
Temple (Modern Construction)
Community Hall

Conservation Notes

Notes
  • Susceptible to moisture damage
  • Requires protective coatings
  • Vulnerable to insect infestation

Heritage Sites (1)

Site NameStatusUsageConfidence
Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple Tividale
Primary
100%

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