Limträpelare i utfackningsväggar : En jämförande studie mellan limträpelare och stålpelare i utfackningsväggar med fokus på bärighet, klimatpåverkan, ekonomi och montagevänlighet

Sammanfattning

This study investigates the feasibility of replacing steel columns with glulam columns in infill walls,focusing on load-bearing capacity, environmental impact, cost efficiency, and installation. The researchis based on a case study in Gävle, Sweden, supported by a literature review, structural calculations,and interviews with construction professionals.To maintain the case study's column spacing of 5.32m, the calculation results indicate that a glulamcolumn with a cross-sectional dimension of 215x405mm is required. When a smaller columndimension of 165x165 mm is used, the load-bearing capacity decreases, requiring the maximumcolumn spacing to be reduced to 2000mm.The climate impact assessment shows that glulam has a lower environmental impact than steel withinthe A1–A3 system boundaries. Hollow structural sections (RHS and SHS) generate the highestemissions, while HEA sections and fossil-free steel demonstrate potential for emission reductions.However, glulam currently appears to be the most environmentally favourable alternative. The costanalysis reveals that glulam columns are less expensive per unit, whereas steel columns are more costefficient when evaluated in relation to load-bearing capacity (kr/kN).The interview study indicates that the construction industry is generally positive towards glulamcolumns from a sustainability perspective, although implementation is limited by practical andtechnical challenges. Respondents particularly highlighted moisture management, connections, andmember dimensions as key factors. At the same time, glulam can be handled efficiently on constructionsites if weather protection and logistics are properly planned. Steel column installation is neverthelessperceived as more standardized and predictable in terms of execution time.In conclusion, glulam represents a competitive alternative in parts of a building subjected to lowerloads, while hybrid solutions or optimized custom dimensions are required to meet the demands oflarge scale projects. The choice between different steel alternatives involves a trade-off between costand environmental impact. Future research should focus on life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle costanalysis (LCC), hybrid structural solutions, and alternative steel profiles.