Optimisation of cross-banded laminated veneer lumbers manufactured from spotted gum and southern pine veneers

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to optimise the manufacturing strategy of structural cross-banded laminated veneer lumbers (LVL-C) manufactured from blending native-forest spotted gum (Corymbia citrioda subsp.variegate - SPG) with plantation southern pine (SP) (Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) and Slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii)) veneers. The aim is to minimise the cost of a family of products, each product having different targeted stiffness and embedment strength, while minimising the use of hardwood veneers. Genetic algorithm, which is widely used in the optimisation of structural products, was selected as the optimisation algorithm. The orientation of the veneers and veneer grades are considered as design variables. Results show that the algorithm was able to consistently converge to similar solutions for all investigated cases, demonstrating its robustness. The optimisation products are presented for the chosen optimisation parameters. © WCTE 2018 Committee.