ASTM D2559 : 12a

1.1 This specification covers adhesives suitable for the bonding of wood, including treated wood, into structural wood products for general construction or other uses where a high-strength, durable adhesive bond is required.

1.2 This specification includes test methods that may be referenced by specific product StandardDetails for the evaluation and approval of structural wood adhesives. Methods are included to evaluate adhesives intended for use in exterior exposure.

Note 1—Consult the Commentary in Appendix X1 regarding the intent and limitations of each test method contained in this specification.

1.3 Description of Bondline Performance—It is recognized that structural wood adhesives are used in various applications and levels of severity in terms of moisture content, loading, cyclic and seasonal weather conditions, heat exposure and other use conditions. It is the intent of this standard to determine the suitability of an adhesive for use under various levels of severity and conditions with specific and appropriate test methods and requirements.

Note 2—This specification does not contain specific tests outlined for different chemical types of adhesives.

1.4 Strength and durability requirements of the adhesive in Service Class A are based on the performance of the adhesive in laminated wood as measured by:

1.4.1 Resistance to shear by compression loading after conditioning to the target moisture content indicated in 14.2.3 and meeting requirements in 14.4.

1.4.2 Resistance to delamination during exposure to three cycles of vacuum pressure wetting followed by drying at elevated temperature as indicated in 15.3 and meeting requirements in 15.4.

1.4.3 Resistance to creep under static load by subjecting test specimens to a specified shear stress and exposing one set of test specimens to an environment of elevated temperature and ambient humidity and another set to an environment of high humidity and meeting requirements set forth in 16.3.

1.4.4 For applications involving chemical treatment, the adhesive shall be evaluated using representative samples of treated wood.

Note 3—When using chemically treated wood, compatibility between the treatment, adhesive, and wood is to be considered and agreed upon between the chemical manufacture and the user.

Note 4—Additional durability testing may also be required as specified by individual product StandardDetails. Consult the Commentary in Appendix X1 for additional information and guidance as to the type of durability testing that may be appropriate to supplement this specification when characterizing the adhesive for suitability with specific wood products.

1.5 The evaluation of adhesives for use in ground contact and marine exposures are beyond the scope of this specification.

1.6 The evaluation of binder adhesives is beyond the scope of this specification.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes and a commentary which provide explanatory material. These notes, footnotes and commentary (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.