Monbulk College Trusses
A Government funded re-development with double chord LVL trusses
Truss Specifications
LVL15 Hyspan Double Chord Trusses
Rafters: 300 x 63 mm LVL15
Top & Bottom Chords: 300 x 63mm LVL15
Posts & Webs: 200 x 63 LVL15
Monbulk college now boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, library, lounge and a refurbished reception counter for its staff and students. The new facility was a Government funded project to be developed in three building stages. Vicbeam manufactured and supplied double chord trusses for the school’s new library located on the second floor.
The successful completion of this project marks Vicbeam’s first project to utilise LVL15 (Laminated Veneer Lumbar) for Bolted Roof Trusses. Vicbeam’s pre-fabrication stage involved all LVL truss members to be sanded, cut to size, drilled with holes and assembled with plate connections ready for on-site installation.
As you walk up to the second level of the building, you are greeted with a single LVL15 double chord truss. The truss features thick sized timber texture and numerous bolted connections which can be seen from different angles in the open space. The rest of the trusses can be distinctively spotted through the glazed windows of the library.
In the library are 12 truss members made of LVL15 timber with the longest member spanning 11.6 metres. Connected with Galvanised Steel plates and bolts, all trusses support the roof of the building and feature heavily to the top half of the library with compliments of LED lights. Assembled, the trusses and LED lights scales down the space of the library to feel compact but reveals more natural timber texture to viewers.
A study in an article has suggested that natural timber structurally added to school buildings can significantly improve wellbeing and learning for students (Barry, S. 2017,’Do Children learn better in the woods?’). The article strongly supports the builder’s decision of using LVL15 timber texture to feature heavily in bolted trusses.
Apart from providing structure to the re-development, these double chord trusses adds timber texture to the ceiling and creates an environment that encourages learning. Vicbeam’s first project to utilise LVL15 timber for Bolted Roof Trusses has added value to Monbulk College, as their new library now serves a better outcome for student’s learning and wellbeing.