Damage resistance and open-hole strength of thin veneer laminates: Adopting design and testing principles from fibre-reinforced polymers

Bulky, thick solid wooden parts are typically used despite the fact that such cross-sections do not yield the optimal load transfer. This study investigates thin quasi-isotropic [90???45???0??? ??? 45]?????????????????? Beech veneer laminates subjected to a range of mechanical tests derived from fibre-reinforced counterparts. The results of standard tension, open-hole tension and compact tension tests in combination with digital image correlation and cross-sectional microscopy reveal that Beech veneer laminates can be tested and analysed in the same manner as fibre-reinforced laminates, leading to consistent values of strength and damage resistance as a result of reliable and repeatable damage patterns. It is found that modulus (5.5 GPa), tensile strength (70 MPa) and open-hole strength as well as translaminar fracture energy (5 ??? 14 kJ/m2) are one order of magnitude lower compared to fibre-reinforced polymer composites.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical properties of thin quasi-isotropic [90°-45°-0°-45°] beech veneer laminates. The results show that beech veneer laminates can be tested and analyzed similarly to fiber-reinforced laminates, with consistent values of strength and damage resistance. However, the modulus, tensile strength, open-hole strength, and translaminar fracture energy of beech veneer laminates are one order of magnitude lower compared to fiber-reinforced polymer composites.