ASTM D2395-17(2022)

Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and Wood-Based Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Density and specific gravity are cornerstone terms that help define many useful properties of wood and wood-based materials. These terms designate concepts that have distinct definitions though they relate to the same characteristic (mass in a unit volume). Generally, in the US and Canada, density of wood is measured in terms of specific gravity, or relative density. In the wood-based composites industry and internationally the term density is often preferred.  
5.2 The basic density and basic specific gravity of wood are used in the forestry industry for calculating the oven-dry weight of wood fiber contained in a known wood volume of various wood species. Thus, it serves as an indicator of the amount of wood pulp that could be produced, the workability of the material or its shipping weight. This information is referenced in various resources, including Wood Handbook.5 Note that specific gravity varies within a tree, between trees, and between species. Since the specific gravity of wood cell wall substance is practically constant for all species (approximately 1.53), it is apparent that individual specific gravity value is indicative of the amount of wood cell wall substance present. It affords a rapid and valuable test method for selection of wood for specific uses. In US and Canadian building codes, the oven-dry specific gravity is correlated to various strength characteristics of wood products (for example, compression perpendicular to grain, shear strength and fastener holding capacity).  
5.3 It is often desirable to know the density or specific gravity of a living tree, a structural member already in place, a log cross section, a segment of a research element, or the earlywood or latewood layer. Therefore, it is possible that specimens will be large or small, regular or irregular in shape, and at a variety of moisture contents. These test methods give procedures that include all of these variables and provides for calculation of density and specific gr...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the density and specific gravity (relative density) of wood and wood-based materials to generally desired degrees of accuracy and for specimens of different sizes, shapes, and moisture content conditions. The test method title is indicative of the procedures used or the specific area of use.    
Section  
Test Method A—Volume by Measurement  
8  
Test Method B—Volume by Water Immersion  
9  
Test Method C—Flotation Tube  
10  
Test Method D—Forstner Bit  
11  
Test Method E—Increment Core  
12  
Test Method F—Chips  
13  
Test Method G—Full-Size Members  
14  
1.2 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2022
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• ICS: 79.060.01 - Wood-based panels in general
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.01 - Fundamental Test Methods and Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2555-17a(2024)e1 - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D2555-17a(2024) - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4442-20 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5456-18 - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2555-17a - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2555-17 - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5456-17 - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5456-17e1 - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4442-16 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2555-16 - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Refers: ASTM D2555-15 - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4442-15 - Standard Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D5456-14b - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM D5456-14a - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D5456-14 - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014

Overview

ASTM D2395-17(2022), published by ASTM International, provides standardized test methods for determining the density and specific gravity (relative density) of wood and wood-based materials. These foundational properties are critical for understanding the performance, strength, workability, and potential uses of various types of wood and composite products. The standard details procedures adaptable to a range of specimen sizes, shapes, and moisture content conditions, making it widely applicable within forestry, construction, material science, and manufacturing industries.

Key Topics

• Definitions and Significance:

  • Density is the mass per unit volume at a specified moisture content.
  • Specific Gravity (or relative density) is the ratio of the oven-dry mass to the mass of water with the same volume.
  • These parameters are crucial for predicting mechanical properties and suitability for various uses.

• Test Methods Covered: The standard outlines multiple procedures, each suitable for specific sample characteristics:

  • Test Method A: Volume by Measurement
  • Test Method B: Volume by Water Immersion
  • Test Method C: Flotation Tube
  • Test Method D: Forstner Bit
  • Test Method E: Increment Core
  • Test Method F: Chips
  • Test Method G: Full-Size Members

• Specimen Preparation:

  • Guidelines ensure specimens are representative, accurately measured, and properly dried or moistened as necessary.
  • Moisture content measurement is essential for accurate results and is addressed with oven drying or moisture meters where appropriate.

• Precision and Reporting:

  • Outlines necessary precision levels for mass and volume measurements.
  • Emphasizes clear reporting of material, test procedure, and result basis.

Applications

• Forestry and Pulp Production:
  • Basic density and specific gravity help calculate oven-dry weight and the quantity of wood pulp obtainable from different species or sources.
• Building and Construction:
  • US and Canadian codes frequently reference oven-dry specific gravity to correlate with strength characteristics, such as compression and shear strength, and fastener-holding capacity.
• Wood-based Composites Industry:
  • Used to evaluate properties of engineered wood materials, accounting for all solid additives (e.g., resins, waxes).
• Research, Inventory, and Quality Control:
  • Applicable to both small research samples and full-size in-place structural elements, regardless of shape or moisture content.
  • Enables selection and quality evaluation of wood for specific structural, commercial, or processing needs.

