Designation: D 5456 – 03

Standard Specification for

Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5456; 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.

INTRODUCTION

Structural composite lumber is intended for use as an engineering material for a variety of end-use
applications. The composition of the lumber varies by wood species, adhesive composition, wood
element size, shape, and arrangement. To provide the intended performance, composite lumber
products require: (1) an evaluation of the mechanical and physical properties and their response to
end-use environments, and (2) establishment of and conformance to standard performance specifica-
tions for quality.
Procedures contained in this specification are also to be used for establishing the design properties
and for checking the effectiveness of property assignment and quality assurance procedures.
The quality assurance sections in this specification are intended to serve as a basis for designing
quality-control programs specific to each product. The objective is to ensure that design values
established in the qualification process are maintained.
This specification is arranged as follows:
Section

Qualification 6
Determination of Allowable Design Stresses 7
Independent Inspection 8
Quality Assurance 10

1. Scope bers, where the average equilibrium moisture content for

1.1 This specification recognizes the complexity of struc- solid-sawn lumber is less than 16 %. The conditioning envi-
tural glued products. Consequently, this specification includes ronment of 6.3 is considered representative of such uses.
both specific procedures and statements of intent that sampling 1.5 The performance of structural composite lumber is
and analysis must relate to the specific product. affected by wood species, wood element size and shape,
1.2 This specification was developed in the light of cur- adhesive and production parameters. Therefore, products pro-
rently manufactured products as defined in 3.2. Materials that duced by each individual manufacturer shall be evaluated to
do not conform to the definitions are beyond the scope of this determine their product properties, regardless of the similarity
specification. A brief discussion is found in Appendix X1. in characteristics to products produced by other manufacturers.
1.3 Details of manufacturing procedures are beyond the Where a manufacturer produces product in more than one
scope of this specification. facility, each production facility shall be evaluated indepen-
dently. For additional production facilities, any revisions to the
NOTE 1—There is some potential for manufacturing variables to affect full qualification program in accordance with this specification
the properties of members that are loaded for sustained periods of time.
Users of this specification are advised to consider the commentary on this
shall be be approved by the independent qualifying agency.
topic, in Appendix X1. 1.6 This specification is intended to provide manufacturers,
regulatory agencies, and end users with a means to evaluate a
1.4 This specification primarily considers end use in dry composite lumber product intended for use as a structural
service conditions such as with most protected framing mem- material.
1.7 This specification covers initial qualification sampling,
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood mechanical and physical tests, analysis, and design value
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.02 on Lumber and Engineered assignments. Requirements for a quality-control program and
Wood Products.
cumulative evaluations are included to ensure maintenance of
Current edition approved April 10, 2003. Published June 2003. Originally
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D 5456 – 01ae1. allowable design values for the product.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 5456 – 03
1.8 This specification, or parts thereof, shall be applicable to D 2915 Practice for Evaluating Allowable Properties for
structural composite lumber portions of manufactured struc- Grades of Structural Lumber5
tural components. D 3201 Test Method for Hygroscopic Properties of Fire-
1.9 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Retardant Wood and Wood-Base Products5
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for D 3755 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and
information only. Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the Under Direct-Voltage Stress8
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the D 4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials5
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- D 4761 Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Lumber
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. and Wood-Base Structural Material5
D 4933 Guide for Moisture Conditioning of Wood and
2. Referenced Documents Wood-Base Materials5
2.1 ASTM Standards: D 5055 Specification for Establishing and Monitoring
C 177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure- Structural Capacities of Prefabricated Wood I-Joists5
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of D 5457 Specification for Computing the Reference Resis-
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus2 tance of Wood-Based Materials and Structural Connec-
C 355 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Thick tions for Load and Resistance Factor Design5
Materials3 D 5764 Test Method for Evaluating Dowel Bearing
C 384 Test Method for Impedance and Absorption of Strength of Wood and Wood-Based Products5
Acoustical Materials by the Impedance Tube Method2 D 6815 Specification for Evaluation of Duration of Load
C 423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Ab- and Creep Effects of Wood and Wood-Based Products5
sorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method2 E 84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
D 7 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregates4 Building Materials9
D 9 Terminology Relating to Wood5 E 119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
D 143 Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber5 and Materials9
D 150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Per- 2.2 Canadian Standards:
mittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulat- CSA Standards for Wood Adhesives, O112 Series10
ing Materials6
D 198 Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural 3. Terminology
Sizes5 3.1 Definitions—Standard definitions of wood terms are
D 245 Practice for Establishing Structural Grades and Re- given in Terminology D 9.
lated Allowable Properties for Visually Graded Lumber5 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
D 669 Test Method for Dissipation Factor and Permittivity 3.2.1 laminated veneer lumber—a composite of wood ve-
Parallel With Laminations of Laminated Sheet and Plate neer sheet elements with wood fibers primarily oriented along
Materials6 the length of the member. Veneer thickness shall not exceed
D 905 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesive 0.25 in. (6.4 mm).
Bonds in Shear By Compression Loading7 3.2.2 parallel strand lumber—a composite of wood strand
D 1666 Methods for Conducting Machining Tests of Wood elements with wood fibers primarily oriented along the length
and Wood-Base Materials5 of the member. The least dimension of the strands shall not
D 1761 Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood5 exceed 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) and the average length shall be a
D 2132 Test Method for Dust-and-Fog Tracking and Ero- minimum of 150 times the least dimension.
sion Resistance of Electrical Insulating Materials6 3.2.3 structural composite lumber—in this specification,
D 2394 Methods for Simulated Service Testing of Wood structural composite lumber (SCL) is either laminated veneer
and Wood-Base Finish Flooring5 lumber (LVL) or parallel strand lumber (PSL). These materials
D 2395 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Wood and are intended for structural use and they shall be bonded with an
Wood-Base Materials5 exterior adhesive.
D 2559 Specification for Adhesives for Structural Lami- [Link] Discussion—Structural composite lumber has three
nated Wood Products for Use Under Exterior (Wet Use) mutually perpendicular directions of orientation (see Fig. 1):
Exposure Conditions7 L Direction—Parallel to the longitudinal direction of the member.
D 2718 Test Method for Structural Panels in Planar Shear X Direction—Parallel to a surface of the member and normal to the L direction.
Y Direction—Normal to both L and X direction.
(Rolling Shear)5
In this specification, longitudinal shear means shear stress in
the L-X and L-Y planes. Planar shear is stress in the X-Y plane.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
3
Discontinued; see 1982 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Part 18.
4 8
Discontinued; see 1937 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Part 1. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.02.
5 9
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
6 10
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.01. Available from Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto,
7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.06. Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.

