IS 14616:1999 delineates the specifications for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), a high-strength engineered wood product formed by bonding thin wood veneers longitudinally with adhesives. This code outlines the material properties, dimensions, workmanship criteria, preservative treatments, mechanical performance, and testing protocols applicable for structural and load-bearing uses including beams, posts, frames, and furniture components.
Overview
IS 14616:1999 delineates the specifications for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), a high-strength engineered wood product formed by bonding thin wood veneers longitudinally with adhesives. This code outlines the material properties, dimensions, workmanship criteria, preservative treatments, mechanical performance, and testing protocols applicable for structural and load-bearing uses including beams, posts, frames, and furniture components.
Audience
Contents
Structure
Frequently Asked
IS 14616:1999 permits veneers sourced from plantation-grown timber species outside of natural forests. Commonly approved species include Rubber wood, Silver oak, Eucalyptus, Poplars, and Acacias. These woods feature a density range between 0.6 and 0.75 g/cm³, ensuring consistent performance for structural LVL applications.
The standard specifies the use of BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade adhesives conforming to IS 848 for LVL fabrication. Adhesives must be compatible with the preservatives applied to veneers to guarantee a durable bond. This ensures the LVL maintains its mechanical integrity and moisture resistance required for structural use.
Preservative treatment of veneers must occur prior to lamination using agents compatible with the adhesive system. Permissible preservatives include fixed water-soluble types like CCA and CCB, as well as non-leachable solvent-based preservatives conforming to IS 401. After treatment, veneers should be dried to a moisture content of 10% or less to optimize adhesive bonding and durability.
LVL must satisfy specified minimum strength thresholds including: Modulus of Rupture not less than 50 N/mm²; Modulus of Elasticity at least 7,500 N/mm²; compressive strength parallel to grain minimum 35 N/mm²; compressive strength perpendicular to grain with 35 N/mm² parallel to laminae and 50 N/mm² perpendicular to laminae; horizontal shear strength of 6 N/mm² parallel and 8 N/mm² perpendicular to grain; tensile strength parallel to grain minimum 55 N/mm²; screw holding power minimum 2,300 N on edges and 2,700 N on faces; and thickness swelling after 2-hour water immersion not exceeding 3%.
Sampling is performed randomly from production batches in accordance with IS 7638. For each mechanical property, six test specimens are evaluated following the test methods specified in IS 1708 parts 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 15. Specimens undergo conditioning cycles involving boiling and drying before testing. Acceptance is based on compliance with the minimum property values outlined in Table 1 of the standard to ensure consistent product quality.
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