Related Standards

This standard often references or is used in conjunction with:

• ASTM D4442: Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
• ASTM D5456: Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• ASTM D7438: Practice for Field Calibration and Application of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
• CAN/CSA O86: Engineering Design in Wood
• ANSI/AWC NDS: National Design Specification for Wood Construction

Practical Value

Accurate determination of wood density and specific gravity as per ASTM D2395 ensures:

• Proper resource management in forestry and wood products industries
• Reliable material selection for structural engineering and product development
• Consistent, comparable measurements across organizations and jurisdictions
• Support for regulatory compliance, export-import documentation, and product certification

ASTM D2395-17(2022) remains an essential reference for professionals engaged in wood testing, design, manufacturing, and specification, ensuring harmonized methodologies and more reliable application outcomes for wood and wood-based materials.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D2395 −17 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Methods for
Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density) of Wood and
Wood-Based Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2395; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D4442Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
ment of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
D5456Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite
density and specific gravity (relative density) of wood and
Lumber Products
wood-based materials to generally desired degrees of accuracy
D7438Practice for Field Calibration and Application of
and for specimens of different sizes, shapes, and moisture
Hand-Held Moisture Meters
content conditions. The test method title is indicative of the
E1547Terminology Relating to Industrial and Specialty
procedures used or the specific area of use.
Chemicals
Section
2.2 Other Standards:
TestMethodA—VolumebyMeasurement 8
TestMethodB—VolumebyWaterImmersion 9
CAN/CSAO86Engineering Design in Wood
TestMethodC—FlotationTube 10
ANSI/AWCNational Design Specification for Wood Con-
TestMethodD—ForstnerBit 11
struction
TestMethodE—IncrementCore 12
TestMethodF—Chips 13
Test Method G—Full-Size Members 14 3. Terminology
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Terminology D9.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3 3 3
3.2.1 density, ρ [kg/m , g/cm or lb/ft ],n—mass of a unit
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
volume of a specimen at specified moisture content.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 1—The moisture content is specified for both mass and volume.
For further discussion, see Appendix X3.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 3.2.1.1 density at moisture content M—density based on the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. mass of a specimen including moisture and its volume at the
same moisture content.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE2—Themassandvolumeat12%moisturecontentarefrequently
used.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D9Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Prod-
3.2.1.2 density, basic or conventional, ρ —density based on
b
ucts
the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its green volume.
D2555PracticeforEstablishingClearWoodStrengthValues
3.2.1.3 density, oven-dry or in the absolute dry condition,
ρ —density based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its
oven-dry volume.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on
3.2.2 green volume, n—volume of wood specimen before
Wood and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.01 on Fundamental
any shrinkage occurs due to drying to moisture content below
Test Methods and Properties.
the fiber saturation point (about 30%).
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D2395–17. DOI:
10.1520/D2395-17R22.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from CSAGroup, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmericanWood Council (AWC) 222 Catoctin Circle, SE, Suite
the ASTM website. 201 Leesburg, VA 20175, www.awc.org.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
D2395−17 (2022)
NOTE 3—Green volume may also be obtained by water soaking of
5.2 The basic densityand basic specific gravityofwoodare
partially dry wood specimens until they reach fully swollen condition
used in the forestry industry for calculating the oven-dry
above the fiber saturation point (for example, see 13.2.3.1). The fiber
weight of wood fiber contained in a known wood volume of
saturation point of wood averages approximately 30% moisture content,
various wood species. Thus, it serves as an indicator of the
