Corrugated Wood Composite Panels For Structural Decking

AbstractHigh flexural strength and stiffness can be achieved by forming a thin panel into awave shape perpendicular to the bending direction. The use of corrugated shapes to gainflexural strength and stiffness is common in metal and reinforced plastic products.However, there is no commercial production of corrugated wood composite panels. Thisresearch focuses on the application of corrugated shapes to wood strand compositepanels.Beam theory, classical plate theory and finite element models were used toanalyze the bending behavior of corrugated panels. The most promising shallowcorrugated panel configuration was identified based on structural performance andcompatibility with construction practices. The corrugation profile selected has awavelength equal to 8”, a channel depth equal to ¾”, a sidewall angle equal to 45 degreesand a panel thickness equal to 3 / 8 ”.16”x16” panels were produced using random mats and 3-layer aligned mats withsurface flakes parallel to the channels. Strong axis and weak axis bending tests wereconducted. The test results indicate that flake orientation has little effect on the strongaxis bending stiffness. The 3 / 8 ” thick random mat corrugated panels exhibit bendingstiffness (400,000 lbs-in 2 /ft) and bending strength (3,000 in-lbs/ft) higher than 23 / 32 ” or3 / 4 ” thick APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor with a 24” o.c. span rating. Shear and bearing testresults show that the corrugated panel can withstand more than 50 psf of uniform load at48” joist spacings.i