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 D 5456 – 03
6. Qualification
6.1 Samples for qualification testing shall be representative
of the population being evaluated. When an intentional modi-
fication to the process results in a reduction in mechanical
properties as indicated by the quality-control program, then
new qualification is required.
6.1.1 Qualification tests shall be conducted or witnessed by
a qualified agency in accordance with 8.1. All test results are to
be certified by the qualified agency.
FIG. 1 Orientations for Structural Composite Lumber 6.2 Sampling of the test material shall be done in accor-
dance with applicable portions of Section 3, “Statistical Meth-
4. Materials odology,” of Practice D 2915.
4.1 Wood Elements—Wood elements used in the fabrication 6.2.1 Design stress, except for compression perpendicular to
of SCL products shall conform to those specified in Section 3, grain and apparent modulus of elasticity, shall be based on the
Terminology. fifth percentile tolerance limit.
4.2 Adhesives—Adhesives used in the fabrication of SCL 6.2.2 The confidence level for calculating tolerance limits
products shall conform to the requirements in Specification and confidence intervals shall be 75 %.
D 2559 or, in Canada, to the appropriate section of CSA 0112 6.2.3 Minimum sample size for calculating tolerance limits
Series M standards for wood adhesives. on fifth percentiles shall be 53. When volume effect tests are
4.2.1 For high-temperature curing adhesives, the test made at multiple sizes for bending and tension, the minimum
samples shall be fabricated and tested in accordance with sample shall be 78 specimens at the unit volume specimen size.
Specification D 2559 but with the following modifications: [Link] The calculated fifth percentile parametric tolerance
[Link] The Shear by Compression Loading samples shall limits (PTL) shall have a standard error no greater than 5 % of
be fabricated by hot-pressing two 3⁄4-in. (19.1-mm) thick solid the PTL, when evaluated in accordance with [Link] of Practice
wood members in accordance with Test Method D 905 as D 2915. When necessary the sample shall be increased beyond
allowed in Section 13.1.1 of Specification D 2559. the minimum of 53, to meet this requirement.
[Link] The Delamination During Accelerated Exposure 6.2.4 Minimum unit sample sizes for compression perpen-
samples shall be cut from a six-solid wood laminate member dicular to grain (see 6.5.4) shall provide estimation of mean
fabricated with four hot-set bondlines and one Specification values within 5 % in accordance with 3.4.2 of Practice D 2915.
D 2559–approved cold-set bondline in the center. Minimum sample size shall not be less than 30.
6.3 Composite lumber used in qualification testing shall be
5. Mechanical Properties brought to moisture equilibrium in a conditioned environment
5.1 The characteristic value for structural composite lumber of 20 6 6°C (68 6 11°F) and 65 % (65 %) relative humidity.
is a statistic derived from test data as specified in 7.1. For Methods for determination of completion of conditioning are
bending and tension parallel to grain, the characteristic value is given in Guide D 4933.
obtained at the unit volume as specified in 6.5.1 and 6.5.2. 6.4 Moisture content and specific gravity shall be measured
5.2 The design stress related to structural composite lumber and reported for each specimen tested in the qualification
is derived from the characteristic value through application of program. Measurement for moisture content shall be in accor-
the adjustments listed in Table 1 of this specification. dance with Test Methods D 4442 and measurement of specific
5.3 The allowable design stress published for engineering gravity shall be in accordance with Test Methods D 2395.
use shall be derived from the design stress modified by factors 6.5 Mechanical Properties—The properties that shall be
given in 7.3. evaluated by qualification testing shall include, but are not
limited to: bending strength and stiffness, tensile strength
TABLE 1 Adjustment Factors
parallel to the grain, compressive strength parallel to the grain,
NOTE 1—Apparent modulus of elasticity is computed from a deforma- compressive strength perpendicular to the grain, and longitu-
tion, and compression strength perpendicular to grain is established at a dinal shear strength.
deformation limit. Neither is subject to load duration adjustments. All
other factors are the product of 1.62, that adjusts data to normal duration
6.5.1 Bending—Modulus of rupture and apparent modulus
as defined in 7.3.1 of Practice D 245, and an additional factor for of elasticity shall be determined for both flatwise and edgewise
uncertainty. bending in accordance with principles of Test Methods D 198
Property Adjustment Factor or Test Methods D 4761. Specimen cross section shall not be
Apparent modulus of elasticity 1.00
less than the minimum anticipated structural size. Selection of
Bending strength 2.10 specimen dimensions establishes the unit volume for the
Tensile strength parallel to grain 2.10 analysis of 7.4.1. Loading at third points and a span to depth
Compressive strength parallel to grain 1.90
Longitudinal shear strength
ratio in the range from 17 to 21 shall be used for flatwise and
Shear block test 3.15 edgewise bending.
Structural-size shear test 2.10
Compressive strength perpendicular to grain 1.67 NOTE 2—A span to depth ratio of 18 is a frequent international
standard.

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 D 5456 – 03
[Link] When either or both the size and moisture content of both 0.02- and 0.04-in. (0.5- and 1.0-mm) deformation shall be
the qualification specimens will differ from specimens to be reported. Testing shall be done with stresses applied normal to
tested in quality control, the bending tests of 6.5.1 shall also be the L-X plane in one test series and to the L-Y plane in another
conducted on specimens of the size and the moisture content series.
that will prevail at the time of routine quality–control testing. 6.5.5 Longitudinal Shear—Longitudinal shear strength in
The specimens representing the quality–control conditions the L-Y plane shall be determined by conducting ASTM block
shall be matched with those to be conditioned (see 6.3). The shear tests or structural-size horizontal shear tests. Longitudi-
ratio of the means of both strength and stiffness shall be used nal shear strength in the L-X plane shall be determined by
to adjust quality–control test results to the qualification level, conducting ASTM block shear tests. When evaluating the
for use in the confirmation required in 10.6.1. effect of systematic manufacturing characteristics that might
[Link] Moisture content is recognized as different when the affect horizontal shear strength, the structural size horizontal
discrepancy between the average of the two test sets is one shear test method shall be used (see Annex A3).
percentage point of moisture content or more. Sample size [Link] ASTM block shear tests shall be conducted in
shall be the same for both test sets and not less than 78. accordance with principles of Test Methods D 143 except that
[Link] If testing is required in accordance with [Link], the a minimum dimension of 1.5 in. (38 mm) at the shear area is
coefficient of variation of the bending strength from those tests acceptable provided that the total shear area is 4 in.2
shall be the basis for comparison required in 10.6.3. Otherwise, [Link] Structural-size horizontal shear tests in the L-Y plane
the coefficient of variation of the bending strength from the shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified
tests in 6.5.1 shall be the basis. in Annex A3 of this specification.
6.5.2 Tension Parallel to Grain—Tension strength parallel [Link] If anticipated end use involves shear perpendicular
to grain shall be tested in accordance with principles of Test to grain on a face of the material (planar shear), testing shall
Methods D 198 or Test Methods D 4761. Specimen cross establish allowable shear stress in accordance with the prin-
section shall not be less than the minimum anticipated struc- ciples of Test Method D 2718.
tural size. Specimen length shall provide for a minimum length 6.6 Connections—Determination of allowable design val-
of 36 in. (915 mm) between grips. Selection of specimen ues for withdrawal capacities of nails, and dowel bearing
dimensions establishes the unit volume for the analysis of capacities of bolts, lag screws, wood screws and nails is
7.4.1. specified in Annex A2. Determination of allowable design
[Link] When either or both the size and moisture content of values for other connectors is beyond the scope of this
the qualification specimens will differ from specimens to be specification.
tested in quality control, the tension tests of 6.5.2 shall also be 6.7 Physical Properties—Physical properties must be as-
conducted on specimens of the size and the moisture content sessed when they affect end use. Information on physical
which will prevail at the time of routine quality–control testing. properties and related standards is given in Appendix X1.
The specimens representing the quality–control conditions
shall be matched with those to be conditioned (see 6.3). The 7. Determination of Allowable Design Stresses
ratio of the means of strength shall be used to adjust quality-
control test results to the qualification level, for use in the 7.1 Allowable design values developed in this section are
confirmation required in 10.6.1. Moisture content is recognized consistent with engineering practice in building construction.
as different when the discrepancy between the average of the Their applicability in other types of structures has not been
two test sets is one percentage point of moisture content or evaluated and such applications require independent evalua-
more. Sample size shall be the same for both test sets and not tion.
less than 78. 7.2 Characteristic Value—In the derivation of the charac-
[Link] If testing is required in accordance with [Link], the teristic value, the procedures of Sections 3 and 4 of Practice
coefficient of variation of the tensile strength from those tests D 2915 shall be followed, except that provisions of this
shall be the basis for comparison required in 10.6.3. Otherwise, specification govern where differences occur.
the coefficient of variation of the tensile strength from the tests 7.2.1 The fifth percentile tolerance limit (TL) with 75 %
in 6.5.2 shall be the basis. confidence from test results of 6.5 shall be the characteristic
6.5.3 Compression Parallel to Grain— Short-column com- value for strengths in flexure, tension parallel to grain, com-
pression strength parallel to grain shall be determined in pression parallel to grain, and longitudinal shear.
accordance with principles of Test Methods D 198 or Test [Link] Parametric or nonparametric analysis shall be per-
Methods D 4761. Minimum cross section shall be 1.5 by 1.5 in. formed to obtain a fifth percentile tolerance limit.
(38 by 38 mm). Length of the specimen shall be such that L/r [Link] For parametric analysis either the normal or lognor-
is less than 17 and greater than 15, where L is the effective mal distribution shall be used to establish a fifth percentile
unsupported length and r is the least radius of gyration. tolerance limit with 75 % confidence. The distribution selec-
6.5.4 Compression Perpendicular to Grain— Compressive tion shall be based on standard statistical goodness of fit tests.
strength perpendicular to grain shall be determined in accor- As a minimum the fit selection shall include visual inspection
dance with principles of Test Methods D 143 except that of cumulative frequency plots of the fitted distributions with
references to placement of growth rings are not applicable and the data and the lesser of standard errors of the estimate from
minimum cross-section dimension is 1.5 in. (38 mm). Stress at the two distributions fitted by the method of least squares.

