Laminated Veneer Lumber Made from Plantation-Grown Conifers

Research was undertaken to determine the feasibility of upgrading the products of small, low quality plantation-grown timber in New York State by demonstrating that laminated veneer lumber (LVL) could yield structural grade lumber. Veneers, cut 0.20 inch thick from white pine, red pine, spruce, and larch were laminated using a phenol-resorcinol adhesive cured at 90?F to produce 300 nominal 2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot and 300 nominal 2-inch by 10-inch by 8-foot specimens containing veneers of either single species (homogeneous LVL) or a random selection from all four species (mixed LVL). Full-scale two-point flexure tests were performed to determine modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) data. Allowable design stresses (Fb) were calculated to account for variability in MOR, duration of load, and a factor of safety. Compared to lumber grades of corresponding naturally grown species, all homogeneous LVL were equivalent to No. 2 or better in average MOE values. Similarly, mixed LVL equaled select structural grades for red pine and larch lumber. Fb values were equal to No. 1 and better for all LVL except for 2 by 10 larch and 2 by 10 mixed LVL. Compared with Douglas-fir and southern pine lumber grades, all 2 by 4 LVL had Fb equal to No. 2 except white pine LVL. We conclude that a structural lumber product (mixed LVL) can be produced from conifer plantations within New York. This large natural resource can be used to serve the structural lumber requirements of the Northeast.

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