Development of a Corrugated Wood Composite Web Panel for I-Joist from Discarded Veneer-Mill Residues

This paper describes the utilization of veneer-mill residues from hardwood species, being discarded by the furniture industry, into value-added composites. These residues come from high quality logs and currently are being discarded as waste. This study describes the development of production methods for a corrugated web panel for I-joists. Using standard ASTM testing methods, an assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of the composite web panel was performed. The structural application of these panels as web material in prefabricated I-joists was studied. Composite I-joists were produced using flanges of structural composite lumber and a proposed corrugated web produced from veneer-mill residues. The purpose of the corrugated web was to increase the buckling capacity and in-plane stability of the joists. To manufacture structural size samples, corrugated panels were joined in length. The strengths of the web-to-web connection and two different flange-to-web connections were explored. A basic investigation into the bending performance of the I-joists was carried out. This research was carried out as a preliminary investigation into the production methods and characterization of composite panels produced from discarded hardwood decorative veneer clippings. The test results will be used to validate analytical and numerical models for characterization of this new product, including stiffness, strength, and buckling.