DESCRIPTION
APLD's Structural Lumber is a high-performance construction material consisting
of a patented formula of recycled plastic, fiberglass, and selective additives.
The plastic raw material utilized in Structural Lumber is derived from
post-consumer bottle waste such as milk and detergent bottles. This material is
compounded into a consistent, reinforced plastic timber product using reactive
compatibilizers, creating a strong and stable plastic/fiber matrix.
Structural Lumber is a cost-effective and high-performance timber product for
marine construction and commercial applications. It has exceptional resistance to
marine borers, salt spray, termites, corrosive substances, oil and fuels, fungi,
and other environmental stresses. It does not absorb moisture; therefore, it will
not rot, splinter or crack.
Structural Lumber products are manufactured in many dimensional lumber and
timber sizes, particularly in large cross sections. Deck and dock planks, sheet
piling, wale timbers, camels, fenders, and piles are all available from APLD
Building Products. The product comes in almost any transportable length and is
standard in Steel Gray. It can be special ordered in colors to complement HDPE.
Structural Lumber has excellent weathering resistance; however, as with many
other polyolefins, the material will fade over the service life of the product.
The product requires no waterproofing, painting, staining, or similar maintenance
when used in many exterior applications.
BASIC USES
Structural Lumber products are used in a variety of commercial and marine
applications and are often the product of choice for exterior applications where
resistance to salt and fresh water, marine borers, and other environmentally harsh
conditions is required. Due to the unique composition of APLD Structural Lumber,
the product can be used for a number of structural members in commercial and
shoreline timberwork.
It is well suited for:
 |
• |
Dock and deck planks |
|
• |
Wale timbers |
|
• |
Sheet piling |
|
• |
Camels |
|
• |
Pilings |
|
• |
Fenders |
|
• |
Channel markers |
|
• |
Posts, beams, and joists |
Mechanical Properties
@ 70°F |
Test Method |
Average Value... |
| |
| Density, lbs / cu. In. |
ASTM D6111 |
.027 - .030 |
| Modulus of rupture (ultimate) |
ASTM D198 |
2900 psi |
|
ASTM D6109 |
2900 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity (chord modulus method) |
ASTM D198 |
420,000 psi |
|
ASTM D6109 |
325,000 psi |
| Compression parallel to grain (ultimate) |
ASTM 198 |
1740 psi |
| Compression perpendicular to grain (ultimate) |
ASTM D |
143 700 psi |
| Shear parallel to grain |
ASTM D |
143 730 psi |
| Tension parallel to grain (ultimate) |
ASTM 198 |
1250 psi |
| Screw withdrawal (lbs/inch of depth) |
ASTM D1761 |
380 lbs / inch |
| Coef. Thermal expansion in/in/°F |
ASTM D6341 |
0.000034 |
| Coef. Of friction |
Tribometer (dry) |
0.61 |
| Flame Spread ASTM E84 "Class C" |
SIZES
Popular dimensional lumber sizes are typically stocked up to 24' lengths. Larger
timbers, particularly for marine construction, are manufactured to order in virtually
any transportable length. Cross sections include:
| Nominal Size (Inches) |
Actual Size (Inches) |
| 2 x 4 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 3 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 6 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 5 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 7 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 6 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 8 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 7 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 8 Actual Board |
2 x 8 |
| 2 x 10 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 9 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 12 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 11 ~ 1/2" |
| 3 x 10 Board |
2 ~ 1/2" x 9 ~ 1/4" |
| 3 x 4 Board |
2 ~ 1/2" x 3 ~ 1/2" |
| 3 x 8 Board |
1 ~ 1/2" x 7 ~ 1/2" |
| 4 x 4 Board |
3 ~ 1/2" x 3 ~ 1/2" |
| 4 x 6 Board |
3 ~ 1/2" x 5 ~ 1/2" |
| 2 x 10 Board with T & G |
1 ~ 1/2" x 8 ~ 3/4" w/ T&G |
| 3 x 10 Board with T & G |
2 ~ 1/2" x 8 ~ 3/4" w/ T&G |
| 6 x 6 Board |
5 ~ 1/2" x 5 ~ 1/2" |
WARRANTY
Each user of Structural Lumber products is solely responsible for determining the
suitability, safety, and effectiveness of any application or use of the product.
