Plywood Design Specification

This publication presents section properties, recommended design stresses and design methods for plywood when used in building construction and related structures.

This publication is designed for: architects, engineers, designers

The information in this publication applies to untreated (except as noted) structural plywood made in accordance with Voluntary Product Standard PS 1.

Key sections include:

• General requirements for plywood structural design

  • Plywood manufacture, exposure durability classification, plywood grade and wood species

• Plywood section properties

  • Direction of face grain, weight, thickness, areas for tension and compression, moment of inertia, section modulus, rolling-shear constant

• Stiffness and design stresses for plywood

  • Service moisture conditions, modification of stresses, modulus of elasticity, plywood stressed in bending, tension, compression or shear

• Design loads and design formulas

  • Uniform loads for plywood

• Design of rigidly glued plywood-lumber structural assemblies

  • Design methods, fabrication specifications, adhesives, plywood for structural assemblies, lumber for structural assemblies, glued plywood end joints, glued lumber end joints

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.