What does the CE marking for structural use mean for wooden glulam beams?

It is the seal that guarantees that the product complies with the European building regulations. A certificate recognised all over the world for its quality and safety.

The CE marking or Certificate of Compliance (Conformité Européenne in French) is a certificate awarded by the European Union. Obtaining it means that the product can be sold in Europe without any restrictions.

There are special CE marking regulations for construction products. The legal and technical requirements are so strict that the CE marking practically acts as quality standardisation worldwide, as many countries take note of it when placing their trust in certain products.

The CE marking is also necessary to sell wood used for the structural purposes in Europe. We are talking about any timber component intended for construction, such as beams.

VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use

The CE marking ensures that a construction product complies with the quality and safety requirements defined in the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011

1. Mechanical resistance and stability
2. Safety in the event of fire
3. Hygiene, health and environment
4. Safety and accessibility of use
5. Noise protection
6. Energy savings and thermal insulation
7. Use sustainable of natural resources

GRUPO GÁMIZ designs and manufactures VIGAM, the only oak glulam beam in the world with the CE marking for structural use, which is part of a catalogue of timber beams that goes way beyond interior design and decoration.

How is the CE marking in structural wood obtained?

To obtain the CE marking the manufacturer must first know the European regulations. They then have to design and manufacture their product in line with them, and finally evaluate it based on the requirements specified in the standard UNE-EN 14080:2013 for the species included in this standard. Once this objective has been achieved, the intervention of an external organisation authorised to validate these results is required.

In the specific case of wood species that are not standardised or listed in the standard, as is the case for oak, the CE marking must be obtained with the ETA (European Technical Approval).

The CE marking (also known as the CE Certificate of Conformity) as structural timber was issued for VIGAM oak glulam beams by GRUPO GÁMIZ in 2013 by the prestigious Materials Testing Institute of the University of Stuttgart (MPA Stuttgart, Otto-Graf-Institut). In addition to being pioneers, GRUPO GÁMIZ is still today the only manufacturer in the world of oak glulam beams with the CE marking for structural use.

The advantages of oak glulam beams with the CE marking for structural use in sustainable architecture

Thanks to this certification, VIGAM wooden glulam beams for structural use can be used to build detached houses, restore historical monuments or buildings and, in general, for any structural use that requires aesthetic and sustainability objectives.

There are infinite possibilities thanks to the advantages of timber as a building material:

• Wood protects the climate
• High load capacity: Wood has a high load capacity but is lighter than other construction materials (steel, etc.)
• Dimensional stability: wood is a highly developed building material.
• Wood burns safely: unlike other construction materials, the behaviour of wood in a fire is predictable and can be controlled.
• Minimum environmental impact: Wood obtained sustainably ensures that other trees will grow again in that environment.
• Wood is comfortable: it smells good and creates a very pleasant atmosphere. It is a warm building material that does not take heat from the human body.
• Wood is especially suitable for prefabrication.
• Wood provides variety in construction design.
• Wood does not generate waste: it can be recycled easily.

Wooden curtain walling

With VIGAM, ecological lightweight façade projects are already possible with wood, without the need for non-sustainable materials, such as steel, or those that generate a large carbon footprint, such as aluminium.

Sustainable solutions such as wooden curtain walling are multiplied using wood with structural possibilities, with aesthetic benefits also, thanks to the beauty, warmth and ecology of this ecological building material.

In short, the CE marking for structural use of oak glulam beams by GRUPO GÁMIZ is a sustainable and aesthetic opportunity for innovative architects who want to give a new (natural) air to the construction of the future.