Determination of the Bending Strength and Modulus of Elasticity of Solid Wood and Laminated Veneer Lumber

Abstract

In this study, bending strength (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and solid wood materials which are constructed of different wood species were determined. Solid wood and LVL constructed of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris Lipsky) and poplar (Populus nigra) were tested for determining bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Furthermore, bending quality values of the materials were calculated. As a result; the highest bending strength and modulus of elasticity were obtained with beech in solid form, and the lowest one with poplar in solid form. In static bending tests, the laminated materials perpendicular to the glue line were yielded higher results than the laminated materials parallel to the glue line, in opposition, in the modulus of elasticity values, the laminated materials parallel to the glue line have been given higher results than the laminated materials perpendicular to the glue line. It was observed that the bending quality values of the materials decrease after the lamination process. In conclusion, it can be said that the laminated materials which has a number of technical and economical advantages could be utilized instead of solid wood material as an alternative structural material and could be used in production of the furniture frames.