Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Non-certificated Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Circulated in Domestic Lumber Market

Abstract

The selected physical and mechanical properties of non-certificated LVL circulated in domestic lumber market were investigated and compared to relevant standards. The tested LVL passed the moisture content and the soaking delamination rate limit as per domestic (KS) and Japanese standard (JAS). The evaluated mechanical properties were flatwise/edgewise bending strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), horizontal shear and compressive strength. The 30 mm-thick LVL showed significantly higher bending strength than that of the 25 mm-thick LVL. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) showed same tendency in the results of bending strength. The edgewise bending strength and MOE were higher than that of flatwise bending strength and MOE. The horizontal shear strength values were also showed similar results to bending strength values. The tested results were compared each other and each products were graded according to JAS 701 grade specification. The failure mode of LVL in bending test showed the similar failure mode of solidwood that failed in a simple tension manner (splintery tension). The glue line failure was severe in 25 mm-thick specimens due to concentration of shear stress in layer discontinuity containing small voids and starved glue lines. In horizontal shear strength test, failure mode of LVL showed the typical horizontal shear failure. Compressive specimens failed with fiber crushing in company with apparent delamination that splitted along the length of the specimens. From the results, the complete bonding between lamination and consistency in thin veneer layer were considered as a critical factor in the mechanical properties of LVL. Moreover, the standard test procedure and specification for non-certificated LVL should be required to check the performance of uncertificated materials.