Plywood Performance Testing Requirements: UK and EU – APA

Plywood Performance Testing Requirements

https://apawood-europe.org/official-guidelines-3/apa-plywood-main-eu-standards/performance-characteristics-en-636/

The UK and Europe adhere to the same standards for wood-based panels. The standard that classifies plywood is (BS) EN 636 and the  overall harmonised (EU) or designated (UK) standard for wood-based panels is (BS) EN 13986: 2004+A1 2015.

Here’s a quick guide in table and list form, giving the relevant clauses and tables in this overall standard. The Clause number stays the same but the Table number varies depending on your specific application. The guide will help you find out how your panels have been tested and verified to ensure they comply with requirements.

Refer also to our application guide, which matches performance characteristics to your specific application.

Essential structural & non-structuralClauses (Tables 3,4,5,6,7)
Bending strength5.1
Bending stiffness5.2
Bond quality5.3
Durability – moisture resistance (not internal dry non structural)5.6.5
Release of formaldehyde5.7
Optional: structural & non- structuralClauses (Tables 3,4,5,6, 7)
Reaction to fire5.8
Water vapour permeability5.9
Airborne sound insulation5.10
Thermal conductivity5.12
Biological durability5.17
Content of pentachlorophenol (PCP)5.18
 
Optional: structural only
Strength & stiffness for structural use5.13
Optional/Extra tests for strength & stiffness for structural use5.133
Racking resistance5.15.3
Mechanical durability5.16
Embedment strength5.19
Impact resistance for structural use5.14
Strength & stiffness under point load for structural load5.154
Special feature – sound absorption5.11 in Tables 4, 5, 7
Special feature  – Air permeability (wind barriers)5.20  in Tables 3 & 6
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS STRUCTURALNON-STRUCTURAL
ApplicationsExteriorFloors,Walls/ Roofs Internal   DryInternalHumidExterior
‘Essential’ in shaded cellsEN 13986 Table 31Table 7Table 4Table 5Table 61
Bending strength5.15.15.15.15.1
Bending stiffness5.25.2
Bond quality 5.35.35.35.35.3
Durability – moisture resistance5.6.55.6.525.6.55.6.5
Release of formaldehyde5.75.75.75.75.7
Reaction to fire5.85.85.85.85.8
Water vapour permeability5.95.95.95.95.9
Airborne sound insulation5.105.105.105.105.10
Sound absorption5.115.115.11
Thermal conductivity5.125.125.125.125.12
Strength & stiffness for structural use5.135.13
Optional/Extra tests for strength & stiffness for structural use5.135.13
Impact resistance for structural use5.14
Strength & stiffness under point load for structural load5.154
Racking resistance5.15.135.15.3
Mechanical durability5.165.16
Biological durability5.175.175.175.175.17
Content of pentachlorophenol (PCP)5.185.185.185.185.18
Embedment strength5.195.19
Air permeability5.2055.205
1 Plywood should be used out of direct contact with the ground, soil or waterFor use in humid conditions only3 Tests for strength & stiffness in tension & compression, panel shear (Modulus of Rigidity), panel shear, planar shear (Modulus of Rigidity), & planar shear strengthOnly relevant when intended for structural floor or roof decking on joists5 Relevant only for use as wind barriers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *