EPiC database - OSB sheet

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Oriented strand board (OSB) is a manufactured timber product similar to particleboard. It is made from timber fibres that are bonded together in a particular orientation. The orientation varies across the inner and outer layers, to provide increased dimensional stability. It has superior structural capabilities compared with particleboard, and is more cost-effective than plywood. Boards can be manufactured to have a high strength and rigidity, depending on the required application.<br><br>Strands of timber are bonded together using thermal compression. Adhesive resins such as urea-formaldehyde (non-waterproof) or melamine-formaldehyde (water resistant) are used to bond the strands together, often combined with wax. OSB boards can utilise timber offcuts and have very low timber wastage.<br><br>OSB boards are commonly used as an alternative for plywood sheet products.