Technical Annex

technical annex

2. Project workplan

2. 1 Introduction

The FAIR PERPAN project (CT95 0514) was very successful, not only in the type and quality of research carried out in satisfying the various workpackages set out in that submission, but also in the establishment of a strong liaison with the Working Group of CEN TC112 concerned with the development of test methodology for the evaluation of wood based panels and their performance (WG4). Presentations of research activities and results have been made to WG4 and much valuable feedback has been obtained concerning further research requirements. Thus most of the workpackages detailed below have originated through these discussions with WG4.

The project is broken down into three workpackage groups corresponding to three crucial aspects, which are vital links in the integrated chain linking raw materials with component performance of wood based panels, see Figure 1.

Workpackage group A, TEST METHODOLOGY, relates specifically to developing and improving the European standards for the testing of wood based panels and components with the aim of improving the efficiency of structural application.

Workpackage group B, MATERIAL PARAMETERS, is focussed on evaluating the effect of material parameters on the performance of wood based panel products in order to examine or verify whether the specifications of the relevant EN standards and Eurocode 5 (the structure design code for timber and panel products) are applicable to these new materials.

Workpackage group C, PERFORMANCE IN USE, relates specifically not only to the development and promotion of new forms of components and structures, but also contributes to the composition of the new European Performance standards being written by the ad-hoc performance group of WG4.

Each workpackage group is subdivided into a number of workpackages as described below (Table 2) in order to achieve the project objectives.

2.2 Project structure, planning and timetable

The project brings together a strong partnership that has the requisite expertise, experience, test facilities and industrial contacts to achieve the project objectives. The list of project partners is shown below:

Participant No.	Address	Telephone and Fax
1 Co-ordinator	Building Research Establishment (BRE) Watford, WD2 7JR, UK. E-mail: bonfieldp@bre.co.uk	Tel: +44 1923 664815 Fax: +44 1923 664785
2	TRADA Technology Ltd. (TRADA), High Wycombe, Bucks. P14 4ND, UK E-mail: vckearley@trada.co.uk	Tel: +44 1494 563091 Fax: +44 1494 565487
3	Danish Technological Institute (DTI) PO Box 141, Taastrup 2630, Denmark E-mail: john.adelhoj@dti.dk	Tel: +45 43 50 42 21 Fax: +45 43 50 40 24
4	Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI) Bienroder-Weg 54E D038108 Braunscheig, Germany	Tel: +49 531 2155370 Fax: +49 531 2155210
5	VTT Building Technology (VTT) PO Box 1806, FIN-02044, Finland E-mail: mikael.fonselius@vtt.fi	Tel: +35 8 9456 5499 Fax: +35 8 9456 7027
6	Laboratorio Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) Avenida do Brasil, 101 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal E-mail: helenacruz@lnec.pt	Tel: +351 1 8482131 Fax: +351 1 8463457

The work programme is well defined in a series of 15 workpackages and sub-workpackages to achieve the project objectives and these are shown in Table 1. Each individual workpackage has a responsible partner assigned to it to oversee the work being carried out and to ensure that it is satisfactorily completed on time and within budget. A Graphical representation of the time dimension of all project’s components-workpackages, participants, milestones and project meetings is shown in Figures 2. Progress will be monitored in relation to the milestones and deliverables as shown in Tables 2 and 3.

A flow chart describing the links between workpackages is (PERT diagram) is shown is shown in Figure 3. The relationship between workpackages and partners is summarised in Table 4.

2.3 Description of the workpackages

Workpackage number: 1. MATERIAL SELECTION AND SAMPLING

Start date: Month 1.

Completion date: Month 8.

Partners responsible: WKI; TRADA.

Person months per partner and total: TRADA: 2; WKI: 2. Total: 4.

Objectives

To identify and select appropriate panel products in order to facilitate utilisation of research results.

To develop a sampling, cutting and distribution plan for all workpackages in the project.

To provide all partners with the test pieces required to complete workpackage 2 to 11.

Methodology and study materials

The panels required will be selected from all the main types of wood based panel, namely PB (particleboard), MDF (medium density board), OSB (oriented strand board), PW (plywood), HB (hardboard) and CBPB (cement bonded particleboard). It should be ensured that the panels selected represent various manufacturing processes and raw materials and that the specification of these panels is aligned to the new European material specifications.

