Theoretical analysis and design of joints in a representative sofa frame constructed of plywood and oriented strandboard

Abstract

Increasingly, plywood and oriented strandboard (OSB) are being used in the construction of upholstered furniture frames. There is little information available, however, concerning the strength of frames constructed with these materials. The rational use of plywood and OSB in furniture frames requires reliable information concerning the strength of the joints that can be constructed with them and, indirectly, how frames constructed of these, materials behave as compared to solid wood. The procedures needed for the sound engineering of joints used in upholstered frames constructed of plywood and OSB were developed by the authors in previous studies. A representative sofa frame constructed of either plywood (HPLY, SPLY) or OSB was analyzed in order to demonstrate the use of simplified methods of structural analysis in the engineering of such frames. As a result of the study, it was concluded that simplified methods may be used to analyze and design sofa frames constructed of plywood and OSB, and that these materials may be used in construction of upholstered furniture frames to meet specific design loads.