Relationship between manufacturing parameters and structural properties of Eucalyptus grandis glued laminated timber

Abstract

The current supply of locally produced wood in Uruguay led carpentry manufacturers to produce glued laminated timber without technology adjustments. Lack of manufacturing standards allows producers to commercialize non-structural products that are consumed by unaware customers about risk of their use in structural applications. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between manufacturing parameters of glulam made of Uruguayan Eucalyptus grandis, and its structural properties. Methodology involved definition of manufacturing specifications, supervision of manufacturing process and property characterization. Adopted parameters included: structural polyurethane adhesive, 15 mm-long structural tooth, assembly pressure of 10 MPa and 1,2 MPa for finger-joint and beam respectively, control of adhesive and applied pressure quantities in both lamellas and beams, and control of pressing and curing times. Results of mechanical tests and gluing integrity on lamellas and beams indicated that it was possible to manufacture structural glulam. Bending and density properties corresponded to those of GL24h of European Standard. Results from this study contribute to drafting a Uruguayan standard for Eucalyptus grandis glulam.