To be able to analyse efficiently results within and between partners, it is essential that the same panels are used by partners working on the same workpackages, as well as partners in closely related workpackages. The selection and acquisition of panels will be carried out by TRADA and WKI.

A detail sampling, cutting and distribution plan for all workpackages will be developed by TRADA and WKI. They will also be responsible for sampling the panels, cutting of the test pieces and distributing these to the other partners. However, the further preparation of test pieces for specific tasks, such as gluing of t&g, is the responsibility of the individual partners carrying out these tests.

Deliverables - D1 by month 6; D2 by month 8

Delivery of test pieces to the individual partners for test work will be completed by the end of month 6.

Sample selection and the cutting plan will be compiled as a report for use in result analysis of all other workpackages by the end of month 8.

WKI will be responsible for the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M1 by month 8

Delivery of test pieces on time which is crucial to the success of the overall project.

Sample selection and cutting plan appropriate for best analysis of test results.

Workpackage number: 2. METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF TEST

PIECES FOR CREEP AND DURATION OF LOAD

Sub-workpackage number: 2.1. NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

Start date: Month 4

Completion date: Month 12

Partners responsible: TRADA; BRE.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 1; TRADA: 5. Total: 6.

Objectives

To determine the optimum method of determining the test loads for creep and duration of load tests of wood-based panels.

To produce calibration data to enable the method to be used in a revised version of ENV 1156.

Methodology and study materials

From a review of previous research and current state of the art, a minimum of six leading NDT (non-destructive test) techniques will be selected for further evaluation. These techniques will be developed through preliminary trials and then tests will be carried out using each technique before the test pieces are failed in bending to produce calibration data. BRE will evaluate the efficacy of using two of these NDT techniques to determine creep loads and duration of load tests, and TRADA will be responsible for the other four NDT evaluations. The calibration data will involve at least 8 types of material covering PB, MDF, PW and OSB, and at least 30 test pieces of each material type. With the original method (side matching), a total of 1680 test pieces will be tested. Testing will be carried out at an environmental condition of 20° C/65%rh (relative humidity).

TRADA will also be responsible for the determination of the variability in the short-term bending strength as in ENV1156, and in comparing this with that obtained using the NDT techniques.

Deliverables -D3 by month 12.

Test piece selection procedure (alternative sampling method for ENV1156 tests).

Calibration data suitable for inclusion in ENV 1156.

TRADA will be responsible for the production of the final sub-workpackage report.

Milestones

Related to M2 by month 18, see sub-workpackage 2.2.

Workpackage number: 2. METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF TEST

PIECES FOR CREEP AND DURATION OF LOAD

Sub-workpackage number: 2.2. CREEP VERIFICATION TESTS

Start date: Month 13

Completion date: Month 18

Partners responsible: BRE; TRADA.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 4; TRADA: 1. Total: 5.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of the optimum method of determining the test loads for creep and duration of load tests of wood-based panels.

Methodology and study materials

A limited amount of creep testing (2 materials and 10 replicates making a total of 40 creep tests) will be required in order to verify the results. One set of samples will be selected by side matching and one set by the optimum method. Testing will be carried out at a single stress level (25%) and single environmental condition of 20° C/65%rh. TRADA will be responsible for NDT sample selection, and BRE will carry out the creep testing. The results will be compared together with those of the PERPAN.

Deliverables - D4 by month 18

A report detailing the results from both PERPAN and PANELS and making recommendations will be produced by BRE.

Milestones - M2 by month 18

Optimised sampling method for determination of creep and duration of load tests will be derived.

Calibration data will be produced to enable the methods to be used in conjunction with a revised ENV1156 for a range of wood based panel products.

Workpackage number: 3. EVALUATION OF PW GLUE BOND PERFORMANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH EN314-1 AND EN314-2

Start date: Month 1

Completion date: Month 21

Partners responsible: VTT; TRADA; DTI; LNEC.

Person months per partner and total: TRADA: 2; DTI: 2; VTT 4; LNEC: 2.

Total: 10.

Objectives

To study the reproducibility and the accuracy of the measurement of wood fibre failure percentage, taking into account combinations in wood species (hardwood and softwood) and glue types (dark glues e.g. phenol and transparent glues e.g. melamine)

To carry out tests and to evaluate the failure of surfaces from shear testing taking into account dark and transparent glues in combination with soft- and hardwood species and the range of wood fibre failure percentage (0% to 100%)
To validate the test and requirement methods (EN 314-1 and EN 314-2)
To validate the procedures for attestation of conformity procedures (CPD) to the sector group for notified bodies ‘Wood Based Panels’.

