ASTM D143-14

Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These test methods cover tests on small clear specimens of wood that are made to provide the following:  
4.1.1 Data for comparing the mechanical properties of various species,  
4.1.2 Data for the establishment of correct strength functions, which in conjunction with results of tests of timbers in structural sizes (see Test Methods D198 and Test Methods D4761), afford a basis for establishing allowable stresses, and  
4.1.3 Data to determine the influence on the mechanical properties of such factors as density, locality of growth, position in cross section, height of timber in the tree, change of properties with seasoning or treatment with chemicals, and change from sapwood to heartwood.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of various strength and related properties of wood by testing small clear specimens.  
1.1.1 These test methods represent procedures for evaluating the different mechanical and physical properties, controlling factors such as specimen size, moisture content, temperature, and rate of loading.  
1.1.2 Sampling and collection of material is discussed in Practice D5536. Sample data, computation sheets, and cards have been incorporated, which were of assistance to the investigator in systematizing records.  
1.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. When a weight is prescribed, the basic inch-pound unit of weight (lbf) and the basic SI unit of mass (Kg) are cited.  
1.2 The procedures for the various tests appear in the following order:    
Sections  
Photographs of Specimens  
5  
Control of Moisture Content and Temperature  
6  
Record of Heartwood and Sapwood  
7  
Static Bending  
8  
Compression Parallel to Grain  
9  
Impact Bending  
10  
Toughness  
11  
Compression Perpendicular to Grain  
12  
Hardness  
13  
Shear Parallel to Grain  
14  
Cleavage  
15  
Tension Parallel to Grain  
16  
Tension Perpendicular to Grain  
17  
Nail Withdrawal  
18  
Specific Gravity and Shrinkage in Volume  
19  
Radial and Tangential Shrinkage  
20  
Moisture Determination  
21  
Permissible Variations  
22  
Calibration  
23
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2014
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.01 - Fundamental Test Methods and Properties

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D143 − 14
Standard Test Methods for
1
Small Clear Specimens of Timber
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D143; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The need to classify wood species by evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of small
clear specimens has always existed. Because of the great variety of species, variability of the material,
continually changing conditions of supply, many factors affecting test results, and ease of comparing
variables, the need will undoubtedly continue to exist.
In the preparation of these methods for testing small clear specimens, consideration was given both
to the desirability of adopting test methods that would yield results comparable to those already
available and to the possibility of embodying such improvements as experience has shown desirable.
In view of the many thousands of tests made under a single comprehensive plan by the U.S. Forest
Service, the former Forest Products Laboratories of Canada (now FP Innovations), and other similar
organizations, these test methods naturally conform closely to the methods used by those institutions.
These test methods are the outgrowth of a study of both American and European experience and
methods. The general adoption of these test methods will tend toward a world-wide unification of
results, permitting an interchange and correlation of data, and establishing the basis for a cumulative
body of fundamental information on the timber species of the world.
Descriptionsofsomeofthestrengthtestsrefertoprimarymethodsandsecondarymethods.Primary
methods provide for specimens of 2 by 2-in. (50 by 50-mm) cross section. This size of specimen has
been extensively used for the evaluation of various mechanical and physical properties of different
species of wood, and a large number of data based on this primary method have been obtained and
published.
The 2 by 2-in. (50 by 50-mm) size has the advantage in that it embraces a number of growth rings,
is less influenced by earlywood and latewood differences than smaller size specimens, and is large
enough to represent a considerable portion of the sampled material. It is advisable to use primary
method specimens wherever possible. There are circumstances, however, when it is difficult or
impossible to obtain clear specimens of 2 by 2-in. cross section having the required 30 in. (760 mm)
length for static bending tests. With the increasing incidence of smaller second growth trees, and the
desirability in certain situations to evaluate a material which is too small to provide a 2 by 2-in. cross
section, a secondary method which utilizesa1by 1-in. (25 by 25-mm) cross section has been
included. This cross section is established for compression parallel to grain and static bending tests,
while the 2 by 2-in. cross section is retained for impact bending, compression perpendicular to grain,
hardness, shear parallel to grain, cleavage, and tension perpendicular to grain. Toughness and tension
parallel to grain are special tests using specimens of smaller cross section.
