• Bracing elements for single-storey dwellings and the ground floor of multi-storey buildings, including narrow townhouses and terrace houses.
• Suitable for open-plan living areas, kitchens, entryways, wing walls and large openings where wall length available for bracing is limited.
• Bracing unit values apply within the wind and earthquake zones and configurations defined in the Prolam PLX Column technical literature.
• Interior and enclosed applications consistent with the treatment level of the member.

Bracing unit values must be taken from the published Prolam PLX Column technical literature and must not be extrapolated. Substitution of the column, fixings or foundation connection changes the tested assembly and voids the bracing claim and the PS1.

Installation and anchoring must follow Prolam installation instructions exactly, including the specified foundation connection for the relevant foundation type.

Applications outside the published scope require Specific Engineering Design. Use is limited to single-storey dwellings and the ground floor of multi-storey buildings. 

No drilling, notching or rebating unless specifically detailed by the design engineer. Cutting to length is permitted only as detailed in Prolam technical literature.

Fixings must be selected for the corrosion environment in accordance with NZS 3604 Section 4.

Treatment level restricts the column to interior and enclosed applications. 

Designed and installed in accordance with Prolam technical literature and installation instructions, the Prolam PLX Column will meet or contribute to meeting the following provisions of the NZ Building Code.

• meets the requirements of B1.3.1 B1.3.2 B1.3.3 (a, b, f, j, m, q) B1.3.4 (a, b, c, d, e); AS1170:2002 for engineering span tables, AS/NZS 1328:1998 and AS5068 for building elements.
• B2 Durability: meets the requirements of B2.3.1(a) B2.3.2. And can be used in service class 3 situations, provided H3.2 treatment or higher is used. All timber is treated in accordance with NZS3640. Prolam treats its own timber and is third-party audited to ensure compliance with the New Zealand treatment standard. Correct treatments must be used in the right places.
• F2 Hazardous Building Materials: meets the requirements of F2.3.1. All timber is treated in accordance with NZS 3640, including the required flash-off period before dispatch. Prolam treats its own timber and is third party audited for compliance with the New Zealand treatment standard. Safety Data Sheets for treatment chemicals are available on request.

A Producer Statement PS1 is issued with the PLX Column.

Note: the PLX Column is tested in accordance with the BRANZ P21 (2010) bracing test and evaluation procedure. This is a test and evaluation procedure and is distinct from a BRANZ Appraisal. The PLX Column does not hold a BRANZ Appraisal.

Prolam has been supporting architects and construction professionals for 20 years to design and build with strength, confidence and ease with premium engineered timber solutions.

• High bracing unit capacity in minimal wall length allows wider openings and reduced internal wall area compared with conventional bracing elements. Prefabricated kitset supply reduces on-site fabrication. Dimensional stability of glulam construction.
• Timber sourced from renewable and sustainably managed New Zealand plantations.