DoP: the lowdown
The mechanical characteristics of plywood depend on numerous factors: ply layout, species of tree, grain direction of the face veneers, the peeling and pressing process, etc. That is why only the technical data supplied by manufacturers (DoP) can be used in calculations.
- Declaration number
- Requester (of the DoP)
- Plywood identification code
- Product name (it may belong to a range of products)
- Intended use of the panel
- Name and contact details of the manufacturer
- Performance assessment and verification system
- Body in charge of production controls
- Key characteristics
- thickness,
- number of plies,
- density,
- fire rating,
- formaldehyde emission class,
- class according to standard EN 636-3)
- Strength characteristics and elastic modulus
- tensile strength,
- compression resistance,
- flexural strength,
- shear strength
- Puncture resistance
- Impact resistance
- Water vapour permeability
- Thermal conductivity
- Acoustic absorption
- Pentachlorophenol content
- Mechanical durability coefficient
- Use class
1 plywood = 1 DoP
Given the sheer number of characteristics and the variability of the parameters that affect these characteristics (thickness, number of plies, species, ply thickness, glue bond, etc.) it would be impossible to provide you with a typical DoP presenting average values that sum up the properties and performance of plywood.
However, since February 2014, plywood manufacturers have been authorised (subject to conditions) to publish a DoP for each of their products, via their websites.