Timber Testing(IS 1708 · IS 287)
Physical and mechanical testing of structural and joinery timber — moisture content, density, static bending, compression, shear and hardness on small clear specimens per IS 1708, with moisture limits checked against IS 287.
What is Timber Testing?
Timber used in structures, formwork, joinery and furniture varies enormously in strength and stability between species, sources and seasoning states. IS 1708 (Parts 1 to 18):1986 — Methods of Testing of Small Clear Specimens of Timber — is the Indian reference method suite for characterising it: moisture content, specific gravity, volumetric shrinkage, static bending strength, compression parallel and perpendicular to grain, shear, hardness, and nail/screw holding power.
Global Lab tests sawn timber and sections against IS 1708, and verifies seasoning against IS 287:1993 (Permissible Moisture Content of Timber Used for Different Purposes) — which fixes zone-wise moisture limits for uses from door shutters to structural members. Results support species acceptance, seasoning QC and structural design inputs per IS 883.
How the Timber Testing is Conducted
- 1
Sampling & Specimen Preparation
Small clear specimens free of knots and defects are cut from the supplied timber to the dimensions specified in the relevant part of IS 1708, with grain orientation controlled. - 2
Moisture Content & Density
Moisture content is determined by oven-dry method and specific gravity/density measured, since every strength property is reported against its moisture state. - 3
Static Bending Test
Specimens are loaded at centre-point in a UTM per IS 1708 to determine modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). - 4
Compression & Shear Tests
Compression parallel and perpendicular to grain, and shear parallel to grain, are tested to establish the timber's primary structural design properties. - 5
Hardness & Holding Power
Where required, Janka hardness and nail/screw withdrawal resistance are determined for flooring and fastener-design applications. - 6
Reporting
Results are compiled per property with moisture state, checked against IS 287 limits for the declared end use, and issued via Autovity QLMS.
Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Title | Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 1708 (Pts 1–18):1986 | Methods of Testing of Small Clear Specimens of Timber (Reaffirmed) | Test Methods | Indian Standard |
| IS 287:1993 | Permissible Moisture Content of Timber Used for Different Purposes — Recommendations (Reaffirmed) | Moisture Limits | Indian Standard |
| IS 883:1994 | Design of Structural Timber in Building — Code of Practice (Reaffirmed) | Design Reference | Indian Standard |