CSA Group Qualification Code for Manufacturers of Structural Glued-Laminated Timber

Preface This is the fifth edition of CSA O177, Qualification code for manufacturers of structural glued-laminated timber. It supersedes the previous editions published in 1989, 1981, 1977, and 1965. Scope 1.1 Glued-laminated timber (Glulam) is an engineered wood product requiring precise manufacturing at all stages of fabrication. The finished product can only be tested under laboratory conditions; therefore, quality control of manufacturing is necessary to ensure that the properties of Glulam are commensurate with the specified strengths assigned to Glulam in accordance with CAN/CSA-O86. This Standard outlines requirements for the qualification of shop manufacturers of laminated structural timber that is pressure-glued using clamps or mechanical means other than nailing. 1.2 This Standard outlines requirements for determining the initial and continuing suitability of a plant's personnel, equipment, and procedures to manufacture structural glued-laminated timber in accordance with CSA O122. This Standard qualifies individual plants. If more than one plant is operated by one fabricator, each plant requires separate qualification. The process of glue laminating using mobile or temporary facilities is not covered by this Standard. 1.3 Certification of Glulam is not covered by this Standard. The manufacture of Glulam is covered by CSA O122. 1.4 In CSA Standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and "can" is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application. 1.5 This Standard is written in SI (metric) units. For conversion into yard/pound (imperial) equivalents, see Annex F.