Validation of the Estimation Method of the Element Strength Distribution of Laminated Veneer Lumber II.

Validation by comparing 1-ply strength distributions including a laminating effect with estimated strength distributions

Abstract

From experiments and analyses in the previous report, it was found that element strength distributions (SD_C) obtained by the nonlinear least-squares method (NLM) included a laminating effect. In this report, we validated NLM by comparing 1-ply strength distributions (SD_L) including a laminating effect with SD_C. As the result, NLM was valid for estimating element strength distributions for tension, compression, and bending in the vertical use direction. NLM was also valid for estimating element strength distributions for tension by assuming the criterion that LVL fails by the stress in outermost edge of the tensile side in the horizontal use direction. However, we could not conclude that the NLM was valid for estimating element strength distributions for bending in the horizontal use direction by assuming the criterion that LVL fails by the combined stress in bending and tension in the outermost layer of the tensile side in the horizontal use direction.