ISO 13061-2:2014/Amd 1:2017

Overview

ISO 13061-2:2014/Amd 1:2017 is an important amendment to the international standard that specifies test methods for determining the density of small clear wood specimens used in physical and mechanical testing. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 218, Timber, this amendment enhances the original 2014 standard by including additional guidance on the sizes of test pieces, ensuring greater precision and reliability in wood density measurement.

Accurately determining wood density is fundamental in assessing its physical and mechanical properties, which are critical for applications in construction, furniture manufacturing, and materials science. This amendment reflects the continuous effort to harmonize test procedures globally, enabling consistent and comparable results across labs and industries.

Key Topics

• Test methods for small clear wood specimens: The standard focuses on small, defect-free wood samples, ensuring standardized testing independent of external flaws.
• Density determination: Central to the amendment is refining procedures to measure mass density accurately as a prerequisite for further physical and mechanical property testing.
• Specification on test piece size: Amendment 1 introduces explicit details regarding the dimensions of test samples, optimizing measurement repeatability and relevance.
• Standardized procedures: The document defines precise steps and considerations for preparing specimens and conducting density tests to improve consistency.
• Inter-laboratory applicability: Ensures that diverse testing facilities worldwide can follow uniform methods, facilitating data comparison and industry compliance.
• Coordination with related ISO standards: ISO 13061-2 belongs to a broader series on the physical and mechanical properties of wood, promoting comprehensive material evaluation.

Applications

• Wood product quality control: Manufacturers use this standard to verify the density of wood components, a key factor in product durability and performance.
• Structural engineering: Accurate wood density assessment aids engineers in selecting appropriate materials for load-bearing elements.
• Research and development: Scientists employ these test methods in developing new wood-based materials and composites with tailored characteristics.
• Certification and compliance: The standard supports forestry and wood industries in meeting regulatory requirements and international market standards.
• Educational settings: Academic institutions incorporate this methodology to teach best practices in wood science and materials testing.
• Environmental and sustainability studies: Understanding variations in wood density supports investigations into biomass energy and carbon sequestration.

Related Standards

ISO 13061-2:2014/Amd 1:2017 is part of the broader ISO 13061 series that addresses various test methods for physical and mechanical properties of wood, including:

• ISO 13061-1: Determination of moisture content for physical and mechanical tests.
• ISO 13061-3 to ISO 13061-10: Covers additional properties such as compressive strength, bending strength, hardness, and tensile properties.
• ISO 3131: Methods for density measurement in wood in general.
• ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 and Part 2: Guidelines on the development and maintenance of ISO standards.
• ISO 9001: Quality management systems, indirectly supporting the consistent application of testing standards.

By aligning with these related standards, ISO 13061-2 ensures a comprehensive framework for wood property assessment that supports industry innovation and quality assurance worldwide.

For professionals involved in wood testing, material science, and product development, adherence to ISO 13061-2:2014/Amd.1:2017 ensures that density measurements of small clear wood specimens are accurate, reproducible, and internationally recognized. This forms the foundation for reliable characterizations that drive quality, safety, and sustainability in wood applications.