United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Performance and Quality-Control 

Forest Service Standards for Composite Floor, l#pl 5' m Wall, and Truss Framing 

Southeastern Forest 

Experiment Station Gerald A. Koenigshof 

General Technical 

Report SE-33 

r4P 

November 1985 

Southeastern Forest Experiment Station 

200 Weaver Blvd. 

Asheville, North Carolina 28804 

Performance and Quality-Control 

Standards for composite Floor, 

Wall, and Truss Framing 

Gerald A. Koenigshof, Research Scientist 

Forestry Sciences Laboratory 

Athens, Georgia 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Part I . Preface 

1.0 Origin and Use of the Standards ................. 1 

2.0 The Product ........................... 1 

3.0 Purpose of the Performance Standards .............. 1 

4.0 Purpose of the Quality-Control Standards ............ 1 

Part 11 . Policies Governing the Use and Enforcement of the Standards 

1.0 Products to Which the Standards Apply .............. 2 

2.0 Definition of a Qualified Inspection and Testing Agency ..... 2 

3.0 Policies Governing Performance Standards .. .......... 2 

3.1 Purpose and Scope ..................... 2 

3.2 Products Markings ..................... 2 

3.3 Qua1 i fyi ng for Tradernarki ng Pri vi leges ........... 3 

3.4 Required Testing or Retesting ............... 3 

3. 5 Test Records. ....................... 3 

3.6 Settlement of Disputes Between the Manufacturer 

and the User ....................... 4 

4.0 Pol icies Governing Qua1 i ty-Control Standards .......... 4 

4.1 Purpose and Scope ..................... 4 

4.2 Levels of Quality ..................... 4 

4.2.1 Acceptable quality ................. 4 

4.2.2 Warning levels and suspension of trademark ..... 4 

4.2.3 Unacceptable quality and withdrawal of trademark . . 4 

Part I1 I . Performance Standards 

1.0 Introduction .......................... 5 

2.0 Marking and Qualifying Several Types of Products ........ 5 

3.0 Strength ....................... 5 

3.1 General Requi rernents and Notations ............. 5 

3.1.1 Requirements .................... 5 

3.1.2 Notations ..................... 5 

3.2 Number of test specimens .................. 6 

3.3 Working stresses ...................... 6 

3.3.1 Strength equation ................. 6 

3.3.2 Stiffness equation ................. 6 

3.4 Tests for Strength and Stiffness Performance ........ 7 

3.4.1 Bending working stress (edgewise) ......... 7 

3.4.2 Bending modulus of elasticity (edgewise) ...... 7 

3.4.3 Bending working stress and modulus of elasticity 

(flatwise) ..................... 7 

3.4.4 Compression parallel to face grain of veneer .... 7 



Page 

4.3 Joint Strength ....................... 15 

4.4 Wodulus of Rupture. Elasticity. and Specific Gravity of the 

Flakeboard Core. ..................... 17 

4.5 Internal Rond of Core ................... 18 

4.6 Laminating Adhesive Veneer-to-Veneer Bond ......... 18 

4.7 Truss Plate Lateral Fastener Resistance .......... 19 

5.0 Testing and Assurance: Periodic Test Procedures ......... 19 

5.1 Quarterly Monitoring for Strength and Stiffness ...... 19 

5.2 Semiannual Monitoring of Durabi lity ............ 19 

References ................................. 20 

iii 

Performance and Qual i ty-Control Standards 

for Composite Floor, Wall, and Truss 

Frami ng 

Part I. Preface 

1.0 Origin and Use of the Standards 

These standards offer bui 1 di ng-code 

authorities and consumers the assurance 

that composite framing will perform as 

intended and that manufacturers wi 11 

maintain its quality at specified levels. 

They have been prepared by the Materials 

Sci ence and Engi neeri ng for Wood-Based 

Cornposi te Structural Framing Unit , USDA 

Forest Service, Athens, GA, where COM-PLY 

framing is being developed, and are intended for interim use so that manufacturers can proceed with production. 

Permanent uni form standards for COM-PLY 

frami ng wi 11 be developed by the manufacturers, in collaboration with buildingcode officials, consmer groups, and 

government agencies. 

2.0 The Product 

Composite, or COM-PLY, framing is 

designed for residential and light cornmerci a1 bui 1 ding construction. It consists of wood veneer facings laminated to 

a flakeboard core, Two or more veneer 

faces are laminated to the narrow face of 

the framing with the grain of the veneer 

parallel to the long axis of the framing. 

When used for truss framing, COM-PLY 

is connected with light-gauge metal truss 

plates. Manufacturers shall design 

trusses in accordance with the current 

Truss Plate Institute (TPI ) Desi gn Speci - 

f ications for Wood Trasses. 

3.0 Purpose of the Performance Standards 

To make satisfactory and safe use of 

COM-PLY products, consumers must be able 

to determine thei r strength, stiffness, 

COM-PLY" is a registered trademark of the 

American Plywood Association, 

dimensional stability, and durability. 

Performance standards provide the means 

for measuring such attributes and for 

developing product speci f ications. Manufacturers select the specifications for 

any gi ven product ; speci f i cati ons do not 

restrict the materials, methods, or processes that can be used in manufacture. 

Performance standards, however, do set 

forth the materials, methods, and processes to he used in obtaining approval 

for a product by a regulatory agency. An 

agency may accept or reject a product on 

the basis of one or more specified tests 

that measure how strong, stiff, stable, 

and durable it is. Moreover, the standards set forth the procedures for retesting whenever materials, methods, or 

processes used during production are 

changed. The level s of performance, 

the test methods, and the policies 

governing acceptance or rejection out - 

lined in these standards represent the 

consensus of regulatory agencies and 

COM-PLY manufacturers. 

4.0 Purpose of the Qual ity-Control 

Standards 

Qual i ty-control standards speci fy 

the tests that manufacturers shall apply 

regularly during production to evaluate 

physical and mechanical properties of 

COM-PLY framing. Such testing assures 

that acceptable quality is being maintai ned. Manufacturers are responsible 

for maintaining the quality of the product by making adjustments in materials 

or manufacturing processes whenever necessary. The quality levels set forth in 

this standard have the agreement of regu1 atory agencies and manufacturers who 

will he using the standard. Because some 

tests must be performed daily, they are 

designed to be relatively inexpensive and 

easy to perform. Testing may be done by 

the manufacturer, provided that records 

are kept by an inspection agency, or for 

audit by such an agency. Manufacturers 

may trademark production COM-PLY frami ng 

only after it has been checked according 

to procedures set forth in this standard 

and has been shown to meet specifications. Manufacturers may not trademark 

COM-PLY framing that fa1 1 s be1 ow accepted 

standards. 

Part If. Policies Governing the Use 

and Enforcement of the Standards 

1.0 Products to Which the Standards 

Apply 

Standards apply only to composite 

framing intended for use in residential, 

farm, or commercial floor, wall, and 

truss framing that uses li ght-gauge metal 

plate connectors. The material manufactured under these standards is not intended for use with full exterior exposure to weather. Throughout service life, 

COM-PLY should be in a protected location 

without direct exposure to weathering. 

2.0 Definition of a Qualified Inspection 

and Testing Agency 

All tests shall be performed by a 

qual i fied inspection and testing agency 

(hereafter referred to as the auditor), 

which is defined as one that: 

*Operates an inspection system that 

evaluates the qual i ty-cont rol 

system of its contracting plants. 

.Provides the faci 1 i ties and the 

personnel to perform the inspection 

and to verify the testing as 

descri bed herei n. 

.Determines the individual plant's 

abi 1 i ty to produce in accordance 

with these standards. 

.Provides periodic inspection of the 

plant's production operations and 

production qual i ty to assure 

compl iance with these standards. 

