Essential Structural, Loadbearing Characteristics for LVL

The standard classifying  LVL as a structural material is EN 14374. It gives the test requirements for nine essential characteristics (or basic requirements)  for use in buildings including bridges. There is a second standard EN 14279 that covers its use as a product for non-structural situations. More.

Basic requirements and the relevant  clauses in EN 14374

• Modulus of elasticity  (4.5.2)
• Bending strength (4.4.2 and 4.4.3)
• Compression strength (4.4.6 and 4.4.7)
• Tension strength (4.4.4 and 4.4.5)
• Shear strength (4.4.8 and 4.4.9)
• Bonding strength (4.2)
• Release of formaldehyde (4.9)
• Durability (4.10)
• Reaction to fire  (4.8; and also refer to the A1 to F classes for reaction to fire performance in EN 13505-1)

Some countries may not require a specific characteristic to be determined before granting the CE Mark.  In this case, a manufacturer will say ‘no performance determined’ (NPD) in the accompanying CE marking information. This option is not possible when the characteristic has a threshold level.