Design of multiple pieces of plywood laminated together 1

[GoCyclones]

I am in the early stages of trying to develop a design for a small building frame made of multiple pieces of plywood laminated together vertically (probably glued and screwed). See attached general sketch. Does anyone have any good references regarding this?

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Any dimensions....

Go to apawood.org or com for help.

With this kind of configuration - actaul testing may be required...

 

[COEngineeer]

Do you have to make it structural? Usually you can use pointy edges and finish it off with plywood to mayke it curvy. I am not sure what you are trying to do but your sketch is very skinny. What are you trying to do?

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[GoCyclones]

The first building is 12' wide by about 8.5' tall at the center. If this one works, they will of course want a larger one. If it is not clear, the sketch is only of a single frame. Each frame would be connected by lateral bracing as needed. They want the curved look and would like to make it solely out of plywood to keep cost down, if it is feasible. The sketch is just a quick one to show the general idea. The depth of the frame and how many pieces of plywood are required for each frame is what I need to determine.

 

[civilperson]

Easily solved once you know the loads to be imposed. Snow, wind, seismic, 20 psf live load, and self weight of deck need definition and then the spacing between frames. Solve just like any other arch or curved beam/column assembly. Plywood strengths range from poor to extremely strong depending on wood type, inner layer void/check treatment, glue type and outer veneer types. Cost per strength ratio is probably best with MDO panels but Marine Grade AB is one of the best for absolute strength characteristics. Great amount of research has been done using plywood in marine yacht design.

 

[GoCyclones]

Thanks civilperson. I guess the main thing I have yet to find much info on is lateral buckling strength based on unbraced length, so that I can determine how closely I need to space my lateral bracing (purlins/girts).