ASTM E661
Full Name
ASTM E661 – Standard Test Method for Performance of Wood and Wood-Based Floor and Roof Sheathing Under Concentrated Static and Impact Loads
Scope
ASTM E661 outlines a standardized procedure to evaluate the performance of wood and wood-based structural panels used as floor and roof sheathing. This test method determines the material’s ability to withstand concentrated static and impact loads, simulating real-world scenarios such as foot traffic, dropped objects, and furniture placement.
Key aspects of the test method include:
- Specimen preparation: the standard provides guidelines for preparing test specimens from various wood and wood-based sheathing materials, including plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and waferboard.
- Support system: the test specimen is securely supported on a frame simulating typical floor joist or roof rafter spacing. This setup ensures consistent and realistic load application.
- Static load test: a concentrated static load is applied gradually at specific locations on the specimen, measuring both the load at which deflection reaches a specified limit and the ultimate load causing failure.
- Impact load test: a sandbag of a specified weight is dropped from varying heights onto the specimen, assessing its resistance to impact damage and potential for failure.
- Data analysis: the standard provides procedures for analyzing load-deflection curves, determining ultimate loads, and evaluating failure modes.
ASTM E661 provides valuable data for:
- Material comparison: comparing the performance of different sheathing materials under standardized conditions.
- Design guidance: providing engineers and builders with data to select appropriate sheathing thicknesses and spans for specific applications.
- Quality control: ensuring that manufactured sheathing products meet required performance standards.
ASTM E661 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the ASTM E661 standard.
Contact us today for a quote or to discuss your specific testing needs.
Resources
Keywords
concentrated static load; deflection resistance; dropbag tests; floor sheathing; impact load; roof sheathing; ultimate impact load; wood sheathing; sheathing; deflection; load; impact; static; floor; roof; wood; span; concentrated; modulus of rupture; modulus of elasticity; stiffness; strength; construction lumber