Final answer:
Glulams are often manufactured with a slight upward curve known as a camber, which helps the beam to remain flat under load and to distribute the weight properly, similar to the function of pointed ribbed groin vaults.
Step-by-step explanation:
When manufactured, glulams (glued laminated timber) are sometimes made with a slight upward curve. This curve is commonly known as a camber.
The purpose of the camber is to compensate for potential deflection due to load and to ensure that the beam remains essentially flat under weight.
This concept is comparable to the way a pointed ribbed groin vault in architecture allows for greater height and distributes the load more downward than outward, as mentioned by Steven.
When manufactured glulams are made with a slight upward curve, it is known as camber. Camber is intentionally introduced to compensate for deflection due to the loads that the glulam beam will experience over time. It helps to maintain the desired levelness of the structure and prevent sagging.