TREATABILITY OF LODGEPOLE PINE LAMINATED VENEER LUMBER

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a relatively new component of the woo d construction market. Although structural LVL is currently manufactur ed from Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest, other species may offer a way for the forest products industry to expand its resource base. Lo dgepole pine is relatively abundant, and LVL made from this species ha s been shown to exhibit good strength characteristics. Little informat ion exists on the treatability of LVL manufactured from lodgepole pine , a species that, as solid lumber, is considered difficult to treat. P reservative retention levels and absorption paths in samples of lodgep ole pine LVL treated with pentachlorophenol were investigated. An x-ra y fluorescence assay revealed that retention levels were sufficient to meet American Wood-Preservers' Association (AWPA) recommendations for solid lumber in end and side grain directions. Penetration was inhibi ted in the face ply direction, apparently due to gluelines. Incising t he face plies will likely be required for lodgepole pine LVL to meet A WPA minimum levels of retention of 0.5 pcf for wood in contact with th e ground.