Influence of veneer thickness on the properties of LVL from Parica (Schizolobium amazonicum) plantation trees

The work aimed at evaluating the influence of the veneer thickness on physical and mechanical properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) boards made from Schizolobium amazonicum plantation trees. It is a fast growing species (20 m(3)/ha/year), having a straight trunk almost without any branch and producing a white-yellowish low density hardwood: usually < 0.40 g/cm(3). The boards were manufactured with the following thicknesses: 1.54, 2.32 and 2.71 mm. Seven LVL boards were produced for each thickness, totaling 21, all according to the following characteristics: PVAc adhesive (200 g/m(2)), pressed (1.0 N/mm(2)) at room temperature for 12 h. The following mechanical and physical properties were then evaluated: static bending modulus of elasticity (E (M) ), modulus of rupture (f (M) ), compression strength parallel to grain (f (c,0) ), shear strength parallel to glue-line (f (v,0) ), shear strength perpendicular to glue-line (f (v,90) ), water absorption and thickness swelling for 2 and 24 h of water immersion. The results pointed out that the utilization of thinner veneers implied improving mechanical properties, while thicker veneer reduced the water absorption. Nevertheless, in contrast, the efficiency was lower than that observed when thicker veneer was used.