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.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.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.OSB boards are commonly used as an alternative for plywood sheet products.