Designation: D 3501 – 94 (Reapproved 2000)

Standard Test Methods for

Wood-Based Structural Panels in Compression1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3501; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3. Significance and Use

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the 3.1 These methods determine the compressive strength of
compression properties of wood-based structural panels. structural panels in response to stresses acting in the plane of
Wood-based structural panels in use include plywood, wafer- the panel.
board, oriented strand board, and composites of veneer and of 3.2 Method A—This method is applicable to structural
wood-based layers. panels of uniform properties within a panel. It is useful for
1.2 Method A, Compression Test for Small Specimens—This evaluating plywood of clear, straight-grained veneers and
method is applicable to small specimens that are uniform with determining the effect of chemical or preservative treatments,
respect to elastic and strength properties. Two types of com- construction, principal direction with respect to direction of
pression tests are employed: one to evaluate both elastic and stress, and other variables that are expected to uniformly
compressive strength properties, and the second to evaluate influence the panel.
maximum compressive strength only. 3.3 Method B:
1.3 Method B, Compression Test for Large Specimens— 3.3.1 The compressive properties obtained by this method
This method employs large specimens and responds well to are a reliable approximation of the strength of a full-size panel,
manufacturing variables and growth characteristics that influ- and are intended for use in design.
ence compression properties of structural panels. 3.3.2 The compressive properties are influenced by buck-
1.3.1 This method is intended for the following: ling; however, this effect is eliminated in this test by restraining
1.3.1.1 Comparative tests of structural panels, the edges of the specimens.
1.3.1.2 Evaluating the effects of moisture content on 3.4 It is recommended that where comparisons are to be
strength properties of structural panels, made, that the same method and specimen size be used
1.3.1.3 Determining the strength properties of structural throughout. This is because the volume of material included in
panels, and a test specimen can influence the compressive strength regard-
1.3.1.4 Evaluating the effects of raw material and manufac- less of whether the material properties are uniform throughout
turing variables on compression properties of structural panels. the sheet or vary widely due to the presence of growth or
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the manufacturing features.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Control of Moisture Content
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.1 Condition structural panel samples to be tested at a
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. specific moisture content or relative humidity to approximate
constant weight in controlled atmospheric conditions before
2. Referenced Documents testing. For panels used under dry conditions, a relative
2.1 ASTM Standards: humidity of 65 6 2 % at a temperature of 68 6 6°F (20 6 3°C)
D 2395 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Wood and is preferred.
Wood-Base Materials2
D 4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measure- 5. Variables Influencing the Compressive Properties of
ment of Wood and Wood-Base Materials2 Structural Panels
5.1 Moisture Content—Cut a moisture content sample hav-
ing minimum area of 2 in.2 (13 cm2) from the clear areas of the
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on specimen and weigh immediately after each test. Moisture
Wood and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.03 on Panel Products. content samples from large specimens of Method B shall have
Current edition approved July 15, 1994. Published September 1994. Originally minimum area of 8 in.2 (52 cm2). If inspection of the edges of
published as D 3501 – 76. Last previous edition D 3501 – 76(1986).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10. a plywood panel reveals the presence of a knot in any ply,

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

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 D 3501
select a second sample. Moisture content samples also serving 7.2.2 For Material 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) or Less in Thickness,the
as specific gravity samples shall be free of voids. Moisture specimen shall have the following dimensions: thickness equal
content determinations shall be made in accordance with Test to that of the material; the width nominally 1 in. (25 mm); and
Methods D 4442. length 4 in. (100 mm). Such specimens shall be supported
5.2 Specific Gravity—Determine specific gravity in accor- laterally throughout the test.
dance with Test Methods D 2395. The specimen may be the 7.2.3 When tests to evaluate maximum compressive
same as that for moisture content determination but must have strength only are required, an alternative type of specimen 4 in.
volume of at least 1 in.3 (16 cm3) if from small specimens, and (100 mm) in width and a length equal to six times the thickness
at least 3 in.3 (49 cm3) if from large specimens and be free of may be used.
visible knots or voids. 7.2.4 The end surfaces of the specimen shall be smooth and
parallel to each other and at right angles to the length.
METHOD A—COMPRESSION TEST
FOR SMALL SPECIMENS 8. Evaluation of Both Compressive Strength and Elastic
6. Direction of Grain, Fibers, or Layers Properties
6.1 The direction of the individual plies, laminations, or 8.1 Support laterally test specimens 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) or less in
layers shall be parallel, perpendicular, or inclined at any other thickness intended for use in obtaining load deformation data
required angle to the length of the test specimen. to prevent buckling during the test, but do not exert undue
pressure against the sides of the specimen. This support shall
7. Test Specimen not measurably restrain the normal compressive deformation
7.1 The test specimen shall be rectangular in cross section. under load. A satisfactory method of providing lateral support
The thickness, width, and length of each specimen shall be is illustrated in Fig. 1, and a detailed design of this apparatus
measured to an accuracy of not less than 60.3 % or 0.001 in. is shown in Fig. 2.
(0.02 mm), whichever is larger.
7.2 When tests to evaluate both elastic and compressive 9. Loading Procedure
strength properties are required, the size of the specimens shall 9.1 Apply the load through a spherical bearing block pref-
be as follows: erably of the suspended, self-aligning type. Apply the load with
7.2.1 For Material Over 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) in Thickness, the a continuous motion of the movable head so as to cause failure
specimens shall have a thickness equal to that of the material within 3 to 10 min after initiation of loading. A rate of 0.003
and the width shall be a minimum of 1 in. (25 mm) but not less in./in. (mm/mm) of length of the specimen per minute within a
than the thickness. The length shall be not greater than seven permissible variation of 625 % has usually proved satisfac-
times the least cross-sectional dimension. tory.

