A new device for planar shear tests on wood-based panels

In light of recent needs to characterise the performance of wood-based panels on medium-sized test pieces, we examine herein an innovative test system designed to determine the behaviour of Poplar plywood under planar shear. As an alternative to the methodology suggested by recent European Standards on an experimental basis and not in a prescriptive way, this system utilizes thin singleuse metal plates which are bonded to the test piece faces. The composite sample can then be inserted into the test machine using a suitable interfacing support.