Let me restate the question

[Ric Brekne]

There seems to be a bit of apparent dissagreement on this point.  Not to 
touch on that bit so much... I would be very interested in getting a 
basic idea of just how much increase in stiffness one could achieve in 
the laminated (still rib-less at this point) panel over a solid spruce 
panel of equal dimensions.  Sticking to the grain being perpendicular to 
the bridge and all laminates going the same direction mind you.

Thanks for many informative posts so far

RicB


Ron
  my point too
  Dale

I'm not  suggesting that a laminated panel wouldn't have a higher
stiffness than an  equivalent thickness solid panel. It certainly
would, but not enough to  support downbearing in its own right. If you
find this hard to believe  just laminate a little section for you own  
investigation.

Best,
Ron O.