Manufacture of laminated strand veneer (LSV) composite. Part 2: Elastic and strength properties of laminate of thin strand veneers

Abstract

Abstract Laminated strand veneer (LSV) is a new engineered wood-strand composite consisting of laminated thin (3 mm) strand veneers (see Part 1 of this study). Advantages include utilization of low-density small-diameter timber, good mechanical properties for structural applications, and the ability to engineer the lay-up of laminates for specific end uses. In the present paper, the feasibility of the concept of engineering laminated composites made of thin strand veneers is scrutinized. Properties of individual strand plies and laminated products manufactured with strand plies were determined and compared with traditional wood composite panel properties and predictions based on the classical lamination theory (CLT). Elastic and strength properties of LSV composites compare favorably with plywood and laminated veneer lumber composites made of veneer, and exceeded those of oriented strand board and particleboard. It was shown that the CLT model was useful in engineering composite lay-ups to give an approximation of LSV composites properties. Strength and stiffness of LSV are 100–150% higher than that of the small-diameter parent wood from which it was formed.