ASTM D2278-66(1994)e1

Standard Test Method for Field Evaluation of Wood Preservatives in Round Post-Size Specimens

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative effectiveness of wood preservatives in round posts set in the ground in field plots. Two tests are described, one for small (3 to 5 in. (80 to 130 mm) in diameter) sapwood posts which is the preferred test if major interest lies in testing the preservative when fairly evenly distributed throughout the piece, and the second for large posts (7 to 10 in. (180 to 250 mm) in diameter) which is preferred when the preservative is tested under conditions of gradient retention and distribution normally encountered in commercial operations.  
1.2 The requirements for preparation of the material for testing and the test procedures appear as follows:  Section Test Plot 4 Test Specimens 5 Treatment Procedure 6 After-Treatment Handling of Posts 7 Installation of Posts 8 Inspection of Specimens 9 Evaluation of Results 10 Reports 11
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI equivalents of inch-pound units may be approximate.  
1.4 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-Dec-1993
• ICS: 71.100.50 - Wood-protecting chemicals
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D2278-02 - Standard Test Method for Field Evaluation of Wood Preservatives in Round Post-Size Specimens
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
e1
Designation: D 2278 – 66 (Reapproved 1994)
Standard Test Method for
Field Evaluation of Wood Preservatives in Round Post-Size
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2278; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Section 12 was added editorially in January 1995.
1. Scope D 1760 Specification for Pressure Treatment of Timber
Products
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative
effectiveness of wood preservatives in round posts set in the
3. Summary of Test Method
ground in field plots. Two tests are described, one for small (3
3.1 Commercial-size round wood posts are impregnated
to 5 in. (80 to 130 mm) in diameter) sapwood posts which is
with an appropriate series of retentions of a preservative and
the preferred test if major interest lies in testing the preserva-
are handled in accordance with specified procedures prior to
tive when fairly evenly distributed throughout the piece, and
exposure in the field. They are then exposed in the ground to
the second for large posts (7 to 10 in. (180 to 250 mm) in
the action of weather, wood-destroying fungi, and insects in
diameter) which is preferred when the preservative is tested
one or more selected field plots. Periodic inspections are
under conditions of gradient retention and distribution nor-
carried out on each post to determine immediate condition and
mally encountered in commercial operations.
end of service life. The computed average service life for each
1.2 The requirements for preparation of the material for
group is used to express results at termination of the test. The
testing and the test procedures appear as follows:
general pattern of preservative performance in posts may be
Section
indicated within 5 to 10 years; however, the test of a given
Test Plot 4
Test Specimens 5
retention group of any preservative is not terminated until at
Treatment Procedure 6
least 60 % of the treated specimens have failed.
After-Treatment Handling of Posts 7
Installation of Posts 8
4. Test Plot
Inspection of Specimens 9
Evaluation of Results 10
4.1 Number and Climatic Location—Decay test plots can be
Reports 11
established over a wider climatic range than can subterranean
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
termite test plots. When information on decay is of primary
as the standard. The SI equivalents of inch-pound units may be
importance, a plot can be established in a temperate climate
approximate.
where termite attack is not serious. When termite as well as
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
decay control is of interest, the plot shall be located in a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
relatively warm and moist area where subterranean termites are
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
known to be a hazard. The choice of location is optional, but
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the investigator shall record which type of plot is involved. The
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
location of test plots within a reasonable distance of a weather
bureau station is encouraged.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 General Requirements—The specific area selected for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the plot shall be of essentially uniform soil character, level,
D 1413 Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory
moist but well drained land, remote from industrial contami-
Soil-Block Cultures
nation and large enough to accommodate all anticipated
D 1758 Test Method for Evaluating Wood Preservatives by
expansion for at least 25 years. It should be protected by fire
Field Tests with Stakes
lanes and should be fenced to prevent access of animals and
discourage pilferage of posts. In a plot used essentially or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-7 on Wood exclusively for decay studies, a preliminary bioassay shall be
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.06 on Treatments for Wood
made to prove that decay-producing organisms are present. If
Products.
