Standard Test Methods for
Structural Panels in Tension1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3500; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of the 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
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
tensile properties of structural panels.
1.2 Structural panels in use include plywood, waferboard,
oriented strand board and composites of veneer, and other
wood-based layers
1.3 Test Method A, Tensile Test for Small Specimens:
1.3.1 This test method employs small specimens that should
have a reduced cross-section at the centre of their length to
avoid failure in the grip area. The transition from the full width of
the specimen to a reduced section at the centre should be gradual to
minimize stress concentration.
1.3.2 When the measurements of elastic properties are to be
made, the length of the reduced cross-section at the centre
should be of sufficient length to accommodate an extensometer.
1.4 Test Method B, Tensile Test for Large Specimens:
1.4.1 This test method employs large specimens and responds well to manufacturing variables, plywood growth
characteristics, and other defects influencing the tensile properties of structural panels.
1.4.2 The test specimens are large enough to contain the
maximum-sized defects found in plywood panels. The test
specimens have a constant cross-section since the size and
location of defects controls the location of failures and the effect
of stress concentration at the grips is overshadowed.
1.4.3 This test method is recommended for the following:
1.4.3.1 Comparative tests of structural panels,
1.4.3.2 Determining the influence of any specific strength
reducing defects on the tensile properties of structural panels,
1.4.3.3 Determination of tensile properties of plywood and
composites containing veneer with growth and manufacturing
characteristics.
1.5 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.
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