Research Program to Develop Performance Specifications for the Veneer-Particleboard Composite Panel

A broad summary is given of a research program to develop performance specifications for veneer-particleboard composite panels. The program, which is being conducted by the American Plywood Association (APA) in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, addresses three major areas of concern: 1) panel durability; 2) mechanical properties, including development of a flexural design formula and performance under impact loads; and 3) dimensional stability. A basis premise underlying the research program is that the composite panel should be virtually interchangeable with plywood–thickness for thickness–in the common applications such as sheathing and subflooring. A full-scale application of composite panels was recently completed in a demonstration house in Vancouver, Washington. An additional demonstration house is planned for the Washington, D.C. area and APA will soon be releasing to the Forest Service and to the plywood industry the results of further studies.

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