Methodology and study materials

It is proposed to carry out indicative testing rather than a full-scale appraisal. The work will be based on selected samples from plywood manufactures taken from the daily internal quality control, as well as on comparative samples taking into account combinations in wood species (hardwood and softwood) and glue types (dark glues e.g. phenol and transparent glues e.g. melamine).

The EN 314-1 and 314-2 methods will be used and both the wood fibre failure and the shear strength will be registered and evaluated with regard to requirements and species and glue type. For each selected sample, 20 test pieces will be needed, 10 for cold water treatment and 10 for boil water treatment in accordance with EN 314-1. This allocation results in a total of 600 tests which will be divided between the four partners.

Deliverables -D5 by month 18; D6 by month 21.

Test piece selection procedure and calibration/reference data, together with an image of the failure surface, available by month 18.
VTT will be responsible for the production of the final workpackage report by month 21.

Milestones -M3 by month 21.

Wood fibre failure reference data stored on a photo CD for use on a standard PC.
User friendly visual guidance document for evaluation of wood fibre failure of plywood for use for producers and certification bodies.

Workpackage number: 4. DEVELOPMENT OF RELIABLE INTERNAL BOND TEST METHOD

Workpackage number: 4.1. EFFECT OF PARAMETERS

Start date: Month 4.

Completion date: Month 21.

Partners responsible: BRE; TRADA; DTI; WKI; LNEC.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 4; TRADA: 4; DTI: 2; WKI: 4;

LNEC: 2. Total: 16.

Objectives

To examine thoroughly the effects of all parameters (glue types, support blocks (including block alignment), different panel products) on the internal bond of wood based panel products, and to understand the reasons for the high variability in results obtained using EN319.
To derive test methodology which would reduce variability.
To examine alternative test procedures.
To evaluate tests on basis of lowest COV for testing both within one institute and between several institutes.

Methodology and study materials

The workpackage is to evaluate the interaction among the test variables (different combination of glue, support blocks and panel products) and inherent weaknesses in the test set up of EN319. The following approach will be taken:

Three glue types, two types of support blocks (metal and plywood), and a range of material types (three grades of PB, two grades of OSB, one grade of MDF, HB and CBPB) will be included.
Wet test will be carried out on OSB (2 types) and MDF (2 types).
Test on a misalignment of the blocks by 1⁰, 3⁰ and 5⁰ will be carried out on 3 grades of PB.

At least 20 replicates of each material type should be tested, making a total of 940 test pieces.

The test work will be divided between five partners based on the number of person month and carried out at an environmental condition of 20° C/65%rh.

Deliverables -D7 by month 21

Information on the effect of parameters on internal bond of panel products will be produced as a partner’s report by month 21.
BRE will be responsible for the production of the final sub-workpackage report.

Milestones

Related to M4 by month 23, see sub-workpackage 4.2.

Workpackage number: 4. DEVELOPMENT OF RELIABLE INTERNAL BOND TEST METHOD

Sub-workpackage number: 4.2. ALTERNATIVE TEST PROCEDURES

Start date: Month 8.

Completion date: Month 23.

Partners responsible: LNEC; BRE; DTI.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 2; DTI: 2; LNEC: 2. Total: 6.

Objectives

To derive test methodology which would reduce variability.
To examine alternative test procedures.

Methodology and study materials

The alternative procedures will be selected and applied to at least two materials (3+2 grades). Possible test methods include: a) block shear; b) Minnesota shear; c) edgewise bending. The data of edgewise bending will be employed from workpackage 5.1. 20 replicates of each material type will be tested, making a total of 200 test pieces.

The test work will be shared equally between three partners and carried out under 20⁰C/65%rh.

Deliverables -D8 by month 23

Alternative procedures to reduce the variability of IB strength by month 23.
LNEC will be responsible for the production of the final sub-workpackage report.

Milestones -M4 by month 23.

Information/data on the factors affecting IB results for TC112 WG4 to amend current specification
User guidance document for appropriate operation of IB strength test
Alternative procedure development.

