ASTM D2395-14

5.1 Density and specific gravity are cornerstone terms that help define many useful properties of wood and wood-based products. These terms designate concepts that have distinct definitions though they relate to the same characteristic (mass in a unit volume). Generally, in the US and Canada, density of wood is measured in terms of specific gravity, or 5.2 The basic density and 5.3 It is often desirable to know the density or specific gravity of a living tree, a structural member already in place, a log cross section, a segment of a research element, or the earlywood or latewood layer. Therefore, it is possible that specimens will be large or small, regular or irregular in shape, and at a variety of moisture contents. These test methods give procedures that include all of these variables and provides for calculation of density and specific gravity values to degrees of precision generally needed.

5.4 In the wood-based composites industry, the product density or specific gravity also provides an important indicator of potential product attributes. For wood-based materials, the same test methods are used; however, the measurements typically combine the mass from the wood substance with any resin, wax, or other solid additives present in the material. These properties are not to be confused with equivalent specific gravity of structural composite lumber used to characterize its fastener-holding capacity determined in accordance with D5456.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the density and specific gravity (relative density) of wood and wood-based materials to generally desired degrees of accuracy and for specimens of different sizes, shapes, and moisture content conditions. The method title is indicative of the procedures used or the specific area of use.

1.2 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.