Methods of Test for Wood Particle Boards and Boards from Other Lignocellulosic Materials

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Scope & Key Specifications

• Scope: Covers testing methods and reporting for timber specimens, focusing on planeness and dimensional accuracy.

• Clause 4.1 (Planeness Reporting):

  • Measure the maximum ratio of the specimen's depth (thickness) to the distance between corresponding corner points.
  • If detailed measurement isn't needed, planeness is measured along a diagonal.

• Specimen Size & Support (from related clauses):

  • Specimens are simply supported on a square rig with smooth cylindrical edges.
  • The center-to-center distance between supports is specified per test type (refer to Part XII for exact dimensions).

Key Formula for Planeness Ratio

[ \text{Planeness Ratio} = \frac{\text{Maximum Depth (thickness)}}{\text{Distance between corresponding corners}} ]

Summary Table (Conceptual)

flowchart LR
    A[Timber Specimen] --> B[Measure Depth (thickness)]
    A --> C[Measure Distance between Corners]
    B & C --> D[Calculate Planeness Ratio = Depth / Distance]
    D --> E[Report Maximum Ratio]

This ensures uniformity in reporting timber specimen flatness as per IS 2380 standards.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Preparation and Conditioning of Test Specimens

Key Specifications:

• Scope: Preparation and conditioning of test specimens before testing (Clause 1.1).

• Conditioning Requirement (Clause 2.2):

  • Specimens must be freely exposed for at least 48 hours before testing.
  • Exposure should be in a well-ventilated room atmosphere.
  • This applies unless a specific conditioning procedure is mentioned in the relevant test part.

Important Notes:

• No detailed formulas or tables are provided in Part 1 for preparation/conditioning.
• The 48-hour conditioning ensures moisture equilibrium and uniform temperature for reliable test results.
• Conditioning environment typically:
  • Temperature: ~23 ± 2°C
  • Relative Humidity: ~50 ± 5%

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Specimen] --> B[Expose in well-ventilated room]
    B --> C[Condition for 48 hours]
    C --> D[Test Specimen]

This simple conditioning ensures consistent and reproducible test outcomes as per IS 2380 Part 1.

IS 2380 Part 1-21 refers to determination of content and density by following IS 2380 Part III (1977) methods.

Key Points for Determination of Moisture Content and Density:

• Specimen Preparation:
  Cut a moisture coupon 25 mm long and full width from specimen after testing.

• Moisture Content (w):
  [ w = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]

  • (W_{wet}) = Weight of wet specimen
  • (W_{dry}) = Weight after oven drying (usually at 105°C till constant weight)

• Density (ρ):
  [ \rho = \frac{W_{dry}}{V} ]

  • (V) = Volume of specimen (measured by dimensions or displacement method)
  • Density expressed in kg/m³ or g/cm³

Reference:

• Follow IS 2380 Part III (1977) for detailed procedures on moisture content and density determination.
• Typical specimen sizes and oven drying conditions are specified there.

flowchart LR
A[Specimen after test] --> B[Cut moisture coupon (25mm length)]
B --> C[Weigh wet specimen (W_wet)]
C --> D[Oven dry at 105°C till constant weight]
D --> E[Weigh dry specimen (W_dry)]
E --> F[Calculate moisture content and density]

This ensures standardized moisture and density values for material quality control.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Static Bending Strength & Modulus of Elasticity

Key Formulas

• Modulus of Rupture (Static Bending Strength), R:

[ R = \frac{3PL}{2bd^2} ]

Where:

• (P) = Maximum load (kgf)

• (L) = Span length (cm)

• (b) = Width of specimen (cm)

• (d) = Depth (thickness) of specimen (cm)

• Modulus of Elasticity in Bending, (E):

[ E = \frac{PL^3}{4bd^3 \delta} ]

Where:

• (\delta) = Deflection corresponding to load (P) (cm)

Specifications & Notes

• Specimens are tested under a 3-point bending setup.
• Deflection is measured at mid-span.
• Typical load-deflection curve (Fig. 3) is used to determine elastic limit.
• Moisture content and density influence results; refer to IS 2380 Part III for these tests.

