North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

The crown or camber on a glulam beam must be placed in which direction?

1. Outward

2. Inward

3. Downward

4. Upward

The correct answer is: Outward

The crown or camber on a glued laminated beam (glulam beam) is intentionally designed to be placed upward. This upward placement serves a significant structural purpose. When a glulam beam is loaded, it tends to deflect or bow under the weight it is supporting. By constructing the beam with an upward camber, the natural deflection caused by the load allows the beam to settle into a level position when weight is applied. This means that the initial upward curve compensates for the immediate sagging that occurs once the beam is in use, ensuring that the desired level surface is maintained and minimizing the risk of pooling water or additional structural stresses. The direction of the crown is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of the beam within a construction project. Understanding this principle is vital for anyone involved in selecting or installing glulam beams, as it impacts both aesthetics and engineering performance during and after the construction phase.