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 D 5456 – 03
NOTE 3—Experience has shown that data from SCL typically has NOTE 4—A derivation of Eq 3 is given in Ref (1) 11 along with example
coefficients of variation (COV) less than 20 % and is symmetrical to data. In this case, volume considered is only two-dimensional since, at
slightly right skewed and, therefore, are reasonably described by the least within the limits given in Annex A1, increasing width of SCL
normal and lognormal distributions. Goodness of fit references are given bending members does not result in strength reduction. In some cases tests
in Note 5 of Practice D 2915. The minimum procedures of [Link] are show a strength increase with increasing width, possibly because of
detailed in X4.7 of Specification D 5055. greater stability along the compression edge. Therefore the two-
dimensional form of the equation is of the form Kd = (d1/d)1/m(L1/L)1/m
7.2.2 The average value for apparent modulus of elasticity where L1 and L is the length of the unit volume and application member,
from test results of 6.5.1 shall be the characteristic value for respectively. When a constant span/depth ratio is assumed, Eq 3 becomes
apparent modulus of elasticity. Kd = (d1/d)2/m, which can be further simplified to Kd = (d1/d)1/n, where n
= m/2.
7.2.3 The average value at 0.04-in. (1.0-mm) deformation
[Link] Axial Tension—Tensile design stress shall be ad-
for compression perpendicular to grain from test results of
justed for volume by multiplication with factor as follows:
6.5.4 shall be the characteristic value for compression perpen-
dicular to grain.
7.3 Design Stresses—Design stresses shall be calculated
KL 5 S D
L1
L
1/m
(4)

from the characteristic value defined in 7.2 in accordance with where:

the following formula: KL = adjustment factor,
B
L1 = base length between grips tested in 6.5.2,
S5C (1) L = end-use length, and
a
m = parameter determined in accordance with Annex A1.
where:
S = design stress, NOTE 5—Tension tests of SCL do not show strength reductions for
B = characteristic value, and increasing cross section so that volume is represented by length alone.
Ca = adjustment factor from Table 1. Annex A1 states criteria for accepting this approach without limitations.
7.4 Allowable Design Stress—Design stresses shall be Ref (1) gives example data.
modified by factors that consider the end-use applications as [Link] When volume effect factors are based on single-size
follows: testing in accordance with A1.2.3, increased design stresses for
Fa 5 C eS (2) members smaller than that tested are not permitted.
[Link] Other related conditions which influence the bend-
where: ing strength of a member include the loading diagram and
Fa = allowable design stress, support condition. Adjustments for common load cases are
Ce = product of end use (K) factors, and given in Annex A1 and other information is found in Ref (2).
S = design stress. 7.4.2 Duration of Load/Creep Effects:
Factors common to all members are detailed in this section. [Link] Duration of load and creep effects shall be evaluated
7.4.1 Volume Factors: in accordance with Specification D 6815. As a minimum, one
[Link] Strength properties are affected by the relative vol- representative grade per adhesive classification shall be evalu-
ume at a given stress. For purposes of this section, the members ated. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and the
tested in edge bending or axial tension in Section 6 shall be certified agency to determine which representative grade and
what specie or species combination shall be evaluated by
taken as a unit volume. Sections other than solid rectangles, or
considering the density and gluing characteristics of the species
solid rectangular sections not loaded axially or normal to one
or species combination. Chapter 9 of the Wood Handbook (Ref
of its surfaces, require special investigation.
3) provides additional guidance.
[Link] Volume factors shall either be determined from the
NOTE 6—For products manufactured with one or more species, either
prescribed theoretical relationships or by testing on a range of
separately or mixed, the greatest anticipated percentage(s) of the highest
sizes, as detailed in Annex A1. density species should be evaluated (see Appendix X1).
[Link] Bending—Bending design stress shall be adjusted [Link] The allowable design stresses developed in this
for volume effect by multiplication with the factor as follows: specification correspond to the condition of normal loading as
Kd 5 SD
d1
d
2/m
5 SD
d1
d
1/n
(3)
defined in 7.3 of Practice D 245 provided the product demon-
strates acceptable long term load performance as determined in
accordance with Specification D 6815. These stresses shall be
where: adjusted for other loading durations using the same factors
Kd = factor applied to design stress of the member of unit
applied to sawn lumber and other wood and wood-based
volume,
structural members, as defined in Ref (4).
d1 = depth of unit volume members,
d = depth of an application member, 7.4.3 Allowable design stresses developed in this specifica-
m = a parameter determined in accordance with Annex tion are for use in dry conditions as defined in 1.4. If use at
A1, and
n = m/2 11
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the text.

5
 D 5456 – 03
other moisture conditions is intended, a documented test–based fied. Included shall be reexamination criteria for suspect
investigation leading to appropriate properties adjustment must material and material rejection criteria.
be carried out. 10.1.4 Finished product marking, handling, protection, and
7.4.4 Other End-Use Adjustments—In some cases, end use shipping requirements as they relate to the performance quality
requires other adjustments. A brief discussion of such use of the product shall be defined.
conditions is given in Appendix X1. 10.2 Inspection Personnel—All manufacturing personnel
7.5 To convert allowable design stresses to load and resis- responsible for quality control shall demonstrate to the quali-
tance factor design (LRFD) format use the procedures of fied agency that they have knowledge of the inspection and test
Specification D 5457. procedures used to control the process of the operation and
calibration of the recording and test equipment used and of the
8. Independent Inspection maintenance and interpretation of quality-control records.
8.1 A qualified agency shall be employed by the manufac- 10.2.1 Use of quality-control records beyond quality con-
turer for the purpose of monitoring the quality assurance and trol, for monitoring and adjusting allowable design values,
production process on a random unannounced basis. The requires special recognition. The independent inspection
qualified independent agency shall establish or approve and agency and manufacturing quality-control personnel must
monitor procedures for quality assurance. maintain continuing awareness of this additional responsibility.
8.2 Quality Agency—A qualified agency is defined to be one 10.3 Record Keeping—All pertinent records shall be main-
that: tained on a current basis and be available for review by the
8.2.1 Has access to the facilities and trained technical qualified agency personnel. As a minimum, such records shall
personnel to verify that the grading, measuring, species, include:
construction, bonding, workmanship, and other characteristics 10.3.1 All inspection reports and records of test equipment
of the products as determined by inspection, sampling, and calibration, including identification of personnel carrying out
testing comply with all applicable requirements specified the tests;
herein; 10.3.2 All test data, including retests and data associated
8.2.2 Has procedures to be followed by its personnel in with rejected production, and
performance of the inspection and testing; 10.3.3 Details of any corrective actions taken and the
8.2.3 Has no financial interest in, or is not financially disposition of any rejected production resulting from tests or
dependent upon, any single company manufacturing the prod- inspections.
uct being inspected or tested, and 10.4 Quality Assurance Testing:
8.2.4 Is not owned, operated, or controlled by any such 10.4.1 Testing Equipment—Testing equipment is to be prop-
company. erly maintained, calibrated, and evaluated for accuracy and
adequacy at a frequency satisfactory to the qualified agency.
9. Manufacturing Standard
10.4.2 Required Tests—The following shall be considered
9.1 A manufacturing standard, subject to the approval of the to be the scope of a minimum testing program:
qualified agency, shall be written and maintained by the [Link] The bending test described in 6.5.1 shall be used
manufacturer for each product and each production facility. for quality assurance of bending strength and stiffness.
This specification shall include provision for quality assurance. [Link] The tension test described in 6.5.2 shall be used for
quality assurance of tensile strength parallel to grain.
10. Quality Assurance
[Link] Moisture content data shall be determined by the
10.1 Quality Assurance in Manufacturing Standard—This same process as in 6.4, at a frequency that provides a
portion of the manufacturing standard shall include subject representative sample of production.
matter necessary to the quality-assurance program including [Link] When required, quality assurance data shall be
the following: adjusted by the factors of [Link] and [Link] prior to further
10.1.1 Material specifications, including incoming material analysis.
inspection and acceptance requirements, and [Link] Test frequency for all tests shall be chosen to yield
10.1.2 Quality assurance, inspection, testing, and accep- quality-assurance performance that is consistent with design
tance procedures. stresses assigned to the product and its intended use.
[Link] Sampling and inspection frequencies shall be de-
10.5 Process Control:
vised to encompass all variables that affect the quality of the
10.5.1 Data from the tests of 10.4 shall be evaluated prior to
finished product. Increased frequencies shall be used in con-
shipping material represented by the sample. Analytic proce-
nection with new or revised facilities. A random sampling
dures shall determine if material properties are in statistical
scheme shall generally be used for specimen selection.
control. The control level selected shall be consistent with
NOTE 7—Increased sampling and test frequency is a useful procedure current design values and intended use of the material.
when investigating apparent data trends or adjustments in the process. It
is desirable at times to deviate from a random sampling scheme while NOTE 8—References (5), (6), and (7) provide useful background
investigating effects of specific variables. material on quality control.
10.1.3 Procedures to be followed upon failure to meet 10.5.2 When the analysis of 10.5.1 indicates that the mate-
specifications or upon out-of-control conditions shall be speci- rial properties are below the control level, the associated