Summary Table

graph LR
A[Load P applied at mid-span] --> B[Specimen supported at ends]
B --> C[Measure deflection δ]
C --> D[Calculate R and E using formulas]

This concise approach aligns with IS 2380 Part IV for static bending strength and modulus of elasticity determination.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Surface

Key Points:

• Scope: Method to determine tensile strength perpendicular to surface of wood-based boards.
• Specimen Conditioning: Specimens must be conditioned as per IS 2380 (Part I)-1977 clauses 2.2 or 2.2.1 (typically standard moisture content conditions).
• Test Specimen: Size and shape as per IS 2380 guidelines (usually small blocks or strips perpendicular to the surface).

Formula for Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Surface:

[ f_t = \frac{P}{A} ]

Where:

• ( f_t ) = Tensile strength perpendicular to surface (N/mm²)
• ( P ) = Maximum load at failure (N)
• ( A ) = Cross-sectional area perpendicular to load (mm²)

Typical Specimen Dimensions (as per IS 2380 Part I):

Notes:

• Tests are performed on conditioned specimens to ensure moisture content consistency.
• Results help assess the bonding quality and internal cohesion of boards.
• Tensile strength perpendicular to surface is generally much lower than parallel strength.

flowchart LR
    A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Conditioning as per IS 2380 Part I]
    B --> C[Apply Tensile Load Perpendicular to Surface]
    C --> D[Measure Max Load at Failure]
    D --> E[Calculate Tensile Strength: f_t = P / A]

This method ensures reliable evaluation of board quality for structural and non-structural applications.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface

Key Points from the Code:

• Scope (Clause 1.1): Specifies the method to determine tensile strength parallel to the surface.
• Specimen Conditioning (Clause 2.1):
  • Specimens must be conditioned as per IS 2380 (Part I)-1977 clauses 2.2 or 2.2.1.
  • Also tested after soaking as per clause 2.3 of IS 2380 (Part I)-1977.
• Directional Testing: Specimens tested with long dimension parallel and perpendicular to board’s long dimension to check anisotropy.

Typical Test Setup:

• Specimen Orientation:
  • Parallel to grain (long dimension)
  • Perpendicular to grain (cross dimension)
• Conditioning:
  • Standard moisture conditioning
  • Water-soaked specimens to assess wet strength

General Formula for Tensile Strength Parallel to Surface:

[ f_t = \frac{P}{A} ] Where:

• ( f_t ) = Tensile strength parallel to surface (N/mm²)
• ( P ) = Maximum load at failure (N)
• ( A ) = Cross-sectional area of specimen (mm²)

Typical Specimen Dimensions (as per IS 2380 Part I):

Summary:

• Use conditioned and soaked specimens.
• Test both parallel and perpendicular orientations.
• Calculate tensile strength using max load divided by cross-sectional area.

flowchart LR
    A[Prepare Specimen] --> B[Condition as per IS 2380 Part I]
    B --> C[Test Orientation]
    C --> C1[Parallel to grain]
    C --> C2[Perpendicular to grain]
    C1 --> D[Apply tensile load until failure]
    C2 --> D
    D --> E[Record max load P]
    E --> F[Calculate tensile strength \(f_t = P/A\)]

This approach ensures reliable tensile strength data parallel to the surface per IS 2380 Part 1-21.

IS 2380 (Part VII) - Compression Perpendicular to Plane of Board

Key Specifications:

• Specimen size: 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm × 10 cm
• If board thickness < 2.5 cm, laminate multiple layers with epoxy resin (pressure < 3.5 kgf/cm²)
• Condition specimens as per IS 2380 (Part I)-1977
• Test specimens both parallel and perpendicular to board length to check directional properties
• Soaking condition per IS 2380 (Part I)-1977 if required

Test Procedure:

• Load specimen perpendicular to board plane until failure
• Discard tests if failure occurs within 10 mm of grips
• Record max load and calculate stress at failure

Calculation of Compression Stress:

[ \sigma = \frac{P}{A} ]

Where:

• (\sigma) = Compression stress perpendicular to board plane (N/mm²)
• (P) = Maximum load at failure (N)
• (A) = Cross-sectional area (width × thickness) in mm²

Reporting:

• Maximum load per specimen
• Average stress for lengthwise and breadthwise specimens separately
• Failure location and mode

flowchart TD
    A[Test Specimen Preparation] --> B[Conditioning as per IS 2380 Part I]
    B --> C[Compression Test Setup]
    C --> D[Apply Load Perpendicular to Board Plane]
    D --> E{Failure Location}
    E -->|Within 10 mm of grip| F[Discard Test]
    E -->|Elsewhere| G[Record Max Load]
    G --> H[Calculate Stress σ = P/A]
    H --> I[Report Results]

This method ensures standardized determination of compression strength perpendicular to the board surface, critical for structural applications of particle boards.