Workpackage number: 5. EDGEWISE BENDING PERFORMANCE OF WOOD BASED PANELS

Sub-Workpackage number: 5.1. SHORT TERM TEST

Start date: Month 1.

Completion date: Month 15.

Partner responsible: DTI; BRE; TRADA; WKI; LNEC.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 2; TRADA: 1; DTI: 3; WKI: 3;

LNEC: 3. Total: 11.

Objectives

To develop large scale test methods for determination of short term strength and stiffness properties of edge loaded wood based panel products.
To determine short term characteristic strength and stiffness properties of edge loaded wood based products.
To correlate these properties to the properties obtained from tensile and compression tests of wood based products.
To draft test methods for tests of edge loaded wood based panel products.

Methodology and study materials

This workpackage firstly concerns the development of an edge loaded bending test method for assessing the edge loaded performance of wood based panel products.

At least four materials (PB, OSB, PW and MDF) will be used. Five reference depths will be assessed to determine the depth factor of wood based panels. At least 10 replications for each depth and material will be carried out, making a total of 200 test pieces. Tensile properties of the corresponding panel products will be determined.

Testing will be carried out at an environmental condition of 20C/65%rh. The test work will be divided between BRE; TRADA, DTI, WKI and LNEC.

Deliverables -D9 by month 9.

Test method for determining edge wise bending properties available for drafting standards by month 9.
DTI will be responsible for the method draft and the final report.

Milestones and expected results

Related to M5 by month 24, see sub-workpackage 5.2.

Workpackage number: 5. EDGEWISE BENDING PERFORMANCE OF WOOD BASED PANELS

Sub-workpackage number: 5.2. INDICATIVE CREEP TEST

Start date: Month 16

Completion date: Month 24.

Partners responsible: WKI; BRE; TRADA; DTI.

Person months per partner: BRE: 1; TRADA: 1; DTI: 1; WKI: 2. Total: 5.

Objectives

To develop indicative large scale test methods for determination of long term strength and stiffness properties of edge loaded wood based panel products.
To determine indicative long term characteristic strength and stiffness properties of edge loaded wood based products.

Methodology and study materials

A limited series of creep tests (2 replicates for each type of materials) using new methods suitable for edge-loaded bending will be carried out in order to verify the data obtained. The test work will be divided equally between four partners. Testing will be carried out at a single stress level (25%) and an environmental condition of 20° C/65%rh.

Large scale creep test rig will be designed, and each partner will at least constructed one rig for creep test.

Deliverables -D10 by month by month 24.

Characteristic strength and stiffness values for the edge loaded panel products to be used in design by month 24.
WKI will be responsible for the sub-workpackage final report.

Milestones -M5 by month 24.

New knowledge on in-plane bending strength and stiffness properties of a great variety of products and how to test these properties.
Test methodology will be developed.
Characteristic strength and stiffness properties will be the basis for draft standards and for use in the design of I - and box beams and similar structures.

Workpackage number: 6. AGEING EFFECTS ON THE PROPERTIES OF CBPB

Start date: Month 4

Completion date: Month 22.

Partners responsible: BRE; WKI; LNEC.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 7; WKI: 3; LNEC: 2. Total: 12.

Objectives

To examine change with time in strength, mass, dimension and their interrelationships.
To establish the relationship between strength change (early gain) with time and long term prediction of creep and duration of load.
To determine the time at which the calculation of relative creep and duration of load should be calculated, i.e. at what time is t_zero to be taken?

Methodology and study materials

Two brands of CBPB (UK and Portuguese) will be tested. Samples will be divided into 5 groups, with each groups containing 12 samples, 3 for mass and dimensional change tests; 3 for short term bending tests and 6 for creep tests. All samples will be edge sealed following cutting.

Samples will be exposed and tested under 2 environmental conditions after 0, 2, 6, 10, 20 month-ageing. Two environmental conditions are

1) 20⁰C/65%rh;

2) exterior protected.

Creep tests will be loaded with stress levels based on first, the original strength, and second, the strength after ageing. Test pieces for sub groups should be side matched. A total of 240 test pieces will be tested. The test work will be divided between three partners based on the person month.

Deliverables -D11 by month 34.

Recommendations concerning time modification factor values related to various stages of ageing effect will be submitted to appropriate CEN TC112 committee.
Guidance on the selection of t_zero will be made public.
BRE will be responsible for the production of the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M6 by month 34.

