Defining perpendicular to grain compression stress: A comparison of methods and recommendations for ASTM D143
Keywords:
clear wood compression strength, perpendicular to grain, yield stress, ASTM D143Abstract
The reliable characterization of structural properties is essential for safe and efficient structural design. This paper focuses on the behavior of lumber under compression load perpendicular to the grain. Emphasis is made on defining a standardized method for determining yield stress for tests performed in accordance with ASTM D143, primarily motivated by the need for well-defined material properties for finite element constitutive models. This research compared the existing standard test methods published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), International Standards Organization (ISO), and ASTM International by analyzing a series of tests performed in accordance with ASTM D143. A literature review showed that there is no dominant method for calculating strength of wood in compression perpendicular to the grain and that analysis methods are not always clearly described or aligned with the standard used for testing. Experimental results indicated that the various calculation methodologies produce significantly different strength properties; as such, a standardized calculation methodology should be implemented for use with ASTM D143 testing procedures. It is recommended that the methods for determining yield stress specified in EN 12512 should be applied to experimental data resulting from specimens tested in accordance with ASTM D143.
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