IS 2380 Part 1-21 focuses on compression parallel to surface testing of wood-based boards.

Key Points for Compression Parallel to Surface:

• Test Objective: Determine compressive strength when load is applied parallel to the board surface.
• Specimen Dimensions: Typically, a rectangular specimen with dimensions specified by the standard (e.g., length 50 mm, width 50 mm, thickness as per board).
• Loading: Load applied uniformly along the length, parallel to surface fibers.
• Formula for Compressive Strength (σc):

[ \sigma_c = \frac{P}{A} ]

Where:

• (P) = Maximum load at failure (N)
• (A) = Cross-sectional area parallel to load (mm²)

Typical Test Setup:

Summary:

• Compression parallel to surface tests measure strength along the grain.
• Use formula (\sigma_c = P/A) to calculate compressive strength.
• Specimens must be prepared carefully to avoid edge defects.

flowchart LR
    A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Load Applied Parallel to Surface]
    B --> C[Measure Maximum Load (P)]
    C --> D[Calculate Compressive Strength σc = P/A]

For detailed specimen dimensions and test conditions, refer to IS 2380 Part 1-21 clauses on compression parallel to surface.

IS 2380 Part IX (1977) – Shear Strength in Plane of the Board

Key Specifications:

• Specimen preparation: Laminated so shear failure occurs within the board, not glue lines (Clause 2.1).
• Test method: Shear load applied parallel to grain (Fig. 2 arrangement).
• Shear area: Typically 50 mm × 50 mm (as per Fig. 1).

Shear Strength Calculation:

[ \text{Shear Strength} , (kgf/cm^2) = \frac{\text{Failing Load (kgf)}}{\text{Shear Area} , (cm^2)} ]

• Example: For a 50 mm × 50 mm area, shear area = 25 cm².
• Record failing load in kgf, divide by shear area.

Testing Notes:

• Reject tests if failure extends beyond base of specimen.
• Record failure mode.
• Average shear strength reported per board.

Summary Table:

flowchart LR
    A[Specimen Preparation] --> B[Lamination to avoid glue line failure]
    B --> C[Shear Load Applied Parallel to Grain]
    C --> D[Measure Failing Load (kgf)]
    D --> E[Calculate Shear Strength]
    E --> F[Shear Strength = Load / Area]

This ensures accurate determination of in-plane shear strength per IS 2380 Part IX.

Falling Hammer Impact Test (IS 2380 Part 1-21)

Key Specifications:

• Specimen size: 25 cm × 25 cm
• Clamping frame: Hardwood strips, 2 cm thick × 5 cm wide, bolted with 8 bolts (1 cm diameter) at equal distances near corners.
• Support: Frame held rigidly on 4 pillars at corners.
• Hammer: Mild steel hemispherical end with radius = 25 mm.
• Test: Hammer falls freely on the specimen center.

Test Procedure:

• Record the height of drop causing final failure.
• Report average drop height for specimen type/thickness, hammer mass, and moisture content.

Formula:

Impact energy ( E = m \times g \times h )

Summary Diagram:

graph TD
A[Hammer with hemispherical end (r=25mm)] -->|Free fall from height h| B(Specimen 25x25 cm clamped)
B --> C[Frame with hardwood strips & bolts]
C --> D[Frame held rigid on 4 pillars]

Note: Moisture content and hammer mass must be recorded as they influence results.

