This paper presents the results of an exploratory study that investiga
ted the performance enhancement of experimental hardwood laminated ven
eer lumber (LVL) materials through the application of ultrasonic sorti
ng of veneer quality. LVL was manufactured from red maple and yellow-p
oplar. Peeler blocks for LVL fabrication were rotary peeled to a nomin
al thickness of 1/6 inch and were then clipped and dried into processe
d 52- by 102-inch veneer plies. Ply quality was subsequently evaluated
using an automated veneer test machine to measure ultrasonic propagat
ion time (UPT). The UPT measurements were plotted to establish frequen
cy distributions. The UPT frequency distributions for both species ser
ved as a basis for veneer segregation into plies of ''high'' and ''low
'' quality for layup fabrication of two different LVL materials. The f
irst LVL was limited to a mixed veneer quality layup with a 24-ply cou
nt to fabricate 3.5-inch-thick material. The other LVL material was fa
bricated using an optimized 24-ply count layup. Optimized layup consis
ted of 12 low quality core plies with 6 high quality (lower observed U
PT) plies toward each face. Test results are reported on the observed
edgewise modulus of elasticity (MOE(e)) and flatwise MOE and modulus o
f rupture (MOE(f) and MOR(f)) flexure properties, and shear strengths
parallel and perpendicular to glueline orientation. Test results were
also collected to examine the significance of the optimized layup to e
nhance nail (withdrawal and lateral resistance) and bolt fastener prop
erty values. Flatwise flexure properties for both species were observe
d to be of greater magnitude with the optimized layup. Statistical ana
lyses (t-tests) indicate observed differences were most commonly signi
ficant for MOE(f). Enhancements in fastener performance were also obse
rved for the optimized layup LVL materials. Observed differences in fa
stener performance were only statistically significant with higher nai
l withdrawral and bolted joint performance in the optimized yellow-pop
lar LVL.