Mechanical Properties of Laminated Veneer Lumber Made from Ash and Red Pine Woods

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the best laminated veneer lumber (LVL) in terms of the density, modulus of rupture (MOR), and elasticity (MOE). This study was planned as a laboratory work for non-structural purpose. LVL were formed with five different layer arrangements (APPPPPA, APPAPPA, APAPAPA, AAPPPAA, and AAPAPAA) using 3-mm thick ash (A) (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) and Turkish red pine (P) (Pinus burita Ten.) veneers. Accordingly, the LVL materials (12% ± 0.5 moisture level) were made and polyvinyl acetate was preferred for bonding the veneers because it was very easy to apply in laboratory applications. The test specimens were conditioned at a relative humidity of 65% ± 2% and temperature of 20 °C ± 2 °C, until attaining a constant mass, at every stage of wood sheets production and before testing. The density, MOR, and MOE tests were conducted according to the conditions specified in different standards. The results confirmed that, as the amount of the solid ash material increased in the LVL, the material had values closer to those of solid ash sample. Additionally, as a result of the experimental measurement results, the best results in terms of the density, MOR, and MOE were achieved with the AAPAPAA-layered LVL.