Surface Hardness Test as per IS 2380 Part 12 (Central Loading of Plate Test):

Key Specifications:

• Indentor: Steel ball, hemispherical, diameter = 11.3 ± 0.05 mm (projected area ≈ 1 cm²).
• Alternate Test: Steel ball of 30 mm diameter used for particle boards.
• Load Selection (for 30 mm ball):

Procedure Summary:

• Indentor pressed until penetration equals half the ball diameter.
• After removal, measure impression width w on two perpendicular diameters; average the values.
• For irregular breaks, report maximum disturbed diameter.
• Use carbon paper or chalk to aid measurement.

Hardness Calculation:

[ d = R - \sqrt{R^2 - \left(\frac{w}{2}\right)^2} ]

• where:
  • ( d ) = depth of indentation (mm)
  • ( R ) = radius of steel ball (mm)
  • ( w ) = average width of indentation (mm)

Hardness = Reciprocal of indentation depth ( (1/d) ).

Reporting:

• Report hardness ( 1/d ), load applied, and moisture content of specimen.

flowchart LR
    A[Steel Ball Indentor] --> B[Apply Load]
    B --> C[Indentation on Specimen]
    C --> D[Measure Impression Width (w)]
    D --> E[Calculate Depth of Indentation (d)]
    E --> F[Compute Hardness = 1/d]
    F --> G[Report Hardness, Load, Moisture Content]

This method measures residual indentation, reflecting surface hardness of particle boards and lignocellulosic materials.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Central Loading of Plate Test - Key Points

Test Setup & Specimen (Clauses 3.1, 3.2)

• Specimen size: 25 cm × 25 cm internal area.
• Clamping: Specimen clamped between two hardwood frames (2 cm thick × 5 cm wide) using 8 bolts (1 cm diameter).
• Loading block: Rounded loading block with:
  • Radius of curvature ≈ 1.5 × specimen thickness.
  • Bearing blocks ≥ 75 mm width.
  • Thickness = 2 × radius of curvature.
• Loading: Load applied centrally on finished face at uniform rate.

Loading Rate (Clause 4.2)

• Crosshead movement rate: 4 mm/min continuously until failure.
• Record maximum failure load.

Typical Dimensions for Loading Block & Supports

Notes:

• Load applied via a mild steel hemispherical end block (radius = 25 mm).
• Specimen is rigidly held on 4 pillars.
• One channel (dial gauge) graduated with zero at center, 10 mm divisions for deflection measurement.

flowchart LR
    A[Load applied centrally] --> B[Rounded loading block]
    B --> C[Specimen (25x25 cm)]
    C --> D[Hardwood frames clamped with bolts]
    D --> E[Specimen fixed on 4 pillars]
    E --> F[Deflection measured with dial gauge]

This setup ensures uniform stress distribution and accurate bending/failure load measurement per IS 2380 standards.

IS 2380 (Part 13) – Long Time Loading Bending Test: Key Points

1. Test Setup:

• Specimen simply supported on two horizontal rollers, radius ≈ 10 mm.
• Span length = 24 × specimen thickness.
• Load applied at center with a rounded loading block:
  • Radius of rounded portion = 1.5 × specimen thickness.
  • Bearing blocks width ≥ 75 mm.
  • Bearing block thickness = 2 × radius of rounded portion.

2. Loading Procedure:

• Initial load: compressed wood roller + stirrup (~250 g) to set zero deflection after 30 sec.
• Apply additional load = 30% of max static bending load (from IS 2380 Part IV).
• Load applied continuously at 4 mm/min crosshead speed.
• Deflection recorded after 24 hours and optionally at intermediate times.
• After load removal, residual deflection noted after another 24 hours.

3. Deflection Measurement:

• Use channel graduated with zero at center, 10 mm divisions.
• Accuracy: 0.1 mm.

Important Formula:

• Span length (L) = 24 × thickness (t)
• Radius of loading block (r) = 1.5 × t
• Thickness of bearing block = 2 × r

Diagram: Loading Setup

graph LR
A[Roller Support (radius ~10mm)] ---|Span = 24t| B[Specimen] --- C[Loading Block (radius = 1.5t)]
C --- D[Load (30% max static load)]

This test evaluates creep deflection under sustained bending load as per IS 2380 Part XIII.

IS 2380 Part 14 (1977) - Screw and Nail Withdrawal Test

Test Setup (Clause 3.1)

• Specimen fixture attached to lower platen.
• Load applying fixture with slot for screw/nail head on upper platen.
• Screw/nail head facing upward for direct withdrawal.

