Abstract

The need to discover new, sustainable and environment friendly building material with considerable strength to weight ratio has necessitated study in different parts of the world. The current study focuses on the production of laminated veneer lumber (LVL), from Antiaria africana. Sawn timber of Antiaria africana was converted to veneer sheet of (5mm × 195mm × 100mm); the veneer sheet was air dried and further oven dried under a control temperature of 130°C for 3hours to production moisture content of 12%. Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin was used as adhesive, 5ply of veneer sheets were laminated. Test specimens were machined according to appropriate ASTM standards. Experimental result revealed that density of the laminated veneer lumber (LVL); has average value of 403kgm³. Modulus of rupture and shear strength of test samples with steel plate and bolt connectors were recorded as 110N/mm² and 93.3N/mm² respectively while test samples void of metal connectors were reported as 73N/mm² and 33.4N/mm². The study was able to produced engineered wood product viz experimental result revealed suitable raw material input for the construction/furniture design. Improvement of mechanical properties confirmed that steel plate and bolt connectors have good reinforcement and the optimum effect on strength.