.Enforces the proper use of the 

inspection agency qual i ty marks and 

certificates. 

.Has no financial interest in or is 

not financially dependent upon any 

single compatty manufacturing any 

portion of the product being inspected or tested. 

01s not owned, operated, or control led by any such company. 

*Provides a techni ca1 review hoard 

to advise the inspection and 

testing agency and to arbitrate 

disputes between the agency and the 

manufacturer. Such a review board 

shall include a recognized independent authority in the field of 

~ngi neered st ruct~lral wood products 

to serve as chairman, and at least 

one regi stered engi neer kndwl edgeable in the design and use of structural glued wood products. 

3.0 Policies Governing Performance 

Standards 

3.1 Purpose and Scope 

The purpose of the performance standard is to assure that composite framing 

will perform as intended. Such assurance 

is attained by testing the product for 

such attributes as strength, durabi 1 i ty, 

and stabi 1 ity. These pol icies govern 

such testing, which is the basis for determining whether a manufacturer shall 

have the privilege of trademarking a 

COM-PLY product. Pol i ci es a1 so govern 

tests that must be done to determine 

whether the privilege of trademarking is 

to be reinstated after having been withdrawn. 

3.2 Product Markings 

Each piece of composite framing that 

complies with this standard shall be 

marked with a trademark and with information as specified below, depending on 

the type of framing, as indicated in 

parentheses : 

.Intended use (floor, wall, truss). 

.Working stress in bending, F, 

(floor, wall, truss). 

*Working stress in short-column 

compression, F, (wall, truss). 

.Working stress in tension, F, 

(truss ) . .Modulus of elasticity to be used 

in long-column design, E,, (wall, 

truss). 

.Modulus of elasticity to be used 

for beam deflecting, E, (floor). 

.Modulus of elasticity to be used 

for short-column design, E,, 

(wall, truss). 

.Manufacturer's type number (floor, 

wall, truss). 

.Manufacturer's name or mil 1 number 

(floor, wall, truss). 

.Date and shift of manufacture 

(floor, wall, truss). 

.Name of the auditor or testing company certifying qual i ty (floor, 

wall, truss). 

An acceptable trademark might look 

like this: 

Composite Truss Framing 

Fb = 1850 Ebf = 1500000 

F, = 2000 E,, = 1300000 

F.t = 1000 Type 3 

ABC Lumber Company 8/12/86-2 

XYZ Testing Company 

The trademark may include manufacturer and testing company logos. The 

lettering and ink used for the trademark 

must remain legible after 1 year of outdoor weathering. 

3.3 Qua1 ifying for Trademarking 

Pri vi 1 eges 

A manufacturer may trademark a 

COM-PLY product when: 

*All of the performance tests have 

been performed, the product has 

passed the minimum requi rements, 

and working stresses have been 

establ ished. 

*The initial qual i ty-control test 

has been performed and the results 

recorded. 

*The product speci f icat ion has been 

written and includes the values 

for the initial quality-control 

test. 

3.4 Required Testing or Retesting 

Testing or retesting is 

requi red : 

.Whenever a new product or manufacturing type that uses new process 

methods and/or materials is to be 

produced. 

.Whenever there is a major change in 

speci fications that affects the 

strength, durabi 1 ity, or dimensional stabi 1 ity of an old or previously manufactured product. 

*Whenever production has not restored quality above the withdrawal 

level for any of the daily qualitycontrol tests after three repeat 

samplings within any 6-day period 

and a fol lowup dai ly sample by the 

auditor verifies that quality is 

at the withdrawal level. 

*Quarterly or semiannual ly to demonstrate that performance is being 

maintained, as set forth in the 

performance standard. 

For cases 1 and 2 the entire performance series of tests must be 

performed. For case 3 only those properties that have been shown to be unacceptable need be retested; the auditor 

stipulates the test required. In case 4 

the retesting of performance shall be 

limited to the type of periodic test 

specified in section 5.0 of the qualitycontrol standard. 

3.5 Test Records 

Records of the results of all 

tests are the property of the manufacturer who pays for the cost of nrnning 

them. The auditor shall keep on file 

copies of a1 1 test records and correspondence for at least 2 years and shall 

supply the manufacturer with the number 

of copies agreed upon. The auditor shall 

retai r: current copies of manufacturer's 

product speci fi cations for reference but 

shall not divulge their contents without 

the manufacturer's consent. 

3.6 Settlement of Disputes Between 

the Manufacturer and the User 

Should a dispute arise between 

the manufacturer and a user concerni ng 

the performance of a COM-PLY product, the 

performance standards may be used to 

settle the dispute. They should agree 

upon a qual i fied independent testing 

laboratory to run the perfornance tests. 

The laboratory will usually be the one 

that certified the product in question. 

If the product fai 1s to qualify for 

strength, durability, or stability within 

2 10 percent of the trademarked or required values, it is suggested that the 

manufacturer pay the costs of running the 

test; otherwise, the user shall pay such 

costs. 

4,0 Pol icies Governing Qua1 i ty-Control 

Standards 

4.1 Purpose and Scope 

The purpose of the qualitycontrol standard is to assure that the 

composite framing being made has the 

quality indicated by the trademark and 

original test. Such assurance is attained by collecting samples of the 

product daily and testing them for quality, These policies govern testing that 

is designed to detect whether quality 

has dropped to a level that requires 

some adjustment by the manufacturer to 

bring the level back up to standard, 

These policies also specify the procedures to fo1 low when withdrawing trademarking p r i v i leges from a manufacturer 

who fails to maintain the quality of the 

product and when restoring trademarki ng 

pri vi 1 i ges to a manufacturer who rai ses 

the quality of the product to acceptable 

levels. 

4,2 Levels of Quality 

Three levels of quality-- 

acceptable, warning, and withdrawal --are 

designated in the quali ty-control standards, The manufacturer's qualitycontrol personnel are responsi hl e for 

keeping the product ion superintendent 

informed of the current level of quality 

of composite framing bei ng produced. 

The manufacturer is responsible for correcting unsatisfactory quality and for 

paying the costs of the quality-control 

program. 

4.2.1 Acceptable quality.-- 

!Jnless notified otherwise by the ailditor 

or qual i ty-control personnel, the mnufacturer may assume that quality of a 

composi te framing product is acceptahl e 

and may place the'trademark on a1 1 pieces 

produced. 

4.2.2 Warnina levels and 

suspension of trademark. --Whenever 

quality drops below acceptable levels, 

quality control lers shall warn the production superintendent as soon as practical ly possible, providing detai 1 s about 

the attributes of the product that have 

dropped to a warning level. Thereafter, 

testing for any attribute that has 

dropped to the warning level shall be 

done on samples taken at the intensive 

1 eve1 . The production superi ntendent 

mr~st correct the problem within the next 

three sampling units after being notified 

that qual ity has dropped or qual ity 

control lers shall issue a second warning. 

If quality is not corrected in the third 

unit after the second warning, quality- 

. control personnel shall issue a third 

warning. If quality is not restored to 

acceptable levels by the third unit after 

the third warning, the quality controllers shall notify the auditor that 

trademarking privileges are being 

slrspended. 

The auditor shall not permit trademarking to resume unti 1 the production 

superintendent submits one intensive 

sample unit that meets the acceptable 

level of quality for the attribute in 

question. As soon as one intensive 

sample unit is passed as acceptable, the 

qual i ty cont rot 1 ers shall inform the 

manufacturer that trademarking may be 

resumed and shall confirq the decision in 

writing. 

