ISO 16415:2012

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16415
First edition
2012-08-01
Non-structural timber grading requirements
Exigences pour le classement des bois non structurels
Reference number
ISO 16415:2012(E)
©
ISO 2012

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ISO 16415:2012(E)
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© ISO 2012
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ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

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ISO 16415:2012(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Non-structural timber classification . 2
4.1 General . 2
4.2 Use . 2
4.3 Extent-of-manufacture . 2
4.4 Standard non-structural timber sizes . 2
5 Grading rule requirements . 2
5.1 General concepts . 2
6 Use classification provisions for visual grading of non-structural timber . 3
6.1 Yard non-structural timber . 3
6.2 Factory and shop timber . 4
7 Control of grade sorting process . 5
7.1 Grader requirements . 5
7.2 Rules to satisfy utility requirements . 5
7.3 Internal quality control . 5
8 Inspection . 5
8.1 Certification and supervision . 5
8.2 Delegation of grading authority . 5
8.3 Service . 5
9 Control in case of dispute . 5
9.1 General . 5
9.2 Complaints . 6
9.3 Reinspection results . 6
10 Product identification . 6
© ISO 2012 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 16415:2012(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 16415 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 218, Timber.
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ISO 16415:2012(E)
Introduction
This International Standard describes the essential requirements of non-structural timber grading rules.
These requirements have been kept to the essential minimum to ensure maximum scope and flexibility in the
application of this International Standard. The notes listed throughout this International Standard are intended
to clarify the meaning of a requirement and/or to assist in the implementation of the requirement.
The general idea is for any non-structural timber grading rule to be acceptable, provided it is accurately
defined and contains the minimum requirements set forth in this International Standard. It is expected that
each region, country or industry sector will write its own non-structural timber grading rules that will comply with
the normative requirements stated herein, but which will have features that are specific to its own production,
technology infrastructure and market conditions.
Non-structural timber can be produced from non-coniferous and coniferous species of trees that grow
throughout the northern and southern hemispheres. Non-coniferous species are botanically Angiosperms,
where the seeds are enclosed in the flower of the ovary; the wood of non-coniferous species contains vessels,
and is therefore porous. Coniferous species are botanically Gymnosperms, where the seeds are not enclosed
in the ovary of the flower; the wood of coniferous species contains no vessels, and is therefore nonporous.
Possessing unique natural characteristics that affect machining, durability and usability, sawn non-structural
timber produced from non-coniferous and coniferous species has an extensive history of satisfactory use by
consumers everywhere.
Globally, non-structural timber has numerous classifications, uses, and standards. Recognizing the complexities
of an assortment of grading rules that are applicable to non- coniferous and coniferous species, this International
Standard is not specifically based on any one grading rule or grading standard. This International Standard
delineates and illustrates broad grade categories that specify essential features typically found in the broad
categories based on commonalities of numerous grading rules used for sawn non-structural timber of non-
coniferous and coniferous species in international commerce.
Sawn non-structural timber produced from non-coniferous and coniferous species contains natural
characteristics that are inherently different in quality, thus the resultant products have a variety of end uses.
Because of this, the grading systems used to classify the sawn non-structural timber are numerous but can
generally be separated into two basic systems that use a visual assessment of the timber.
One visual grading system uses a classification scheme based on the usable content of the piece of sawn
non-structural timber aside from any parts which can be considered undesirable for use. This type of grading
system determines usable content of the piece by using “cuttings” or similar units between undesirable defects
to determine the usable content of the piece. Sawn non-structural timber products produced under this type
of grading system are generally intended to be further manufactured to obtain products that can be used in
interior or exterior applications, often with exposed surfaces and having clear or light finishes.
The second visual grading system uses a classification scheme based on the usability of the full length of
the piece. Sawn non-structural timber products produced under this type of grading system are used in many
building applications and are generally not intended to be further manufactured.
Sawn non-structural timber produced from non-coniferous and coniferous species can be graded using either
grading system. Generally, sawn non-structural timber produced from non-coniferous species is graded using a
classification scheme based on the usable content of the piece, whereas, sawn non-structural timber produced
from coniferous species is graded using a classification scheme based on the usability of the full length of the piece.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16415:2012(E)
Non-structural timber grading requirements
1 Scope
This International Standard delineates and illustrates broad grade categories that specify essential features
typically found in those categories based on commonalities of numerous national standards and grading rules
used for non-structural timber of non-coniferous and coniferous species in international commerce. It provides
a basis for recognition of a national standard or grading rules that comply with this International Standard
and is applicable to all methods of visual grading systems for non-structural timber of all non-coniferous and
coniferous species of timber.
Non-structural timber produced from bamboo is not covered in this International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any revisions) applies.
ISO 24294, Timber ― Round and sawn timber ― Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 24294 and the following apply.
3.1
characteristics
distinguishing features which by their extent, location, and number determine the quality of a piece of non-
structural timber
NOTE The limiting characteristics of any grade of timber are described in the grading rules.
3.2
grade
population of non-structural timber, derived from a specified resource by applying a specified sorting procedure
3.3
grading rules
requirements and specifications for the manufacture, inspection and grading of designated species of non-
structural timber
3.4
nominal size
size by which non-structural timber is known or specified at a stated moisture content
NOTE In the United States and Canada nominal size does not reflect the planed size of non-structural timber.
3.5
planed timber
non-structural timber that, at the end-use moisture content, has been machined for its full length and width on
at least one face to obtain a smooth surface
3.6
prepared timber
non-structural timber that, at the end-use moisture content, has been cut to length, machined on one or more
surfaces, or both, within agreed permitted d
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