6
 D 5456 – 03
portion of production shall be subject to reexamination in [Link] When design values have been reduced in accor-
accordance with acceptance procedures of 10.1.3. dance with [Link] or at the option of the producer because of
10.6 Cumulative Evaluation: excessive reject rates, a new statistical process control level in
10.6.1 Design Stresses—Periodically, characteristic values keeping with the new design value shall be established. The
and associated allowable stress values shall be formally evaluation then includes all data from the period in statistical
checked using data accumulated in 10.4. At least one such control based upon the new control level.
check shall be made in the first six months of operation 10.6.3 Volume Effect—If the coefficient of variation of
involving new production or from any new product line. bending strength, as computed directly from data analysis in
Thereafter analysis shall be conducted at intervals not to 10.6.2, has increased by one and one-half percentage points or
exceed one year. more over corresponding values determined in 6.5.1 or 6.5.2,
10.6.2 Analysis—The periodic analysis shall be conducted the parameter (m) in Eq 3 and Eq 4 shall be recomputed using
in accordance with 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3. All data from the period Eq A1.1.
associated with statistical process control shall be included in
the analysis. 11. Keywords
[Link] Design values must be affirmed by the analysis of 11.1 allowable design stresses; mechanical properties; qual-
10.6.2 or be reduced accordingly. ity assurance; structural composite lumber

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VOLUME EFFECT PARAMETER DETERMINATION

A1.1 Scope multiple-size testing. Eq A1.1 is an approximation that simplifies and

avoids the use of the gamma function. It gives estimates of (m) accurate
A1.1.1 This annex covers procedures that shall be used to to 2 % for COV’s in the range from 0.05 to 0.30.
determine the exponent in Eq 3 and Eq 4. Sections A1.2 and
A1.3 define, for bending and tension respectively, the value of A1.2.4 Minimum sampling for multiple-size testing re-
the exponent for single-size test data and the sampling proce- quires a minimum of four depths, including the base depth
dures for multiple size testing. Section A1.4 gives a uniform specified in 6.5.1, with sample sizes as specified in A1.2.5. The
procedure for processing multiple-size test data to determine test range of volume (computed as length times depth) shall
the exponent for both bending and tension, experimentally. have a ratio of not less than 20 from the smallest depth to the
A1.1.2 Limits on extrapolation beyond test data are given in largest piece. Span to depth ratios in all test series shall be the
A1.2.2 and apply to either single or multiple size specimen same and as selected in 6.5.1. From Eq 3:
tests. Extrapolation beyond testing is not limited in tension,
provided the requirements of A1.3.2 are met.
Kd 5 SD
d1
d
2/m

(A1.2)
A1.2 Flexure A1.2.5 Sample sizes below the base depth shall be 30 for
A1.2.1 If test data for only one specimen size are available each depth. Above the base depth the sample size, N, shall be
as specified in 6.5.1 as a minimum requirement, the value of determined by the following formula but not less than N = 5.
(m), Eq 3, [Link], is given in A1.2.3 by specific formulation. Sample size for the base depth is given in 6.2:

SD
A1.2.2 Thicknesses greater than three times the maximum d1
tested in 6.5.1 or A1.2.4 shall not be used in design without N 5 50 d (A1.3)
further tests incorporating greater thicknesses. Calculation of
design stresses using the factor of Eq 3 shall be restricted to where:
members not exceeding four times the volume (computed as d1 = base depth tested in 6.5.1, and
length times depth) of the largest member tested. d = any depth larger than base.
A1.2.3 For single-size testing, the value of ( m) is deter- NOTE A1.2—The sample size equation is simple and judgmental.
mined as follows: Experience on structural composite lumber has shown that test results
from larger members are less variable. The expectation of lower variabil-
m 5 C 21.08 (A1.1)
ity for larger specimens in a weak link analysis can also be supported
where: theoretically using a three parameter Weibull distribution. The end result
m = shape parameter of a two parameter Weibull distribu- is a reduction of COV for larger sizes and an approximate maintenance of
statistical precision with fewer samples.
tion, and
C = coefficient of variation (COV) of the data with the A1.3 Tension
restriction that if C < 0.15 then m = 8. A1.3.1 If test data have been obtained for only one speci-
NOTE A1.1—At C = 0.15, m ; 8 so that 2/m = 1⁄4 . Specification of a men size, as a minimum requirement in 6.5.2, the value of (m),
minimum threshold of 0.15 on C is a default level to encourage Eq 4, [Link], is given by specific formulation.

7
 D 5456 – 03
A1.3.2 Eq 4 is used for any tension member provided the
exponent developed agrees with theory when compared to the S D
F
Log F 5 q Log
0
S D
Z0
Z (A1.7)

bending exponent. Members of cross-sectional area greater that is in the following form:
than three times the maximum tested in 6.5.2 or A1.3.4 shall y 5 qx
not be used in design without additional tests involving greater (A1.8)
cross sections.
The empirical exponent (q = 1/m or 2/m) is obtained from
NOTE A1.3—If the coefficient of variation is identical in tension and the least squares computation as follows:
bending, the Weibull shape parameter, (m), will be the same. With
(xy
differing coefficients of variation, the expected difference in exponents can q5 (A1.9)
be predicted from Eq A1.1. (x2

A1.3.3 For single-length testing, the value of (m) is deter- where summation is from the minimum through the maxi-
mined with Eq A1.1 using the COV of the tensile test data, if mum size tested.
greater than 0.15, otherwise, m = 8. A1.4.3 The theoretical procedure requires determination of
the shape parameter, (m), of a two–parameter Weibull distri-
A1.3.4 For multiple-length testing, minimum sampling re-
bution fitted to the unit volume strength data. Tail fitting
quires four lengths, including the base length, with sample
techniques, (an example is shown in Appendix X4 of Specifi-
sizes as specified in A1.3.5. Minimum gage length (distance
cation D 5055), are also acceptable provided 75 or more data
between grips) shall be 2 ft (610 mm) with the maximum gage
points are used and these points include at least the tenth-
length equal to or exceeding five times the minimum.
percentile experimental value. The theoretical exponent (Q) for
A1.3.5 Sample sizes below the base length shall be 30 for Eq A1.2 or Eq 4 is 2/m or 1/m as determined in this procedure,
each length. Above the base length minimum sample sizes, N, for bending and tension respectively.
shall be determined by the following formula with the con- A1.4.4 The processes of A1.4.2 and A1.4.3 produce two
straint that N shall not be less than 20. curves of strength versus size for both bending and axial
N 5 50 ΠL1
(A1.4)
tension as follows:

S D
L Z0 q
F1 5 F 0 Z (A1.10)
where:
L1 = base gage length tested in 6.5.2, and and

