Effects of logs steaming, veneer drying and aging on the mechanical properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL)

In this study the effects of steaming and drying condition on the mechanical properties and durability of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and solid sawn lumber were investigated in a comparative way. Steamed beech and steamed and non-steamed spruce logs were used and two different veneer drying temperatures (20 and 110 °C) were selected for this aim. Aging test was applied according to EN 321 to determine the durability of LVL and solid wood samples. Steaming decreased considerably all investigated strength properties of LVL panels and the least affected was the compression strength. The compression strength and the static bending strength values of both beech and spruce LVL panels were higher than those of the solid wood groups obtained from the same logs. The impact strength values of LVL panels, unlike the static bending strength and the compression strength, were lower than those of the solid samples, which were not steamed and aged.