Softwood is more in demand than hardwood because it is used primarily in the US's largest wood-consuming industry, construction, resulting in increased importation of softwood annually to meet this demand. Hardwood, used for non-structural purposes like furniture and interior designs, is more abundant in US forests. However, some hardwood species are underutilized and undervalued. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has increased the demand for softwood. A study evaluated the mechanical and physical properties of three underutilized hardwood species (321 yellow poplar, 393 sweetgum, and 262 red oak specimens) for CLT industrial mat manufacturing. The results showed that red oak had a higher density than southern yellow pine, and all species had an average modulus of elasticity greater than the CLT lumber requirement. The study confirmed the viability of these underutilized hardwoods for CLT fabrication, suggesting they could be a suitable substitute for softwood in CLT manufacturing.

Knots are usually regarded as defects when grading lumber. In order to evaluate a member under out-of-plane loading, shear strength is one of the major mechanical properties, specifically, rolling shear (RS) strength is one of the critical mechanical properties of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which determines the flexural strength of CLT under short-span bending loads. Lower grade lumber with a higher percentage of knots is recommended to be utilized for the cross-layer laminations which are mainly responsible for resisting shear stresses. Firstly, shear tests were performed in order to evaluate the effect of knots on longitudinal shear strength using shear blocks. After that, the effect of knots on the RS strength of 3-ply southern yellow pine CLT were investigated by experimental tests and an analytical model. Center-point bending tests with a span-to-depth ratio of 6 and two-plate shear tests with a loading angle of 14° were conducted on six CLT configurations composed of different types of cross layer laminations: clear flatsawn lumber with/without pith, lumber with sound knots with/without pith, and lumber with decayed knots with/without pith. The shear analogy method was implemented to evaluate the RS strength values from the bending test results, which were also compared against the results from the two-plate shear tests. It was found that: (1) The shear blocks containing sound knots had higher shear strength than matched clear shear blocks, the shear blocks containing unsound knots had lower shear strength than the matched clear shear blocks. (2) CLT specimens with cross-layer laminations with either sound knots or decayed knots had higher RS strength. (3) In general, the shear analogy method underestimated the RS strength of CLT specimens containing knots and pith.

I dagens samhälle ligger fokus på hållbarhet vilket ställer höga krav på konstruktören vid utformningav stommen till flerbostadshus. En stor del av CO2-utsläppen inom byggprocessen kan härledas tillmaterialvalet där förbränning av kalk inom cementindustrin och framställning av stål ur järnmalm ärbland de främsta faktorerna till utsläppen. Denna rapport ämnar sig åt att ta fram vilka skillnader och likheter som ställs mellan två stomsystemmed olika bjälklag; ett utförande i korslimmat trä, hädanefter benämnt KL-trä, och ett utförande ihåldäcksbjälklag. De båda objekten har givits identiska förutsättningar, med reservation förbjälklagsmaterial, med en stomme i stål med varierande tvärsnittsprofiler. Data för CO2-ekvivalenter och pris av respektive stommaterial har undersökts och sammanställts itabellform där de två byggnaderna utvärderas och där resultatet diskuteras i analysdelen. Resultatetger svar på vilket element som presterar bäst till en kontorsbyggnad med två våningar med hänsyn tillkostnad och CO2-ekvivalenter för enskilda profiler sammanställts för de två byggnaderna. Dimensionering av balkar har genomförts med avseende på momentkapacitet, pelare med avseende påknäckning av centrisk tryckkraft, plan böjknäckning med moment av vindlast och normalkraft motpelare. Till visualisering av stommen har Tekla Structures använts och för verifiering avlastnedräkningar har FEM-Design 20 nyttjats. Rapportens ekonomidel avser kostnader av de två byggnaderna, vilka redovisats i tabellform medkostnad per stål- och bjälklagsprofil. Klumpsumma för respektive fall har sammanställts och idiskussionsdelen till denna rapport ges förklaringar och slutsatser. / In society today, the focus is on sustainability, which places high demands on the designer when designing the structural frame for apartment buildings. A large part of the CO2 emissions in the construction process can be traced to the choice of material, where the combustion of lime in the cement industry and the production of steel from iron ore are among the main factors for the emissions. This report intends to provide answers to the differences and similarities between two frame systems with different floors slabs; a version in cross-laminated wood, hereinafter referred to as KL-trä (CLTwood), and a version in hollow core slabs. The two objects have been given identical conditions, with a reservation for flooring material, with a steel frame with varying cross-sectional profiles. Data for CO2 equivalents and price of each frame material have been examined and compiled in tabular form where the two buildings are evaluated and results are discussed in the analysis part. The result provides an answer as to which element performs best for an office building with two floors with regard to cost and CO2 equivalents for individual profiles compiled for the two buildings. Dimensioning of beams has been carried out with regard to bending moment capacity, columns with respect to buckling of concentric pressure force and flat bending buckling with elements of wind load and normal force against columns. Tekla Structures has been used to visualize the frame and FEM-Design20 has been used to verify load counts. The financial part of the report refers to costs of the two buildings, which are reported in tabular form with cost per steel and floor profile. The lump sum for each case has been compiled and in the discussion section of this report explanations and conclusions are given to the financial part.