but in individual species and individual pieces of wood it can vary by
amount of wood pulp that could be produced, the workability
several percentage points from that value. For further discussion, see
Appendix X3.
of the material or its shipping weight. This information is
referenced in various resources, including Wood Handbook.
3.2.3 moisture content, M [%]—amount of water contained
Note that specific gravity varies within a tree, between trees,
in a specimen, expressed as a percentage of its oven-dry mass.
and between species. Since the specific gravity of wood cell
3.2.4 specific gravity (relative density), S, n—ratio of the
wall substance is practically constant for all species (approxi-
oven-dry mass of a specimen to the mass of a volume of water
mately 1.53), it is apparent that individual specific gravity
equal to the volume of the specimen at a specified moisture
value is indicative of the amount of wood cell wall substance
content.
present.Itaffordsarapidandvaluabletestmethodforselection
NOTE 4—The volume may be that in the oven-dry, partially dry, or
of wood for specific uses. In US and Canadian building codes,
green(fullyswollen)condition.Furtherinthisstandard,thetermsspecific
the oven-dry specific gravity is correlated to various strength
gravity and relative density are used interchangeably. For further
characteristics of wood products (for example, compression
discussion, see Appendix X3.
perpendicular to grain, shear strength and fastener holding
3.2.4.1 specific gravity at moisture content M, n—specific
capacity).
gravity based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen and its
5.3 It is often desirable to know the density or specific
volume at a specified moisture content between the oven-dry
gravity of a living tree, a structural member already in place, a
condition and the fiber saturation point.
log cross section, a segment of a research element, or the
NOTE 5—The volume at 12% moisture content is frequently used.
earlywood or latewood layer. Therefore, it is possible that
specimens will be large or small, regular or irregular in shape,
3.2.4.2 specific gravity, basic (or green), S,n—specific
b
and at a variety of moisture contents. These test methods give
gravitybasedontheoven-drymassofaspecimenanditsgreen
procedures that include all of these variables and provides for
volume.
calculation of density and specific gravity values to degrees of
3.2.4.3 specific gravity, oven-dry or on oven-dry basis, S ,
precision generally needed.
n—specific gravity based on the oven-dry mass of a specimen
5.4 In the wood-based composites industry, the product
and its oven-dry volume.
density or specific gravity also provides an important indicator
of potential product attributes. For wood-based materials, the
4. Summary of Test Methods
same test methods are used; however, the measurements
4.1 Theprecisionoftestresultsobtainedonarepresentative
typically combine the mass from the wood substance with any
specimen depends upon the precision of the measurements
resin, wax, or other solid additives present in the material.
made. Test Method A is used for precise measurements when
Thesepropertiesarenottobeconfusedwithequivalentspecific
thespecimensarecarefullypreparedandregularinshape.Test
gravity of structural composite lumber used to characterize its
Method B is used for precise measurements if the specimens
fastener-holding capacity determined in accordance with
are irregularly shaped and if due care is taken to prevent
Specification D5456.
sorptionofwater.TestMethodCisanapproximatetestmethod
thatispermittedforuseaspartofaproductionprocedureorin
6. Test Specimens
other situations where less precision is acceptable. Test Meth-
6.1 The test specimens shall be fully representative of the
ods D and E are especially adapted to density or specific
materialfromwhichtheyaretaken.Thespecimensizeshallbe
gravity measurements of living trees or of in-place elements,
such that accurate measurements of mass and volume are easy
and the precision of the result is dependent upon the care used
toattain.Whereotherstandardsspecifythelocationandsizeof
in obtaining the specimen. Test Method F is a specific
test specimens, these requirements shall be carefully followed.
procedureforwoodchips.TestMethodGprovidesaprocedure
With the exception of Test Method G, the specimens shall be
to estimate the overall density or specific gravity of a full-size
carefully cut from the larger element to ensure clean-cut
rectangularmemberthatincludestypicalgrowthandmanufac-
surfaces.All loose fibers shall be carefully removed before the
turing characteristics.
specimenisweighedandmeasured.Thespecimenshallbefree
fromknots,andifpitchorotherinfiltratesarepresent,thisshall
5. Significance and Use
be noted in the report or they shall be extracted before taking
measurements and weighing. The specimens for Test Method
5.1 Density and specific gravity are cornerstone terms that