a background of data on the area exists or if wood debris in
Current edition approved Sept. 20, 1966. Published November 1966. Originally
contact with the ground indicates suitable decay is present,
published as D 2278 – 64 T. Last previous edition D 2278 – 64 T.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 2278
further bioassay may be unnecessary. Otherwise a bioassay for 4 to 10 rings/in. (10 to 25 rings/cm) in the outside 1.5 in. (38
1 1
decay can be made as follows: strips of ⁄20 to ⁄10-in. (1 to 3 mm) and having not less than a 1.5-in. thickness of sapwood
mm) veneer of pine or gum sapwood can show rapidly whether shall be used. Wood shall be free of large knots, excessive resin
fungi in the soil have sufficient decay-producing capacity. content, shakes, and other abnormalities and shall show no
Strips of veneer should be buried horizontally approximately 3 evidence of insect attack, decay, or heavy infection by mold or
in. (80 mm) deep at several places in the plot for at least 3 stain fungi. The same species of wood shall be used throughout
weeks during warm, moist weather; if the pieces show such any test designed to furnish data or relative fungicidal and
evidence of decay as extreme brashness when broken in the insecticidal value of test preservatives. When the boundary
hands, the plot is considered suitable. Where the test plot is to between heartwood and sapwood is difficult to recognize, a
yield data on both decay and termites, the bioassay shall also color test shall be used to distinguish between the two.
include a test to determine whether or not termites are present. 5.2 Size—Either of two sizes of posts may be used for this
If the examination of wood debris on the ground, such as dead standard. They will be referred to hereinafter as Size S and Size
branches, wood chips, or other cellulosic materials, does not L. The sizes given shall apply to seasoned materials.
give sufficient evidence of good termite distribution, the 5.2.1 Size S (Small)—Posts shall be 5 to 8 ft (1.5 to 2.5 m)
contemplated test area can be “staked out” with untreated in length. The diameter shall be 3 to 5 in. (80 to 130 mm) or the
3 3
low-density sapwood stakes ( ⁄4 by ⁄4 in. (19 by 19 mm) or circumference shall be 9.4 to 15.7 in. (240 to 400 mm)
other suitable sizes) and these stakes observed for termite respectively when measured 18 in. (460 mm) from the butt. It
activity. If the climate and rainfall are suitable for termite may be desirable to measure and segregate the posts into
attack and a sufficient number of stakes have been attacked to groups for treatment according to diameter dimensions, and
show reasonable termite activity, the proposed test area will be later to distribute the size groups evenly between the test series.
deemed suitable. The average diameter within each series of posts shall be
4.3 Soil and Vegetation—The ground shall be in its native within the range from 4.0 to 4.6 in., (100 to 120 mm) measured
state or, if it has been used for agricultural purposes, it shall not 18 in. (460 mm) from the butt.
have been tilled within 3 years of the date of establishment of 5.2.2 Size L (Large)—Posts preferred for this size are
the test plot. The area shall be capable of actively supporting usually obtained by cutting a 30-ft (9.1 m) Class 6 or 7 pole
vegetation, decay fungi, and, optionally, termites. A cover of into three 10-ft (3 m) sections having mid-point diameters of 7
organic matter or grass is desirable. A sandy loam or silt loam to 10 in. (180 to 250 mm). An equal number of butt, center, and
is the preferred soil. No artificial or natural fertilizers shall be top cuts for each preservative are put in the ground at each test
applied to the plot during the test period. The following plot site.
details shall be reported: 5.3 Preparation of Posts—Whenever practical, selection of
4.3.1 Vegetative cover, test posts shall begin in the woods. Posts shall be as free as
4.3.2 Depth of the different soil horizons for a distance of 1 possible of fungus infection (molds, sapstain, decay). Posts
ft (300 mm or 0.3 m), shall be smoothly hand or machine peeled to remove all
4.3.3 pH of soil samples taken from the first 6 in. (150 mm) cambium. Removal of sapwood shall be kept to a minimum.
of mineral soil directly below the organic matter, 5.3.1 Size S posts shall be air-seasoned or artificially dried
4.3.4 Water-holding capacity of composite soil sample of to limit serious seasoning checks and to prevent fungus
the upper 6 in. (150 mm) as measured in accordance with infection.
Method D 1413, and
NOTE 2—To reduce fungus infection, it may be helpful to dip posts for
4.3.5 General agricultural classification of soil type.
not longer than 1 min in a 2.0 weight % solution of sodium pentachlo-
rophenate in water. If this precaution is used, it should be used on all posts
NOTE 1—Ten soil samples from various areas within the selected plot
within any comparative test, including untreated controls and note should
shall be taken and tested separately.
be made in reporting. Removal of at least 1 in. (25 mm) of wood from
4.4 Preparation of Plot—The plot shall be selected so that
each end of the posts to determine freedom from infection is recom-
a minimum of preparation of the plot is necessary (see 4.3). mended. Posts should be seasoned to a moisture content of 20 % or less
1 1
in the ⁄4 to 1 ⁄4-in. (6 to 32 mm) zone, and the moisture content recorded.
