ASTM D5265-23

Standard Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Materials shipped in elongated packages are liable to damage as a result of impact near their midpoint when only the ends are supported. This type of damage can occur during the shipment of packaging of mixed dimensions. It is particularly prevalent during conveyer line transport and sortation. This test method provides a means of determining resistance to such damage.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is intended to determine the capability of a long package with a narrow cross-section to resist impact near its center when the package is supported only at its ends. This test method allows the user to select from two test options: Option A employs the use of a free-fall drop tester (see Exhibit B), and Option B employs the use of simulated mechanical impact testing equipment (S.M.I.T.E.; see Exhibit A). The two optional procedures are designed to impart the same amount of kinetic energy at impact; therefore, each procedure yields equal damage-producing potential.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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: 14-Mar-2023
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.21 - Shipping Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4332-13 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D685-12 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E122-09e1 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D996-10a - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM E122-09 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2009
• Refers: ASTM E122-07 - Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01(2006) - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM D996-04 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2004
• Refers: ASTM D996-02 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D996-99 - Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-99 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e2 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-00 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001
• Refers: ASTM D4332-01e1 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2001

Overview

ASTM D5265-23: Standard Test Method for Bridge Impact Testing establishes procedures for evaluating the resistance of long, narrow packages to impacts near their center when only their ends are supported. This testing is crucial for materials shipped in elongated packages, which are susceptible to damage during transportation, especially on conveyor lines or during sortation where mixed-dimension packages are common. The standard provides two test options-free-fall drop testing and simulated mechanical impact testing-ensuring uniformity in assessing damage-producing potential.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability:

  • Assesses impact resistance of elongated packages supported at both ends.
  • Simulates real-world shipping and handling hazards.
  • Helps identify weaknesses in packaging design and material selection.

• Test Options:

  • Option A: Utilizes a free-fall drop tester to deliver a controlled impact using a weighted impactor.
  • Option B: Employs a Simulated Mechanical Impact Testing Equipment (S.M.I.T.E.) to replicate mechanical impact conditions using a guided impactor.

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning:

  • Packages may be tested with actual or simulated contents.
  • Conditioning options include exposure to ambient conditions, water, or specific humidity and temperature requirements.

• Acceptance Criteria:

  • Criteria must be established prior to testing based on product integrity after testing.
  • Flexible, ranging from “intact packaging and damage-free product” to “acceptable package abuse with undamaged product.”

• Reporting Requirements:

  • Complete test method details, package descriptions, conditioning, test results, and any deviations documented.
  • Helps ensure results can be replicated and interpreted correctly.

Applications

The bridge impact test method specified in ASTM D5265-23 is widely applicable in the following areas:

• Shipping and Distribution:

  • Helps shippers and logistic companies evaluate the susceptibility of long packages (such as those used for rolled materials, extrusions, or elongated consumer goods) to damage during handling and transport.
  • Commonly used for quality control and design verification of packaging destined for conveyor-based handling or environments with mixed-dimension products.

• Packaging Design and Validation:

  • Facilitates comparison of different package designs for impact resistance, allowing manufacturers to optimize material usage while maintaining product protection.
  • Effective for ensuring packages meet customer or regulatory requirements for durability.

• Product Safety and Risk Management:

  • Provides quantifiable data on packaging performance, supporting risk assessments and product liability management.
  • Contributes to reducing in-transit and handling damage, ultimately protecting product value and brand reputation.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive packaging assessment and standardization, ASTM D5265-23 references or aligns with several related ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D685: Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing.
• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments.
• ASTM D4332: Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing.
• ASTM E122: Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process.

Conclusion

ASTM D5265-23 is an essential standard for packaging and logistics professionals concerned with the performance of elongated packages during shipping and handling. Its robust, comparative testing methods-free-fall drop and simulated mechanical impact-provide insight into packaging durability, help ensure product integrity, and support continuous improvement in packaging design and supply chain protection strategies. For all packaging subjected to potential mid-span impacts, compliance with this standard can be a significant contributor to reducing product damage and optimizing packaging performance.

Keywords: ASTM D5265-23, bridge impact testing, packaging resistance, free-fall drop test, S.M.I.T.E. tester, elongated package, shipping damage, packaging standards, impact resistance.