Gshallbefull-sizerectangularmembers.WhenTestMethodG
help define many useful properties of wood and wood-based
is used with solid wood lumber, the specimens shall be
materials. These terms designate concepts that have distinct
permitted to include knots, wane, edge easing, pitch, or other
definitions though they relate to the same characteristic (mass
typical growth or manufacturing characteristics.
in a unit volume). Generally, in the US and Canada, density of
wood is measured in terms of specific gravity,or relative
density. In the wood-based composites industry and interna-
Forest Products Laboratory General Technical Report FPL-GTR-190, Wood
tionally the term density is often preferred. Handbook: Wood as Engineering Material, Forest Products Society, 2010.
D2395−17 (2022)
6.2 Measurements—The dimensions of test specimens shall 8.2.2 Initial Mass, (m )—Determine the initial mass of the
M
be measured to a precision of 60.3% or less, and the mass specimen at the time of test in accordance with 6.2.
shall be determined to a precision of 60.2% or less. Where
8.2.3 Oven-dry Mass (m )—Oven-drymassofthespecimen
drying of specimens is required, this shall be done in a forced shall be determined by drying to practical equilibrium in
convection oven that can be maintained at 103°C 6 2°C
accordance with 6.2 or by calculation in accordance with
throughout the drying chamber for the time required to dry the 15.1.2 if a moisture meter is used (7.1.2).
specimen to reach practical equilibrium. The oven shall be
8.2.4 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
vented to allow the evaporated moisture to escape. (M) of the specimen in accordance with 7.1.
NOTE6—Formostspecimensofwoodandstructuralcompositelumber
1in.(25mm)inlengthparalleltograin,dryingfor24hinanovenhaving
9. Test Method B—Volume by Water Immersion
good air circulation and exchange will be sufficient to reach practical
equilibrium (no more than 0.2% mass change over 8 h period of drying). 9.1 Applicability:
For other wood-based materials, the drying time should be established by
9.1.1 This procedure is particularly adaptable to clear wood
test. For further discussion, see Appendix X3.
specimens of irregular shape or having a rough surface.
7. Moisture Content
NOTE 8—Limitations on specimen size are based primarily on size of
immersion tanks available. In small size specimens, less than 1 cm in
7.1 The moisture content (M) of the specimens shall be
volume, air bubbles adhering to the specimen surface can result in
measured to identify the basis on which the density or specific
considerable error in volume measurement and thus in the computed
gravity is determined. The method of determination of the
density or specific gravity value. Freshly cut green wood will not absorb
moisture content depends on the size of the specimen and the appreciable quantities of water during the brief immersion period. If any
drying has taken place, the surface of the specimen needs to be sealed
purpose of the test.
before immersion in water or else the volumetric displacement of the
7.1.1 Oven Drying—The moisture content shall be deter-
specimen will be in error in an amount equal to the volume of water
mined using the oven-dry procedures of Test Method D4442.
absorbed by the wood.
With small specimens of convenient size that can be oven-
9.2 Procedures:
dried within a reasonable timeframe, the entire piece shall be
9.2.1 Initial Mass (m )—Determine the initial mass of the
M
used for the moisture content determination. With larger
specimen at time of test in accordance with 6.2.
specimens that cannot be conveniently oven-dried, at least one
9.2.2 Volume—Determine the volume of the specimen by
representativesegmentshallbecutfromthefull-sizespecimen
measuringthevolumeorthemassofthewaterdisplacedbythe
for the moisture content determination. In this case, the
specimenusingoneofthefollowingmodes.Themassofwater
moisture content specimens shall be as large as can be
in grams is numerically equal to its volume in cubic centime-
practically dried in a reasonable timeframe and cut away from
ters. Unless the volume is determined on a specimen of green
the member ends, wherever possible.
wood, the surfaces of the specimen shall be adequately sealed
7.1.2 Moisture Meter—Where a large solid wood specimen
(see 9.2.2.5).
cannot be cut to secure a moisture content segment for oven
9.2.2.1 Mode I—Place the specimen in a tank of known
drying, an approximate moisture content shall be permitted to
volume and add sufficient water to fill the tank with the
be obtained through the use of a moisture meter in accordance
specimen being fully submerged. Then remove the specimen
withPracticeD7438.Themeterreadingsshallbecorrectedfor
and determine the volume of water remaining. The tank
temperature and species. The use of moisture meters shall not
volume less the volume of water remaining is equal to the
