ASTM D6815 : 02a

1.1 This specification provides a procedure for testing and evaluating duration of load and creep effects of wood and wood-based materials relative to an accepted duration of load adjustment model. This specification was created for products that are currently covered by a consensus standard (for example, lumber, structural composite lumber and structural-use panels). This procedure is intended to demonstrate the engineering equivalence to the duration of load and creep effects of visually graded lumber as specified in Practice D 245 for a product under evaluation used in dry service conditions. This procedure is not intended to evaluate the performance of products under impact loading. Quantification of specific duration of load or creep factors is beyond the scope of this specification. For further guidance regarding the applicability of this specification refer to X1.1 in the Commentary.

1.2 Use of the procedure in this specification to determine equivalence to the Practice D 245 duration of load relationship is limited to solid wood and wood-based products whose long term load behavior is similar to that of solid wood. Equivalence demonstrated in this specification is dependent upon evaluation of a product's 90-day (minimum) creep-rupture performance. In this evaluation, three criteria must be satisfied: (1) adequate strength over a 90-day period, (2) decreasing creep rate, and (3) limited fractional deflection. A summary of the development of these criteria and the underlying assumptions behind them is provided in the Commentary in Appendix X1 and Appendix X2.

1.3 Long term degradation phenomena not described by a creep-rupture model are not addressed in this standard (see Commentary X1.2.4).