S D
L = any length longer than the base. Z0 Q
F2 5 F 0 Z (A1.11)
A1.4 Exponents from Multiple-Size Tests:
where:
A1.4.1 Exponents for bending and tension are each calcu- q = is determined in A1.4.2, and
lated by two procedures. In each of the two cases an “empiri- Q = is determined in A1.4.3.
cal” exponent and a “theoretical” (m) are calculated. The A1.4.5 The curve fitted by the empirical procedure in
relationships between empirical and theoretical values dictate a A1.4.2 is acceptable for strength adjustment if (see Fig. A1.1
final choice for each case. and Fig. A1.2):
A1.4.2 The empirical procedure for a case requires logarith- A1.4.5.1 The theoretical curve of Eq A1.11 lies above the
mic transformation of normalized average strengths and sizes curve of Eq A1.10, or
and fitting a least squares line to these transformed data. The A1.4.5.2 The Eq A1.10 curve value at the greater of four
desired exponent for Eq A1.2 and Eq 4 is obtained by linear times Z0 or 20 in. (508 mm) for bending and at 20 ft (6.1 m) for
regression of transformed Variables x and y with a forced zero
intercept of the fitted line in the x, y space. Eq A1.2 and Eq 4
are written as follows:

K5 S D
Z0
Z
q
(A1.5)

where:
q = 2/m or 1/m,
Z0 = base depth or length, and
Z = test depth or length.
The ratio (K) in Eq A1.5 is the strength modification factor
and in the data:
K 5 ~F/F0!
(A1.6)

where:
F = average experimental strength for test size Z, and
F0 = average experimental strength for base size Z0. NOTE 1—1 in. = 25.4 mm.
Then use common logarithms and set as follows: FIG. A1.1 Bending Volume Effect

8
 D 5456 – 03
NOTE A1.4—The empirical exponent (q) developed for bending statis-
tically estimates (2/m or 1/n).

A1.5 Adjustment for Loading—Adjustments of flexure

stress for types of loading are given in Table A1.1. These

TABLE A1.1 Flexure Stress Adjustment Factors for Loading

Conditions
NOTE 1—Table A1.1 is developed from weak-link theory and accounts
for variations in stress distribution along the length of the member (that is,
differences in moment diagram) for common cases. For example, if
allowable bending stress is developed from third-point loading tests, for
uniform load the allowable increases by 1/0.96 and the adjustment to
center-point load would be 1.13/0.96, for COV = 15 %. The table factors
are independent of volume adjustments.
Loading Conditions for Simply Adjustment Factor
Supported Beams COV = 0.10 COV = 0.15 COV = 0.20
NOTE 1—1 in. = 25.4 mm. Center-Point Load 1.10 1.13 1.16
FIG. A1.2 Tensile Length Effect Third-Point Loads 0.96 0.96 0.96
Uniform Load 1.00 1.00 1.00

tension is not more than 5 % above the Eq A1.11 curve value

using the latter as the basis for percentage calculation.
A1.4.5.3 If conditions A1.4.5.1 or A1.4.5.2 are not met, a values vary according to the coefficient of variation (COV) of
new (q) exponent shall be determined such that condition the base size data. The COV in Table A1.1 is an actual value
A1.4.5.2 is satisfied. unrelated to the special constraint on COV in A1.2.3 and
A1.4.6 The final exponent determined in A1.4.5 shall be A1.3.3 (the latter is an adjustment to cause size factors to be
rounded to two decimal places and used to adjust bending and conservative when size effect has not been experimentally
tension design stresses for volume effect. investigated).

A2. ESTABLISHING EQUIVALENT SAWN LUMBER SPECIES CONNECTION PROPERTIES FOR SCL

A2.1 Scope 75 % confidence, in accordance with 3.4.2 of Practice D 2915.

A2.1.1 This annex presents one method for establishing Minimum sample size shall not be less than ten.
equivalency for connection properties between a species of
SCL and a species combination of sawn lumber. The equiva- A2.3 Test Specimen
lency is limited to withdrawal capacities of nails and bearing A2.3.1 Specimens shall be selected per 6.1 and conditioned
capacities of dowel type fasteners (bolts, lag screws, wood in accordance with 6.3. Moisture content and specific gravity
screws and nails). shall be measured and reported in accordance with 6.4.
A2.3.2 The average specific gravity of the test specimens
NOTE A2.1—The method presented in this annex does not preclude the
use of alternate methods of establishing equivalency of design values, shall not exceed the average specific gravity of the bending
such as direct comparative testing of joints. specimens from 6.5.1 by more than 0.03.
A2.1.2 Equivalency is established by determining an
A2.4 Withdrawal Tests
equivalent specific gravity for a SCL product. The SCL
equivalent specific gravity value is established by determining A2.4.1 Withdrawal testing shall be performed for the Y
the specific gravity value of a solid sawn species or species orientation. When design values for the X orientation are
combination in Ref (4) that shows equivalent nail withdrawal desired, testing shall also be performed with the fastener in the
or dowel bearing performance. This SCL equivalent specific X orientation. Testing for single nails in withdrawal shall be
gravity permits the design of connections in SCL using conducted in accordance with Test Methods D 1761.
established design procedures and specific gravity values for A2.4.2 The withdrawal resistance in lb/in. (N/mm) of pen-
species combinations of sawn lumber found in Ref (4). etration of 0.131-in. (3.33-mm) diameter, 2.5-in. (64-mm) long
A2.1.3 A different species combination equivalent specific (8d) steel common wire nails shall be determined. The nail
gravity is permitted for fasteners installed in both the X and Y penetration shall be based on the total penetration of the nail,
orientations (see Fig. 1) for both nail withdrawal and dowel including the point of the nail. The depth of penetration shall be
bearing. a minimum of 1.25 in. (32-mm).

A2.2 Sample Size A2.5 Dowel Bearing Tests

A2.2.1 Minimum sample size for each test group shall A2.5.1 Testing for dowel bearing strength shall be con-
provide 5 % precision of estimation of the mean value, with ducted in accordance with Test Method D 5764. Testing for

9
 D 5456 – 03
bolts and nails installed in the Y orientation and loaded in both A2.6.2 The specified testing establishes the equivalent spe-
the X and L directions is required. Testing for nails or bolts cific gravity for the full range of nail types and sizes in Table
installed in the X orientation and loaded in both the Y and the 12.2A of Ref (4). A different species combination equivalent
L directions is required for applications utilizing nails or bolts specific gravity is permitted for nails installed in the X and Y
installed in the X orientation. orientations. If one equivalent specific gravity is to be specified
A2.5.2 Rate of testing is in accordance with Test Method for both Y and X orientations then it shall be the lower of the
D 5764. two individual values.
A2.5.3 Test configuration shall be in accordance with Test
NOTE A2.3—An example calculation is provided in Appendix X2.
Method D 5764.
NOTE A2.2—Test Method D 5764 permits the use of either a half-hole A2.7 Dowel Bearing Equivalence
or full-hole test configuration. The full hole test configuration as shown in A2.7.1 Nails:
Fig. A2.1 has been found to minimize specimen splitting that causes The nail dowel bearing strength is determined by dividing
failure to occur prior to the point where the 5 % offset intersects the
P5%off from A2.5 by the nail diameter and specimen dimension
load-deformation curve (P5 % off).
parallel to the nail length. The dowel bearing strength for nails
A2.5.4 Dowel bearing strength for one size of steel common installed in a specific orientation (either X or Y) shall combine
wire nail shall be determined. Minimum size is 0.148-in. the average of the test results from both loaded directions
(3.76-mm) diameter, 3-in. (76-mm) long (10d common wire provided that they do not differ from the average of the test
nail). results from either of the loaded directions by more than 20 %.
A2.5.5 The dowel bearing strength of 1⁄2-in. (12.7-mm) If the individual dowel bearing results for each orientation
bolts and 3⁄4-in. (19-mm) diameter bolts shall be determined. differ by more than 20 % from the combined average, then the
Bolt length shall be sufficient to prevent bearing on the threads dowel bearing strength shall be equal to the lower test value of
in the specimen. both loaded directions divided by 0.8.

