Specification for Structural Plywood - Specification

IS 10701: Scope & Key Specifications for Structural Plywood

Scope Summary

• Applies to structural plywood panels used in construction.
• Compliance values must be rounded per IS 2:1960 (same significant figures as specified).

Key Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 8.1)

• Panels must conform to these standard sizes.

Moisture Content (Clause 7.4)

• After pressing, moisture content must be 5% to 15%.

Veneer Quality Requirements (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4)

Notes

IS 10701 - References: Key Points & Tables

1. Referenced Standards (Annex A):
IS 10701 incorporates provisions from these key IS codes, which must be consulted for detailed test methods and specifications:

2. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):

• Final test or calculation results must be rounded off to the same number of significant digits as the specified value.

3. Timber Species for Structural Plywood (Annex B):

• Divided into Ordinary and Standard groups.
• Examples of Standard species: Anthocephalus cadamba (Kadam), Albizzia lebbek (Kokko), Shorea assamica (Makai).

4. Test Procedures:

• Edge Straightness & Squareness (Annex C): Use a straight edge (full length) and a 500 mm square to measure gaps.
• Water Resistance Test (Alternate, Annex D): Vacuum steam pressure test at 220 kPa for 6 hours, followed by 1 hour water soak at 27±2°C, then glue shear strength test per IS 1734 (Part 4).

Summary Table: Key Reference Standards

IS 10701: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

1. Definitions:

• Refer to IS 707 (1976) for glossary of terms related to timber technology and utilization.

2. Rounding Off:

• Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding numerical results, maintaining the same significant figures as specified.

3. Veneer Quality Requirements (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4):

4. Moisture Content (Clause 7.4):

• Finished plywood moisture content: 5% to 15%.

5. Timber Species for Structural Plywood (Annex B):

• Divided into Ordinary (e.g., Vateria indica) and Standard groups (e.g., Kadam, Chaplash, Salai).

6. Test Methods:

• Refer IS 1734 series for plywood testing (density, moisture, glue shear strength, water resistance, etc.).

References for Detailed Study:

• IS 707: Glossary of Timber Terms
• IS 2: Rules for Rounding Off
• IS 1734 (Parts 1,4,6,7,9,

Key Specifications & Strength Requirements for Structural Plywood (IS 10701)

1. Strength Requirements (Table 3)

2. Testing Standards

• Tests per IS 1734 Parts 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 & Annex E
• Average of 3 specimens must meet or exceed values above.

3. Veneer Quality Requirements (Table 1)

• Face veneers: No blisters, checks, dead knots; limited discoloration (≤3%), splits, and swirl.
• Core veneers: More lenient, e.g., insect holes allowed, discoloration ≤6%, limited splits and knots.

4. Moisture Content

• Post-pressing moisture: 5% to 15% (Clause 7.4)

Summary Diagram: Strength Testing Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 3 Test Specimens] --> B{Test Types}
    B --> C[Tensile Strength (IS 1734 Part 9)]
    B --> D[Compressive Strength (IS 1734 Parts 10,11)]
    B --> E[Bending Strength (Modulus

IS 10701: Species of Timber & Key Specifications for Structural Plywood Manufacture

1. Species of Timber (Clause 4.1 & Annex B)

• Any timber species can be used, provided the plywood meets strength & quality requirements.
• Refer Annex B for a list of suitable species (commonly hardwoods like Teak, Sal, etc.).

2. Veneer Quality Requirements (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4)

3. Moisture Content After Pressing (Clause 7.4)

• 5% ≤ Moisture content ≤ 15%

4. Dimensional Tolerances on Finished Panels (Clause 8.3.1)

IS 10701: Manufacture and Construction Key Points

1. Construction Details (Clause 7.2 & 7.4)

• After pressing, plywood boards must be reconditioned to moisture content between 5% and 15%.

