Alternative to Curved Beams

[Sean]

Hi All,

Does anyone know any alternatives to using a curved glue-lam beam? I have to build a circular tower, and i need a solution for curved headers over the doors.

Any ideas??

Thank you,

Sean

[longshot]

[RicodJour]

The headers don't necessarily have to be curved. A single layer of glulam, of appropriate depth for the load, could run inside the confines of the inner and outer wall surfaces. The rest is blocked out to form the curves as required.

R

[Bob Morrison]

Another idea is to build up a curved beam out of cabinet grade plywood, by laminating layers together until you have the right thickness. The thickness of the "lams" will depend on the radius required.

[RicodJour]

I hesitated from mentioning that, Bob. The OP was a bit vague about how big the headers are. The chord of a circle header that I mentioned would keep all loads simple - direct bearing. If the OP is trying to cut out a bigger section of the circle the loads at the header could present problems - eccentric loads requiring cantilevering, etc.

R

[djenkins6]

How about having them fabricated in steel, something like a curved I-beam. Have the fabricator put holes at appropriate points for lag bolts / screws to attach to framing.

I found this

David

[AustinScoobee]

Dont know with the details the OP mentioned, but some yaers back,I worked with a guys who had a curved wall and the "architect" specified forming and pouring a concrete header for the curve (with rebar etc) It was about 4 ft of a radius. I wasnt confortable with it at the time but we have been back over the years and asolutely no problems.. ( at least 10 years old now)

djenk> How about having them fabricated in steel, something like a curved

[CWatters]

I imagine curved headers is the easy part.... where will you get the curved doors to match?

[Bob Morrison]

Rico:

Right you are!

[Sean]

Thanks for all the info!! I presented them many ideas, they actually ended up going with a "6'' Flex-C-Header"

Found here:

Thanks again for all the help.

Sean