This European Standard provides information on the characteristic values for use in designing structures
incorporating wood-based panels. The characteristic values given in this standard are to be used in
accordance with EN 1995-1-1.
When utilizing the classification system for derivation of plywood characteristic values, this European
Standard can only be applied with reference to EN 636.
This European Standard includes the characteristic values of the mechanical properties for plywood
complying with EN 636 in bending, tension, compression, panel shear and planar shear. EN 636 classifies
bending properties into two sets of classes, one for stiffness and another for strength. Stiffness and strength in
tension and compression are related to the same properties in bending.
For shear properties, fixed values determined by correlation to density are provided.
Where optimised values are needed, the characteristic values are determined directly by testing in
accordance with EN 789 and EN 1058 or by combination of testing according to the latter two standards and
calculation according to prEN 14272.
This European Standard applies to panels complying with the three following conditions:
5 layers or more and 6 mm overall thickness and more;
the ratio of the cumulative thickness of veneers in alternate directions does not exceed 2,5;
wood species with a mean density greater than 350 kg/m3 and not exceeding 750 kg/m3.
BS EN 12369-2:2011 Referenced Document
EN 1995-1-1:2004 Eurocode 5 - Design of timber structures - Part 1-1: General - Common rules and rules for buildings*, 2024-04-19 Update
EN 310 Wood-based panels; determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
EN 323 Wood-based panels; determination of density
EN 326-2 Wood-based panels - Sampling, cutting and inspection - Part 2: Initial type testing and factory production control*, 2014-08-01 Update
EN 635-2 Plywood - Classification by surface appearance - Part 2: Hardwood
EN 635-3 Plywood - Classification by surface appearance - Part 3: Softwood
EN 636:2003 Plywood Specifications Supersedes EN 636-1: 1996; EN 636-2: 1996 and EN 636-3: 1996
ISO 3131 Wood; Determination of density for physical and mechanical tests
BS EN 12369-2:2011 history
2011BS EN 12369-2:2011 Wood-based panels. Characteristic values for structural design. Plywood
2004BS EN 12369-2:2004 Wood-based panels - Characteristic values for structural design - Plywood