4,2,3 Unacceptable aualitv and " - 

withdrawal of trademark .--Whenever qual - 

ity drops to an unaccgitable level, the 

quality coqtrci lers shall imediately 

pbtf fy the ptaauctr on superf ntendent and 

the audi tar that trademarking wi 11 cease, 

When the mbnufacturer has made 

changes in praductfon to correct the 

2roblem and the audttor has verified that 

quality has been restored to acceptable 

levels, trademarkf ng my be rrsunwad. As 

soon as one sample tasted by the auditor 

met$ the acceptable level, the auditor 

;hall mtify the Rhnufacturer that tradPmarking may be msumd and shall confirm 

this decision in writing. 

Part 111- Performance Standards 

To determine how composite, or 

COM-PLY,. fl aor, wall, and truss framing 

will perfam, the manufacturer or audi tar 

she? 7 perform tests to evaluate working 

stresses, dutabl lity, and dimnsianal 

stability under certain speci fled cooditisns. This standatdl prescrtbes the 

test methods and materials to u$e to 

measure the strength, durabi 1 ity; and 

dimensional stabf llty of COIS-PLY, It 

detajls the physlcal and mechantcal 

properties that COW-PLY mst exhibit , and It descrj be$ the test methods to use 

or prescribes the use of procedures 

descri bed el stwhere . Li mi tat f ans on use 

of thls standard are set forth, as are 

recomendsti sns concerni n~ records and 

materials. 

2.0 Marking and Qualify$ ng Several Types 

of Products 

Si rice a mi f 1 my produce several 

grades of framing, the manufacturer shall 

stamp on each piece a type number that 

i ndicates its performance level. (The 

number does not rate the qua71 ty; it 

simply df ffwentiates types of framing.) 

COM-PLY framf ng mnufacturer~ may agree 

to Urnit the number of types of framf ng 

in order to avoid canfusion aP cctnsuwrs. 

Hanufacturcrs shall qualify the per- fomance f~r each type af frantng except 

when the bu f 1 di ng-code agency waf ves such 

requi remnts. When a wnufacturer wants 

to mrket more than one type of floor, 

wall, or rwf truss framing and each type 

has d-istincti ve design properties, the 

manufacturer sha t 1 qua7 i Jy each type 

under these standards. 

3.0 Strength 

3.1 General Requi remnts and 

Ndatf ons 

3.1.. 1 Requl rants .--Determine 

the safe worklng strsses for composite 

framing according to procedures r eel lied 

by this standard, Make certain t R at 

working stresses for roof truss framfng 

ere provided to design trusses as described 4n the current PI meth~d and 

that working stresses for floor and wall 

framing.. are provided tc design joists and 

studs conrormi ng to engS neerl ng raqui reY 

rnents of building coder. Mark kay working stresses on each piece of fr~rning, 

The manufacturer shat 1 supply users with 

published Infornation about a1 7 worklng 

stresses , 

3'. 1.2 . Nutations .--The symbols 

used in thh standard have the f~llowing * 

meanings : 

Eb = design value for modulus of 

elasticity in edgewise 

bending, psi 

Ebl = design value for modulus 

of e1,astSctty in flatwise 

bend? ng, PSI 

E,, = ksign value for mdulus 

of elastlcfty for short 

columns, psi 

E, design value for tcnslle 

mdulus af elasticity 

para1 let to veneer face 

grain, psi 

F, = desfgn value for extreme 

ff ber f n edgewise bending, 

PSI 

F,, design value for extrcm 

fiber in flatwise bending, 

psi 

F, = design value in compression 

para1 let to veneer face 

grain, psi 

FCI = design value in compression 

perpendicular to veneer face 

grain, psi 

F, =design value in tension 

para1 1 el to veneer face 

grain, psi 

F, = design value in horizontal 

shear of the flakeboard, psi 

F, = allowable increase for load 

sharing among adjacent 

bending members; the value is 

1.15 when computing bending 

stresses for repetitive 

loading; otherwise, the value 

is 1.0 

F2 = safety factor; use 1.5 unless 

otherwise stated 

F3 = adjustment factor to account 

for the duration of the test 

load; use the average time to 

test for computing F3; to 

find F3, use the following 

equation or the graph relating duration of load; to 

design values in the National 

Design Speci f i cat i ons (NDS ) 

for Wood Construction published by the National Forest 

Products Association: F3 = 

1.72624/To *0354831, where T 

is the average test time in 

mi nutes 

F4 = adjustment factor for the 

duration of the intended service load; unless otherwise 

stated, assume the service 

1 oad is normal (10 years) and 

the value for F4 is 1.0; 

values for F4 are 0.9 for 

permanent loads, 1.0 for 10- 

year normal loads, 1.15 for 

2-month snow loads, 1.25 for 

l-week snow loads, 1.33 for 

1-day wind or earthquake 

loads, and 2.0 for I-second 

i mpact loads 

N = number of specimens 

S = standard deviation of 

strength or stiffness property from test 

T = average test time in minutes 

to.,, = statistical t at 0.05 confidence levef- for N-1 

degrees of freedom 

x = average strength or sti ffness 

property from test 

3.2 Number of Test Specimens 

Randomly select at least 10 

test specimens from production materi a1 

in 10 or more loads from the press where 

veneer is applied to the cores of framing. Test all specimens at an equilibrium moisture content of 10 + 2 percent, 

which can be attained by conditioning 

the specimens to a constant weight at 

control led temperature and re1 ati ve 

humidity. 

Because of the relatively small 

number tested, the minimum sample of 10 

is penalized statistically. However, 

there is little statistical advantage to 

testing more than 30 specimens. 

3.3 Working Stresses 

3.3.1 Strength equation.-- 

Use the fol lowing equation to determine 

working stresses-for strength properties: 

Working stress = 

t0.05 S 

X - 1 Fl 

' t0.05 9 

fi FZ . F3/F4 

(1) 

Note 1: See Part 111, section 3.1.2, 

Notations, for meaning of symbols. 

3.3.2 Stiffness equation.-- 

Use the fo7 lowing equation to determine 

working stress for stiffness properties: 

t0.05 s Stiffness = x - - (2) 

Note 2: See Part 111, section 3.1.2, 

Notations, for meaning of symbols. 

3.4 Tests for Strength and Stiffness Performance 

3.4.1 Rending working stress 

(edgewise).--Determine the average rnodulus of 'rupture (MOR) and standard deviation for a specimen having a test span 

of not less than 20 times the depth of 

the beam and using quarter-point loads 

fo1 1 owi ng the procedures in American 

Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 

D 198-84, f14 to fl9. Record the time 

required to perform each test and compute 

the average time to test. Use the midspan width and depth to compute the MOR 

of each specimen. Use the average MOR 

for the value of x (eq. 1) to compute the 

working stress in bending, F,. Compute 

two values for working stress in bending: 

one for repetitive bending using F, = 

1.15 and one for si ngle-member loading 

using F, = 1.0. 

3.4.2 Bendina modulus of J 

elasti city (edgewise) .--Determine the 

average modulus of elasticity (MOE) and 

standard deviation for the same specimens 

used to compute F, and by the same ASTM 

procedure (see section 3.4.1). lJse the 

midspan width and depth to compute the 

MOE of each specimen. Use the average 

MOE for the value of x (eq. 2) to compute 

the working value for E, in bending. 

3.4.3 Bendi na workina stress .a d 

and modulus of elasticity (flatwise).-- 

Determine the Fbf and E,, in the flatwise 

di rect i on usi ng-the same ' procedures used 

for Fb and Eb edgewise. (Note: flatwise 

F, and E, values may be needed for 

certain c6lumn designs or where framing 

material is to be used for plank, purlin, 

deck board, and the like.) This test is 

not required for framing marked only for 

use as joists or studs. 