4.5 Control of Vegetation—No chemicals shall be used to
control the growth of vegetation either prior to or during the
5.3.2 Size L posts should be conditioned in the usual
use of the test area. Woody vegetation or rank growths of
manner for round timbers of the particular species employed in
weeds shall be mechanically removed only under the direct
the tests, by air-seasoning, by artificial drying, by steaming, by
supervision of the persons making the studies. These recom-
heating in the preservative, or by a combination of these
mendations are made to prevent damaging the posts and to
methods within the limits prescribed in 3.3 of Specification
prevent the use of chemicals that might unduly influence the
D 1760.
value of the tests.
5.4 Identification of Test Posts—Identify each test post by
4.6 Reuse of Ground—Posts may be placed in ground that
burn-branding its code number and if applicable the approved
has been used previously for test purposes, but not sooner than
identifying marks as listed in the “Brands Used on Forest
5 years after the last use. Old holes shall not be used for the
placement of new posts.
“Color Tests for Differentiating Heartwood and Sapwood, of Certain Oaks,
Pines and Douglas Fir,” Forest Products Laboratory Technical Note 253, U.S. Forest
Service, revised June 1954.
5. Test Specimens
5.1 Selection of Wood—Round posts of pine species having
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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D 2278
Products” (AWPA M6) or by attaching an aluminum, Monel, 6.5 Graded Retentions of Preservatives—In order to pro-
or other weather-resisting metal tag, or both. Identification vide information as to the minimum effective retention of
should be placed at some uniform distance within 18 in. (460 different preservatives, test each preservative in a geometric
mm) from the top. series (geometrical factor = 1.5) of two or three graded reten-
tions (Note 5). The spread in the series shall be designed to
6. Treatment Procedure
straddle the expected or predetermined effective retention. This
6.1 Types of Test and Treatment Methods:
retention may be based on experience, or on assumptions from
6.1.1 Type FC—The full-cell treatment is employed to
the results of soil-block tests (Method D 1413) and stake tests
obtain gradient retentions of preservatives of the water-borne
(Method D 1758). The retention nearest the expected effective
and oil and oil-borne types by varying the concentration of the
retention should be at or near the middle of the series.
preservative in the carrier.
NOTE 4—Examples—The illustrations of the two and three-grade series
6.1.2 Type EC—The empty-cell treatment is employed to
are guides rather than mathematically precise retention requirements. The
obtain treatments similar to those used commercially. They are
amount of preservative absorbed will vary inversely as the specific gravity
applied principally to oil type preservatives such as creosote
of the test posts and some variation from the suggested retention levels is
and oil-borne preservatives such as pentachlorophenol in oil.
to be expected. Two-grade retentions (geometrical factor = 1.5): Creosote
6.2 Number of Posts to be Treated: or 5 % pentachlorophenol-petroleum solution 7.0 and 10.5 lb/ft, (112 and
3 3 3
168 kg/m ) pentachlorophenol 0.35 and 0.53 lb/ft, (5.6 kg/m and 8.5
6.2.1 Size S Posts—Treat enough posts to permit selection
3 3
kg/m ) Fluor chrome arsenate phenol (FCAP) 0.35 and 0.53 lb/ft. (5.6
after treatment of at least 10 posts having preservative reten-
kg/m and 8.5 kg/m ) Three-grade retentions (geometrical factor = 1.5):
tions closely approximating the required retention level for
Creosote or pentachlorophenol-petroleum solution 6.0, 9.0 and 13.5 lb/ft,
each of the planned graded retentions (see 6.5). The range of 3 3
(96, 144 and 216 kg/m ) pentachlorophenol 0.33, 0.50 and 0.75 lb/ft,
retentions in the selected posts shall not exceed the average by
(5.3, 8.0 and 12 kg/m ) Fluor chrome arsenate phenol (FCAP) 0.33, 0.50
3 3
more than 10 % for Type FC test posts nor 15 % for Type EC
and 0.75 lb/ft. (5.3, 8.0 and 12 kg/m ).
test posts (Note 3). Treat all posts of one treatment group as
6.6 Concentration of Treating Solutions for Type FC Tests—
one charge, or if the number of specimens is too large to be
Make up the treatment solutions for Type FC tests in appro-
accommodated in the treating cylinder, prepare the charges so
priate gradient concentrations with a view to leaving in the
as to provide for equal distribution of the posts from each
posts at tre
...