QLK5-1999-01640 Enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of wood-based panels in construction

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Website: projects.bre.co.uk/panels/
Summary Information



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Biocomposites/Boards : Quality of Life - 5.3.2 The Forestry-Wood Chain

Contract No:	QLK5-1999-01640
Source:	First Year Progress Report - February 2001 - Abstract

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First Year Progress Report - February 2001 - Abstract

Objectives

The main aim of this project is to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of wood-based panels used in construction, through:

• A better understanding of panel properties and behaviour
• The use of more reliable and consistent test methods at the European level
• Facilitating innovation in the use of wood-based panels
• Standardisation of manufacturer specific performance criteria

Within the overall objectives, a number of specific sub-objectives are divided as follows:

Test methodology

• To devise methods for reducing the high variability in the results obtained using the draft test method for creep (ENV 1156) through improved test pieces selection methodology based on non- destructive techniques.
• To create a standardised method for evaluating the wood/glue failure surface in the glue bond test for plywood.
• To understand the reason for the considerable variability in results of internal bond strength of wood based panels tested in accordance with EN319, and to derive the test procedure/alternative method that would reduce variability (CEN/TC112/WG4).
• To develop a large-scale test method for determining the performance of wood-based panels in edgewise bending required for their structural application (in composite I-beams for example).

Material parameters

• To establish the performance database required as the basis for the large-scale edgewise-bending test.
• To quantify the influence of time after manufacture on the mechanical performance of cement- bonded particleboard. This result will strongly influence the calculation of the time-modification factors (k_mod, k_def) for inclusion in EC5).
• To determine the appropriate values of k_mod and k_def for isocyanate binder wood, panels bonded with isocyante binders to be included into EC5, and to gain more experience in assessing the long term performance of wood based panels with the new binder.
• Establish a performance database for creep and duration of load panel and planar shear using new test methods developed in the FAIR SHEAR project, required for input into EC5.

Performance in use

• To address the safety concerns in Eurocode 5 by developing creep and duration of load factors for panels loaded under panel and planar shear loads, and concentrated point loads
• To simplify supply and demand factors in the EU market for wood-based panels used in flooring by developing g a standardised tongue and groove (t&g) profile for jointing boards.
• To integrate the 5 and therefore to make panel use safer and more efficient.results of national and EU panel research projects into revisions of Eurocode

Results and Milestones

Very good progress has been made during the first year of the project. The achievements of the project in relation to the milestones may be summarised as follows:

WP1: Material selection and sampling Appropriate materials accumulated and delivery of test pieces to all partners complete. Milestone (M) 1 complete.

WP2: Methods for the selection of test pieces for creep and duration of load Five NDT methods have been identified for trails as optimised sampling methods. The test piece selection procedure and calibration data for ENV1 156 will be derived by month 18 (M2).

WP3: Evaluation of plywood glue bond performance in accordance with EN314 Test work complete. Over 80% of the evaluation for wood fibre failure have been completed and reference data stored on a photo CD. User guidance document will be produced by month 21 (M3).

WP4: Development of reliable internal bond test method Over 20% of the test work for examining the effect of parameters (glue type, support block, panel products) based on EN319 have been completed, although with a considerable enlargement of test programme without extra cost to the Commission. The alternative Minnesota and edgewise-bending tests have been completed. User guidance document and reliable IB test method will be derived by month 23 (M4).

WP5: Edgewise-bending performance of wood based panels Test method for edgewise-bending performance test of wood based panels has been developed. The characteristic strength and stiffness values will be derived by month 24.(M5).

WP6: Ageing effects on the performance of CBPB Over 30% of test work complete. M6 will be completed by month 34 although additional work has been included to improve quality and value of results without extra cost to the Commission. Time modification factors and guideline on selection of t_zero will be developed by month 34 (M6).

WP7: Dynamic creep performance under concentrated load Test rigs have been constructed. k_def under dynamic concentrated load will be derived by month 34 (MS).

WP8: Creep and duration of load behaviour of PMDI Over 30% of test work have been completed. k_mod and k_def for inclusion in EC5 will be derived by month 30 (M7).

WP9: Creep and duration of load behaviour under shear loads Test rigs have been constructed. Over 30% of test work has been completed. k_mod and k_def for inclusion in EC5 will be derived by month 34 (M8).

WP10: European tongue and groove (EURO t&g) EURO t&g profiles for test programme have been developed. EURO t&g profile and characteristic values for the performance capacity of structural panels for EN12871 and 12369 available by month 22 (M9).

WP11: Creep and duration of load behaviour under concentrated loads Test rigs have been constructed. Over 30% of test work complete. Creep and duration of load data and k_mod and k_def values will be derived by month 34 (M8).

WP12: Integration of test methodology and results Due to start month 29. Compile results, new test methodology and recommendation to CENTC112 and Eurocode 1 and 5 committees will be completed by month 35 (M10).

Benefits and Beneficiaries

The resulting data and findings will be presented in the final rebort. In addition it has been proposed to produce a number of stand-alone reports covering the specific WPs within the project, and providing a complete report of the objectives, methodology, results, discussion and conclusions for each area of activity. These will be written in a user-friendly format to facilitate and encourage uptake and implementation of the project outcomes. It is intended that their primary function will be to assist the development of new and improved standards relating to the testing, design and use of wood based panel products by the relevant standardisation committees.

Future Actions

During the second and third year of the project, activity will concentrate on completing test work, starting to merge and integrate data and producing final draft of test methods and dissemination of information to CENTC112 or other relevant committees. The coordinator and partners are confident that the project will be completed on time and that it will deliver important information that will deliver important information that will positively affect the use of wood based panel products in construction.