Wood has been utilized by humans for thousands of years in the construction of our built environment. More recently, our expanded understanding of the material and the advancement of engineered wood have allowed us to use wood like never before. Concrete and steel, however, have emerged as the main materials used in large scale construction in the late 19th and 20th Centuries. As we are battling and searching for solutions to climate change, the importance of wood in large scale construction has increased as not only is its carbon intensity is lower than steel and concrete, but its existence stems from sequestered carbon. Yet as timber finds its way into large-scale projects, the forms it takes resemble those of concrete construction. Although this form is functional, it does not take full advantage of its capabilities or mitigate the weaknesses of wood. This thesis is concerned with exploring new options for mass timber, finding forms more appropriate to wood’s mechanical and aesthetic properties. Research began with precedent studies of existing mass timber structures to see which strategies would be useful in the project. Next a theoretical project was undertaken to design an 18-story timber-based high rise in Denver, Colorado. The design uses a variety of Engineered Wood Products (EWP) in the most effective and efficient way. The findings of this study have shown that wood, being an isotropic material, prefers to have forces run parallel to its grain. Combining multiple types of engineered wood arranged to create forces traveling parallel to their fiber grain direction created a system that was efficient, strong, and architecturally effective. The design also works to avoid subjecting wood to forces perpendicular to its wood grain, thus avoiding its weaknesses. Finally, the design uses common, stock, engineered lumber products to make the project more economical. It produced a high rise design that serves as a highly desirable model for future projects across the United States and world. This technology will not be limited to high rises and can be used in a plethora of large-scale building types. Broader implementation of this technology will help to decrease our species’ carbon footprint as our population expands and builds. More material efficient structural solutions will encourage wider spread implementation and their aesthetic qualities will increase their desirability by private and government investors alike.

The building construction industry has seen the emergence of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as a renewable replacement for structural application of steel, concrete, and masonry. However, CLT has not been researched extensively as a nonstructural component of the building envelope/facade. In the presented research, the application of CLT is introduced in the form of lightweight CLT (CLT-L) panels and presents a framework to evaluate the opportunities and application of CLT-L panels as an alternative construction method for non-load-bearing exterior wall systems. Since exterior walls as part of the enclosure system have a significant role in energy consumption and human comfort level, the research evaluates application opportunities of the CLT panels for US climates, by conducting a life cycle environmental analysis, and a thermal evaluation of CLT-L systems for Phoenix, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The life cycle analysis was conducted to assess the environmental impact of a typical CLT wall system as compared to three conventional panelized wall systems. The results of the analysis have shown that CLT wall systems exhibit the lowest cumulative life cycle environmental impact indicators, including acidification potential, fossil fuel consumption, global warming potential, and human health particulate when compared to other wall systems. These results suggest that CLT wall systems could be a viable alternative to conventional panelized exterior wall systems from an environmental impact perspective. In the next step, a parametric study was conducted to determine the optimal configuration of a CLT-L wall system for enhanced thermal performance. This was achieved through dynamic thermal simulations by employing the conduction transfer algorithm and analyzing various thicknesses and locations of the thermal insulation layer. Through analysis of the annual thermal transmission load and decrement factor, the optimum insulation thicknesses for CLT wall systems in two climate regions were determined. The results showed that the exterior insulation location yields better thermal efficiency. The results of this phase were employed in the development of the CLT wall system model and conduction of a comparative parametric study on the thermal mass behavior of CLT and CMU wall systems via finite difference algorithm. One significant outcome of the simulation data analysis was the heat transfer dynamics within the CLT and CMU wall system when exterior insulation is applied. The analysis revealed that in the presence of exterior insulation, the CLT layer continues to be the primary contributor to the reduced thermal transmission of the wall. However, in the CMU mass wall configuration, the insulation layer assumes a dominant role in the reduced thermal transmission of the wall. The findings of this research present CLT as a potential environmentally efficient envelope alternative for framed buildings and provide insights into the thermal performance of CLT wall systems, which can lead to the opening of a new market for CLT panel application in the U.S. / Doctor of Philosophy / The construction industry has witnessed a notable shift with the advent of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), presenting itself as a renewable substitute for conventional materials like steel, concrete, and masonry