Performance of amazonian species in the production of glued laminated timber

Wood has become an important material in construction, particularly for building structures, due to its renewable natural properties and high strength. However, solid wood has limitations in terms of log dimensions, making it challenging to use in constructions requiring larger structural components. In this context, engineered wood, such as Glued Laminated Timber (glulam), emerges as an innovative solution. Glulam consists of layers of low and medium-density wood bonded with specific adhesives, resulting in a material with superior mechanical properties and greater versatility. This study analyzed the performance of four low-density Amazonian species (Jacaranda sp., Cedrela fissilis, Cordia goeldiana, and Simarouba amara) in combination with different adhesive types (PVAc, EPI, PUR, and PU). Shear strength and accelerated delamination tests were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of these combinations for structural applications. The results indicated that EPI and PU adhesives excelled in shear strength, even surpassing the strength of solid wood in some species. However, performance varied by species, with Cordia goeldiana showing lower compatibility with PU. Delamination tests revealed that EPI and PVAc adhesives were more effective under external conditions, while PUR showed a higher tendency for delamination. It is concluded that the studied Amazonian species have significant potential for glulam production, provided that the appropriate adhesive is selected for each species. This not only promotes the sustainable use of Amazonian forests but also enhances regional bioeconomy development by adding value to forest products and contributing to environmental conservation.