ISO 13061-4:2014/Amd 1:2017

Overview

ISO 13061-4:2014/Amd 1:2017 is an important amendment to the international standard defining test methods for assessing the physical and mechanical properties of wood. Specifically, it focuses on the determination of the modulus of elasticity in static bending for small, clear wood specimens. This standard, developed under ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 218 (Timber), ensures consistency and accuracy in measuring wood stiffness-critical for engineering and construction applications.

The amendment updates key measurement units and calculation precisions to reflect current scientific conventions. By standardizing the test method, it supports global trade, quality control, and product certification in the timber industry.

Key Topics

• Modulus of Elasticity in Static Bending
  The core property measured by this standard defines wood’s resistance to deformation under bending loads. It is calculated for individual test specimens at a specified moisture content.

• Test Specimens
  Small, clear wood samples without defects are used for controlled, repeatable evaluations ensuring reliable material characterization.

• Measurement Units Update
  The amendment revises units from N/mm² (MPa) to kN/mm² (GPa) for better clarity and precision in expressing elastic modulus values:

  • Calculations are to be done in kN/mm² (GPa)
  • Results reported with 0.1 kN/mm² (GPa) precision

• Statistical Treatment
  Results include mean values and standard deviations for sampled test pieces, providing insight into material variability.

• Compliance and Patent Considerations
  ISO maintains intellectual property transparency and adherence to WTO principles recognizing the voluntary nature of standards and conformity assessment.

Applications

• Wood Engineering and Structural Design
  Ensuring wood's bending performance meets design requirements for load-bearing elements in buildings, furniture, and engineered wood products.

• Material Quality Control
  Manufacturers and testing laboratories apply this standard to verify timber stiffness, guiding sourcing, grading, and certification processes.

• Research and Development
  Facilitates wood material science studies by providing standardized elastic modulus data for comparison and modeling.

• International Trade
  Supports exporters and importers with consistent testing procedures, helping meet regulatory and client specifications worldwide.

Related Standards

• ISO 13061 Series
  A multi-part series detailing various test methods for physical and mechanical wood properties, such as density, hardness, and compressive strength.

• ISO/IEC Directives
  Documents governing the editorial rules and development process for ISO standards including handling of patent rights and approval criteria.

• ISO 21930 (Sustainability in Construction)
  Related environmental standards may use mechanical property data to assess material lifecycle and performance.

For detailed procedures, test setup diagrams, and calculation formulas, refer to the full ISO 13061-4:2014/Amd 1:2017 documentation available via the ISO Official Website. This standard is essential for professionals involved in wood testing, certification, and structural design seeking accurate, repeatable elastic modulus measurements in static bending.