INVESTIGATION ON LAMINATED WOOD (LB, LVL) MANUFACTURING

Abstract

Laminated beam ( LB.) and laminated veneer lumber ( LVL) manufactured from maple, hornbeam and beech wood is investigated. Three levels of press pressures at 30, 35, 40 kg/cm2, three levels of layer thicknesses of 2, 3, 4 mm and tangential and radial layers are investigated. Bending strength (MOR and MOE) and shear strength were measured according to ASTM 1186 and 905 respectively.The results of this investigation indicated that laminated wood strength of samples produced from hornbeam layers is superior to beech and beech is superior to maple. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the effect of wood species on strength properties is significantly different at 99% level. Press pressure also showed significant effect on strength. Increasing press pressure improved bending properties, but the highest shear strength was observed at 30 kg/cm2. Cutting direction did not influence bending strength and only influenced the shear strength. Even though the initial anticipation was the fact that thinner layer will produce stronger laminated wood. But the results or this study showed that layer thickness did not significantly affect strength properties.

Keywords

• LAMINATED WOOD
• MAPLE
• HORNBEAM
• beech
• MODULUS OF RUPTURE
• MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
• Shear strength