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Composite behavior of laminated strand lumber

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Abstract

The mechanical properties of laminated strand lumber are dependent on the orientation of strands and on the variability of strand alignment in the production process. A model is proposed to predict the in-plane properties and their statistical distributions to allow manufacturers to set target reliability levels for their products. The model is based on the theory of mechanics of composites and assumes homogeneity in each panel layer to allow for multiple-layer panels to be simulated. To verify the model, five types of panels are fabricated using aspen strands with the following stacking sequences: (a) fully-oriented (0° throughout); (b) fully-random (R throughout); (c) random core/oriented surfaces (0°/R/R/0°); (d) random surfaces/oriented core (R/0°/0°/R); and (e) eight oriented layers (0°/+45°/−45°/0°/0°/−45°/+45°/0°). In-plane elastic moduli and ultimate strengths (in tension, compression, and shear) are determined for each panel type. Model predictions match well with experimental results. Properties are shown to be dependent on the degree of strand alignment in each panel type. Using the first-order reliability method, statistical distributions on the properties were predicted and found to compare well with experimental results. A method is proposed for dealing with misalignment of strands based on the von Mises distribution of strand angles to assist manufacturers with production process optimization.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support for this project was provided by the BC Science Council, Trus Joist MacMillan and Forest Renewal BC. The authors thank the technical staff in the Departments of Civil Engineering and Wood Science at the University of British Columbia, Bob Myronuk and research assistants Vincent Gan and Patrick Wong.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Equilibrium Consulting Ltd., 1585 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1L6, Canada

    D. M. Moses

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2324 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    H. G. L. Prion

  3. Trus Joist—A Weyerhaeuser Business, PO Box 8449, Boise, ID, 83707, USA

    W. Boehner

  4. Power Labs Inc., 12388–88th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3W 7R7, Canada

    H. Li

Authors
  1. D. M. Moses
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  2. H. G. L. Prion
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  3. H. Li
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  4. W. Boehner
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Correspondence to D. M. Moses.

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Moses, D.M., Prion, H.G.L., Li, H. et al. Composite behavior of laminated strand lumber. Wood Sci Technol 37, 59–77 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-003-0169-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-003-0169-5

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