Determining mechanical properties and main characteristic values of Poplar plywood by medium-sized test pieces.

Wood-based panels represent an important category of composites consisting of natural raw materials and one or more synthetic products. They are available in a wide range of types and thus can satisfy the most frequent needs and functions of the building trades. In light of renewed interest in the structural uses of these materials, an adequate mechanical characterization is necessary to designers who require reliable information for structural analysis. In this context, an extensive research program has been developed at the University of Trento, Italy to characterize Poplar plywood. These testing methodologies, which adhere to the new European Standards, along with some preliminary results are briefly analyzed and presented herein.