2. Quality Requirements of Veneers (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4)

3. Dimensions & Tolerances (Clause 8.1)

Standard panel sizes (mm):

• 2400 × 1200, 2400 × 900
• 2100 × 1200, 2100 × 900
• 1800 × 1200, 1800 × 900
• 1500 × 1200, 1500 × 900
• 1200 × 1200, 1200 × 900
• 900 × 900

4. Mechanical Properties Testing (Clause 11.7.1)

• Tests on compressive, bending (modulus of elasticity & rupture), panel shear, plate shear, and rolling shear strength as per

IS 10701: Quality Requirements of Veneers for Structural Plywood

Key Specifications (Clause 7.1.4 & Table 1)

Additional Quality Controls

• Veneer Thickness Tolerance (Clause 7.1.1): ±5%
• Grain Straightness Tolerance: ±10°
• Moisture Content after pressing (Clause 7.4): 5% to 15%

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Veneer Quality] --> B[Face Veneer]
    A --> C[Core Veneer]
    B --> D{Defects}
    C --> D
    D --> E[Blister: Nil]
    D --> F[Checks: Face-Nil, Core-No Restriction]
    D --> G[Discolouration: Face ≤3%, Core ≤6%]
    D --> H[Knots & Pin Knots Limits]
    D --> I[Splits: Face 1 small, Core 2 larger]
    D --> J[Sw

IS 10701: Dimensions and Tolerances for Structural Plywood

1. Standard Panel Dimensions (Clause 8.1)

• Typical sizes (in mm):

2. Tolerances on Nominal Sizes (Clause 8.3.1)

• Note: Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex C.

3. Additional Notes

• Moisture content after pressing: 5% to 15% (Clause 7.4).
• Veneer quality and defects limits are specified in Table 1 (Clause 7.1.4).

Summary Diagram: Dimension Tolerances

graph LR
A[Nominal Length] --> B[+6 mm max, -0 mm]
C[Nominal Width] --> D[+3 mm max, -0 mm]
E[Thickness < 6 mm] --> F[±10%]
G[Thickness ≥ 6 mm] --> H[+5% only]
I[Edge Straightness] --> J[2 mm per 1000 mm]
K[Squareness] --> L[2 mm per 1000 mm]

This ensures plywood panels meet strict size and quality standards for structural use.

IS 10701: Workmanship and Finish - Key Specifications

Moisture Content (Clause 7.4)

• Finished plywood moisture content: 5% to 15% after pressing.

Veneer Quality (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4)

Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 8.3.1)

Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex C.

Glue Line Strength (Clause 11.4.1)

• Average failing load of 6 specimens per glue line per IS 1734 (Part 6) must meet Table 2 values (not provided here).

Packaging & Finish (Clause 12.3.1)

• Delivered clean and suitably packed as per trade practices

IS 10701 Sampling Key Points (per IS 7638:1999)

• Sampling Method: Representative samples must be drawn as per IS 7638, ensuring the sample reflects the batch's characteristics, including joints if present (Clause 10.1.1).

• Sample Size & Criteria: Defined in IS 7638, typically based on batch size and inspection level. This standard prescribes acceptance criteria for conformity.

• Rounding Off: Test results must be rounded per IS 2:1960, retaining the same number of significant figures as the specified value.

Summary Table (Sampling per IS 7638)

Sampling Process Flow (Mermaid Diagram)

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Identify Batch] --> B[Check for Joints in Panels]
    B -->|Joints Present| C[Include Panels with Joints in Sample]
    B -->|No Joints| D[Random Sampling]
    C --> E[Draw Sample as per IS 7638]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Test Samples]
    F --> G[Round Results per IS 2:1960]
    G --> H[Compare with Acceptance Criteria (IS 7638)]
    H --> I{Conformity?}
    I -->|Yes| J[Accept Batch]
    I -->|No| K[Reject Batch]

For detailed sample sizes and acceptance numbers, refer directly to IS 7638:1999 tables.

IS 10701: Tests and Test Methods - Key Points

1. Test Types (Clause 11.4.1 & 11.4.2):

   • Specimens undergo tests such as glue shear strength, water resistance, static bending, tensile, compressive strength, and the newly added wet bending strength test.
   • Water resistance can be tested by vacuum steam pressure test (VPT) as per Annex D.

2. Wet Bending Strength Test:

   • Specimens are conditioned in water before testing bending strength.
   • Ensures plywood maintains structural integrity under wet conditions.

