ASTM D143-09

Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These test methods cover tests on small clear specimens of wood that are made to provide the following:
Data for comparing the mechanical properties of various species,
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
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 Bending10 Toughness11 Compression Perpendicular to Grain12 Hardness13 Shear Parallel to Grain14 Cleavage15 Tension Parallel to Grain16 Tension Perpendicular to Grain17 Nail Withdrawal18 Specific Gravity and Shrinkage in Volume19 Radial and Tangential Shrinkage20 Moisture Determination21 Permissible Variations22 Calibration23
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-Aug-2009
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.01 - Fundamental Test Methods and Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D143-94(2007) - Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D245-22 - Standard Practice for Establishing Structural Grades and Related Allowable Properties for Visually Graded Lumber
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D1037-12(2020) - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3931-08(2023) - Standard Test Method for Determining Strength of Gap-Filling Adhesive Bonds in Shear by Compression Loading
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D7033-22 - Standard Practice for Establishing Design Capacities for Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Wood-Based Structural-Use Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5536-17(2023) - Standard Practice for Sampling Forest Trees for Determination of Clear Wood Properties
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2555-17a - Standard Practice for Establishing Clear Wood Strength Values
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5664-17 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Effects of Fire-Retardant Treatments and Elevated Temperatures on Strength Properties of Fire-Retardant Treated Lumber
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D7031-11(2019) - Standard Guide for Evaluating Mechanical and Physical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composite Products
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM B900-16(2022) - Standard Practice for Packaging of Copper and Copper Alloy Mill Products for U.S. Government Agencies
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5456-21e1 - Standard Specification for Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D2559-12a(2018) - Standard Specification for Adhesives for Bonded Structural Wood Products for Use Under Exterior Exposure Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3632-98(2019) - Standard Test Method for Accelerated Aging of Adhesive Joints by the Oxygen-Pressure Method
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D1036-99(2017) - Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Wood Poles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D3737-18e1 - Standard Practice for Establishing Allowable Properties for Structural Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D143 − 09
StandardTest 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.), 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
1

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D143 − 09
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-Base 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.
1.1.2 Sampling and collection of materia
...

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:D143–94 (Reapproved 2007) Designation: D143 – 09
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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
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.), and other
similar organizations, these test methods naturally conform closely to the methods used by thesethose
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 providea2by 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 methods,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
1
ThesetestmethodsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD07onWoodandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD07.01onFundamentalTestMethods
and Properties.
´1
Current edition approved April 1, 2007. Published April 2007. Originally approved in 1922. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D143–94(2000) . DOI:
10.1520/D0143-94R07.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2009. Published October 2009. Originally approved in 1922. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D143 – 94 (2007). DOI:
10.1520/D0143-09.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, Un
...