3.4.4 Compression para1 lel to 

face grai n ot veneer. --Determine the 

average short-col umn ultimate compressi ve 

strength (F,) and standard deviation for 

specimens 8-1/2 inches long (with grain 

of veneer) following procedures in ASTM 0 

195-84, Ill2 to flf8. Specimens may be cut 

from remnants of the bending test. If 

butt joints are used in both the veneer 

and core, then test a double set of specimens, one set with core joints and one 

with veneer joints. Use the set with the 

1 ower average ultimate strength for 

determining working stresses in cornpression. If only one component (veneer 

or core) contains butt joints, then only 

one set of specimens that contains the 

butt joint need be tested. If no butt 

joints are used but other joints' such as 

scarf joints are used in the components, 

then half the specimens shall contain 

core joints and half contain veneer 

joints. Record the time to perform each 

test and compute the average time to 

test. Use the midlength width and depth 

to compute the short -col umn compressi ve 

stress of each specimen. Use the average 

ultimate short-column stress for the 

value of x (eq. 1) to compute the working 

stress (F, ) for short -col umn compressi on. 

This test is not required for framing 

marked only for use as joists. 

3.4.5 Compressive modulus of 

elasticity.--Determine the MOE in compression Tor the same specimens used to 

compute F by using the procedures in 

ASTM D 198-84, Ill2 to n18. Use the midlength width and depth to compute the 

short-column MOE values for each specimen. Use the average short-column MOE 

for the value of x (eq. 2) to compute 

the working stress (E,) for column 

design. This test is not required for 

framing marked only for use as joists. 

3.4.6 Tension workina 

stress .--Determine the average ultimate 

tensi le strength and standard deviation 

for a1 1 specimens fol lowing the procedures in ASTM D 198-84, ll28 to q34. The 

length of the specimen shall be the sum 

of the grip lengths and the test length 

between grips. The test length between 

grips shall not be less than 48 inches but 

shall be long enough to include the maxi - 

mum number and minimum spacing of joints 

that typical~ly occur in the veneer and 

f 1 akeboard core. A1 1 test specimens 

shall contain a typical core joint and a 

veneer joint in each veneer laminate. 

Record the time required to perform each 

test and record the average time to test . 

Use the average time tb test for computing F3 (eq. 1). The value of F1 is 

1.0 and the value of F, is 1.5. Use the 

width and depth at the midtest length to 

compute the ultimate tensi l e strength of 

each specimen. Use the average ultimate 

tensile strength for the value of x (eq. 

1) to compute the working tension stress 

(F.,). This test is not required for' 

framing marked only for use as joists or 

studs. 

3.4.7 Tension modulus of elas: 

tici ty. --Determi ne the average tensi le 

MOE and standard deviation for the same 

specimens used to compute the working 

tension stress (Ft ) following the procedures in ASTM D 198-84, fl28 to fl34. Use 

the width and depth at midtest length to 

compute the MOE of each specimen. Use 

the average MOE for the value of x (eq. 

2) to compute the working value for E, in 

tension. This test is not required for 

framing marked only for use as joists or 

studs. 

3.4.8 Bearing working stress 

(edges ) .--Determine the average ul timate 

edge-beari ng stress (F,, ) and standard 

deviation for a 6-inchziong specimen 

fol lowing the procedures in ASTM D 

143-83, fl79 to fl84. Specimens may be 

cut from an undamaged section from the 

bendi ng test. The test -beari ng area 

shall be the thickness of the framing 

across the veneer grain (approximately 

1.5 inches) by 2.0 inches with the 

veneer grain. Record the time required 

to perform each test and compute the 

average time to test. Use the average 

ultimate edge-bearing stress for the 

value of x (eq. 1) to compute the 

working stress in edge-beari ng (F,). 

This test is not required for fram~ng 

marked only for use as studs. 

An alternative to this test may be 

used to determine the allowable working 

stress in compression perpendicular to 

grain (F,). See the Natural Design 

Specification for Wood Construct ion 

(NOS) by the National Forest Products 

Association for the species that corresponds to the face veneer of the coma 

- 

Determi ne 

stress and standard deviation for a 

block-shear specimen cut from the flakehoard core fol lowing the procedures in 

ASTM D 143-83, 190 to ll94. Specimens 

may be cut from end trimmings of specimens used for bending or tension tests, 

or may be taken from randomly selected 

end trimmings of production material. 

Record the time to perform each test and 

compute the average time to test. Use 

the average ultimate shear stress for the 

value of x (eq. 1) to compute the working 

stress for horizontal shear (F,). This 

test is not required for framing marked 

only for use as truss or stud framing. 

3.4.10 Lateral load resistance 

for nails driven into veneer facing.-- 

Test an equal number of specimens for 

both 64 and 8d common wi re nai 1 s dri ven 

into the narrow edge of the framing so 

the nail shank is imbedded in the flakeboard core. Determine the average ultimate lateral load and standard deviation 

for specimens with a 1/2-inch-thick plywood cleat fol 1 owing the procedures in 

ASTM D 1761-77, fl12 to fl18. Record the 

load that occurs at 0.015 inch of joint 

slip. Record the time required to perform each test and compute the average 

time to test. Assume the service load to 

he wind or earthquake with a duration of 

load factor (F,) equal to 1.33. Use the 

average ultimate lateral nail load for 

the value of x (eq. 1) to compute the 

safe lateral load per nai 1 . The load per 

nail must not be less than 68 pounds. 

(Note: -68 pounds is the safe lateral wind 

load for 6d nai 1s in Group I11 woods and 

8d nails in Group IV woods, according to 

NDS.) The average load at 0.015 inch of 

joint slip must not be less than 51 

pounds per nail. (Note: the NDS value 

for normal load is mounds for 6d nail5 

in Group I11 woods and 8d nai 1s in Group 

IV woods.) 

This test is not mandatory but may 

be requested by the manufacturer or 

posite member. building-code official. 

3.4.11 Lateral load resistance 

for -. end - and toe-nai I ed -ioi nt s . --Test 

stud-to-pl ate joint nai i strength and 

joi st-to-header joint nai 1 strength. 

For studs, fol low procedures to test for 

1 oads as specified in USDA Forest Service 

Research Paper SE-155, the section on 

strength of nailed joints, with one exception: allow lateral deformations up 

to 0.015 inch. For joists, follow procedures to test for loads as specified in 

USOA Forest Service Research Paper 

SE-222, the section on joists supported 

by nails. 

This performance test is not mandatory but may be requested by the manufacturer or bui lding-code official. 

3.4.12 Withdrawal load resistance for nails driven into veneer 

- facina,--Test an equal number of specirnens for 6d and 8d 'common wi re nai j s and 

1-1/4-inch gypsum wall board nai 1 s driven 

into the narrow edge of the framing so 

the nailhead is one-half inch from the 

face of the framing, Determine the average ultimate withdrawal load and standard 

deviation for each set of specimens following procedures in ASTM D 1761-77, 81 

to ll11. Record the time required to perform each test and compute the average 

time to test. Assume the service load to 

he wind for the 64 and 8d nails and permanent load for the 1-1/4-inch gypsum 

wallboard nails. The service duration of 

load factor (F4) is 1.33 for test of 6d 

and 8d nails and 0.9 for test of the 

1-1/4-inch gypsum wallboard nails. Use 

the average ultimate withdrawal load for 

the value of x (eq. 1) to compute the 

safe withdrawal load per nail. The safe 

withdrawal load per nail must not be less 

than 37 pounds for 6d nails, 56 pounds 

for &I nails, and 15 pounds for 1-114- 

inch gypsum wallboard nails. (Note: -the 

safe withdrawal loads for 6d and 8d nails 

are equivalent to the withdrawal loads in 

NDS for such nai 1s that have been driven 

in wood having a specific gravity of 0.42 

and with 1-1/2 and 2 inches, respectively, of shank penetration. The safe 

load for the 1-1/4-inch gypsum wallboard 

nail is equal to the dead load of 

1 f 2-i nch gypsum board and a deep fi 1 1 of 

attic insulation supported on nails 

spaced 7 inches on center and for trusses 

spaced 2 feet on center.) The withdrawal 

test for the 1-1 /4-inch giypsum wal lboard 

nai 1 is not required for framing marked 

for use only as joists or studs. 