in structural applications. However, the potential of CLT as a building component, particularly as a component of building exteriors wall, remains relatively underexplored. This research endeavors to fill this gap by introducing lightweight CLT (CLT-L) panels, which are three-layer CLT panels, and exploring their viability as an alternative construction method for non-load-bearing exterior wall systems. Non-load bearing exterior wall panels do not carry any structural support for the building. Recognizing the significant influence of exterior walls on both energy consumption and human comfort levels, the study assesses the applicability of CLT panels across diverse climates in the United States including states Minnesota and Arizona which show exterior temperature swings. The investigation began by conducting a comprehensive life cycle environmental analysis, comparing the environmental impact of a typical CLT wall system with three conventional panelized wall systems. Results revealed that CLT wall systems exhibit the lowest cumulative life cycle environmental impact indicators suggesting their potential as a sustainable alternative. The environmental indicators included acidification potential, fossil fuel consumption, global warming potential, and human health particulates. Subsequently, a parametric study delved into optimizing the thermal performance of CLT-L wall systems through dynamic thermal simulations. The dynamic simulation considered the exterior temperature changes during the day. By varying insulation thicknesses and locations, the study identifies optimal configurations for different climate regions. Notably, the analysis underscores the efficacy of exterior insulation placement in enhancing thermal efficiency. Furthermore, the study investigated the thermal mass behavior of CLT compared to concrete block (CMU) wall systems under different scenarios. Findings revealed that while CLT retains its significance as a primary contributor to thermal mass, particularly with exterior insulation, CMU configurations see a shift in thermal mass dynamics towards the insulation layer. These findings collectively underscored the potential of CLT as an environmentally efficient envelope alternative for framed buildings, shedding light on its thermal performance and paving the way for broader adoption in the US construction industry.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product made by laminating dimensional or structural composite lumber in alternating orthogonal layers. Compared to Canada and Europe, CLT is a novel product to the US. With the additions included in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), CLT material properties, especially rolling shear, would need to be explored. The increasing demand for softwood lumber, along with the increase of demand of CLT panel production, could place a burden and surpass the domestic softwood supply. Rolling shear is a phenomenon that occurs when the wood fibers in the cross-layers roll over each other because of the shearing forces acting upon a CLT panel when it is loaded out-of-plane. This study used the two-plate shear test from ASTM D2718 to measure the rolling shear properties of various southeastern US wood species: southern pine, yellow-poplar, and soft maple. A secondary study was conducted, using the same two-plate shear test, to measure the rolling shear properties of re-manufactured southern pine for CLT cross-layer application. The soft maple had the greatest average rolling shear strength at 5.93 N/mm2 and southern pine had the lowest average rolling shear strength at 2.51 N/mm2. Using a single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), the rolling shear strength values from soft maple were significantly greater than yellow-poplar, which was significantly greater than the southern pine. For the rolling shear modulus, the southern pine and soft maple were of equal statistically significant difference, and both were greater statistically significant different compared to the yellow-poplar. The most common failure found from testing was rolling shear. / Master of Science / Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood panel product, similar to plywood, constructed with solid-sawn or structural composite lumber in alternating perpendicular layers. The additions included in the incoming 2021 International Building Code (IBC) has placed an importance in expanding the research related to the mechanical and material properties of CLT. Also, with the increasing demand for softwood lumber and CLT panel production, the demand for the domestic softwood lumber could place a burden and surpass the domestic softwood supply. Rolling shear is a failure type that occurs when the wood fibers in the cross-layers roll over each other because of the shearing forces acting upon a CLT panel. This study used the two-plate shear test to measure the rolling shear properties of various southeastern US wood species: southern pine, yellow-poplar, and soft maple. A secondary study was conducted, using the same two-plate shear test, to measure the rolling shear properties of re-manufactured southern pine for CLT cross-layer application. The soft maple had the greatest average rolling shear strength at 5.93 N/mm2 and southern pine had the lowest average rolling shear strength at 2.51 N/mm2. Using a single factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), the rolling shear strength values from soft maple were significantly greater than yellow-poplar, which was significantly greater than the southern pine. For the rolling shear modulus, the southern pine and soft maple were of equal statistically significant difference, and both were greater statistically significant different compared to the yellow-poplar. The most common failure found from testing was rolling shear.

