Strength PropertiesStrength refers to the maximum stress that can be developedin a member due to applied loads prior to failure. Mechanical properties most commonly measured and represented as“strength properties” for design include modulus of rupturein bending, tension strength parallel-to-surface, tensionstrength perpendicular-to-surface, compression strengthparallel-to-surface, shear strength, fastener holding strength,and hardness. Strength tests are typically made on specimens at moisture equilibrium under …

Shear ModulusShear modulus, also called modulus of rigidity, indicatesthe resistance to deflection of a member caused by shearstresses. Shear stress is different from tension or compression stress in that it tends to make one side of a member slippast the other side of a member adjacent to it. There are twomain types of shear in different planes of wood-based panels: …

Elasticity implies that deformations produced by low stressbelow the proportional limit are completely recoverableafter loads are removed. When loaded to stress levels abovethe proportional limit, plastic deformation or failure occurs.Typically, the stress–strain curve for wood-based composites is linear below the proportional limit. The slope of thelinear curve is the MOE. In compression or tensile tests, thisslope is sometime referred to …