A2.6 Withdrawal Equivalence NOTE A2.4—P5%off is the load at which a line parallel to the initial
slope of the load-deformation curve and offset by an amount equal to 5 %
A2.6.1 The equivalent specific gravity is determined from of the dowel diameter, intersects the load-deformation curve or the
Table 12.2A of Ref (4) such that the table value for the tested maximum load, whichever occurs first.
nail does not exceed the average ultimate withdrawal resistance A2.7.2 The equivalent specific gravity value for laterally
in lb/in. (N/mm) from A2.4 divided by 5.0. Straight line loaded nails shall be determined from Table 12A of Ref (4)
interpolation between the nearest withdrawal design values in such that the table value of dowel bearing strength does not
Table 12.2A of Ref (4) is permitted to obtain a closer exceed the average dowel bearing strength from A2.7.1. The
approximation of SCL equivalent specific gravity. equations contained in the footnotes of Table 12A can be used
to obtain a closer approximation of SCL equivalent specific
gravity. If dowel bearing tests are conducted in both the X and
Y orientations, then an equivalent specific gravity value shall
be determined for each orientation. If one equivalent specific
gravity is to be specified for both Y and X orientations then it
shall be the lower of the two individual values.
A2.7.3 The results from the nail tests can also be applied to
wood screws.
A2.7.4 Bolts—The equivalent specific gravity value for
laterally loaded bolts shall be determined from Table 8A of Ref
(4) such that the table value of dowel bearing strength does not
exceed P5%off from A2.5 divided by the bolt diameter and by
the specimen dimension parallel to the bolt length. The
equations contained in the footnotes of Table 8A can be used to
obtain a closer approximation of SCL equivalent specific
gravity.
A2.7.5 Equivalent specific gravity values for design use
with bolts shall be the average of individual equivalent specific
gravity values for all bolt diameters and load directions for a
given orientation (X or Y) provided that they do not differ from
the average of the test results by more than 0.03. If the
individual equivalent specific gravity values for each orienta-
tion differ by more than 0.03 from the combined average, then
the average equivalent specific gravity shall be equal to the
lowest test value of all bolt diameters and load directions
FIG. A2.1 Full Hole Test Configuration (Dowel in Y orientation, evaluated plus 0.03 for a given orientation. If dowel bearing
loaded in the L direction) tests are conducted in both the X and Y orientations then an

10
 D 5456 – 03
equivalent specific gravity value shall be determined for each A2.8 Presentation of Connection Properties
orientation. If one equivalent specific gravity is to be specified
A2.8.1 Presentation of connection properties shall state the
for both Y and X orientations then it shall be the lower of the
specific gravity of the equivalent sawn lumber species combi-
two individual values.
nation for each fastener type and product orientation evaluated.
NOTE A2.5—An example calculation is provided in Appendix X2.
A2.7.6 The results from bolt tests can also be applied to lag
screws.
A2.7.7 The specified testing establishes the equivalent spe-
cific gravity values for the full range of dowel-type (bolts, lag
screws, wood screws, and nails) fasteners within the scope of
Ref (4).

A3. TEST PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING HORIZONTAL SHEAR STRESS IN STRUCTURAL-SIZE MEMBERS OF SCL

A3.1 Scope moisture content as determined from the comparison of con-

A3.1.1 This annex outlines the procedures to be used when ditioned versus routine quality-control testing requirements of
determining the allowable shear stress of structural composite [Link].
lumber products based on structural-size member tests. This A3.2.3 Depth—The minimum product depth to be evalu-
procedure is based on Test Methods D 198 test procedures for ated shall be 16 in. (406 mm).
short-span edgewise bending and is an alternative to the Test A3.2.4 Cross-Section—An I-shaped cross-section shall be
Methods D 143 block shear test method. It measures a shear fabricated by either adding flanges of the same material to the
strength value that is considered more representative of shear tension and compression zones of the rectangular section or by
critical structural end-use applications. removing material from the central zone of the rectangular
A3.1.2 This procedure applies predominantly to the mea- member. The amount of material to be added or removed shall
surement of shear strength in SCL products in the edgewise be such that a net web height to the total depth (h/d) ratio of 0.5
(L-Y plane or joist) product orientation. Evaluation of SCL or greater is maintained and a high percentage of the I-shaped
horizontal shear strength (Refs 8, 9, 10) has shown that it is test specimens fail in horizontal shear (see Note A3.2).
difficult to obtain a high percentage of shear failures when A3.2.5 Length—The test specimen length shall be deter-
conducting short-span, edgewise bending tests on rectangular mined such that it does not extend beyond the ends of the
sections. This test procedure provides an alternate test speci- reaction bearing plates.
men configuration that has been found to result in a high
percentage of shear failures. NOTE A3.2—Figs. A3.1 and A3.2 show example test setups that have
A3.1.3 This procedure shall be used to evaluate systematic shown to provide a high percentage (>90 %) of shear failures. These test
specimens were fabricated by joining additional flange material to the
manufacturing process characteristics that could affect horizon- rectangular section with an adhesive and nails or wood screws. In these
tal shear strength that would otherwise be difficult to evaluate setups, care should be taken to ensure that the glued flanges are flush with
in the small Test Methods D 143 block shear test. or slightly offset inside the edges of the rectangular section material under
the load bearing points.
NOTE A3.1—One example of a systematic manufacturing process
characteristic is the use of edge-joined (composed) veneers in the The amount of material to add to or remove from the rectangular
manufacture of LVL. When multiple sheets of composed veneer are used cross-section will depend on the relative shear to bending strength ratio for
in the manufacture of LVL it is possible to manufacture product that has a given SCL product. Experience suggests that a total flange width equal
a number of edge-joined veneers that may be close enough to each other to three times the rectangular section width and net web height to total
to affect horizontal shear strength. Such production may be difficult to depth (h/d) ratio of 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 will result in a high percentage of horizontal
evaluate in the small Test Methods D 143 block shear test procedure. Use shear failures. Note that for products with a significant density gradient
of the structural-size shear procedure is considered to be a better test through its thickness, the removal of material to create an I-section may
method for evaluating the effect of this manufacturing characteristic. not be appropriate.

A3.2 Specimen Sampling and Preparation A3.3 Test Procedure

A3.2.1 Samples for qualification testing shall be represen- A3.3.1 Short-span bending tests shall be conducted in
tative of the population being evaluated. Sampling of the test accordance with the principles of Test Methods D 198 (see
material shall be done in accordance with applicable portions Note A3.3). The test configuration shall be either center-point
of Section 3, “Statistical Methodology,” of Practice D 2915. loading or four-point loading. In the case of four-point loading
The minimum sample size shall be 28. the two load heads shall be spaced no more than 6 in. apart.
A3.2.2 The test material shall be brought to moisture A3.3.2 Span and Bearing—The span shall be short enough
equilibrium in a conditioned environment of 20 6 6°C (68 6 to provide a high percentage of horizontal shear failures and
11°F) and 65 % (65 %) relative humidity. Test material shall maintain a minimum distance of twice the specimen depth
conditioning can be waived when the product moisture content (2d) between the inner edge of the reaction plate and outer edge
at time of test is within 30 % of the conditioned product of the loading plate. The length of the loading plate and the

