Which aspect of engineered glulam trusses makes them suitable for large spans?

Engineered glulam trusses are specifically designed to provide structural integrity over long distances, which is the primary reason they are suitable for large spans. The laminated construction of glulam allows for the careful selection of wood layers, resulting in a material that can handle greater loads while maintaining its strength over extensive distances. This structural integrity is achieved through the engineered process that ensures the trusses can distribute loads effectively and resist bending and shear forces typically encountered in large-span applications.

The lightweight nature of glulam and its versatility in design are advantageous characteristics but are not the main factors that enable large span capabilities. While glulam can support high thermal loads due to its thermal mass properties, this characteristic does not directly relate to its ability to span long distances structurally. Instead, it is the engineered properties and the strength derived from the laminated composition that primarily contribute to their effectiveness in achieving large spans.