Plywood Design Specification, Supplement 1-23: Design and Fabrication of Plywood Curved Panels

This design specification presents the recommended methods for designing and fabricating curved plywood roof panels that span between load-bearing supports. The publication addresses both curved flexural panels and arch panels, covering structural types that develop stresses acting circumferentially around the curve. These guidelines are based on standard engineering formulas confirmed through laboratory testing and apply to untreated plywood manufactured according to current industry standards.

This publication is designed for: architects, engineers, builders, engineered wood manufacturers

Key sections include:

• Types of curved panels

• Design considerations (design loads, allowable stresses, effective sections and allowable deflection)

• Design method (considerations common to both panel types, curved flexural panels and arch panels)

• General fabrication requirements

• Materials

• Fabrication

• Design example for arch panel

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.