Atualmente, as indústrias brasileiras recorrem a normas de outros países para o controle de qualidade para a caracterização de elementos estruturais feitos de Madeira Laminada Colada (MLC) e de LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) devido à ausência de especificações nacionais. Este trabalho teve como finalidade a verificação da adequação de alguns métodos de ensaios propostos nos projetos de norma ABNT NBR PN 02:126.10-001-3 e ABNT NBR PN 02:126.10-001-5 para determinar as propriedades dos elementos estruturais de madeira colada para o controle de qualidade da indústria produtora. Para tanto, foram obtidos das indústrias vários grupos de vigas de MLC e grupos de emendas dentadas produzidos com diversas combinações de madeiras e adesivos. Também, foram obtidos grupos de vigas de LVL na posição horizontal e grupos de vigas de LVL na posição de vertical. Foram realizados testes de flexão estática para determinação do módulo de ruptura e de elasticidade de todas as vigas. Além disso, das vigas foram retirados corpos de prova para realização dos ensaios de cisalhamento na linha de cola, delaminação e compressão paralela às fibras, enquanto as emendas dentadas foram analisadas pelo ensaio de tração paralela às fibras. Os procedimentos empregados podem ser considerados adequados para aplicação pelas indústrias no controle de qualidade da produção de elementos estruturais de MLC e de LVL. O ensaio de delaminação para adesivos expostos a ambientes externos, proposto no projeto de norma, pode ser analisado como prático e eficaz. Em relação aos testes de cisalhamento, o número de análises por amostra pode ser reduzido, desde que, priorize o ensaio na região central da seção transversal devido à maior concentração de tensões de cisalhamento. Como era esperado, as emendas dentadas formaram pontos de fragilidade, reduzindo a resistência de algumas vigas e tendo sua ruptura evidenciada por esforço de tração. No LVL, a posição vertical apresentou melhor resistência à flexão e ao cisalhamento do que a horizontal. O projeto de norma é apresentado em anexo nesse trabalho. / Nowadays, the Brazilian industries follow the foreign countries standard regulation to the quality control of characterization of structural elements produced from Glued Laminated Timber (glulam) and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) due to the absence of national specifications. This work has the purpose of verifying the suggested methods of regulation projects, such as ABNT NBR PN 02:126.10-001-3 and ABNT NBR PN 02:126.10-001-5, to determine the properties of glued timber structural elements to quality control of producer industry. Therefore, glulam beams and fingerjoints groups, produced from several combinations of woods and adhesives, were obtained from industries. In addition, it was used flatwise LVL beams groups and edgewise LVL beams groups. It was made the static bending tests to determine strength and stiffness for each beam. Furthermore, from the beams it was extracted samples in order to test shear in the glue line, delamination and parallel grain compression whereas the fingerjoints were analysed by the parallel grain tensile test. The procedures taken on the experimental program can be considered suitable for industrial usage at quality control of production of structural elements from glulam and LVL. The delamination test for adhesive exposed to external environment, proposal in the new standard, can be analysed as practical and effective. In relation to the shear test, the number of analysis by sample can be reduced, whether prioritized the test in the central region of transversal section due to higher shear stress concentration. As expected, the fingerjoints formed fragile points, reducing strength for some beams and by presenting rupture when tensile stressed. In the LVL, the edgewise groups presented better bending and shear resistance than flatwise groups. The new test method is presented in annex in this dissertation.

