1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the procedures to establish a performance rating for wood-plastic composite (WPC) deck boards. This specification also defines the procedures to establish a performance rating for WPC guards and handrails. The purpose of this specification is to establish the basis for code recognition of these products or systems in exterior applications where combustible construction is allowed (see X1.1).

1.2 Deck boards, guards, and handrails covered by this specification are permitted to be of any code compliant shape and thickness (solid or non-solid).

Note 1While WPCs are produced in a broad range of ratios of fiber to resin it is recognized that the performance requirements in this specification are valid for any material or combination of materials used as deck boards, guards, or handrails. For products made primarily from resin, or for products that exhibit highly plastic properties (for example, more than 3 % strain without rupture in a standard flexural test under ambient conditions), users are directed to Specification D 6662 for additional guidance.

1.3 A deck board, and a deck board used as a stair tread, are assigned a span rating indicating its ability to comply with model code specified functions identified for its specific end use. A guard or handrail is recognized for its ability to meet minimum code requirements specified in the appropriate model building code.

1.4 Details of manufacturing processes may be proprietary and are beyond the scope of this specification.

1.5 UnitsThe values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units, which are provided for information only.

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 requirements 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

D9 Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products

D198 Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural Sizes

D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D1037 Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials

D1413 Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures

D1554 Terminology Relating to Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials

D1761 Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood

D1929 Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics

D1972 Practice for Generic Marking of Plastic Products

D2017 Test Method of Accelerated Laboratory Test of Natural Decay Resistance of Woods

D2047 Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the James Machine

D2394 Test Methods for Simulated Service Testing of Wood and Wood-Base Finish Flooring

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

D3345 Test Method for Laboratory Evaluation of Wood and Other Cellulosic Materials for Resistance to Termites

D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials

D4092 Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties

D4761 Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Lumber and Wood-Base Structural Material

D5764 Test Method for Evaluating Dowel-Bearing Strength of Wood and Wood-Based Products

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

D6662 Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards

E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

E108 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings

E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

F1679 Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)

G154 Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

Other References

Keywords

adjustment factor; deck board; guard; handrail; independent inspection; manufacturing standard; span rating; stair tread; wood-plastic composite; Guardrails/guardrail systems--specifications; Performance--building materials/applications; Rating system; Wood-plastic composite ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 79.080 (Semi-manufactures of timber)

DOI: 10.1520/D7032-05A

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