11
 D 5456 – 03

FIG. A3.1 Example PSL Structural-Size Horizontal Shear Test Set-Up

FIG. A3.2 Example LVL Structural-Size Horizontal Shear Test Set-Up

reaction plate supports shall be chosen to minimize product VQ 3V @bd2 2 ~b 2 t!h2#

crushing under the plates (see Note A3.3). tApparent 5 It 5 2t (A3.1)
@bd3 2 ~b 2 t!h3#
NOTE A3.3—A test machine with a 40 000 lb capacity may be required
where:
to achieve ultimate loads for a 16 in. deep specimen.
tApparent = calculated shear strength (psi),
To achieve the requirements of A3.3.2 a test span of at least five and V = ultimate shear force = ultimate load/2 (lbf),
one-half times the specimen depth (51⁄2 d) is required. The minimum
Q = first moment (in.3),
distance of twice the specimen depth (2d) between the inner edge of the
reaction plate and outer edge of the loading plate is recommended to
I = moment of inertia (in.4),
minimize the effect of compressive forces under the loading points on the t = measured web thickness (in.),
horizontal shear strength. b = measured width of I-section (in.),
d = measured depth of I-section (in.), and
A3.3.3 Speed of Testing—The test speed shall be chosen to h = net height of the web between the flanges (in.).
achieve time-to-failures of not less than 5 min. A3.4.2 Characteristic Value—The characteristic value shall
A3.3.4 Lateral Supports—The test specimens shall be lat- be determined per the procedures of Section 7.2 of this
erally supported to prevent lateral instability. Lateral support specification.
shall be provided at least at the third-points of the test span and A3.4.3 Allowable Design Stress—The allowable design
shall allow vertical movement without frictional restraint. stress shall be determined per the procedures of Section 7.3 and
7.4 of this specification.
A3.4 Design Stress Determination
NOTE A3.4—The 16 in. specimen depth is considered to be a deep
A3.4.1 The shear strength for each test specimen shall be
enough depth such that no adjustment for size effect is required.
calculated using Eq A3.1. The test data may be analyzed based
on those data that failed in shear only (uncensored data) and A3.5 Report
those data containing all failure modes (censored data). For the
censored data analysis, the uncensored mean and standard A3.5.1 The test report shall contain:
deviation can be estimated by using the methodology for the A3.5.1.1 The species and grade under evaluation,
maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs), as described by A3.5.1.2 The method of test specimen fabrication,
Lawless (Ref 11). A3.5.1.3 Description of schematic of the test setup,

12
 D 5456 – 03
A3.5.1.4 The mode of failure including the number of A3.5.1.5 The method of data analysis.
specimens that failed in shear, and

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COMMENTARY ON LIMITATIONS OF APPLICABILITY AND POSSIBLE END-USE CONSIDERATIONS

X1.1 Scope changes, minor adhesive changes, individual species, and so

X1.1.1 This appendix discusses the need for limiting the forth. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and the
applicability of this specification to materials corresponding to qualified agency to evaluate any limiting conditions in the
the descriptions of 3.2 and the need for carefully devised and manufacturing process.
controlled manufacturing procedures. X1.2.2.4 The committee’s recommendation was to evaluate
X1.1.2 This appendix provides a partial list of consider- one representative grade per adhesive classification. Examples
ations that may be important in end use. Included are design of adhesive classifications are: phenol-formaldehyde, phenol-
considerations and conditions that may affect both mechanical resorcinol, isocyanate-based adhesives, and so forth. The intent
and physical properties. Standards that are helpful in evaluat- of the committee was not to require Duration of Load testing
ing these concerns are given. for adhesive modifications within a classification. Evaluation
of only one grade is necessary since Specification D 6815
X1.2 Limitations to the Applicability of This Specification:
specifies that the load level for long-term load tests be based on
X1.2.1 The potential variety of wood-based structural com- the short-term strength of that grade.
posites is very great. The committee felt that the applicability
of this specification should be limited to general composite X1.2.2.5 The committee further recommended that for
types for which there is a reasonable body of technical products manufactured with one or more species, either sepa-
knowledge. It is intended that the descriptions of 3.2 be rately or mixed, the greatest anticipated percentage(s) of the
modified as the knowledge base expands. highest density species should be evaluated. This was based on
X1.2.2 Manufacturing variables will, of course, be reflected the general trend toward greater difficulty in bonding wood
in the data generated by the investigations detailed in this species as wood density increases. There are however, other
specification, but there may be subtle effects not apparent. A factors besides density that can affect the bonding of wood and
particular concern brought before the committee was the chapter 9 of the Wood Handbook (Ref 3) provides additional
importance of considering performance when load is applied guidance in this area. Table 9-1 of the Wood Handbook shows
for sustained time periods. general categories of selected wood species according to their
X1.2.2.1 Generally, it is expected that composites, as de- ease of bonding. Generally, testing conducted by most manu-
fined in this specification, will perform similarly to other wood facturers has included at least one softwood and one hardwood
structural members when subjected to load for sustained species (where applicable). Additional evaluation is also con-
periods. However, it is possible, that manufacturing procedures sidered necessary for those species not native to North America
can adversely affect this performance (Ref 12). Two manufac- having bonding characteristics that are not well understood.
turing parameters suspected are: too low adhesive spread or
erratic bond quality, and damage due to improperly controlled X1.2.2.6 The users of this specification are advised to
pressing (time/temperature) cycles. The experience of the SCL carefully evaluate the entire manufacturing process of any
committee members to-date indicates that acceptable Structural Composite Lumber product for conformance with
sustained-load performance in actual field applications has well-established procedures. When doubts exist, sustained-load
been observed for properly manufactured wood-based struc- tests at more stress levels and longer time periods should be
tural composites. conducted.
X1.2.2.2 The traditional wood member adjustment from test X1.2.2.7 Certain proprietary materials that conform to the
to basic (normal duration) design values is included in the descriptions of 3.2, have been subjected to time-under-load
factors of Table 1. For design, other adjustments are made as testing. Outlines of procedures that have been followed, and
defined in 7.4.2. These factors were judged appropriate for use data summaries are given in Refs (13-15).
with properly manufactured materials covered by this specifi-
cation provided the requirements of Specification D 6815 are X1.3 Design and Mechanical Property Concerns:
met.
X1.2.2.3 In conducting Specification D 6815 testing it was X1.3.1 Creep and Relaxation—Creep and relaxation are a
the committee judgement that the Duration-of-Load perfor- function of stress and environment, particularly moisture
mance should be verified for the typical manufacturing pro- content and cyclic changes of moisture and should be consid-
cess. The intent was not to test all production facilities or all ered in applications sensitive to long-term deformation or
changes in process variables such as press cycles, equipment stress relaxation.

13
 D 5456 – 03
X1.3.2 Moisture Service Environment—If the material is to ments of deflection and time to failure should be made during
be used in other than a dry service environment, the perfor- the test, as well as a record of the temperature during the test.
mance of members used in other service conditions should be X1.3.9 Row Nailing— Size, spacing, and penetration of
evaluated, including development of appropriate strength re- nails aligned in a row can induce splitting of all lumber
duction factors. products at critical combinations of these variables. When row
X1.3.3 Treating—The performance of the material should nailing of this critical nature is anticipated, tests should be
be evaluated for the effect of preservative or fire-retardant conducted to determine limits for each orientation of the
chemicals and treating processes. material involved.
X1.3.10 Component Use— The influence of the interaction
X1.3.4 Temperature—The performance of the material
between several members and the quality of fabrication should
should be evaluated for the effect of temperature if the material be considered in the adjustment of allowable design stresses for
is to be exposed to temperatures outside the range from −30 to material intended for use in components. Components may
150°F (−34 to 65°C), for sustained periods. include such structural forms as trusses or built-up sections.
X1.3.5 Fire Resistance—The performance of structural Built-up sections require consideration of volume effects in the
composite lumber material under fire conditions should be cross section.
evaluated. Full-scale assembly tests may be required in accor- X1.3.11 Other—If the material will be subjected to other
dance with Test Methods E 119. Alternatively, material prop- conditions for which the product performance is unknown,
erty tests may sometimes be substituted for full-scale tests. appropriate product testing should be conducted.
X1.3.6 Flame Spread— When necessary, the flame spread X1.4 Physical Properties and Standards:
of the composite material should be determined in accordance
X1.4.1 Electrical Conductivity/Dielectric Properties—See
with Test Method E 84.
Test Methods D 150, D 669, D 2132, and D 3755.
X1.3.7 Char Rate—The char rate of the composite material X1.4.2 Thermal/Environmental Properties—See Test Meth-
can be determined in accordance with the method described in ods C 177 and C 355.
Ref (16). X1.4.3 Acoustical Properties—See Test Methods C 384 and
X1.3.8 Flexure at Elevated Temperature—The flexural C 423.
strength of the composite material at elevated temperature can X1.4.4 Hygroscopic Properties—See Test Method D 3201.
be evaluated by subjecting structural-sized specimens to tem- X1.4.5 Coeffıcient of Friction—See Methods D 2394.
peratures of 500°F (260°C) under full design load. Measure- X1.4.6 Machining—See Methods D 1666.

