Laminated strand lumber (LSL) potential of Hungarian and Central European hardwoods: a review

Abstract

This review paper discusses the potential of laminated strand lumber (LSL) as a structural and building material, with a focus on Hungarian hardwoods such as Turkey oak, hornbeam, beech, and domestic poplar. LSL is an engineered wood product made from thin strands of wood that are glued together in layers. The study compares the physical and mechanical properties of LSL made from these hardwood species with those of other conventional structural materials. In addition, the paper discusses various aspects of LSL such as thermal, morphological, and durability, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the LSL material. Furthermore, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis is conducted to understand the strengths and weaknesses of LSL products. This analysis sheds light on the pros and cons of utilizing LSL crafted from certain hardwoods and provides suggestions for improving their performance in various settings. Overall, the report demonstrates the potential of utilizing LSL made from these particular hardwood species and offers recommendations for future studies to benefit LSL manufacturers and researchers significantly.