The user is cautioned that test results between two different sizes of specimens are not necessarily
directly comparable. Guidance on the effect of specimen size on a property being evaluated is beyond
the scope of these test methods and should be sought elsewhere.
Wheretheapplication,measurement,orrecordingofloadanddeflectioncanbeaccomplishedusing
electronic equipment and computerized apparatus, such devices are encouraged, providing they do not
lower the standard of accuracy and reliability available with basic mechanical equipment.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D143 − 14
1. Scope D3500 Test Methods for Structural Panels in Tension
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of various
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
strength and related properties of wood by testing small clear
D4761 Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Lumber
specimens.
and Wood-Base Structural Material
1.1.1 These test methods represent procedures for evaluat-
D5536 Practice for Sampling ForestTrees for Determination
ing the different mechanical and physical properties, control-
of Clear Wood Properties
ling factors such as specimen size, moisture content,
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
temperature, and rate of loading.
E2309 Practices for Verification of Displaceme
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D143 − 09 D143 − 14
Standard Test Methods for
1
Small Clear Specimens of Timber
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D143; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The need to classify wood species by evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of small
clear specimens has always existed. Because of the great variety of species, variability of the material,
continually changing conditions of supply, many factors affecting test results, and ease of comparing
variables, the need will undoubtedly continue to exist.
In the preparation of these methods for testing small clear specimens, consideration was given both
to the desirability of adopting test methods that would yield results comparable to those already
available and to the possibility of embodying such improvements as experience has shown desirable.
In view of the many thousands of tests made under a single comprehensive plan by the U.S. Forest
Service, the former Forest Products Laboratories of Canada (now Forintek Canada Corp.), FP
Innovations), and other similar organizations, these test methods naturally conform closely to the
methods used by those institutions. These test methods are the outgrowth of a study of both American
and European experience and methods. The general adoption of these test methods will tend toward
a world-wide unification of results, permitting an interchange and correlation of data, and establishing
the basis for a cumulative body of fundamental information on the timber species of the world.
Descriptions of some of the strength tests refer to primary methods and secondary methods. Primary
methods provide for specimens of 2 by 2-in. (50 by 50-mm) cross section. This size of specimen has
been extensively used for the evaluation of various mechanical and physical properties of different
species of wood, and a large number of data based on this primary method have been obtained and
published.
The 2 by 2-in. (50 by 50-mm) size has the advantage in that it embraces a number of growth rings,
is less influenced by earlywood and latewood differences than smaller size specimens, and is large
enough to represent a considerable portion of the sampled material. It is advisable to use primary
method specimens wherever possible. There are circumstances, however, when it is difficult or
impossible to obtain clear specimens of 2 by 2-in. cross section having the required 30 in. (760 mm)
length for static bending tests. With the increasing incidence of smaller second growth trees, and the
desirability in certain situations to evaluate a material which is too small to provide a 2 by 2-in. cross
section, a secondary method which utilizes a 1 by 1-in. (25 by 25-mm) cross section has been
included. This cross section is established for compression parallel to grain and static bending tests,
while the 2 by 2-in. cross section is retained for impact bending, compression perpendicular to grain,
hardness, shear parallel to grain, cleavage, and tension perpendicular to grain. Toughness and tension
parallel to grain are special tests using specimens of smaller cross section.
The user is cautioned that test results between two different sizes of specimens are not necessarily
directly comparable. Guidance on the effect of specimen size on a property being evaluated is beyond
the scope of these test methods and should be sought elsewhere.
Where the application, measurement, or recording of load and deflection can be accomplished using
electronic equipment and computerized apparatus, such devices are encouraged, providing they do not
lower the standard of accuracy and reliability available with basic mechanical equipment.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.01 on Fundamental Test Methods
and Properties.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009Feb. 1, 2014. Published October 2009April 2014. Originally approved in 1922. Last previous edition approved in 20072009 as
D143 – 94 (2007).D143 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/D0143-09.10.1520/D0143-14.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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D143 − 14
1. Scope
1.1 These
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