be permitted for materials other than solid wood.
volume of the specimen. The relationship between specimen
NOTE 7—Since the moisture content value obtained with moisture
volume and tank volume shall be such that the precision of
meterisapproximate,itshouldberecognizedthatthedensityandspecific
gravity values obtained using this method are approximate. To improve
specimen volume measurement is adequate to the purpose of
accuracy, the oven-drying method of moisture content determination
the test.
should be used whenever possible.
9.2.2.2 Mode II—Place a container holding enough water to
completely submerge the specimen on a balance as shown in
8. Test Method A—Volume by Measurement
Fig. 1. Then tare the balance to the combined mass of the
8.1 Applicability:
container and water. Using a sharp, pointed, slender rod, place
8.1.1 This procedure is adaptable to any size of clear wood
the specimen in the container so that it is completely sub-
specimen at any moisture content. The specimen shall be
mergedinthewaterwithouttouchingthesidesofthecontainer.
regular in shape with right-angle corners for determination of
After reaching the equilibrium, the reading on the balance is
volume by linear measurement. If the surfaces of the specimen
equal to the mass of water displaced by the specimen.
are smooth and sufficient measurements are taken, the volume
9.2.2.3 Mode III—Place a container holding enough water
canbeobtainedwithhighprecision.Specialcareshallbetaken
tocompletelysubmergethespecimenonabalanceasshownin
in measurement of very small or thin specimens. Volume of
Fig. 2. The container shall be sufficiently large so that
irregularorrough-surfacedspecimensshallbeobtainedbyTest
immersion of the specimen causes no significant change in
Method B.
water level. Suspend a wire basket of sufficient mass to keep
8.2 Procedures: the specimen submerged and immerse it in the water. Tare the
8.2.1 Volume—Measure the length, width, and thickness of balancetothemassofthebasketwhenfreelyimmersed.Weigh
the specimen in accordance with 6.2 in a sufficient number of the specimen in air. Place the specimen in the basket and hold
places to ensure a precise indication of volume. it completely submerged without touching the container.After
D2395−17 (2022)
FIG. 1Diagrammatic Sketch of Apparatus Used to Measure Volume of Specimens by Test Method B (Mode II)
FIG. 2Diagrammatic Sketch of Apparatus Used to Measure Volume of Specimens by Test Method B (Mode III)
reaching the equilibrium, the mass reading on the balance, if
the specimen is lighter than water, plus the mass of the
specimen in air equals the volume of water displaced. If the
specimen is heavier than water, subtract the mass reading on
the balance from the mass of the specimen in air to determine
the volume of water displaced.
9.2.2.4 Mode IV—Immerse the specimen, of an elongated
shape, in a graduated tube having a cross section only slightly
larger than that of the specimen as shown in Fig. 3. Read the
water level in the tube, preferably to an even graduation mark,
beforeimmersingthespecimen.Immersethespecimen,holdit
submerged with a slender pointed rod if necessary, and
determine the water level again. The difference in water level
is equal to the volume of the specimen.
9.2.2.5 Surface Treatment of Specimen—Partially dry or
oven-dry specimens shall be dipped in hot paraffin wax before
making volume determinations. After the wax dip, weigh the
specimen again and use this mass in conjunction with the
immersed mass for determining volume in Mode II and Mode
III (9.2.2.2 and 9.2.2.3).
NOTE 9—Specimens of green wood may be briefly immersed in water
without appreciable absorption that will affect volume determinations.
9.2.3 Oven-dry Mass (m )—Oven-dry mass of the test
specimen shall be determined by drying to practical equilib-
rium in accordance with 6.2.
9.2.4 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
(M) of the specimen in accordance with 7.1.1.
FIG. 3Measuring Volume of Elongated Specimens Using a
Graduated Tube by Test Method B (Mode IV)
10. Test Method C—Flotation Tube
10.1 Applicability:
D2395−17 (2022)
10.1.1 This procedure provides a rapid means for obtaining volumeofthespecimencanbecalculatedfromthediameterof
an approximate density or specific gravity for an elongated the bit and the depth of the hole. Care shall be taken to collect
clear wood specimen of uniform cross section and known all of the shavings.
moisture content.
11.2 Procedures:
3 3
11.2.1 Volume—Obtain the volume of specimen material by
NOTE 10—Estimates of density to the nearest 1 lb/ft (0.02 g/cm)or
specific gravity to the nearest 0.02 can be readily made.
boring a hole into the element in question with a Forstner-type
bit.Thediameterofholeanddepthofboringshallbesuchthat
10.2 Procedures:
anadequatesampleisobtainedwithoutdamagetotheelement.
10.2.1 Specimen Preparation—The specimen shall be slen-