These tests are not mandatory but 

may be requested by the manufacturer or 

building-code official. 

3.4.13 Truss plate lateral 

fastener resi stance. --The truss pi ate 

manufacturer shall be responsible for 

testing the lateral fastener resistance 

of light-gauge metal truss plates per 

tooth, nail, plug, square inch, or other 

unit unless the manufacturer of composite 

truss framing volunteers to make such 

tests. The truss plate manufacturer 

shall test lateral plate resistance by 

using each plate type on each type of 

composite truss frami ng. The tests 

should follow procedures in TPI Appendix 

C, Design Specification for Metal Plate 

Connected Wood Trusses, TPI-85, except as 

fol lows: 

.Test only control specimens that 

have a veneer moisture content of 10 2 

percent. (Note: composite truss framing 

is fabricated dry (4 to 6 percent moisture content), eliminating some potential hazards associated with wet fabrication. As a result, the TPI moisture 

response test has been altered 

somewhat.) 

.Test a minimum of 10 specimens. 

.Test p1 ate that is rectangular, 

with a length approximately twice 

the width. 

.Do not a1 low the plate to fail in 

net section of the metal during the 

test. 

*Determine the allowable design load. 

based upon ultimate load by using 1 

and not by dividing by 3 as shown 

in paragraph 104.l(c) of the TPI 

standard. In computing normal 

loads, use the average ultimate 

load value per tooth, nail, plug, 

or square inch of plate for the 

value of x (eq. 1). Assign F, a 

value of 1.0 to compute normal 

1 oads. Compute the value of F, on 

the basis of the average time it 

takes to perform the load test. 

Use the results of this test on 

composite truss framing as the basis 

for the engineering design of truss 

connectors. 

4.0 Durability 

4.1 General Requirements 

Evaluate the durability of composite 

framing according to methods specified by 

this standard. Composite framing should 

be able to withstand both the outdoor 

weathering that occurs on the job site 

and the changes in the moisture and temperature that occur after the framing is 

installed. Because composite framing is 

a glued wood product, testing the durability of the bonds in it is particularly 

important. (Resin bonds are used to make 

the flakeboard core and adhesive bonds 

are used in laminating the veneers to the 

core.) 

4.2 Tests for Durability 

To test the durability of composite 

framing, follow the procedures of the 

ASTM D 1037-78, Ill18 to Il124, or the 

French Standard NFB51 293, V313 accelerated aging test. The effect of aging on 

composite framing must not cancel out its 

bending, tensile, or compressive strength 

and stiffness. However, testing only 

for bending strength and stiffness is 

sufficient . Use the same number of test specimens and the same methods for selecting 

and conditioning specimens as those prescribed for strength performance, with 

tho fol lowing exceptions. Select a specimen only 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 inches wide and 

no longer than 8 feet; longer specimens 

cannot fit into most freezers, and wider 

specimens of that length would not have a 

proper depth-span ratio for the bending 

test. For controls, use the specimens 

from the test for bending working stress 

(edgewise) that iqere bent to failure 

without aging. Using methods described 

above, obtain a control value for bending 

MOE (edgewise) before aging on specimens 

selected for test of aging. 

Age a1 1 specimens in accordance with 

ASTM D 1037-78, fll20. For aging by the 

V313 test method, soak the specitnens in 

water at 20 OC (68 OF) for 3 days, then 

freeze them in air at -12 OC (10 OF) for 

1 day, and dry them in air at 60 OC (158 

OF) for 3 days; repeat the cycle twice. 

After aging, test the specimens for 

bending stiffness and MOR using procedures described above (see Part I1 I, 

sections 3.4.1 and 3.4.2). 

4.3 Performance Requi red 

Aged specimens must retain 50 

percent of the stiffness before aging 

and 50 percent of the MOR obtained in 

the bending strength tests of unaged 

speci mens . 

5.0 Dimensional Stabi 1 i ty 

5.1 Tests for Stability 

Select specimens and condition 

them according to methods prescribed for 

tests of strength, except that length may 

be 8 feet for a1 1 specimens. Then, at 

quarter-points and midpoints along the 

length of each specimen, measure the 

width and thickness to the nearest 0.001 

inch at the center of each face. Mark 

the points on the specimens. Then place 

each specimen in a metal frame so that 

one end rests against a fixed stop and 

the other against the stem of a dial 

gauge calibrated to the nearest 0.001 

inch. A rod cat i brated to the nearest 

0.1 inch may be used to measure the 

distance between the fixed stop and the 

gauge stem when the dial gauge reads 

zero. Record the length of each specimen 

for later comparison after water soaking. 

Finally, measure the amount of warpage in 

a1 1 specimens according to the methods 

prescribed in the lumber-grading rules. 

After measuring a1 1 specimens, immerse them in water at 68 " OF (20 fl 

"C) for 24 hours. Separate the speci - 

mens with spacer blocks so that a1 1 

surfaces touch the water. After the 

soaki ng period, remeasure a1 1 specimens 

at the same locations to obtain relative 

i ncrease in width, thickness, and 

length. Then measure the amount of 

varpage in each specimen. Compute the 

average percentages of increase in 

width, thickness, and length for the 

test specimens after water soaking, as 

we1 1 as the average warpage in bow, 

twist, and crook . 

5.2 Performance Requi red 

After water soaking, average dimensional increases of a1 1 specimens must 

not exceed 8.0 percent for width, 10.0 

percent for thickness and 0.1 percent for 

length, The average warpage must not 

exceed that described as "1 ight" in 

lumber-grading rules for the length and 

width nearest that of the specimen size. 

Part IV. Quality-Control Standards 

1.0 Introduction 

Quality control is the basis for 

assigning the stress ratings and trademarks on each piece of composite structural framing offered for sale. Consumers and bui 1 ding-code officials depend 

upon certified trademarking to design and 

bui Id sound structures. Moreover, the 

maintenance of high qual i ty ultimately 

affects the health, welfare, and safety 

of bui 1 di ng occupants. 

This standard prescribes a means for 

evaluating the quality of COM-PLY framing 

as it is being produced to ensure that 

its strength, stiffness, durability, and 

dimensional stabi 1 i ty are maintained and 

that its stress rating and trademarking 

are valid. The quality of COM-PLY framing should be evaluated daily. Its 

strength and stiffness should be evaluated quarterly, and its durability 

semiannually. 

The trademark on the product should 

i ndicate key design stresses, the manufacturer's product type number, the producing mil 1 number or name, and the symbol or mark of the agency certifying the' 

quality of the product (see Part 11, section 3.2, for details). By placing this 

information on COM-PLY framing, the manufacturer indicates that the strength, 

durabi l ity, and dimensional stabi 1 i ty 

required for a quality product have been 

establ ished. 

2.0 Responsi bi 1 ities of the Wfacturer 

and the Auditor 

2.1 Product Specification 

The manufacturer shall provide the 

auditor with a written product specification for each type of product manufactured. The specification shall contain 

detai led information on the processes, 

methods, and materials used for manufacturi ng each type product. 

The quality of any flakeboard depends not only on the qual ity and type of 

materials used but also on every operation in the production line. For this 

reason, when the quality of COM-PLY frami ng drops below acceptable levels, the 

manufacturer or auditor must examine the 

causes in a1 1 factors--materials and 

methods--in seeking the cause. By 

keeping accurate records of the method of 

manufacture and specifications that are 

used when the board has satisfactory 

quality, the manufacturer provides the 

essential information for restoring 

quality if it falls below acceptable 

levels. Because some materials and processing methods are proprietary, auditors 

must take care to safeguard the manufacturer's product specifications so that 

manufacturing trade secrets will not be 

di vul ged. 