Relationship between time modification factors and duration of exposure will be established.
A guideline for an appropriate loading time will be developed.
Knowledge to determine the stress level for long term performance will be derived.

Workpackage number: 7. DYNAMIC CREEP PERFORMANCE UNDER

CONCENTRATED LOADS

Start date: Month 4.

Completion date: Month 22.

Partners responsible: TRADA; BRE; DTI.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 3; TRADA: 4; DTI: 3. Total: 10.

Objectives

To develop a dynamic creep test method
To examine the relationship between dynamic and static creep performance of wood based panels
To verify requirements for revised creep design factors

Methodology and study materials

The test rig will be based upon that developed in workpackage 6.1 of FAIR contract CT95-000514. Static load creep testing will be conducted alongside the dynamic tests based upon the same experimental set up in order to verify any changes in creep performance.

Test pieces will be tested across a single joist spacing of 400mm with the load being applied by a 25mm diameter load punch. Dynamic testing will involve a cyclic loading pattern, fluctuating either side of a given static creep load for 3.5 days per cycle for a total duration of 6 months.

Comparative dynamic and static creep testing will be conducted at an environmental condition of 20^oC/65%rh. A total of three materials OSB, PB and PW will be tested, with three tests per configuration, resulting in a total of 18 creep tests. The test work will be shared equally between three partners.

Deliverables -D12 by month 22.

Dynamic creep data under cyclic concentrated loading. Recommendations concerning k_def values to be included in EC5.
TRADA will be responsible for production of the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M8 by month 34.

k_def of wood based panel under dynamic concentrated load.

Workpackage number: 8. CREEP AND DURATION OF LOAD BEHAVIOUR OF PMDI

Start date: Month 4.

Completion date: Month 30.

Partners responsible: WKI; BRE.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 8; WKI: 8. Total: 16.

Objectives

To gain more confidence and experience in assessing the long term performance of panels with the new binder.
To calculate the best estimate of k_mod and k_deffor possible inclusion in EC5.

Methodology and study materials

Commercial PMDI PB and OSB will be examined. Testing will be carried out according to ENV1156. The evaluation will be restricted to a single standard environment of 20°C/65%rh. 10 test pieces of each of 2 commercial panels will be tested at each of 7 stress levels (6 for dol and 1 for creep factor). A total of 140 test pieces will therefore be tested with a duration under load of between several hours and 6 months, depending on the actual time to failure of the duration of load tests. The test work will be shared equally between BRE and WKI.

Deliverables -D13 by month 30.

k_mod and k_def values suitable for inclusion in EC5.
Creep and duration of load data for isocyanate bonded boards.
WKI will be responsible for the production of the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M7 by month 30.

k_mod and k_defvalues suitable for inclusion in EC5

Workpackage number: 9. CREEP AND DURATION OF LOAD BEHAVIOUR UNDER SHEAR LOADS

Start date: Month 4

Completion date: Month 22.

Partners responsible: BRE; TRADA; DTI.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 6; TRADA: 5; DTI: 5. Total: 16.

Objectives

To construct 6 new rigs for both panel and planar shear to comply with recommendation of FAIR SHEAR programme
To collect creep and duration of load data for a range of products loaded in panel and planar shear
To calculate the best estimate of k_mod and k_deffor possible inclusion in EC5.

Methodology and study materials

Panel and planar shear tests will be conducted, with creep stress levels being derived from side-matched test pieces. Testing will be carried out on 2 materials (PB, PW) under a standard environment of 20°C/65%rh. One creep stress level, with 3 replicates, and six duration of load stress levels, with 10 replicates, will be used. A total of 252 test pieces will therefore be tested. The test work will be shared equally between BRE, TRADA and DTI.

Deliverables -D14 by month 34

Creep and duration of load data for a range of wood-based panel products loaded in shear. Recommendations concerning k_mod and k_def values to be included in EC5.
BRE will be responsible for the production of the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M8 by month 34.

k_mod and k_def for inclusion in EC5

Workpackage number: 10. EUROPEAN TONGUE AND GROOVE (EURO t&g)

Start date: Month 4.

Completion date: Month 22.

Partners responsible: DTI; TRADA; VTT.

Person months per partner and total: TRADA: 6; DTI: 7; VTT: 3. Total: 16.

