German glulam manufacturer Hess-Wohnwerk was promoting not only its expertise in glulam, but also its Hess-Joint, which addresses the problem of transporting long beams.
The system enables long-span beams to be transported in sections up to 13.5m in length using a standard truck. The sections are then glued together on site using the Hess-Joint.
The strength of the joint is “more than 100%”, said the company’s Rensteph Thompson, as it meets strength classes GL35 and GL38, exceeding the GL32 maximum that is economically reasonable for a standard glulam beam.
“It can be used on all long beams or complicated shapes.”
While the system requires more precise site conditions, achieved through special equipment, the cost offsets what could otherwise be an expensive transport bill. It also enables the transport of beam shapes that would otherwise not be transportable.
Hess-Wohnwerk, which was established only five years ago, has worked with internationally-renowned architects such as Renzo Piano, Peter Zumthor and David Adjaye, but it also supplies standard beams for utilitarian buildings such as industrial distribution centres.
It is also securing more international projects and is currently working on buildings in France and Dubai.