The product speci fication should be 

as detailed as is practical and should 

include information about both materials 

and processes. 

2.11 Materials.--Specificsti ons shod d descri be : 

'Wood: species, moisture content, 

and specific gravity. 

'Veneer: thickness, moisture content, and quality. 

'taminat ing adhesi ve: type, spread 

rate, assembly time, curing temperature, pressure applied, and clamp 

time. 

'Resin binder and wax: types, percentage in flakeboard. 

'Flakeboard: density, internal bond, 

MOE, NOR, thickness swelling, water 

absorption, and linear expansion. 

2.1.2 Processes .--Speci fications should describe: 

'The method of conditioning veneer 

peeler blocks and drying veneer. 

'The method of preparing flakes and 

the geometry of f 1 akes produced. 

'The amount of fines contained in or 

removed from dried flakes. 

'The moisture content of dried 

flakes. 

'The method of blending flakes with 

resin and wax. 

'The method of forming (single or 

multiple heads) and orienting 

flakes in the mat. 

'The flakeboard press times, temperature, speed of closure, pressure, 

and method of control 1 ing thickness 

(with or without stops). 

2.2 Testing Management and Records 

2.2.1 Manufacturer's Responsi - 

bi l it ies. --The manutacturer shal l be responsible for the day-to-day quality of 

the product. The manufacturer shall 

employ qualified inspectors to perform 

the qua1 ity-control functions and to prepare records showing the results of 

quality-control tests. The manufacturer 

shall keep records of each day's production for at least 1 year. 

2.2.2 Auditor's Responsibilities: Testing performed by the manufacturer. --The auditor shall review the 

records kept by the manufacturer to determine that quality of the product is 

being maintained. The auditor shall approve the qualifications of all applicants for qual i ty-control positions with 

manufacturing fi rms ; once qua1 i ty control lers are hi red, the auditor shal ? 

train them to perform a1 1 qual i ty-control 

tests prescribed in this standard. The 

auditor shall make random, unannounced 

visits to the production facility to 

check quality control at least 12 times 

each year. During these visits the auditm shall select the qual i ty-control 

samples to be tested for at least one 

shift of production and shall perform all 

of the dai ly qual i ty-control tests required by this standard. The auditor 

shall provide a copy of the audit, which 

shall become part of the manufacturer's 

quality-control fi les . 

2.2.3 Auditor's Res~onsihi 1ities: Testing performed by the auditor.-- 

The manufacturer has the option of contracting with the auditor to perform all 

qual i ty-control functioqs. When the 

auditor rather than the manufacturer's 

employees performs a1 1 qual i ty-control 

functions, the auditor may conduct tests 

either at the mi 11 or at the auditor's 

laboratory, as agreed upon by the manufacturer and auditor. When testing is 

done in the auditor's laboratory, the 

manufacturer shall select the samples and 

ship them to the auditor's laboratory no 

less frequently than once a week, and the 

auditor shall also make random, unannounced visits to the mi 11 to select samples for testing. The manufacturer shall 

hold that portion of production represented by the qual i ty-control samples 

until the auditor completes the test and 

verifies the product's conformance to the 

standards. 

2.2.4 Quality-controller's 

responsi bi7 i ties.--The qual i ty-control 

supervisor must notify the mi 11 product i on superintendent immedi ately whenever 

quality of the product is found to be 

unacceptable. 

3.0 Testing and Assurance: General 

Procedures 

3.1 Principal Objective 

The integrity of COM-PLY frami ng depends on the qual ity of adhesion 

between its components. Unsatisfactory 

adhesion seriously reduces the quality of 

the product, especially its durability 

and dimensional stability. A principal 

objective of quality control is to check 

daily the quality of the adhesive bonding 

of all components. 

3.2 Sampling Unit 

The basic quality-control 

sample for daily tests shall be a nominal 

8-foot unit. The unit shall be cut as 

indicated in figure 1 into test specimens 

for monitoring the bond1 ine, thickness 

swell ing, joint strength, and fl akeboard 

MOR, MOE, density, internal bond, and 

shear strength. Select units following 

the procedures prescri bed for performance 

testing (see Part 111, section 3.2), 

except that moisture content of the component shall be 6 ' 2 percent, the typical range immediately after fabrication. 

3.3 Sample Size and Rate 

Qual ity controllers shall monitor 

quality by testing at a rate of three 

units per shift per press line, or 0.02 

percent of production, whichever iS 

greater, for intensive sampling and onethird that rate for normal sampling. The 

mil 1 shall supply the auditor with information on production volume. A normal 

rate of sampling is permissible if the 

results of daily tests indicate acceptable quality. Use the average value from 

daily quality tests as a basis for trademarking the product. If the quality 

drops below acceptable level s , qual i ty 

control lers shall notify the mi 11 producti on supervisor, and sampl i ng shall 

proceed at the intensive rate. Average 

test values for a sample size of at least 

nine units shall be used as a basis for 

determi ni ng the qual i ty levels (acceptable, warning, and unacceptable). When 

sampl ing at a normal rate, use a moving 

average for the nine units most recently 

tested for the daily average test value. 

3.4 Test Unit Layout 

The test specimen layout in figure 1 

is arbitrary and not fixed. The location 

of the veneer joint (F) and core joint 

(G) specimens is critical because each of 

these specimens must contain an approxi - 

mately midlength joint, Cut these speci - 

mens from the unit first. Next, the 

specimen for MOR, MOE, and density of the 

core (H) should be cut from the unit 

because of its critical length. Next in 

order are the specimens for thickness 

swell i ng and water absorption (E) , veneer 

bond and core shear (A, B, C, D, K, and 

L), and, last, flakeboard internal bond 

(I and J), 

3.5 Setting Standard Levels for 

Daily Tests 

Use 30 units to establish the initial qual ity-control levels for each 

product as standard levels for daily 

tests, excepting only those for strength 

and durability. Incorporate the average 

values from these initial tests in the 

product speci f i cation. Randomly select 

the units used for determining the standard level from the same production runs 

ustd to establish product performance. 

Base the daily qual ity-control values on 

three consecuti ve shifts of production 

(not necessarily occurring in one day), 

with specimens cut from a minimum of 

nine basic units for intensive sampling 

or three basic units for normal 

sampling. 

3.6 Qual i ty-Control Levels 

There are three levels of results 

for a1 1 daily quality-control tests. 

3.6.1 Acceptable.--When test 

results are acceptable, the manufacturer 

is entitled to trademark the framing. 

3.6.2 Warning.--When test 

results fall below the acceptable levels 

but do not drop to the unacceptzble 

1 eve1 , qual i ty control lers shall warn 

the production superi ntendent that qual - 

ity is fa1 ling below standard. 

3.6.3 Unacceptable. --When test 

results fa3 1 to ~naccepta~l~level s, 

Specimens for testing: 

A = Bondl i ne for veneer-to-veneer 

dry shear 

B = Bondl i ne for veneer-to-core 

dry shear 

C = Bondl ine for veneer-to-veneer 

wet shear 

D = Bondl i ne for veneer-to-core 

wet shear 

E = Thickness swell i ng and water 

absorption 

F = Tensile strength of joint in 

veneer 

G = Bending strength of joint in 

core 

H = MOR, MOE, and specific gravity 

of core 

I & 3 = Internal bond 

K = Dry shear in the core 

L =Wet shear in the core 

- Note: Unit shown is a 2 x 4 with two 

outer veneers on each edge. 

Figure 1.--Guide for cutting the 

Basic qualf ty-control unit. 

qua1 i ty control 1 ers shall not i fy the production superintendent that the quality 

of the product is unacceptable and cannot 

he trademarked . 

