Test on freight container docks in FinPly
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PLYWOOD has been extensively employed in the manufacture of U.K. freight containers—in 6+ and 9mm thickness for linings and in 27mm for decks that have to withstand 12,000lb loadings. The specification of 27mm plywood for decking follows American practice which is based upon the performance of solid timber, and which takes no account of the better strength properties of the laminated construction of plywood. This has lead the Finnish Plywood Development Association to consider the use of thinner sections of FinPly for container floors, and to confirm the suitability the Association has recently undertaken a series of tests in conjunction with the Military Engineering Experimental Establishment.
The tests, representative of full-size container operating conditions, established the load capacities of FinPly decks in the thickness range of 21-27mm, on typical crossmembers at 12in. and 15in. centres. British Standard loading requirements were followed, and higher loadings imposed until failure was induced. The scope of the tests included investigations into the effect of structural plywood joints, and preservative treatment, on performance. In all cases the design of the decks tested met the .load requirements of British Standard 3951-:1967 Specification for Freight Containers.