Evaluation of Some Mechanical Properties of Metal-Mesh Reinforced Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber
This study aimed to reinforce laminated veneer lumber boards produced with poplar veneers using metal mesh. The metal mesh and poplar veneers were bonded using polyurethane adhesive. A control group (group 1) and three experimental groups were formed. The metal mesh was placed inside the two outermost adhesive layers in group 2, inside the four outermost adhesive layers in group 3, and on the bottom surface (tensile zone) of the board in group 4. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity in bending, splitting strength, and adhesion strength of the produced boards were investigated. According to the data obtained, the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity increased in the reinforced groups. Although the reinforcement in one group reached 20%, the other groups had smaller values. Therefore, the reinforcement effect of the metal mesh on the flexural properties remained limited. The splitting strength increased significantly. Compared to the control group, the splitting strength of group 3 increased by approximately 80%. The adhesion strength decreased slightly in the reinforced groups.