4.0 Testing and Assurance: Daily Test 

Procedures 

4.1 ~ami nati ng Adhesi ve Veneer-toCore Bond and Core Shear 

Strength 

Cut one piece 2-314 inches long from 

the basic quality-control unit (B & K and 

D R L), Cut this piece further into two 

pieces as indicated by the "cut" line in 

figure 2, Then prepare block shear specimens from the left and right portions of 

each 2-112-inch-long piece cut from the 

unit, Place one of the block shear specimens (D & L) in a vacuum-pressure 

vessel and submerge in water at 70 2 30 

OF. Draw a vacuum of 25 inches of mercury on the vessel and maintain for 10 

minutes. Then release the vacuum and 

place a pressure of 75 psi on the vessel 

for 50 minutes. Repeat the vacuumpressrrre cycle, Use this water-soaked 

specimen in tests of the flakeboard and 

of the veneer-to-core bondline for shear 

strength and wood failure in the wet 

condition. Use the other block shear 

specimen in tests of the flakeboard and 

of the veneer-to-core bondline for shear 

strength and wood failure in the dry condition. For block shear tests, follow 

the method specified in ASTM D 

905-49(81), 12, n7. 

An average dry-block shear strength 

below 500 psi and wood failures below 80 

percent are unacceptable. An average 

wet-block shear strength below 250 psi 

and wood failures below 70 percent are 

unacceptahl e. An average shear strength 

and wood failure values of at least 90 

percent are acceptable. 

4.2 Thickness Swelling and Water 

Absorption 

Cut one specimen (E) 6 inches 

long from the basic quality-control unit, 

Test the specimen for swelling of the 

flakeboard core and water absorption by 

using the procedures in ASTM D 1037-78, 

8102 to Ill06 as a guideline. Average thickness swelling and water absorption 

values that are no more than 10 percent 

higher than the standard level are acceptable. An average more than 20 percent higher than the standard level or 

more than 14.4 percent, whichever is 

larger, is unacceptable. 

4.3 Joint Strength 

This test is not required if butt 

joints are used in both the veneer and 

f lakeboard core components. If butt 

joints occur in one component but not the 

other, the test is required only for the 

component containing the glued structural 

joint, A glued structural joint may be a 

scarf, finger, stepped-scarf, tongue-andgroove, or other type joint used to 

improve structural performance of the 

product. In figure 1, specimen G is for 

testing joints in flakeboard cores and 

specimen F is for testing joints in 

veneer lami nates that contai n glue st ructural joints at midlength of the test 

specimens. 

Cut away the veneer laminates on 

each edge of part G and either discard 

or use for part F. Following the procedures described in ASTM D 198-84, 94 to 

19, load specimen G in flatwise bending, 

Use two-point loading with load points a 

minimum of 2 inches outside of the joint 

area. Check that the span-depth ratio of 

specimen G is at least 14 to 1 but no 

more than 20 to 1. 

Average dai ly tests of flatwise 

bending strength (MOR ) of fl akeboard 

cores containing glued structural joints 

that are at least 90 percent of the 

standard levels are acceptable. Daily 

averages that drop below 80 percent of 

the standard are unacceptable. 

Cut part F from the edge of the 

flakeboard core along parts G and H as 

shown in figure 1. Then cut end joint 

tension specimens from indi vidual veneer 

laminates within part F as shown in figure 3. Take one specimen for each laminate glued to a single edge of a sample 

unit. For example, a nominal 2 x 4 

having two veneer laminates glved to each 

WET) 

Figure 2.--Guide for cutting specimens for evaluation of dry and wet block shear strength of 

veneer-to-core bondline and flakeboard core. Specimen for 2 x 4 member is above, and specimen 

for 2 x 8 member below. 

Figure 3.--Guide for cutting tne specimen 

for evaluating dry tensile strength of 

joints in veneer laminates. Specimen is 

F in figure 1. 

ed,qe, or a total of four laminates, would 

requi re two test specimens, one from 

either of the two outer veneers and one 

from either of the two inner veneers, 

Machine the specimen to a thickness of 

the veneer laminate, taking care to maintain a uniform thickness of specimen and 

to remove veneer or flakeboard on either 

face that would affect tensi le strength 

of the specimen* Discard specimens contai ni ng knots, burl s, extensive crossgrai n, or holes that severely reduce 

tensile strength of the wood; be certain 

that in other respects the specimen is 

representati ve of production. 

Test the specimen in tension by 

using the procedures in ASTM D 2339-82, 

ll6 and fl8* Jaws of the tension fixture 

should grip the specimen not closer than 

0.5 inch from the necked-down portion. 

To establish standard levels, make a 

set of 30 specimens not containing a 

glued structural joint, as shown in figure 3, and test in tension for each species of veneer used in the product. To 

establish the standard for the quality of 

bond for end joints in the veneer, average the ultimate tensile stress psi 

(g/cmZ) of the 30 specimens. 

Average dai ly test results for ul ti - 

mate tensi le stress for wood failure that 

reach at least 80 percent of the standard 

val ues are acceptable. Dai ly averages 

that drop below 70 percent of the standard are unacceptable. 

4.4 Modulus of Rupture, Elasticity, 

and Specific Gravity of the 

Fl akeboard Core 

Cut one piece 38 inches long 

(H) from the basic quality-control unit. 

Cut away the veneers from each side of 

the flakeboard core and use them for part 

F or discard* Next, cut the width of the 

piece to 3 inches (2.5 inches for nominal 

2 x 4's) and the length to 24 times the 

depth plus 2 inches. Determine the specific gravity MOR, and MOE, and by using 

the procedures in ASTM D 1037-78, 99, 

flll to fl20, with these exceptions: test 

only conditioned specimens and none that 

are soaked. It is permissible to use an 

incremental load known to be below the 

proportional limit in lieu of the proportional limit load to calculate MOEo The 

1 oad-deflection curve need not he 

plotted. 

Average val ues of fl akeboard MOR and 

MOE that are at least 90 percent of the 

standard levels are acceptable. Average 

vat ues that drop below 80 percent are 

unacceptable. 

Average values of flakehoard specific gravity that are at least 95 percent 

of the standard levels are acceptable. 

Average values that drop below 90 percent 

are unacceptable. 

4.5 Internal Bond of Core 

Cut two sections 2 inches long (I 

and J), from the basic quality-control 

unit. Reduce these two pieces from the 

unit width to 2 inches by removing an 

equal amount of veneer and flakeboard 

along each edge so that the final size is 

the thickness of the piece (approximately 

1-1/2 inches) by 2 inches square. Test 

the specimens for internal bond using the 

procedures in ASTM D 1037-78, 928 to 

7l31 . 

Average internal bond values that 

are at least 90 percent of the standard 

levels or 80 psi are acceptable. Average values that drop below 70 psi are 

unacceptable. 

4.6 Laminating Adhesive Veneer-toVeneer Bond 

Cut pieces either 4 or 5 inches long 

from the laminated veneer portion of the 

basic quality-control unit (A and C). 

Cut additional pieces from part F as 

needed. Prepare two sets of tension 

shear specimens from the pieces, as shown 

in figure 4. The larger specimen (1-1/2 

inches by 5 inches) is preferable to the 

smaller specimen (1 inch by 4 inches) if 

large tension grips are available. Cut 

away waste veneer or flakeboard removed 

when preparing the specimen with a smooth 

cutting saw to eliminate points of stress 

concentration; make the cr~t as close as 

practically possible to glue lines on the 

outer facings of the specimen. Prepare 

one specimen for each glue line in a 

piece, one set of specimens for dry 

testing, acd one set for wet testing. 

