ASTM D3043 Test Methods for Structural Panels in Flexure

ASTM D3043 | Structural Panels | Flexure Testing

ASTM D3043 contains a number of test methods designed to identify the strength and stiffness of structural panels used in construction, materials handling and packaging.The panel can be comprised of plywood, waferboard, oriented strand board, or a composite of wood & veneer layers. Four methods to test flexural strength are documented:

• Method A – Center Point Flexure Test
• Method B – Two-Point Flexure Test
• Method C – Pure Moment Test
• Method D – Flexure Test for Quality Assurance

Method A uses a three point bend fixture with articulating supports where the load is applied at the midpoint of the span. Method B uses a two point loading technique where the edges of the specimen are placed into special reaction bearings and  the load is applied at locations one quarter of the overall span away from the outer two support bearings. Method C uses a two-point bend method to test materials thought to have strength and stiffness variations within a panel. Method D is similar to that of Method A, but specimens and test speeds are selected in a way to make it optimal for QA/QC testing. Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) are the desired calculations in most cases.

Before conducting ASTM D3043, it is important to read the entire specification in the relevant ASTM publication.