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: D5265 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Bridge Impact Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5265; 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.
1. Scope D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products
for Testing
1.1 This test method is intended to determine the capability
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
of a long package with a narrow cross-section to resist impact
ments
near its center when the package is supported only at its ends.
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
This test method allows the user to select from two test options:
Packaging Components for Testing
Option A employs the use of a free-fall drop tester (see Exhibit
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
B), and Option B employs the use of simulated mechanical
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
impact testing equipment (S.M.I.T.E.; see Exhibit A). The two
Lot or Process
optional procedures are designed to impart the same amount of
kinetic energy at impact; therefore, each procedure yields equal
3. Terminology
damage-producing potential.
3.1 Definitions—The terms and definitions used in this test
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
method may be found in Terminology D996.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.1 elongated package, n—a package that is long in
and are not considered standard.
proportion to width and thickness, with lengths greater or equal
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
to 36 in. (914 mm) and each of the other two dimensions 20 %
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
or less of the longest dimension.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Materials shipped in elongated packages are liable to
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
damage as a result of impact near their midpoint when only the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ends are supported. This type of damage can occur during the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
shipment of packaging of mixed dimensions. It is particularly
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
prevalent during conveyer line transport and sortation. This test
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
method provides a means of determining resistance to such
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
damage.
5. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 Option A—Free-Fall Drop Tester, conforming to the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
conditions specified in 10.2.1 (see Fig. 1).
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and
5.1.1 The impactor shall have a mass of 9 lb 6 0.4 lb
Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
(4.1 kg 6 0.2 kg ) and dimensions of 12 in. × 12 in. × 12 in.
w w
(300 mm × 300 mm × 300 mm). The impactor shall have the
striking edge covered by angle iron. The impactor’s center of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
gravity shall be aligned with the center of the drop edge(s).
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping
5.1.2 Support Blocks, made from hardwood, nominal 6 in. ×
Containers and Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
6 in. (150 mm × 150 mm), long enough to support the full
Current edition approved March 15, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D5265 – 09 (2016).
width of the largest package to be tested.
DOI: 10.1520/D5265-23.
5.2 Option B—Commercial S.M.I.T.E. Tester, using a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
guided impactor and velocity meter to calculate the theoretical
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
free-fall drop of the missile (see Fig. 2).
the ASTM website.
5.2.1 S.M.I.T.E. Tester Impactor (missile), fabricated in a
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. V-shape cross-section from a steel flat plate, with a mass of
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5265 − 23
FIG. 1 Vertical Drop Tester
50 lb 6 0.4 lb (22.68 kg 6 0.2 kg ) and length of approxi- 6.2 In the absence of any sampling plan, at least three
w w
mately 30 in. (760 mm). The long edges of the missile shall be representative specimens should be selected for performance
rounded to a radius of 0.25 in. 6 0.0625 in. (6 mm 6 2 mm). evaluation.
NOTE 1—The standard S.M.I.T.E. tester is equipped with a variety of
7. Test Specimens
interchangeable missiles, providing impact options ranging from flat drop,
angle edge drop, half round, half ball, and corner. The total missile 7.1 When the protective capability of a package is to be
assembly, regardless of which face is used, will weigh 50 lb (22.68 kg).
evaluated, it is preferable to pack the package with the actual
Knowing this, the mass of a S.M.I.T.E. tester is always 50 lb (22.68 kg).
contents for which it was designed (Note 2). When the
5.2.2 Support Blocks, made from hardwood, nominal 6 in. ×
capability of a box to withstand rough handling is to be
6 in. (150 mm × 150 mm), long enough to support the full
evaluated, pack the container with either the actual contents or
width of the largest package to be tested.
a load simulating the contents. Regardless of which procedure
is used, close the container in the same manner that will be
6. Sampling
used in preparing it for shipment.
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual contents is not feasible because of
chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative
excessive cost or danger, a dummy load simulating the contents with
performance. For large production runs, lot sampling for
respect to dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia, density, flow
quality control in accordance with Practice E122 is advised. characteristics, etc. shall be used.
D5265 − 23
FIG. 2 Simulated Mechanical Impact Testing Equipment (S.M.I.T.E.)
7.2 When comparing the performance of various elongated 8.2 Unless otherwise specified, fiberboard packages shall be
package designs, it is preferable to test empty erected cartons, conditioned in accordance with Method D685 or Practice
which are closed and sealed in the same manner that will be D4332. Other packages shall be conditioned in accordance
used in preparing it for shipment. with Practice D4332.
7.3 Close and seal the container in the normal manner. Dry 8.3 The moisture content of paperboard and fiberboard
and age sufficiently so that any adhesive, protective coatings, packages should be determined in accordance with Test
sealing tape, etc. will have reached their final normal condition. Method D644.
8. Conditioning 9. Acceptance Criteria
8.1 Depending on the purpose of the tests, packages may be 9.1 Acceptance criteria must be established prior to testing
conditioned prior to the bridge impact test by either a different and should consider the required condition of the product upon
physical test, water immersion, exposure to water spray, or receipt. The organizations conducting the test may choose any
exposure to standard or other fixed conditions of air tempera- acceptance criteria suitable f
...