3. Water Resistance Test (Alternate Method - Annex D):

   • Vacuum of 110 ± 10 kPa created in chamber.
   • Steam pressure maintained at 220 +10/-0 kPa for 6 hours.
   • Post-test, specimens soaked in water at 27 ± 2°C for 1 hour.
   • Glue shear strength tested as per IS 1734 (Part 4).

4. Edge Straightness and Squareness (Annex C):

   • Straightness checked against a straight edge (full length).
   • Squareness checked with a 500 mm square; max gap recorded.

5. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):

   • Test results rounded off to the same decimal places as specified values.

Relevant IS References for Test Methods

Summary Table: Water Resistance Test Parameters (Annex D)

IS 10701 - Marking and Certification Key Points

1. BIS Certification Marking (Clause 12.3 & 12.3.1):

• Plywood panels may be marked with the BIS Standard Mark as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
• Licence conditions for use of the Standard Mark are governed by BIS rules and can be obtained from BIS.
• Panels must be delivered clean and suitably packed as per trade practices.

2. Marking Location (Clause 12.2):

• All markings should be on the face of the panel near one corner.

3. Rounding Off (General Clause):

• Test results must be rounded off following IS 2:1960, retaining the same significant figures as the specified values.

Related Specifications & Tests

Summary Table for Marking Requirements

flowchart LR
    A[Plywood Panel] --> B{Marking Required?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Mark on face near corner]
    C --> D{Use BIS Mark?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Apply BIS Standard Mark (licensed)]
    D -- No --> F[No BIS Mark]
    B -- No --> F
    F --> G[Deliver clean & packed]

This captures the essentials for marking and certification from IS 10701. For detailed test procedures, refer to the respective IS parts

IS 10701: List of Referred Indian Standards (Summary)

Key Specifications:

• Glossary & Definitions: IS 707 (1976) for timber terms.
• Testing: IS 1734 series covers physical & mechanical tests for plywood.
• Preservative Analysis: IS 1734 (Parts 1 & 2, 1991).
• Structural Timber: IS 3629 (1986).
• Preservative Treated Plywood: IS 5539 (1969).
• Sampling Methods: IS 7638 (1999).

Example: Glue Shear Strength Test (IS 1734 Part 4)

• Plywood samples tested after conditioning.
• Shear strength measured in MPa.
• Minimum values specified for structural use.

Timber Species for Structural Plywood (IS 3629)

• Divided into Ordinary (e.g., Vateria indica) and Standard groups (e.g., Kadam, Salai, Toon).
• Refer IS 10701 Annex B for full list.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 10701] --> B[Glossary - IS 707]
    A --> C[Tests - IS 1734]
    A --> D[Structural Timber - IS 3629]
    A --> E[Preservative Treated Plywood - IS 5539]
    A --> F[Sampling - IS 7638]

For detailed test

IS 10701: Key Specifications for Species of Timber & Veneers in Structural Plywood Manufacture

1. Species of Timber (Clause 4.1 & Annex B)

• Any timber species can be used, selected based on:
  • Strength
  • Durability
  • Other physical/mechanical properties
• Refer to Annex B for a list of suitable species (commonly used: Teak, Sal, Eucalyptus, Rubberwood).

2. Veneer Quality Requirements (Table 1, Clause 7.1.4)

3. Moisture Content After Pressing (Clause 7.4)

• Moisture content must be 5% to 15% after reconditioning.

4. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 8.3.1)

IS 10701: Method of Test for Edge Straightness and Squareness (Annex C)

Edge Straightness Test (Clause C-1)

• Use a straight edge at least equal to the full length of the plywood panel.
• Hold the plywood edge/end against the straight edge.
• If convex, position to give approximately equal gaps at both ends.
• Measure the largest gap (mm) between the plywood edge and the straight edge.
• Record this value.

Squareness Test (Clause C-2)

• Use a square with 500 mm arms.
• Place one arm along the plywood edge.
• Measure the maximum gap between the other arm and the panel edge.
• Record the gap (mm).

Tolerances (Clause 8.3.1, Table 8.3)

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Plywood Panel Edge] -->|Place against| B[Straight Edge]
    B --> C[Measure largest gap]
    D[Plywood Panel Corner] -->|Place square arm| E[Square (500 mm arms)]
    E --> F[Measure max gap]

This ensures plywood panels meet dimensional quality for structural use.