Photo: Pixabay

Which direction is plywood strongest?

direction parallel to grain Wood is strongest in the direction parallel to grain. Because of this, the strength and stiffness properties of wood structural panels are greater in the direction parallel to the strength axis than perpendicular to it (see Figure 1).

sbcmag.info - Strength Axis in Wood Structural Panels - SBC Magazine

What is the prize for shed of the Year?

The acclaimed contest invites entrants to submit their creations in one of the seven categories for the chance to win the prize of £1,000 and £100...

Last updated Sep 3, 2018

What is a Barndominium home?

If you're looking for a home with plenty of room, space to work and get dirty, perhaps it's time to consider a barndominium, or barndo. A barndo is...

Last updated May 15, 2020

Promotion

Get a better understanding of the terminology used in the building code.

Good structural panels are often used with structural components such as trusses to provide the structural decking for the floors and roofs. Familiarity with the terminology used with wood structural panels can help component manufacturers communicate better with architects, engineers, contractors and installers. The following is an example of a term used in the building code that defines the maximum strength direction for wood structural panels.

Question

What is meant by the term strength axis when referring to wood-based panels?

Answer

The strength axis (also called major axis) is the direction parallel to the grain of the wood fiber in the face and back surfaces of the panel. This is generally the long dimension of the panel, unless the markings on the panel indicate otherwise. Wood structural panels such as oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood are manufactured with layers (i.e., “veneers” for plywood) in which the wood fibers in one layer are oriented at approximately 90 degrees to the wood fibers in the adjacent layer. This “cross-banding” helps equalize internal strain, reduce splitting, minimize warping and improve the dimensional stability of the panels. Wood is strongest in the direction parallel to grain. Because of this, the strength and stiffness properties of wood structural panels are greater in the direction parallel to the strength axis than perpendicular to it (see Figure 1). This is easily seen by comparing the load a panel can carry when oriented with its strength axis perpendicular to and parallel to the support framing. Figure 1. Graphic of section of wood structural panel installed with its strength axis perpendicular to the supports. The bending stresses produced by the load are acting parallel to the strength axis. Table 1 provides the allowable uniformly distributed load that selected sheathing grade span rated panels can support when installed with their strength axis perpendicular to and parallel to support framing at the given on-center spacing. The far right column provides the ratio of allowable load for strength axis perpendicular/strength axis parallel. The table indicates that most sheathing grade panels can support at least 2-1/2 times the amount of load when installed with their strength axis perpendicular to the support framing than with the strength axis parallel to the framing.

Table 1. Allowable uniformly distributed load for selected sheathing grade1,5,6

Table 2304.7(3) of the 2009 International Building Code® (IBC®) provides the allowable spans and loads (psf) for wood structural panel sheathing and single floor grades installed continuous over two or more spans with their strength axis perpendicular to the supports. Table 2304.7(5) provides the same information for sheathing grade panels installed with the strength axis oriented parallel to the supports. Since most structural wood panels are installed with their strength axis perpendicular to the supports, Table 2304.7(3) is typically referenced. However, it is important to realize that the stiffness and strength of wood structural panels is lower when the panels are installed with their strength axis parallel to the supports. Some common applications in which this can occur include the ends of a hip roof and the rake ends of a gable roof. Building designers and framers should be aware of this and take appropriate measures to account for the lower strength and stiffness. Common solutions include adding additional framing to reduce the span of the panels, or specifying a panel with a larger span rating for the entire roof.

Can you flip a house with 10k?

It's entirely possible you could flip a house with at least $10,000 to start off depending on the geographic location of the property, whether you...

Last updated Mar 4, 2019

What is the most important maintenance of an anchor?

That's why we've put together seven helpful anchoring tips for annual maintenance to make sure your windlass and anchoring system runs smoothly all...

Last updated Aug 25, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What thickness of plywood for a shed roof?

For roof deck construction, plywood should be a minimum of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) thick.

roofingcanada.com - 10.6 Roof Decks - Canadian Roofing Contractors Association

For roof deck construction, plywood should be a minimum of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) thick. The proper thickness of the plywood panels required for a specific roof is determined by the design loads for the roof and the distance between the supporting members.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

An oriented strand board roof deck is composed of panels made from layers of compressed, glued woodstrands. These strand layers are oriented at right angles to one another before being glued and formed into panels. Oriented strand board for roof decks should be a minimum of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) thick. The proper thickness of the oriented strand board panels is determined by the design loads anticipated for the roof and the distance between the supporting members.

Structural Wood Plank

Decking material for low-slope roof deck construction should be sound, air-dried or kiln-dried, solid-sawn lumber, with tongue-and-groove or splined side joints, ship-lap or straight-edge butt joint. End joints of each piece of decking should be staggered. End joints should be centered over the supporting members. All boards should be securely fastened.

What is the best small greenhouse?

BEST OVERALL: Nova Mini Walk-In Greenhouse. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: ShelterLogic Mini Grow House. BEST POP-UP: MINI LOP Mini Pop up Greenhouse....

Last updated Sep 8, 2020

What is the most common entry point for burglars?

Front door These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins: Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-...

Last updated Oct 7, 2018

Promotion

How much does it cost to build a 10 by 14 shed?

Shed Assembly Cost by Size Shed Size Cost 8x12 $820 – $2,400 10x10 $600 – $3,300 10x12 $860 – $3,000 10x15 $1,780 – $3,150 12 more rows • Apr 14, 2022

Last updated Aug 16, 2022

Promotion

What is a British bothy?

A bothy is a basic shelter, usually left unlocked and available for anyone to use free of charge. It was also a term for basic accommodation,...

Last updated Dec 8, 2018