ASTM_D_2278_-_02.pdf

Designation:D 2278 02Standard Test Method forField Evaluation of Wood Preservatives in Round Post-SizeSpecimens1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2278;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relativeeffectiveness of wood preservatives in round posts set in theground in field plots.Two tests are described,one for small(3to 5 in.(80 to 130 mm)in diameter)sapwood posts which isthe preferred test if major interest lies in testing the preserva-tive when fairly evenly distributed throughout the piece,andthe second for large posts(7 to 10 in.(180 to 250 mm)indiameter)which is preferred when the preservative is testedunder conditions of gradient retention and distribution nor-mally encountered in commercial operations.1.2 The requirements for preparation of the material fortesting and the test procedures appear as follows:SectionTest Plot4Test Specimens5Treatment Procedure6After-Treatment Handling of Posts7Installation of Posts8Inspection of Specimens9Evaluation of Results10Reports111.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.The SI equivalents of inch-pound units may beapproximate.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:D 1413 Test Method for Wood Preservatives by LaboratorySoil-Block Cultures2D 1758 Test Method for Evaluating Wood Preservatives byField Tests with Stakes2D 1760 Specification for Pressure Treatment of TimberProducts23.Summary of Test Method3.1 Commercial-size round wood posts are impregnatedwith an appropriate series of retentions of a preservative andare handled in accordance with specified procedures prior toexposure in the field.They are then exposed in the ground tothe action of weather,wood-destroying fungi,and insects inone or more selected field plots.Periodic inspections arecarried out on each post to determine immediate condition andend of service life.The computed average service life for eachgroup is used to express results at termination of the test.Thegeneral pattern of preservative performance in posts may beindicated within 5 to 10 years;however,the test of a givenretention group of any preservative is not terminated until atleast 60%of the treated specimens have failed.4.Test Plot4.1 Number and Climatic LocationDecay test plots can beestablished over a wider climatic range than can subterraneantermite test plots.When information on decay is of primaryimportance,a plot can be established in a temperate climatewhere termite attack is not serious.When termite as well asdecay control is of interest,the plot shall be located in arelatively warm and moist area where subterranean termites areknown to be a hazard.The choice of location is optional,butthe investigator shall record which type of plot is involved.Thelocation of test plots within a reasonable distance of a weatherbureau station is encouraged.4.2 General RequirementsThe specific area selected forthe plot shall be of essentially uniform soil character,level,moist but well drained land,remote from industrial contami-nation and large enough to accommodate all anticipatedexpansion for at least 25 years.It should be protected by firelanes and should be fenced to prevent access of animals anddiscourage pilferage of posts.In a plot used essentially orexclusively for decay studies,a preliminary bioassay shall bemade to prove that decay-producing organisms are present.Ifa background of data on the area exists or if wood debris incontact with the ground indicates suitable decay is present,further bioassay may be unnecessary.Otherwise a bioassay for1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Woodand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.06 on Treatments for WoodProducts.Current edition approved Sept.10,2002.Published November 2002.Originallypublished as D 2278 64 T.Last previous edition D 2278 66(1994)e1.2Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 04.10.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.decay can be made as follows:strips of120to110-in.(1 to 3mm)veneer of pine or gum sapwood can show rapidly whetherfungi in the soil have sufficient decay-producing capacity.Strips of veneer should be buried horizontally approximately 3in.(80 mm)deep at several places in the plot for at least 3weeks during warm,moist weather;if the pieces show suchevidence of decay as extreme brashness when broken in thehands,the plot is