The principal objective 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

This project is required in support of:

• The Construction Products Directive and the implementation of the mandate M113 (wood-based panels) laid down in the draft harmonised standard for wood-based panels for structural use.
• The attestation (demonstration) of conformity procedure in relation to CE-marking for
• Authorities
• Producers
• Trade
• Notified bodies (EN 45000 series) (Certification – inspection – testing)
• Eurocode 5 (ENV 1995-1) and in the interim period, national revised codes for the design and safety of timber structures with wood-based panels.

This project proposal has arisen in response to the requirements of CEN TC112 Working Group 4, which is responsible for the CEN Standards relating to test methods and performance criteria of wood-based panels. The project proposal addresses the important research requirements that were identified in the recently completed EU project ‘PERPAN’ (FAIR CT95-0514). The project also addresses other critical research requirements related to standardisation issues arising from CEN TC112 activities

The aims of the proposal are to examine the effects of various types of wood raw material and binding systems on the short and long term performance of a range of commercial panel products under a variety of loading modes and environmental conditions. This approach will indicate how components made from these products will perform in structural and semi-structural applications.

Within the overall objectives described above, there are a number of specific sub-objectives that relate to the different stages of the integrated chain that extends from raw material through to end-use, this is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. These are:

Part 1. 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 which 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)

Part 2. 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.

Part 3.  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

• concentrated point loads

• To simplify supply and demand factors in the EU market for wood-based panels used in flooring by developing a standardised tongue and groove (t&g) profile for jointing boards.
• To integrate the results of national and EU panel research projects into revisions of Eurocode 5 and therefore to make panel use safer and more efficient.