How Some Test Variables Affect Bending, Tension, and Compression Values for Particle Panel Products

摘要

Three different particle panel products-particleboard, waferboard, and alined flakeboard (lab-made)--were tested in bending, tension, and compression to evaluate the effects of various test conditions and specimen sizes on strength and stiffness. Standard ASTM-size bending specimens were loaded at midspan or at the quarter points. There were no substantial differences between the two loading methods in average modulus of rupture or modulus of elasticity (MOE) values obtained for any of the three products. Doubling the length and width of the standard compression parallel-to-surface specimen and laminating two thicknesses together resulted in increased compressive strength and MOE values. Increasing the length of the necked-down portion of the standard tension parallel-to-surface specimen from 2 to 6 inches and using a 6-inch rather than a 2-inch gage length did not affect MOE values but did give somewhat lower tensile strength values. (Author)