Mechanical properties of rotary veneers recovered from early to mid-rotation plantation Eucalyptus logs

Abstract

This paper presents the mechanical properties of rotary veneers peeled from small-diameter hardwood plantation logs, recovered from early to mid-rotation hardwood plantations. Two species planted for solid timber endproducts (Gympie messmate - Eucalyptus cloeziana and spotted gum - Corymbia citriodora) and one species traditionally grown for pulpwood (southern blue gum - Eucalyptus globulus) were studied. The logs were peeled to produce 2.5 mm nominal thick veneers. The compressive and tensile Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of the veneers, parallel to the grain, were experimentally investigated and compared to their measured Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). The variability within each species is presented herein. The study aims to ultimately predict the capacity and reliability of plywood and LVL structural products manufactured from rotary veneers recovered from early to mid-rotation hardwood plantation logs. Future work and methodologies are discussed.