Building Code Glossary
Structural Glued-laminated Timber: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define structural glued-laminated timber, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Structural glued-laminated timber is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wood (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Structural Glued-laminated Timber — IBC 2009, Wood:
An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Structural Glued-laminated Timber is defined once in this corpus, in the Wood chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.
Where structural glued-laminated timber is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about structural glued-laminated timber, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Prefabricated wood I-joists, structural glued-laminated timber and structural composite lumber shall not be notched or drilled except where permitted by the manufacturer's recommendations or where the effects of such alterations are specifically considered in the design of the member by a registered design professional.
Structural Glued-laminated Timber: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Wood | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Wood Structural Panel: Building Code Definition
- Treated Wood: Building Code Definition
- Shear Wall: Building Code Definition
- Braced Wall Panel: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of structural glued-laminated timber?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on structural glued-laminated timber?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Wood in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a glue-laminated timber structure?
Structure is a separate defined term. The IPC 2009 defines it as: “That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.” That is not the same as structural glued-laminated timber, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations are bonded with adhesives.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Strength, Nominal: Building Code Definition
Strength, Nominal — IBC 2009 definition: The capacity of a structure or member to resist the effects of loads, as determined by …
- Strength, Required: Building Code Definition
Strength, Required — IBC 2009 definition: Strength of a member, cross section or connection required to resist factored loads or related internal …
- Structural Composite Lumber: Building Code Definition
Structural Composite Lumber — IBC 2009 definition: Structural member manufactured using wood elements bonded together with exterior adhesives.
- Structural Insulated Panel (SIP): Building Code Definition
Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) — IRC 2009 definition: A structural sandwich panel that consists ofa light-weight foam plastic core securely laminated between two thin …
- Structural Observation: Building Code Definition
Structural Observation — IBC 2009 definition: The visual observation of the structural system by a registered design professional for general conformance to …
- Structure: Building Code Definition
Structure — IPC 2009 definition: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.