Neste trabalho propõe-se contribuir para o desenvolvimento de tecnologia nacional investigandoa aplicação de uma nova geração de adesivos para a confecção de elementos estruturais de madeira laminada colada (MLC), viabilizando um menor custo final do produto e tornando-o competitivo no mercado interno e externo. Nesse contexto, avaliou-se a resistência à tração paralela em emendas dentadas com dimensão estrutural, em condições de temperatura ambiente e umidade padrão, usando as espécies Pinus e Eucalipto e vários tipos de adesivos, dentre eles o adesivo poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona, foco principal de estudo deste trabalho. Outro aspecto abordado é o da durabilidade, em que foi avaliado o desempenho dos adesivos Cascophen e poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona por meio de ensaios de resistência ao cisalhamento na lâmina de cola e de resistência à tração de emendas dentadas, ambos em corpos-de-prova isentos de defeitos. Também foi avaliada a qualidade da colagem das lâminas, por meio de ensaios de flexão buscando-se a ruptura por cisalhamento, em vigas de MLC com dimensões estruturais, fabricadas em laboratório com os adesivos Cascophen, poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona e Purbond. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir o bom desempenho do adesivo poliuretano à base de óleo de mamona, demonstrando a sua adequação para aplicação na produção de madeira laminada colada. / The aim of this work is the development of national technology investigating the application of a new adhesive generation to fabrication of glued laminated timber (Glulam) structural members, making possible a lesser final cost of the product and becoming it competitive in the domestic and external market. In this context, the parallel tensile to the fibers tests in joint pieces with structural dimension, in conditions of ambient temperature and standard relative humidity, was evaluated using the species Pinus and Eucalyptus and some types of adhesives, among them the polyurethane adhesive base on castor oil, that is the main focus of study of this work. Another approached aspect is the durability, in which was evaluated the performance of the Cascophen and the polyurethane adhesive base on castor oil adhesive, by means of shear strength tests in the lamina of glue and tensile strength tests of joint laminas, both made in specimens exempt of defects. Also the quality of the collage of lamina, by means of bending and shearing tests, in glulam structural beams was evaluated, which were manufactured in laboratory with the adhesives Cascophen, polyurethane adhesive base on castor oil and Purbond. The results allow concluding the well-behaved performance of polyurethane adhesive base on castor oil, demonstrating its adequacy for application in glued laminated timber fabrication.

O trabalho tem o objetivo de estabelecer diretrizes para projeto de painel maciço em madeira utilizando o princípio da laminação cruzada de modo similiar ao Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), porém adequado ao setor madeireiro paulista. Não obstante, pretende-se contribuir para a difusão do conhecimento sobre sistemas construtivos com painéis maciços e ampliar a discussão sobre possibilidades de utilização da madeira na habitação. Primeiramente, foi delimitado o escopo da pesquisa e justificados os motivos que levaram à sua proposição; também foram discutidos os principais fundamentos teóricos, conceituais e metodológicos nos quais se baseia o trabalho. A seguir, as principais características de diferentes tipos de painéis maciços de madeira utilizando o princípio da laminação cruzada foram pesquisadas. Foram levantadas informações sobre as características básicas e processo produtivo de 5 produtos diferentes: Mayr Melnhof Holz BSP, Novatop Solid, Massivholz Mauer, Holz 100 e Massiv Wand 5. Depois, foi desenvolvida uma análise comparativa entre o setor madeireiro na Áustria, país que atualmente concentra a maior produção de CLT na Europa Central, e no Estado de São Paulo, local no qual se pretende avaliar as possibilidades e limitações para produção dos painéis maciços em madeira. A análise comparativa foi dividida em duas etapas: na primeira etapa foram analisadas as reservas florestais e indústria madeireira austríaca e paulista; na segunda etapa foram elaboradas estimativas de custo para a produção de um elemento vertical constituído por núcleo maciço utilizando o princípio da laminação cruzada em Viena e na região metropolitana de São Paulo. Por fim, relacionando as características do produto e sua influência no processo produtivo com as possibilidades e limitações proporcionadas pelo setor madeireiro paulista, foram estabelecidas diretrizes para o projeto de um painel maciço em madeira que utilize o princípio da laminação cruzada. As diretrizes foram elaboradas dos pontos de vista da utilização da madeira, do desenho do painel e de sua adaptação ao setor madeireiro paulista. A seguir, foi desenvolvido uma proposta preliminar para desenho de painel maciço. As informações levantadas durante o desenvolvimento desta dissertação foram obtidas por meio de visita às fábricas, pesquisa em teses e publicações relacionadas e pesquisa na página de internet dos fabricantes dos produtos. / The work aims to establish guidelines for cross laminated solid timber panel design, suitable to the forestry industry in São Paulo. It intendeds to contribute for knowledge diffusion about this building system and enhancing the discussion on timber construction in Brazil. First, the research\'s scope was explained as well as its main questions, hypothesis and objectives. Then, the main features of different types of cross laminated solid timber panels and it\'s production process were analysed. Information on the basic features and production process of five different products were gathered: Mayr Melnhof Holz BSP, Novatop Solid, Massivholz Mauer, Holz 100 and MassiveWand 5. Hereafter, a comparative analysis between the forestry industry in Austria, currently the largest cross laminated timber producer in Central Europe, and the State of São Paulo was developed. The analysis was divided into two stages: in the first stage, forest reserves and timber industry in Austria and in the State of São Paulo were investigated; in the second stage, cost estimates for the production of a solid timber vertical element in Vienna and in the metropolitan area of São Paulo were developed. Finally, all the information gathered previously was used in order to establish design guidelines for cross laminated solid timber panel relating product\'s design influence on the production process and the possibilities and limitations offered by the forestry industry in São Paulo. The guidelines were developed from the point of view of timber utilisation, panel design and its adaptation to São Paulo\'s forestry industry. Then, a preliminary solid wood panel proposal has been developed as a way to synthesise the guidelines set previously.Information for the research was obtained through factory visits, theses and related publications and research on the manufactures website.