Structural Lumber products come with a limited lifetime warranty. The product is warranted
against termites, decay, mold or facial fractures. Contact APLD Building Products for
specific limited warranty coverage.
MAINTENANCE
Structural Lumber products are unaffected by most corrosive substances and will not
absorb moisture. To maintain the original finish, clean the lumber with soap and water.
No sealing or painting is required; as a general rule, paint will not adhere well to
these products.
Graffiti can be cleaned from the plastic lumber with the use of a conventional
all-purpose cleaner or petroleum-based cleaner. If the skin or surface layer of plastic
lumber becomes marred or blemished, it is possible to sand off the top skin. The surface
can also be buffed to eliminate abrasions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Structural Lumber has a melt temperature of approximately 270°F and a flash-point of approximately 620°F.
It has a higher flashpoint than wood, and it must be exposed to a severe combustion source for a longer period than wood
to ignite the product. But like wood, when exposed to a combustion source for a long enough period, it will burn. Should
a flame occur, extinguishing media should be dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray; water should be applied
from a fogging nozzle. APLD Structural Lumber products have been tested under repeated hygro-thermal conditions (freezing,
thawing and wet conditions) as established by the ASTM and are proven to maintain their mechanical properties. APLDŽ
Structural Lumber has been submitted to and is under evaluation by International Code Council (ICC).
zi
|
|
LIMITATIONS
This type of plastic lumber product has a significantly higher modulus of
elasticity (MOE) than conventional forms of plastic lumber. However, the MOE of Structural
Lumber is lower than wood timber in good conditions; therefore, it is important to evaluate
the suitability of this product for specific uses. It is recommended that an engineering
study be performed prior to use of Structural Lumber products for structural applications.
Building code regulations vary by region, so all users should consult local building
and safety codes prior to installation for specific requirements.
INSTALLATION
Structural Lumber can be fabricated and installed with the same tools used to work
wood lumber. The product will cut and drill very cleanly, as there is no grain to split
or chip, or knots to bind tools and bend fasteners. It is reinforced with glass fibers,
and precautions should be taken when fabricating this product. Maintain adequate
ventilation when generating fabrication dust, and personal respiratory protection
such as dust masks should be employed during fabrication, as well as safety glasses
or goggles.
Pilings and sheet pilings products can be driven with pile-driving equipment such
as vibratory hammers, land-based or barge-mounted drop hammers, or waterjets. For sheet
piling installations, backfill soils should always be analyzed to determine that the
proper amount of force would be exerted on the sheet piling system. For shoreline
timberwork applications, Structural Lumber is used with conventional hardware such as
stainless or galvanized bolts, tie rods, nuts, washers, and anchor systems.
When using Structural Lumber for decking, joist spacing should be in accordance
with the span tables. Multiple-span data at 120°F or less are presented here:
Structural Allowable Live Load (psf),
Multiple Span, at 120°F or less
| Deflection Limit |
12" Span
Structural 2X |
16" Span
Decking Board (t = 1.50") |
24" Span |
| L / 360 |
2198 |
927 |
275 |
| L / 240 |
3000* |
1391 |
412 |
| L / 180 |
3000* |
1618* |
550 |
| *Load limited by allowable stress of 1000 psi. |
Note: Table provides limiting uniform load present on three spans in pounds per
square foot (psf) based on noted deflection criteria.
Recommended standard is to limit live load deflection for floors to L / 360 and to
limit total deflection (dead + live load) to L / 240. Designers may choose less
restrictive or more restrictive criteria for a given application.
Except for very unusual and heavy loading, deflection criteria will control allowable
plank span.
Deflection determination is based on a modulus of elasticity equal to 325,000
psi at 70° Fahrenheit.
Multiple span data assumes uniform load is present on three spans (deflection =
.0069wL4/EI). This formulation is consistent with and slightly more conservative
than the plank span data promulgated by the Western Woods Product Association and
others. Multiple span values are applicable to planks continuous over at least two spans.
|