Objectives

To develop a EURO t&g profile to support both industry and the CEN/TC 112 structural performance standards for floor and roof decking, and to derive data (point load and soft body impact) for incorporation into an European standard EN 12369.

Methodology and study materials

The testing program will include the best performing t&g profile found in the PERPAN project optimised with regard to thickness, tolerances, vertical steps between panels and installation. Materials will include PW, PB, OSB, MDF and CBPB. Each of these materials will commercially be machined with the EURO t&g jointing profile in a factory

The workpackage will include

Small scale testing (PERPAN workpackage 2 method) for selection and evaluation of t&g with the best capacity independent of panel type. 10 tests of 3 different modified PERPAN t&g 1(2) profiles (Glued and unglued), making a total of 150 test pieces.
Full scale reference performance testing. 4 spans and minimum 6 point load tests at the t&g in combination with glued and unglued t&g.
Technical drawings of the EURO t&g profile for inclusion in EN 12871
Draft reference data (characteristic values) for the performance capacity of structural wood based panels with regard to thickness, centre to centre span and load category for the possible inclusion in EN 12369 or similar standard.

Deliverables -D15 by month 18; D16 by month 22.

Technical drawings of the EURO t&g profile for inclusion in EN 12871 or similar standard by month 18.
Draft reference data (characteristic values) for the performance capacity of structural wood based panels with regard to thickness, Centre to centre span and load category for the possible inclusion in EN 12369 or similar standard.
DTI will be responsible for the final workpackage report and draft supplement to EN12369 and EN12871 by month 22.

Milestones -M9 by month 22.

Proposal for EURO t&g profile. Drawing, tolerance and type of machining
Mechanical performance in terms of concentrated load capacity of structural floor and roof decking related to thickness, span and load category.

Workpackage number: 11. CREEP AND DURATION OF LOAD BEHAVIOUR UNDER CONCENTRATED LOADS

Start date: Month 4.

Completion date: Month 34.

Partners responsible: TRADA; BRE; DTI.

Person months per partner and total: BRE: 5; TRADA: 6; DTI: 5. Total: 16.

Objectives

To collect creep and duration of load data for a range of products subjected to concentrated loads and to calculate the best estimate of k_mod and k_deffor possible inclusion in EC5.

Methodology and study materials

Concentrated load tests will be conducted, with creep stress levels being derived from side-matched test pieces. Testing will be carried out on at least 4 materials (PB, PW, OSB, MDF) under a standard environment of 20°C/65%rh. One creep stress level and six duration of load stress levels will be used, with 5 repetitions of each test set up. A total of 140 test pieces will therefore be tested. The test work will be shared equally between BRE, TRADA and DTI.

Deliverables -D17 by month 34.

Creep and duration of load data for a range of wood-based panel products subjected to concentrated loads.
Recommendations concerning k_mod and k_def values to be included in EC5.
TRADA will be responsible for the production of the final workpackage report.

Milestones -M8 by month 34.

k_mod and k_def suitable for inclusion in EC5

Workpackage number: 12. INTEGRATION OF TEST METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

Start date: Month 29.

Completion date: 35.

Partners responsible: DTI; TRADA.

Person months per partner and total: TRADA: 2; DTI: 3. Total: 5.

Objectives

To compare results derived using the improved test methodology with those from existing test methods and to seek explanations as to the differences.

To present the results in a format appropriate for inclusion in the revision of a number of Euro-specifications, including Eurocode 5.

Methodology and study materials

This workpackage will examine the results of the workpackages and seek correlation and comparisons of the different aspects of behaviour and performance of wood based panels.

In particular, the workpackage will to focus on the estimates of k_mod and k_def derived from different materials under the different loading modes tested and seek explanations of any differences that occur.

This workpackage will compare the relative creep of CBPB based on maximum strength attained in ageing with that of other panel products, the creep of which was determined in PERPAN.

The data collected will be considered in relation to the overall requirements of CPD and EC5 and the implication analysed.

Recommendations for the application of the results will be made to relevant bodies as proposed in the dissemination plan as described under part c of this proposal.

Deliverables -D18 by month 35

Compiled results
New test methodology
Recommendation to appropriate CEN TC 112 and Eurocode 1 and 5 committee.

Milestones -M10 by month 35.

Compilation and consideration of all project outputs and their relationship to CPD, Eurocode 5 and other CEN standards.