Physical properties analysis of LVL panels produced with Eucalyptus grandis

Abstract

This research was developed in order to evaluate the mechanical property of static bending of LVL panels produced from pre-classified veneers of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex-Maiden differently aged by non-destructive method. Fifteen trees were selected for peeling, 8 were 15 years old and 7 were 20 years old , and preclassified by non destructive method. The pre-classifying process was applied to generate three stiffness grades of veneers from the 15 years old trees as well as three from the 20 years old ones, and the LVL was produced for each grade. Results for MOR revealed a direct relationship among the stiffness grade classes, it is, grades increasing results in direct effects on static bending strength for both ages of trees. There were similar correlation between MOE and density of LVL panels. For the LVL produced from 15 years old trees there was direct correlation between stiffness and MOE. On the other hand, for the ones from 20 years old trees there was no correlation between these variables. As result, the evaluated property points to production possibilities, commercial scale, and panels with different characteristics by stiffness classes.