1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers polyolefin-based plastic lumber products for use as exterior residential decking boards.

1.2 Plastic lumber products are currently made predominantly with recycled polyolefin plastics (in particular high-density polyethylene) where the products are more or less non-homogenous in the cross-section. However, this specification may also be applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from other plastic and plastic composite materials that have non-homogenous cross-sections.

1.3 This specification details a procedure to calculate recommended span lengths for spacing of support joists. This procedure was developed using experimental data from a typical unreinforced plastic lumber made predominantly from recycled high-density polyethylene. The methodology to develop span lengths for other types and compositions of plastic lumber is detailed in Appendix X1 of this standard.

1.4 The values are stated in inch-pound units, as these are currently the most common units used by the construction industry. Equivalent SI units are indicated in parentheses. However, the units stated for irradiance exposure in the weatherability section (6.3) are in SI units as these are the units commonly used for testing of this type.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications

D2915 Practice for Sampling and Data-Analysis for Structural Wood and Wood-Based Products

D4329 Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics

D5033 Guide for Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics

D6109 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber and Related Products

D6112 Test Methods for Compressive and Flexural Creep and Creep-Rupture of Plastic Lumber and Shapes

D6341 Test Method for Determination of the Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Plastic Lumber and Plastic Lumber Shapes Between -30 and 140F (-34.4 and 60C)

E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

E108 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings

G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources

G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials

Keywords

plastic lumber; plastic decking; recycled plastics; residential decks;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.99 (Other construction materials)

DOI: 10.1520/D6662-01

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.