Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 14588:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bamboo mat veneer composite for general purposes -specification. This standard specifies the requirements for bamboo mat veneer composites (BMVC). It details the materials, manufacturing process, dimensions, physical and mechanical properties, and testing methods for these general-purpose boards, which are made by sandwiching wood veneers between bamboo mats using a synthetic resin.
Bamboo mat veneer composite for general purposes -Specification
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Products
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The specified adhesive is Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) resin of BWP (Boiling Water Proof) type, making the board suitable for high-moisture and exterior applications.
! The orientation of bamboo mats and veneers significantly affects the directional strength properties (along the length vs. across the width). This must be considered in design and application.
! While termed for 'general purposes', it is not a primary structural load-bearing panel like structural plywood unless its performance is specifically verified by an engineer for the intended application.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
bambooveneercompositebamboo matresinpanel
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
GB/T 20241-2023Standardization Administration of China (SAC), China
HighCurrent
Bamboo Plywood
Specifies requirements for panels made from bamboo mats and/or bamboo strips, a direct counterpart.
PNS/BFAD 199:2010Bureau of Product Standards, Philippines
HighCurrent
Bamboo-based Panels – Specifications
Covers various bamboo-based panels including those made from woven bamboo mats (lamel boards).
ISO 12465:2017International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
MediumCurrent
Plywood — Specifications
Specifies requirements for wood plywood; the panel construction concept is analogous but face material differs.
EN 636:2012+A1:2015European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Europe
MediumCurrent
Plywood — Specifications
European standard for wood plywood requirements based on use classes, a structural and conceptual parallel.
Key Differences
≠IS 14588 uniquely specifies a composite with woven bamboo mat faces and a wood veneer core, whereas standards like GB/T 20241 may cover all-bamboo constructions and ISO/EN standards are for all-wood veneer plywood.
≠IS 14588 classifies boards as Moisture Resistant (MR) or Boiling Water Resistant (BWR). European standards like EN 636 use a different system based on end-use conditions (dry, humid, exterior) linked to bonding classes (EN 314-2 Class 1, 2, 3).
≠The specific minimum values for mechanical properties like Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) in IS 14588 are fixed for the product, while standards like EN 636 provide a framework of strength classes rather than single values.
≠IS 14588 specifies Indian wood species for the core veneers (e.g., Mango, Hollock), whereas international plywood standards allow for a broader range of globally relevant species like Birch, Poplar, or Okoume.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental principle of creating a dimensionally stable panel by laminating multiple layers (mats or veneers) with adhesive under heat and pressure.
≈Performance testing is a common requirement, with all standards specifying tests for glue bond integrity (water/boil resistance), bending strength (MOR), and stiffness (MOE).
≈All related standards specify mandatory tolerances for the final panel's dimensions, including length, width, thickness, and squareness, to ensure product consistency.
≈Control of moisture content within a specified range (typically 5-15%) is a common requirement across all standards to ensure panel stability and prevent warping.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Moisture Content
5% to 15%
Typically 5% to 15%, determined according to EN 322
EN 636:2012
Bonding Quality (Exterior/BWR)
Pass after 8-hour boiling water test (IS 10701)
Meets EN 314-2 Class 3 requirements (e.g., 4h boil + 4h boil test)
EN 636:2012
Density
Minimum 500 kg/m³
Not specified; depends on wood species used (e.g., Poplar ~400, Beech ~700 kg/m³)
EN 636:2012
Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Along Grain
Minimum 40 N/mm² (for 4 mm BWR grade)
Varies by strength class; e.g., Beech plywood can exceed 80 N/mm²
EN 636 / EN 310
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Along Grain
Minimum 4000 N/mm² (for 4 mm BWR grade)
Varies by strength class; e.g., Beech plywood can exceed 9500 N/mm²
EN 636 / EN 310
Thickness Tolerance (for 4 mm panel)
+0.3 mm / -0.5 mm
+0.2 mm / -0.6 mm (for unsanded panel)
EN 315
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Density, min700 kg/m³
Moisture Content5 to 15 %
Water Absorption (24h immersion), max10 %
Swelling in water (24h immersion), max8 %
Modulus of Rupture (MOR), along the length, min45 N/mm²
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), along the length, min4500 N/mm²
Tensile Strength, along the length, min30 N/mm²
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Characteristics of Bamboo Mat Veneer Composite
Table 2 - Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Mat Veneer Composite
It's a composite of bamboo mats as face and back layers, with a core of wood veneers, all bonded together with Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) synthetic resin (Clause 3.1 & 4).
What are the standard available thicknesses?+
The code specifies standard thicknesses of 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 16, 19, 22, and 25 mm (Clause 5.1).
Is this material waterproof?+
It uses Boiling Water Proof (BWP) grade adhesive as per IS 848, making it highly resistant to water and suitable for humid or exterior conditions (Clause 4.3).
What is the minimum required bending strength (MOR)?+
The minimum Modulus of Rupture (MOR) is 45 N/mm² along the length and 35 N/mm² across the width (Table 2).