ASTM D3043 Standard Test Methods for Structural Panels in Flexural

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of ASTM D3043 standard. These test methods determine the flexural properties of strips cut from structural panels or panels up to 4 x 8 ft.

Structural panels used include plywood, waferboard, oriented particle board and veneer, and composites made of wood-based layers.

The choice of method will be determined by the purpose of the test, the type of material, and the availability of equipment. All methods are applicable to material that is relatively uniform in strength and hardness properties. Only Method C should be used to test material suspected of having strength or hardness changes within a panel caused by density variations, knots, knot holes, bad grain areas, fungal attack, or extensive growth variations.

However, Method B can be used to evaluate certain properties, such as core voids and veneer joints in plywood panels, where the effects are readily reflected in full panels. Method C is generally preferred where the size of the test material allows. Torques applied to failed specimens tested with Method A, B, or D where large deviations occur may be significantly greater than the nominal value. An approximate correction can be made.

Method A, Center Point Bend Test: This method can be applied to material that is uniform in elastic and strength properties. The total deflection and the modulus of elasticity calculated from it contain a relatively constant component attributable to shear deformation. It is well suited for investigating many variables that uniformly affect properties throughout the panel in controlled studies and for testing small, defect-free control samples cut from large panels containing defects tested with the large sample method.

Method B, Two-Point Bending Test: This method, like Method A, is suitable for investigating factors that uniformly affect strength and elastic properties across the panel in controlled studies, and for testing small, defect-free control samples cut from the part. However, it can be used to determine the effects of finger joints, cladding joints and gaps, and other features that can be placed entirely between load points and whose effects can be easily reflected over the full panel width. The bending and elasticity modulus obtained from this method is related only to the bending stress and does not contain a shear component. Significant faults can occur in the rupture modulus when the nominal torque is used.

Method C, Large Panel Test: This method is ideal for evaluating the effects of knots, knotholes, sloped vein areas, and patches in terms of their impact on standard full-size panels. It is equally suitable for testing uniform or transparent material when the sample size is sufficient. Sample size and spread above certain minimums are highly flexible. Preferred when equipment is available.

Method D, Bend Test for Quality Assurance: Like Method A, this method is well suited for investigating factors affecting flexural strength and stiffness properties. Also like Method A, this method uses small samples in a central point simple patency test configuration. This method uses an aperture ratio, sample width, test fixture, and test speed, which makes the method well-suited for quality assurance. The method is often used for quality assurance testing of oriented strand board.

Values ​​stated in SI units should be accepted as standard. Values ​​in parentheses are for informational purposes only.

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

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with ASTM D3043 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.