Why Do We Limit Design of Microllam® LVL to 4 Plies?

Weyerhaeuser limits the maximum allowable beam width to 7" in literature and software for all our beam products. This is done to minimize the torsional effect (twisting) of face loading on one side of the beam. In addition, wider multi-ply beams make connection design more difficult using typical connectors. Beams wider than 7" and any necessary connections for those members should be evaluated by the responsible designer-of-record.