Boise Cascade has relaunched its 2.1E Versa-Lam LVL, or laminated veneer lumber, beams and headers with increased modulus of elasticity (MOE) grades. The manufacturer aims to simplify the process of designing wood structures by shifting to a more widely-used method of assigning MOE grades.
“Currently, there are two acceptable methods of determining the MOE value for structural wood beams, and EWP manufacturers have been split between the two methods,” says Tim Debelius, division marketing director for Boise Cascade Wood Products. “Boise Cascade is shifting to assigning MOE grades based on the method used by other EWP producers in order to simplify the design process for specifiers. This shift will not only showcase the superior design values of Versa-Lam LVL, but will also help lumberyards reduce the risk of inadvertently substituting beams with lower design values where Versa-Lam LVL has been specified.”
Boise Cascade updated its software design engine with the new grades in April 2019, and will begin shipping Versa-Lam LVL with increased grades in early summer. Versa-Lam LVL product code reports will continue to be published with both True E and Apparent E values.
“Our engineers and local representatives are committed to assisting customers and provide the support needed for a smooth transition,” Debelius says. “While designers are encouraged to begin using the new grades in their layouts as soon as possible, we fully understand that they need the latitude to start the transition based on their current inventory levels and the projects they have already in the pipeline.” boisecascade.com
