Abstract
This study investigated the effect of the relative humidity (RH) and density of unidirectional oriented strand board (OSB) on parallel, perpendicular and through-the-thickness elastic modulus (E1, E2 and E3) and interlaminar shear modulus (G13 and G23). The relationships between these parameters and density were determined on unidirectional OSB panels with a flat density profile. The target densities were: 550 kg/m3, 700 kg/m3 and 850 kg/m3. Two RH levels at a constant temperature of 20°C were used to determine relationships between OSB mechanical properties and moisture content (MC). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that only density had a significant effect on the mechanical properties considered. Even though the effect of RH was not significant, a trend could be observed. Oriented strand board E1, E2, E3, G13 and G23, increased with an increase in density and decreased with an increase in RH. Finally, a regression procedure was used to determine the linear or quadratic equation necessary to predict the mechanical properties of the OSB panels as a function of density. A positive correlation was observed between the unidirectional OSB properties considered and density. These data will support the modeling of the hygromechanical behaviour of the OSB used as component in wood composite constructions.
Highlights
Since its introduction in the building construction market in the 1980s, oriented strand board (OSB) has continued to replace plywood in several applications
This is in agreement with the results of Bucur et al (1998), who found that OSB proved more anisotropic than medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard
The results show that, for unidirectional strand board (USB) panels with a flat vertical density profile, and only density has a significant effect on these mechanical properties
Summary
Since its introduction in the building construction market in the 1980s, oriented strand board (OSB) has continued to replace plywood in several applications. Blanchet (2008) tested the potential of OSB as a substrate in engineered wood flooring (EWF). The comparative study with Russian Baltic birch (Betula pendula Roth.) plywood (BBP) and high-density fibreboard (HDF) showed that EWF made with an OSB substrate suffered a higher level of cupping deformation. Blanchet (2008) suggested increasing the bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the OSB substrate in the parallel direction in order to obtain a performance comparable to that of the Russian BBP for this application. Barbuta et al (2011) developed a specialty OSB with high MOE in the direction parallel to the strands as a substitute for plywood widely used as a substrate for EWF. Tests conducted in a conditioning room showed that specialty OSB made from a mixture of 90% aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and 10% paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) offered a performance level similar to that of Russian BBP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
