This study aimed at evaluating the utilization of ultrasound nondestructive method to estimate physical and mechanical properties of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) manufactured with Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex. Ducke by ultrasound. For this, LVL boards were manufactured in laboratory. After manufacturing, the boards were nondestructively tested using ultrasound and afterwards the following physical and mechanical properties were assessed: water absorption; thickness swelling residual swelling, flatwise static bending; edgewise static bending; compression strength parallel to grain; shear strength parallel to glue-line; shear strength perpendicular to glue-line. Data about speed of sound and dynamic modulus of elasticity were used in different equations to estimate the properties evaluated. The results showed the use of ultrasound as an effective tool for prediction of most of the properties. Among the independent variables, the dynamic modulus of elasticity obtained the best results when compared to the speed of sound.
ultrasonic waves; mechanical tests; structural composite lumber
