Process Optimization of Large-Size Bamboo Bundle Laminated Veneer Lumber (BLVL) by Box-Behnken Design

This work focuses on optimization of the laminated lap-joint lengthening technology that is used to produce large-size bamboo bundle laminated veneer lumber (BLVL). A three-factor Box-Behnken design was developed in which lap-joint length (x(1)), board density (x(2)), and thickness of lap veneer (x(3)) were the three factors. Multi-objective optimization of response surface model was used to obtain 17 optimum Pareto solutions by a genetic algorithms method. The mechanical properties of BLVL predicted using the model had a strong correlation with the experimental values (R-2 = 0.925 for the elastic modulus (MOE), R-2 = 0.972 for the modulus of rupture (MOR), R-2 = 0.973 for the shearing strength (SS)). The interaction of the x(1) and x(3) factors had a significant effect on MOE. The MOR and shearing SS were significantly influenced by the interaction of x(2) and x(3) factors. The optimum conditions for maximizing the mechanical properties of BLVL lap-joint lengthening process were established at x(1) = 16.10 mm, x(2) = 1.01 g/cm(3), and x(3) = 7.00 mm. A large-size of BLVL with a length of 14.1 m was produced with the above conditions. Strong mechanical properties and dimensional stability were observed.