Plywood – behavior, sizes, and directional properties Which statements about commercial plywood are generally correct in construction practice?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction:
Plywood is a widely used engineered wood product. Alternating veneer directions give it stability and relatively uniform in-plane properties, making it reliable for formwork, sheathing, furniture, doors, and partitions. The item checks multiple true characteristics commonly cited in civil engineering texts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “Commercial plywood” refers to general building grades, not specialized structural plywood.
  • Typical maximum panel sizes in the market are being referenced.


Concept / Approach:

Cross-lamination reduces anisotropy and minimizes splitting along grain. It also moderates dimensional changes due to moisture fluctuations. Market availability often includes large panels, reducing joints and speeding installation.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Splitting/cracking: Cross plies resist propagation of checks caused by humidity and temperature changes.2) Sizes: Large panels, commonly around 1.2–1.5 m wide by 2.4–3.0 m long, are widely available, matching the statement.3) Directional strength: Cross-grain stacking yields relatively uniform in-plane tensile behavior compared with solid wood.4) Weight: Lower density species and thinner veneers make plywood comparatively light for its stiffness and size.


Verification / Alternative check:

Common product data sheets corroborate the general size ranges and the cross-laminated behavior that resists splits and warping.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Each individual statement is broadly correct for commercial plywood; thus “All of the above” is the correct combined choice.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming plywood is completely isotropic; it is only more uniform than solid timber. Ignoring panel orientation during installation can still lead to performance differences.


Final Answer:

All of the above

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