FIG. 1 Compression Test of Thin Structural Panel Supported Laterally Showing Marten’s Mirror Compressometer for Measuring
Deformations on Two Opposite Faces

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TABLE 2

U.S. Customary Metric Equivalents, U.S. Customary Metric Equivalents,

Units, in. mm Units, in. mm
0.024 0.61 13⁄16 30
18⁄ 3 11⁄2 38
3⁄8 10 219⁄32 66
1⁄2 13 225⁄32 71
5⁄8 16 39⁄16 90
11⁄16 17 37⁄8 98
13⁄32 18 415⁄16 125

FIG. 2 Apparatus for Lateral Support for Compression Test

9.2 Measure the elapsed time from initiation of loading to suitable for specimens 31⁄2 to 6 in. (90 to 150 mm) in length. A
maximum load and record to the nearest 1⁄2 min. suitable arrangement of a Martin’s mirror having a 2-in.
(50-mm) gage length for measuring deformations of laterally
10. Load-Deformation Curves supported specimens is illustrated in Fig. 1.
10.1 Take data for load-deformation curves to determine the
modulus of elasticity and the proportional limit. Choose 11. Alternative Test for Evaluation of Maximum
increments of load so that not less than 12 readings of load and Compressive Strength Only
deformation are taken to the proportional limit. Read the 11.1 In the alternative test for the evaluation of maximum
deformation to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm). Attach compressive strength only, apply the load through a spherical
compressometers over the central portion of the length of the loading block with a continuous rate of cross-head movement
specimen with the points of attachment not less than 3⁄4 in. (18 so as to produce failure within 3 to 10 min after initiation of
mm) from the specimen ends. Fig. 3 shows a type of Lamb’s loading. A loading rate of 0.003 in./in. (mm/mm) of length per
roller compressometer, with a 2-in. (50-mm) gage length is minute is suggested. The loading rate shall be modified if times

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 D 3501
upper head of the testing machine to allow for any deviations
from parallel of the ends of the specimens, and permit
adjustment to the end of the specimen in one direction. Hold
the specimen loosely by the side restraining rail. Apply the load
continuously throughout the test at a rate of movable head
motion that will produce failure within 3 to 10 min after
initiation of loading. A head speed rate of 0.035 in./min (0.9
mm/min) 625 % is suggested. This gives a strain rate of
approximately 0.002 in./in.·min (0.002 mm/mm·min). Typical
loading hardware is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

14. Load-Deformation Curves

14.1 Take data for load-deformation curves to determine
modulus of elasticity and the proportional limit. Choose
increments of load so that not less than 12 readings of load and
deformation are taken to the proportional limit. Take deforma-
tion readings to the nearest 0.0001 in. (0.002 mm). Take
deformation over the central portion of both sides of the
specimen with a gage length of 5 in. (127 mm). Use the
average of the two readings in calculation of the modulus of
elasticity. A suitable arrangement is shown in Fig. 5 with
deformation measured by transducers mounted on opposite
sides of the specimen. Record the load and deflection electri-
cally and display continuous data on a suitable device.

REPORT
FIG. 3 Compression Test of Plywood Prism Showing Roller
Compressometer Attachment (2-in. Gage Length) Affording 15. Report
Average Deformation for Two Opposite Faces
15.1 The structural panel specimen, shall be described as to
species, construction, and adhesive type used in its manufac-
fall outside the 3 to 10-min range. Record the maximum
ture, and the principal direction with respect to load direction.
crushing force and calculate the maximum crushing stress.
15.2 Data for individual specimens and specimen averages
METHOD B—COMPRESSION TEST where applicable shall include the following:
FOR LARGE SPECIMENS 15.2.1 Thickness of panel,
15.2.2 Construction and veneer thicknesses (plywood pan-
12. Test Specimens els),
12.1 Specimens shall be precisely cut with all adjacent 15.2.3 Veneer or furnish species,
edges at right angles. The dimension of the specimen shall be 15.2.4 Moisture content,
71⁄2 in. (190 mm) wide by 15 in. (381 mm) long measured to an 15.2.5 Specific gravity,
accuracy of not less than 60.3 %. 15.2.6 Elapsed time to failure,
12.2 To eliminate buckling, the following length-to- 15.2.7 Load-deflection curve or ultimate load,
thickness ratios shall be used: 15.2.8 Description of failure, and
12.2.1 A ratio of 20 or less, if data are to be recorded up to 15.2.9 Elastic modulus and ultimate compressive strength.
the proportional limit only.
12.2.2 A ratio of 10 or less, if strength data only are 16. Precision and Bias
required.
12.3 In order to obtain the specified length-to-thickness 16.1 The precision and bias of these methods have not yet
ratios, it is necessary, in some cases, to glue two or more been determined, but when data are available, a precision and
specimens face to back. bias statement will be included.

13. Loading Procedure 17. Keywords

13.1 Apply the load through a hinged connection on the 17.1 compression; structural panels; wood

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FIG. 4 Method B, Loading Hardware

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FIG. 5 Method B, Loading Hardware Showing a Specimen Mounted with Transducers for Deformation Measurement

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