Test Specimen (Clauses 2.1.1 & 2.5)

• Screws: No. 8, 50 mm length, threaded into prebore (2.5 mm dia) up to half length.
• Nails: 50 mm length, 2.5 mm shank, bright galvanized, diamond pointed, plane heads, driven without preboring.
• Two screws or nails per specimen, placed ~5 cm from specimen ends, mid-width or edge.

Key Specifications

Withdrawal Resistance Calculation

• Withdrawal Load (P): Maximum load recorded before screw/nail pulls out.

• Withdrawal Resistance (W) often expressed as:

  [ W = \frac{P}{L \times d} ]

  Where:

  • (P) = Maximum withdrawal load (N)
  • (L) = Embedded length (mm)
  • (d) = Diameter of screw shank or nail (mm)

flowchart TD
    A[Specimen Fixture (Lower Platen)] --> B[Specimen with Screw/Nail]
    B --> C[Load Applying Fixture (Upper Platen)]
    C --> D[Load applied upward on screw/nail head]
    D --> E[Measure withdrawal load P]

Summary: Use prebored holes for screws, no preboring for nails. Measure max load to calculate withdrawal resistance considering embedment length and diameter.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Lateral Nail Resistance

Key Points from the Code:

• Scope: Covers the method of test for lateral nail resistance (Part XV).
• Test Specimen: As per Clause 3.2, the test assembly is shown in Fig. 1 (not provided here).
• Loading Rate: The specimen is loaded by separating the testing machine heads at a uniform crosshead speed of 6 mm/min.

Typical Test Setup & Procedure (Based on IS 2380 and general practice):

Important Formula (General Engineering Practice):

The lateral nail resistance ( R ) is the maximum lateral load the nail can resist before failure.

[ R = \frac{F_{max}}{d} ]

Where:

• ( F_{max} ) = Maximum lateral load (N)
• ( d ) = Diameter of the nail (mm)

Summary Diagram (Conceptual):

graph LR
A[Nail Specimen] --> B[Nail inserted into wood]
B --> C[Apply lateral load at constant speed 6 mm/min]
C --> D[Measure lateral load vs displacement]
D --> E[Determine max lateral resistance]

Note: For design, lateral nail resistance depends on nail diameter, length, wood density, and grain orientation. IS 2380 focuses on test method, not design values. For design, refer to IS 8837 or IS 11384.

IS 2380 Part 16 & 17: Water Absorption of Boards

Key Specifications:

• Specimen Preparation:
  • Seal all four edges with wax or suitable sealant.
  • Submerge horizontally in 25 mm depth of fresh water at 27 ± 2°C.
  • Soak for 24 hours minimum; longer for full saturation.
  • Maintain at least 15 mm spacing between specimens and container walls.

Water Absorption Calculation (Clause 4.1):

• Measure initial mass ( M_0 ) after conditioning.

• Measure mass after soaking ( M_s ).

• Water absorption by mass (%) =
  [ \frac{M_s - M_0}{M_0} \times 100 ]

• Water absorption by volume (%) can also be calculated based on volume increase, but mass basis is primary.

Additional:

• Report specimen density and moisture content as per IS 2380 Part 3.
• Specific gravity of water = 1.00 (assumed).

Summary Table:

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare specimen] --> B[Seal edges with wax]
    B --> C[Condition specimen]
    C --> D[Measure initial mass (M0)]
    D --> E[Submerge in 25mm water at 27±2°C for 24h]
    E --> F[Remove and measure soaked mass (Ms)]
    F --> G[Calculate Water Absorption % = ((Ms - M0)/M0)*100]

This method ensures consistent and reproducible water absorption values for wood particle and lignocellulosic boards.

Determination of Swelling in Water (IS 2380 Part 1-21)

Soaking Procedure (Clause 2.3)

• Specimens submerged horizontally in water at 27 ± 2℃ for 24 hours.
• Specimens spaced at least 15 mm apart and from container edges.
• Covered with 25 mm water above specimens.
• For complete saturation, soak longer as needed; record soaking duration and water absorbed.