Place ths tension shear specimens for wet 

testing Jn a vacuum-pressure vessel and 

submerge in water at 70 > 30 OF. Draw a 

Figure 4.--Guide for cutting the tension 

shear specimens for testing the quality 

of laminated veneer-to-veneer adhesi ve 

bond. Specimens shown as A and C in 

figure 1. 

vacuum of 25 inches of mercury on the 

vessel and mi ntain for 10 minutes. Release the vacuum and place a pressure of 

75 psi on the vessel for 50 minutes. 

Repeat the vacuum-pressure cycle. Test 

these water-soaked tension shear specimens for shear strength and wood failure 

in the wet condition. Test the remaining 

tension shear specimens for shear 

strength in the dry condition. Follow 

procedures for making the tension shear 

test as speci fied in ASTM D 2339-82, 

96, 18. 

Average dry tension shear strength 

less than 800 psi and wood failures less 

than 70 percent are unacceptable. Average wet tension shear strength less than 

400 psi and wood failures less than 70 

percent are unacceptable, Average daily 

shear and wood failure values that are at 

least 90 percent of the standard values 

are acceptable. Average values that drop 

below 80 percent are unacceptable. 

4.7 Truss Plate Lateral Fastener 

Resistance 

The manufacturer of the plates shall 

select one we1 1 -established brand of 

pressed-i n-tooth-type truss pl ates to use 

as the standard for qual ity control. To 

determine the standard level for qual ity 

control for framing to be marked for use 

as truss framing, test 30 specimens, as 

required by the performance standard. 

Fabricate test specimens from truss frami ng randomly selected from production 

runs. Average results of tests for ultimate load per tooth, plug, or square inch 

of truss plate that are at least 90 percent of the average for the standard 

level are acceptable. Average values 

that drop below 80 percent are unacceptable. Apply this test only to framing 

marked for use in truss framing. 

5,O Testing and Assurance: Periodic Test 

Procedures 

5.1 Quarterly Monitoring for 

Strength and Stiffness 

Select for testing 10 specimens 

every quarter-year in accordance with 

procedures for determining edgewise 

bending strength and stiffness. Use the 

average values from these quality tests 

as a basis for trademarking the product, 

for determining that performance has 

dropped below acceptable levels, and for 

withdrawing trademarking pri vi 1 eges or 

for requiring a complete retesting. 

A1 though it is important to check 

strength performance quarterly, it is not 

necessary to check all of the strength 

attri hutes covered in the performance 

standard, Only the edgewise bending 

strength and stiffness properties need be 

checked quarterly to determine if 

strength properties of the product are 

being maintained. Use a sample size of 

10 pieces. Follow the procedure used in 

the performance standard to establish the 

bending stress F and HOE Eb (see Part 

III, sections 3.8.1 and 3.4.2). If the 

MOR and MOE of the quality-control sample 

are within 10 percent of the values developed in the performance evaluation 

that established the working stresses for 

bending strength and stiffness, performance is acceptable* 

If either the MOR or MOE of the 

quality-control samples is more than 10 

percent lower than the performance values 

used to establ ish working stresses, the 

qual ity controllers shall notify the 

superi ntendent that process methods or 

materials must be changed to ensure that 

working stresses marked on the product 

are maintained. Followup action by the 

production superintendent and qua1 ity 

control lers are described in Part 11, 

section 4.2.2. 

If either the MOR or MOE of the 

quality-control sample is more than 15 

percent lower than the performance values 

used to establish working stresses, the 

qual ity controllers shall notify the product i on superi ntendent to cease trademarking the product. Reinstatement 

procedures are described in Part 11, 

section 4.2.3. 

5.2 Semi annual Monitoring of 

Durability 

Check the durability of the COM-PLY 

product semiannually, or for each 6 

months of production, using a sample size 

of 10 pieces. Foil ow the same procedure 

used in the performance standard for 

durability (see Part 111, section 4*0). 

Aged specimens should have at least 50 

percent of the strength and stiffness of 

the unaged specimens that were used to 

establ i sh product performance. If data 

f rom the ori gi nal durabi 1 i ty performance 

tests are not available, use a second 

sample of 10 unaged specimens as 

control s, 

Aged specimens that have retained 

less than 50 percent of either the unaged 

strength or st i ffness are unacceptable* 

References 

American Society for Testing and.Materials. Standard 

methods of evaluating the properties of wood-base 

fibers and particle panel materials. D-1037-78. 

Annual Book of ASTM Standards. vol . 4.09. Philadelphia, PA; 1985:225-267. 

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard 

methods of static test of timbers in structural 

sizes. 0-198-84. Aonual Book of ASTM Stzndards. vol. 

4.09, Philadelphia, PA; 1985:108-134. 

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard 

methods of testing mechanical fasteners in wood. 

0-1761-77, Annual Book of ASTM Standards. vol. 4.09, 

Philadelphia, PA; 1985:406-442. 

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard 

methods of testing small clear specimens of timber. 

0-143-83. Annual Book of ASTM Standards. vol, 4.09. 

Philadelphia, PA; 1985:47-103. 

i 

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard 

test methods for strength properties of adhesive 

bonds in shear by compression loading. D-905-49(81). 

Annual Book of ASTM Standards. vol. 15.06. Philadelphia, PA; 1985:36-40. 

Blomquist, Richard F.; Duff, John E.; Koenigshof, 

Gerald A. [and others]. Performance standards for 

composite studs used in exterior walls. Res. Pap. 

SE-155. CUM-PLY Rep. 2, Asheville, FIC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern 

Forest Experiment Station, and Uashington, DG: U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development; 1978. 

rev. 24 pp. 

National Forest Products Association. National 

design specification for wood construction. 

Washington, DG; 1982:54-55; and Suppl. pp. 6-22. 

Truss Plate Institute. Oesi gn specification for 

metal plate connected wood trusses. TPI-85. Madison, 

WI; pp. 24-25, 

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Wi ttenberg, Dick C. End bearing and .joint strength 

test method for strength properties of adhesive in of COM-PLY joists, Res. Pap. SE-222. COM-PLY Rep. 

two-ply wood construction in shear by tension 20, Ashevi 1 le, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

1 oadi ng. 0-2339-82, Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment 

vol . 15.06, Philadelphia, PA; 1985:98-201. Station; 1981. 2 pp. 

Koeni gshof, Gerald A. 

Performance and qual i ty-control standards. Gen. 

Tech. Rep. SE-33. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station; 1985. 20 pp. 

Users must be assured that composite structural members are satisfactory for thei r intended purposes. 

Standards are provided for strength, stiffness, 

durability, and dimensional stability of composite 

floor, wall, and truss-f rami ng members. Methods for 

enforcing compl i ance with the standards are 

suggested. 

Keywords.--Strength, stiffness, dimensional stabi 1 - 

ity, durability. 

Koeni shof, Gerald A. 

jerformance and qual i ty -cont rol standards. Gen. 

Tech. Rep. SE-33. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station; 1985. 20 pp. 

Users must be assured that composite structural members are satisfactory for their intended purposes. 

Standards are provided for strength, sti ffness, 

durability, and dimensional stability of composite 

floor, wall, and truss-framing members. Methods for 

enforcing compl i ance with the standards are 

suggested. 

Keywords .--Strength, sti ffness, dimensional stabi 1 - 

ity, durability. 

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is dedicated to the principle of multiple 

use management of the Nation's 

forest resources for sustained 

yields of wood, water, forage, 

wildlife, and recreation. Through 

forestry research, cooperation 

with the States and private forest 

owners, and management of the 

National Forests and National 

Grasslands, it strives--as directed by Congress-to provide 

increasingly greater service to a 

growing Nation. 

USDA policy does not permit discrimination because of 

race, color, national origin, sex or religion. Any person 

who believes he or she has been discriminated against in 

any USDA-related activity should write immediately to 

the Secretary of Agriculture. Washington, D.C. 20250.