Effects of scarf joints on bending strength and modulus of elasticity to laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

Abstract

The role of geometry on the mechanical performance of scarf joints in laminated veneer lumber (LVL) bonded with phenol formaldehyde and melamine formaldehyde (MF) adhesives was investigated. Model joints consists of 3, 4 and 5 mm veneer thicknesses at 30°, 45° and 60° of varying scarf joints for LVL produced from brutia pine ( Pinus brutia Ten) and elm ( Ulmus compestris l.) woods. However, there is little information available concerning the bending strength and modulus of elasticity for LVL, and in particular, scarf joints in these field. In this study, it was aimed to determine the bending strength and modulus of elasticity for LVL. For this purpose, samples were tested according to TS EN 310 standard. It was observed that the highest bending strength (291.5 N/mm 2) and modulus of elasticity (28 101 N/mm 2) were obtained in control (solid wood) samples having three layered LVL, jointed with 30° angle and bonded with MF adhesive. As a result of the effects scarf joints on bending strength and modulus elasticity test, if the scarf angle decreases, the properties of LVL increase.