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: D5265 − 09 (Reapproved 2016) D5265 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Bridge Impact Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5265; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is intended to determine the capability of a long package with a narrow cross-section to resist impact near
its center when the package is supported only at its ends. This test method allows the user to select from two test options: Option
A employs the use of a free-fall drop tester (see Exhibit B), and Option B employs the use of simulated mechanical impact testing
equipment (S.M.I.T.E.; see Exhibit A). The two optional procedures are designed to impart the same amount of kinetic energy at
impact; therefore, each procedure yields equal damage-producing potential.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems,concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D644 Test Method for Moisture Content of Paper and Paperboard by Oven Drying (Withdrawn 2010)
D685 Practice for Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—The terms and definitions used in this test method may be found in Terminology D996.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and
Systems - Application of Performance Test Methods.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016March 15, 2023. Published June 2016April 2023. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20092016 as
D5265 – 09.D5265 – 09 (2016). DOI: 10.1520/D5265-09R16.10.1520/D5265-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5265 − 23
3.2.1 elongated package—package, n—a package that is long in proportion to width and thickness, with lengths greater or equal
to 36 in. (914 mm) and each of the other two dimensions 20 % or less of the longest dimension.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Materials shipped in elongated packages are liable to damage as a result of impact near their midpoint when only the ends are
supported. This type of damage can occur during the shipment of packaging of mixed dimensions. It is particularly prevalent during
conveyer line transport and sortation. This test method provides a means of determining resistance to such damage.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Option A—Free-Fall Drop Tester, conforming to the conditions specified in 10.2.1 (see Fig. 1).
5.1.1 Impactor, composed of a hardwood, with a mass of 9 6 0.4 lbThe impactor shall have a mass of 9 lb 6 0.4 lb (4.1 kg (4.1
w
6 0.2 kg6 0.2 kg ) and dimensions of 12 × 12 × 12 in. (300 × 300 × 300 mm). 12 in. × 12 in. × 12 in. (300 mm × 300 mm ×
w
300 mm). The impactor shall have at least one bottom the striking edge covered by angle iron. The box impactor’s center of gravity
shall be filled with the specified weight and void fill to keep the weight in place. aligned with the center of the drop edge(s).
FIG. 1 Vertical Drop Tester
D5265 − 23
5.1.2 Support Blocks, made from hardwood, nominal 6 × 6 in. (150 × 150 mm), 6 in. × 6 in. (150 mm × 150 mm), long enough
to support the full width of the largest package to be tested.
5.2 Option B—Commercial S.M.I.T.E. Tester, using a guided impactor and velocity meter to calculate the theoretical free-fall drop
of the missile (see Fig. 2).
5.2.1 S.M.I.T.E. Tester Impactor (missile), fabricated in a V-shape cross-section from a steel flat plate, with a mass of 50 6 0.4
lb50 lb 6 0.4 lb (22.68 kg (22.68 6 0.2 kg6 0.2 kg ) and length of approximately 30 in. (760 mm). 30 in. (760 mm). The long
w w
edges of the missile shall be rounded to a radius of 0.25 6 0.0625 in. (6 6 2 mm).0.25 in. 6 0.0625 in. (6 mm 6 2 mm).
NOTE 1—The standard S.M.I.T.E. tester is equipped with a variety of interchangeable missiles, providing impact options ranging from flat drop, angle
edge drop, half round, half ball, and corner. The total missile assembly, regardless of which face is used, will weigh 50 lb (22.68 kg). 50 lb (22.68 kg).
Knowing this, the mass of a S.M.I.T.E. tester is always 50 lb (22.68 kg).50 lb (22.68 kg).
FIG. 2 Simulated Mechanical Impact Testing Equipment (S.M.I.T.E.)
D5265 − 23
5.2.2 Support Blocks, made from hardwood, nominal 6 × 6 in. (150 × 150 mm), 6 in. × 6 in. (150 mm × 150 mm), long enough
to support the full width of the largest package to be tested.
6. Sampling
6.1 The test specimens and number of samples shall be chosen to permit an adequate determination of representative performance.
For large production runs, lot sampling for quality control in accordance with Practice E122 is advised.
6.2 In the absence of any sampling plan, at least three representative specimens should be selected for performance evaluation.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 When the protective capability of a package is to be evaluated, it is preferable to pack the package with the actual contents
for which it was designed (Note 2). When the capability of a box to withstand rough handling is to be evaluated, pack the container
with either the actual contents or a load simulating the contents. Regardless of which procedure is used, close the container in the
same manner that will be used in preparing it for shipment.
NOTE 2—Where the use of actual contents is not feasible because of excessive cost or danger, a dummy load simulating the contents with respect to
dimensions, center of gravity, moment of inertia, density, flow characteristics, etc. shall be used.
7.2 When comparing the performance of various elongated package designs, it is preferable to test empty erected cartons, which
are closed and sealed in the same manner that will be used in preparing it for shipment.
7.3 Close and seal the container in the normal manner. Dry and age sufficiently so that any adhesive, protective coatings, sealing
tape, etc. will have reached their final normal condition.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Depending on the purpose of the tests, packages may be conditioned prior to the bridge impact test by either a different
physical test, water immersion, exposure to water spray, or exposure to standard or other fixed conditions of air temperature or
humidity.
8.2 Unless otherwise specified, fiberboard packages shall be conditioned in accordance with Method D685 or Practice D4332.
Other packages shall be conditioned in accordance with Practice D4332.
8.3 The moisture content of paperboard and fiberboard packages should be determined in accordance with Test Method D644.
9. Acceptance Criteria
9.1 Accept
...