The increasing need for construction materials coupled with the decreasing quality and quantity of available raw materials triggered innovations and research work to meet the challenges of demand and supply. Wood composite I-joists represent an efficient use of materials for structural applications. However, the buckling characteristics of these composite panels discourage the use of I-joists under heavy concentrated loads. This presentation summarizes the results of an ongoing research project to increase the lateral torsion and in-plane stability of these materials. The focus of the article is on the experimental phase of the study. Different sources of potential raw materials, the physical and mechanical properties of the proposed furnish, composite formulation methodologies, different end joint types of the web panels, and web-flanges connection are discussed.
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