Swelling Measurement

• Measure thickness and length before and after soaking.
• Calculate swelling as:

[ \text{Swelling (%)} = \frac{\text{Thickness after soaking} - \text{Original thickness}}{\text{Original thickness}} \times 100 ]

• Report average swelling from 3 specimens.
• Length increase reported as percentage of nominal length.

Summary Table for Swelling Calculation

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Specimens] --> B[Measure Initial Thickness & Length]
    B --> C[Soak in Water at 27±2℃ for 24 hrs]
    C --> D[Remove & Measure Thickness & Length]
    D --> E[Calculate % Swelling & Length Increase]
    E --> F[Report Average of 3 Specimens]

This method ensures standardized, reproducible swelling determination for boards per IS 2380 Part 1-21.

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Determination of Mass and Dimensional Changes Caused by Moisture Changes

Key Specifications & Formulas

• Measurement Conditions:

  • Changes measured between 65% RH (reference) and 40% or 90% RH.
  • Report changes as percentage of nominal length and percentage of mass/thickness relative to 65% RH condition.
  • Equilibrium moisture content at 40% and 90% RH must be reported.

• Moisture Content Calculation (Clause 2.3, IS 2380 Part III):

[ \text{Moisture Content} , (MC) = \frac{M_1 - M_0}{M_0} \times 100 ]

Where:
(M_1) = mass at test condition
(M_0) = oven-dry mass

• Dimensional Change Calculation (Clause 4.1):

[ \text{Dimensional Change (%)} = \frac{L_{RH} - L_{65%}}{L_{65%}} \times 100 ]

Where:
(L_{RH}) = length at given RH (40% or 90%)
(L_{65%}) = length at 65% RH

• Specimen Dimensions:
  • Thickness: 5 mm flat surface
  • Measurement location: Center, 5 mm from each face (A & B)
  • All dimensions in mm

Summary Table for Reporting

flowchart LR
    A[Condition at 65% RH] --> B[Measure Mass (M65) & Length (L65)]
    B --> C[Condition at 40% or 90% RH]
    C --> D[Measure Mass (M_RH) & Length (L

IS 2380 Part 1-21: Accelerated Weathering Cyclic Test for Exterior Use

Key Specifications (Clause 4.1):

Each specimen undergoes 6 complete cycles, each cycle consisting of:

Purpose:

• Simulates exterior environmental conditions to assess durability.
• Tests resistance to moisture, heat, and cyclic weathering.

Notes:

• Total cycle duration: 48 hours.
• Six cycles ensure accelerated aging equivalent to long-term outdoor exposure.

flowchart TD
    A[Start Cycle] --> B[Immersion in water 49±2℃ (1 hr)]
    B --> C[Spraying steam & water vapour 93±3℃ (3 hrs)]
    C --> D[Ambient storage (20 hrs)]
    D --> E[Heating dry air 99±2℃ (3 hrs)]
    E --> F[Spraying steam & water vapour 93±3℃ (3 hrs)]
    F --> G[Heating dry air 99±2℃ (18 hrs)]
    G --> H{Cycle complete?}
    H -- No --> B
    H -- Yes --> I[End of 6 cycles]

This cyclic test is critical for assessing material performance under accelerated weathering conditions per IS 2380 Part 1-21.

Measurement of Cupping and Twisting After Weathering (IS 2380 Part 1-21)

Key Specifications:

• After accelerated weathering cycles (Clause 6.1 & 7.1): Measure cupping and twisting on treated specimens and compare with untreated ones.

Measurement Procedure (Clause 7.2):

• Cupping:

  • Place a straightedge across opposite edges of the specimen.
  • Measure the maximum distance from the straightedge to the concave face.

• Twisting:

  • Place the specimen on a level surface with three corners touching.
  • Measure the distance from the raised corner to the surface.

Related Tests (Clause 2.1):

Summary Table of Measurement:

flowchart TD
    A[Specimen after weathering] --> B{Measurement}
    B --> C[Cupping: Straightedge across edges]
    B --> D[Twisting: 3 corners on level surface]
    C --> E[Measure max distance to concave face]
    D --> F[Measure distance from raised corner]

Use these measurements to assess weathering degradation by comparing with untreated specimens.