A primeira ferrovia no Brasil foi inaugurada em abril de 1854 pelo Barão de Mauá com 14,5 km de extensão. Atualmente o país possui 27980 km de ferrovias e esse modal tem participação em 25% na matriz brasileira de transporte de carga. Um dos componentes mais importantes da superestrutura ferroviária é o dormente, que pode ser fabricado utilizando-se diversos materiais como a tradicional madeira, que tem uso histórico e consagrado para esta aplicação estrutural, além do concreto e do aço, e mais recentemente, os compósitos poliméricos. As madeiras com maior tradição no uso em dormentes provêm de espécies nativas de alta densidade com consequente elevada resistência mecânica e durabilidade natural. Porém, devido às restrições impostas à extração destas espécies nativas, houve forte redução de sua oferta, sendo forçada sua substituição por madeira de florestas plantadas de eucalipto de alta densidade como E. citriodora, E. paniculata e E. tereticornis. Contudo, dormentes de diferentes espécies de eucalipto, pouco adequadas para esse uso, estão apresentando muitos problemas em via. Outra madeira de florestas plantadas muito utilizada no Brasil é o pinus e uma aplicação muito nobre para este tipo de madeira é a produção de elementos estruturais em Madeira Lamelada Colada (MLC). O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o estudo teórico e experimental de dormentes de MLC confeccionados com madeiras de Pinus spp. tratadas com CCA, coladas com adesivo poliuretano, e reforçados com tecido bidirecional de fibra de vidro. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo teórico e experimental a partir de ensaios estáticos e dinâmicos tendo-se em vista a necessidade de utilização de novas espécies de madeira de reflorestamento com resistência adequada a tal finalidade. Os resultados obtidos nos ensaios realizados de acordo com a normalização vigente atestaram a viabilidade técnica da utilização de dormentes em MLC de Pinus spp. reforçados com fibra de vidro desde que sejam realizadas as classificações visual e mecânica das lamelas, para a obtenção das propriedades de resistência e rigidez necessárias. / Brazil\'s first railroad was inaugurated in April, 1854 by Barão de Mauá with 14.5 km of extension. Currently the country has 27980 km of railways, and this transportation modal has 25% participation in the Brazilian freight transport matrix. One of the most important elements of railway superstructure is the sleeper (or tie), which can be manufactured from several materials, such as the traditional wood, that has historical and well-established use for this structural application, as well as concrete, steel, and recently, polymer composites. The classic sleeper is made by timber from native species of high density with consequent high mechanical strength and natural durability. However, due to the restrictions imposed on the extraction of these native species, there was a strong reduction in their supply, being forced to replace them with timber from high density eucalyptus planted forests such as E. citriodora, E. paniculata and E. tereticornis. Therefore, sleepers from different eucalyptus species, that are not suitable for this use, are presenting many problems on railroad. Another wood from planted forests widely used in Brazil is the pinus, and a very noble application for this kind of wood is the production of structural elements in Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam). The aim of this work was the theoretical and experimental study based on static and dynamic tests of Glulam sleepers manufactured using Pinus spp. treated with CCA, glued with polyurethane adhesive, and reinforced with bidirectional fiberglass fabric. For that, a theoretical and experimental study was carried out from static and dynamic tests, considering the potential use of new reforestation species of wood with suitable strength to this purpose. The results show technical feasibility in the use of Glulam sleepers made with Pinus spp. reinforced with fiberglass provided that visual and mechanical classifications of the timber are realized, in order to obtain the required strength and stiffness properties.