X2. EXAMPLE PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE SCL NAIL WITHDRAWAL AND DOWEL BEARING EQUIVALENT SPECIFIC
GRAVITY VALUES

X2.1 Scope TABLE X2.2 Dowel Bearing Test Results

Dowel Bearing Strength, psi
X2.1.1 This appendix provides example calculations for Dowel in Y Orientation Dowel in X Orientation
determining the equivalent specific gravity values for the range Dowel Type (perpendicular to glueline) (parallel to glueline)
Loaded in: Loaded in:
of dowel connectors and product orientations specified in this L Direction X Direction L Direction Y Direction
standard. The rules for combining results for different product 10d Common Nail 7680 5750 6680 4000
1⁄2-in. diameter Bolt 6840 3820 6400 2850
orientations and load directions are consistent with those used 3⁄4-in. diameter Bolt 7050 3270 6600 2500
to develop nail withdrawal and dowel bearing capacities for
solid sawn lumber Refs (4, 17). The data provided was chosen
to illustrate the rules for combining results or equivalent
specific gravity values. X2.2 Determination of Withdrawal Equivalent Specific
X2.1.2 The results of withdrawal and dowel bearing tests Gravity Values for Nails
conducted on a SCL product in accordance with procedures of
X2.2.1 From Table X2.1 and SG values interpolated from
Annex A2 are summarized in Tables X2.1 and X2.2.
Table 12.2A of Ref (4) the equivalent SG values in Table X2.3
were determined.
TABLE X2.1 Nail Withdrawal Test Results X2.2.2 Use the withdrawal design load in the NDS for SGY=
Dowel Penetration Average Withdrawal Load, lb 0.54 for the Y-orientation and SGX= 0.50 for the X-orientation
Nail Type
Diameter, in. Depth, in. Y Orientation X Orientation or use lower value (SG = 0.50) if one value is specified for both
8d Common 0.131 1.25 250 200
orientations.

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 D 5456 – 03
TABLE X2.3 Equivalent SG Values X2.4.2 For the Y orientation, the individual equivalent SGs
Nail Withdrawal Strength, lb for each bolt diameter and load direction do not differ by more
Nail in Y Orientation Nail in X Orientation than 0.03 from the average equivalent SGY, therefore the
Nail
(perpendicular to glueline) (parallel to glueline)
Diameter,
Strength Allowable Equivalent Strength Allowable Equivalent equivalent SGY equals 0.60.
in.
Per Inch of Strength SGY Per Inch of Strength SGX X2.4.3 For the X orientation, the individual equivalent SGs
Penetration Per Inch Penetration Per Inch for each bolt diameter and load direction differ by more than
0.131 (8d 200 40 0.54 160 32 0.50
Common) 0.03 from the average equivalent SGX, therefore the equivalent
SG is determined as the lowest equivalent SG (0.47) plus 0.03
to give an equivalent SGX equaling 0.50.
X2.3 Determination of Dowel Bearing Equivalent Specific X2.5 Determination of Equivalent Species Combination
Gravity Values for Nail Connections for Dowel-Type Fasteners
X2.3.1 From Table X2.2 and SG values interpolated from X2.5.1 The equivalent SG values determined in X2.2-X2.4
Table 12A of Ref (4), the equivalent SG values in Table X2.4 are summarized in Table X2.6 along with the lower, nearest
were determined. wood species combination group found in Table 8A or 12A of
X2.3.2 For the Y orientation, the individual dowel bearing Ref (4).
strength results do not differ by more than 20 % of the average, X2.5.2 The equivalent species combination group for nail
therefore the equivalent SG is based on 6715 psi and SGY and screw fasteners is determined to be as follows:
equals 0.61. X2.5.2.1 Withdrawal—Y orientation only: Mixed Southern
X2.3.3 For the X orientation, the individual dowel bearing Pine (SG = 0.51); X orientation only: Douglas Fir - Larch (SG
strength results differ by more than 20 % of the average, = 0.50); and Y and X orientation combined: Douglas Fir -
therefore the equivalent SG is not based on the average Larch (SG = 0.50).
strength but is based on the lower strength value of 4000 X2.5.2.2 Dowel Bearing Strength—Y orientation only: Red
divided by 0.8 which yields 5000 psi and therefore the Maple (SG = 0.58); X orientation only: Mixed Southern Pine
equivalent SGX equals 0.52. (SG = 0.51); and Y and X orientation combined: Mixed
Southern Pine (SG = 0.51).
X2.4 Determination of Dowel Bearing Equivalent Specific X2.5.3 The equivalent species combination group for dowel
Gravity Values for Bolted Connections bearing strength for bolt and lag screw fasteners is determined
X2.4.1 From Table X2.2 and SG values interpolated from to be: Y orientation only: Red Maple (SG = 0.58); X orienta-
Table 8A of Ref (4), the equivalent SG values in Table X2.5 tion only: Douglas Fir - Larch (SG = 0.50); and Y and X
were determined. orientation combined: Douglas Fir - Larch (SG = 0.50).

TABLE X2.4 Dowel Bearing Strength for Nail Connections

Dowel Bearing Strength, psi
Nail in Y Orientation (perpendicular to glueline) Nail in X Orientation (parallel to glueline)
Equivalent SGY Equivalent SGX per
Strength in: Strength in:
Dowel Type per Table 12A Table 12A
L Direction X Direction Average Based on Specified L Direction Y Direction Average Based on Specified
Average Average
Strength Strength
10d nail 7680 5750 6715 0.61 0.61A 6680 4000 5340 0.54 0.52B
A
See X2.3.2.
B
See X2.3.3.

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 D 5456 – 03
TABLE X2.5 Dowel Bearing Strength for Bolted Connections
Dowel Bearing Strength, psi
Dowel
Bolt in Y Orientation (perpendicular to glueline) Bolt in X Orientation (parallel to glueline)
Diameter,
Strength in L Direction Strength in X Direction Equivalent SGY Strength in L Direction Strength in Y Direction Equivalent SGX
in.
FeII SGII FeI SGI Average Specified FeII SGII FeI SGI Average Specified
⁄
12 6840 0.61 3820 0.57 6400 0.57 2850 0.47
0.60 0.60A 0.53 0.50B
⁄
34 7050 0.63 3270 0.59 6600 0.59 2500 0.49
A
See X2.4.2.
B
See X2.4.3.

TABLE X2.6 Summary Equivalent SG Results

Fastener Test Y Orientation X Orientation
Equivalent SGY Nearest Species Combination (SG) Equivalent SGX Nearest Species Combination (SG)
Nail Withdrawal 0.54 Mixed Southern Pine (0.51) 0.50 Douglas Fir — Larch (0.50)
Dowel Bearing 0.61 Red Maple (0.58) 0.52 Mixed Southern Pine (0.51)

Bolt Dowel Bearing 0.60 Red Maple (0.58) 0.50 Douglas Fir — Larch (0.50)

REFERENCES

(1) Sharp, D. J., and Suddarth, S. K., “Volume Effects in Structural Laminated Veneer Lumber,” International Council for Research and
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(2) Liu, J. Y., “A Weibull Analysis of Wood Member Bending Strength,” (11) Lawless, J., “Statistical Models and Methods for Lifetime Data,” John
Transactions of ASME, Vol 104, 1982. Wiley and Sons, New York, 1982.
(3) U.S. Forest Products Laboratory, Wood Handbook: Wood as an (12) Bledsoe, J. M., et al., “Creep Rupture Testing, A Necessary Part of
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(5) MNL7/Manual on Presentation of Data and Control Chart Analysis, Industry, MacMillan Bloedel Parallam Division (now Trus Joist, A
Sixth Edition, ASTM, Philadelphia, 1990. Weyerhaeuser Business), 1272 Derwent Way, Annacis Island, British
(6) Natrella, M. G., “Experimental Statistics,” National Bureau of Stan- Columbia, Canada V3M 5R1, October 1990.
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Structural Composite Lumber,” Proceedings from the 1996 New Performance of TecLam Laminated Veneer Lumber and Douglas Fir
Orleans International Wood Engineering Conference, Vol 3, 1996. Dimension Lumber, Tecton, PO Box 587, Hines, Oregon 97738.
(9) Lam, F. and Craig, B., “Shear Strength in Structural Composite (16) “Charring Rate of Selected Woods—Tranverse to Grain,” U.S. Forest
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