APPLICATION OF THE ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS IN EVALUATING LAMINATED STRAND LUMBER GLULAM COMPOSITES MADE FROM PALM LEAF AXIS AND CEDARWOOD

Today, the use of lignocellulosic residues in the production of engineered wood products promises a sustainable future. This research aims to compare and evaluate the properties of LSL glulam (laminated strand lumber) made from date palm leaf axis and a composite (a combination of cedar wood and LSL from date palm leaf axis) using two types of adhesives: epoxy glue and polyvinyl acetate. Combined glulam with palm tree residues and epoxy binder generally results in better physical and mechanical properties, making it suitable for construction applications and service conditions. This study presents a sustainable policy for decision-making in choosing the best option for producing combined glulam using the ANP (Analytic Network Process) method. First, 12 intermediate indicators and 92 important sub-indices were determined and categorized into economic, market, environmental, social, cultural, and technology groups. The effectiveness of all four options was then evaluated. The results showed that the combined glulam (cedar wood, LSL, and epoxy) option had the highest priority. The options of combined glulam (cedar wood, LSL, and polyvinyl acetate), glulam (LSL and epoxy), and glulam (LSL and polyvinyl acetate) ranked second to fourth, respectively. Additionally, the results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that changes in costs have the most significant impact on the choice of options and should be given special attention in future policy decisions. This policy framework aims to promote sustainable practices in the construction industry by encouraging the use of renewable materials like palm leaf axis as a substitute for traditional wood, thereby reducing deforestation.