Accurately measure the diameter of the bit and depth of the
der and of uniform cross section, preferably approximately 1
hole. Use these dimensions to calculate the specimen volume.
in. (25 mm) on a side and 10 in. (25 cm) long.
11.2.2 Initial Mass (m )—Carefully collect all of the chips
10.2.2 Measurement—Place the specimen in a slender cyl- M
obtained by boring and immediately weigh them to determine
inder filled with water and allow it to float in as nearly a
the initial mass.
vertical position as possible (Fig. 4). The cylinder diameter
11.2.3 Oven-dry Mass (m )—Oven-dry mass of the chips
shallbeslightlylargerthanthespecimencrosssection,andthe
shall be determined by drying to practical equilibrium in
specimen shall not touch the cylinder wall until immersed as
accordance with 6.2.
far as it will go. With the specimen floating in an upright
position, quickly note the water level on the specimen to avoid
NOTE 12—Drying chips in a forced convection oven should be done
excessive absorption of water by the specimen.
withcare:asthechipsdry,smallparticlesmaybeblownawayfromdishes
and lost for the oven-dry mass measurements.
10.2.3 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
(M) of the specimen in accordance with 7.1.
11.2.4 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
NOTE 11—Precautions should be used to minimize the influence of the
(M) in accordance with 7.1.1.
water immersion on the measurement of the moisture content.
12. Test Method E—Increment Cores
11. Test Method D—Forstner Bit
12.1 Applicability:
11.1 Applicability:
12.1.1 Thisprocedureisparticularlyadaptableforobtaining
11.1.1 Thisprocedureisparticularlyadaptablefordetermin-
specimens to determine the density or specific gravity of
ing the density or specific gravity of logs, timbers, or any
standing trees but is also suitable for use on logs, poles, piles,
in-place elements from which it would be difficult to saw a
or other structural elements. Since only a pencil-sized hole is
more conventional sample. The volume of the hole formed by
madeinthememberinquestion,ithasnomaterialeffectonthe
the lead screw of a Forstner bit is negligible; therefore, the
properties of the member and can be easily sealed.
12.2 Procedures:
12.2.1 Volume—Obtain the specimen material by extracting
a core from the member by means of a standard increment
borer.Obtainthevolumefromthediameterofthecuttingedge
of the increment borer and measure the length of the core
immediately after it is removed from the member. Handle the
core carefully to prevent damage or loss of any portion.
12.2.2 Initial Mass (m )—Whenthemoisturecontentofthe
M
elementisdesired,weightheincrementcoreimmediatelyafter
the length is measured in order to obtain the initial mass. If the
immediate weighing is impractical, the core shall be protec-
tively wrapped to prevent loss of moisture.
12.2.3 Oven-dry Mass (m )—Oven-dry mass of the speci-
men shall be determined by drying to practical equilibrium in
accordance with 6.2.
12.2.4 Moisture Content—When necessary, determine the
moisture content (M) in accordance with 7.1.1.
NOTE 13—For example, when determining the basic density or specific
gravity of a standing tree, the determination of the moisture content may
not always be necessary.
13. Test Method F—Chips
13.1 Applicability:
Additional information on this test method may be obtained from
TAPPI258om-06, Basic Density and Moisture Content of Pulpwood. Available
FIG. 4Cylinder and Specimen Used in Flotation Tube Test fromTechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), 15Technology
Method (Method C) Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
D2395−17 (2022)
13.1.1 This procedure is specifically designed to determine 14.2.3 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
the basic density or basic specific gravity of wood chips, (M) of the specimen in accordance with 7.1.
although the values at any other moisture content can also be
NOTE 15—It is preferable to use the oven-dry moisture content method
obtained.
of7.1.1forallwoodandwoodbasedmaterials.Forfurtherdiscussion,see
X3.8.1. However, use of an approximate moisture content determined
13.2 Procedures:
with a moisture meter is permitted for solid wood materials in accordance
13.2.1 Specimen—Select a representative sample of chips
with 7.1.2.
weighing approximately 0.66 lb to 0.77 lb (approximately 300
14.2.4 Oven-Dry Mass (m )—Oven-dry mass of the speci-
g to 350 g) for test. Remove sawdust and undersized chips by
men shall be determined by calculation (15.1.2).
shaking on a three-mesh sieve.
13.2.2 Initial Mass (m )—Obtain the initial mass of the
M
15. Calculation
chips in accordance with 6.2.
15.1 Moisture Content (M) or Oven-Dry Mass (m ):
13.2.3 Volume:
15.1.1 IfTestMethodD4442isusedwithTestMethodsA-F,
13.2.3.1 Submerge the chips in water at room temperature
foratleast1htoensurethattheyareattheirgreenvo
...