PLX Bracing

PLX Column

A powerful bracing solution for open-plan designs

The Prolam PLX Column is a breakthrough in structural timber design. Developed in collaboration with architects, engineers and builders it overcomes a key challenge in modern construction: achieving bracing requirements without sacrificing space or layout.

Delivering up to 120 bracing units in a single glulam member, the PLX Column is a space-saving, space-making solution for today’s homes. Available in 400mm x 90mm or 360mm x 90mm sizes, its compact footprint and high bracing capacity in minimal wall lengths allows you to create wider openings, cleaner lines and more light-filled, liveable interiors.

Cutting complexity on site

A simple fix and go solution, the PLX Column is delivered as a build-ready kitset including the prefabricated column and foundation connection.

Confident compliance

The product of extensive R&D and put through its paces at our testing facility, ProLab, the PLX Column meets and exceeds New Zealand building code requirements.

Tested in accordance with the BRANZ P21 (2010) bracing test and evaluation procedure, and third-party verified, the PLX Column provides bracing units to resist wind and earthquake loads.

Discover a smarter way to brace today.

Applications

The PLX Column has a wide range of applications for single storey dwellings and the ground floor of multi-storey buildings such as narrow townhouses and terrace houses where space is at a premium. It is ideal for:

• Open plan living areas.
• Kitchens.
• Entryways.
• Wing walls.
• Large openings.

Or anywhere you need bracing and have or want minimal wall lengths.

A cut above

• Premium glulam structural timber column
• Exceptional bracing capacity in minimal wall lengths
• Angled anchors for edges of insulated foundations
• Delivered as a prefabricated kitset ready to install
• Cut to length on site for an exact fit
• Connects easily to other timber members (no packing needed)
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Simple to specify with a PS1 Producer Statement
• A sustainable choice – made from NZ plantation grown pine
• NZ-made innovation
• Available nationwide

Timber used for laminating is carefully selected for production and graded according to strict Prowood specifications. All timber stock is kiln dried, to 13% average moisture content, to ensure efficient bonding in the gluing operations.

The laminations are machine finger jointed if required, with glue being cured by state of the art European press systems and controlled temperature. Prolam PLX Column products are available in non-visual utility grades only.

Prolam structural laminated timber can be used in any form of construction where the structure relies on AS/NZS 1170: 2002 and NZ 3603 1993. The design can be from specific design by an engineer using Prolam’s structural properties. All structural timber products must be stored, handled and installed in accordance with all Prolam’s installation requirements. Prolam structural laminated timber works well in harsh environments, for example in corrosive chemical stores, fell-monger, acid plants, salt-water environments and swimming pools, as it does not rust and the glues used are service class 3 certified.

Limitations on use

This laminated treated product must be protected from the elements until it is installed.
For internal use only.

Prolam structural timber products can be used in specific fire performance situations, and must be designed in conjunction with a fire engineer.

Building code statement of compliance

Prolam laminated structural timber installed in accordance with the Prolam installation requirements, will comply with the below performance clauses of the New Zealand building code.

Structure B1/AS1: meets the requirements of B1.3.1 B1.3.2 B1.3.3 (a, b, f, j, m, q) B1.3.4 (a, b, c, d, e); AS1170:2002 for engineering span tables, AS/NZS 1328:1998 and AS5068 for building element
Durability B2/AS1: meets the requirements of B2.3.1(a) B2.3.2. And can be used in service class 3 situations provided H3.2 treatment or higher is used. All timber is treated in accordance with NZS3640. Prolam treats it’s own timber, and is third party audited to ensure compliance to the New Zealand treatment standard. Correct treatments must be used in the right places.
Protection from Fire C: APA Evaluation of Char Rate (ASTM E119), TT- 118, January 2015; meets the requirements of C6.3 C6.4. Where members are required to have a fire resistance rating the designer can use the follow standards for FRR design: TT-118 OR: NZS 3603:1993 (section 9).
Hazardous Building Materials F2/AS1: meets the requirements of F2.3.1. Timber treatment suppliers meet NZS3640, which includes flash-off requirements.

NZBC designed to comply

B1
Structure

B2
Durability

B3
Protection from Fire

B4
Hazardous Building Materials

Features & Benefits

Cost Effectiveness

High weight-to-strength ratio of Prolam allows for maximum loads over large spans with the smallest possible end sections.

Product Quality

Prolam manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 1328 Glue Laminated Structural Timber standard.

Fire Safety

Extensive fire test data shows that Prolam beams maintain structural load support for measurable periods of time in fire situations.

Renewable Resource

Made from renewable New Zealand plantation timber, Prolam uses 14 times less energy to produce compared to the equivalent steel beam.

Chemical Resistance

Prolam works well in harsh environments as it does not rust and the glues used are service class 3 certified.

Why Choose Prolam

Engineered Structural Timber Solutions

Specify with certainty

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