Standard Practice for Establishing Structural Grades and Related Allowable Properties for Visually Graded Lumber

1.1 This practice (1,2)² covers the basic principles for establishing related unit stresses and stiffness values for design with visually-graded solid sawn structural lumber. This practice starts with property values from clear wood specimens and includes necessary procedures for the formulation of structural grades of any desired strength ratio.

1.2 The grading provisions used as illustrations herein are not intended to establish grades for purchase, but rather to show how stress-grading principles are applied. Detailed grading rules for commercial stress grades which serve as purchase specifications are established and published by agencies which formulate and maintain such rules and operate inspection facilities covering the various species.

1.3 The material covered in this practice appears in the following order:

1.4 The values given in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.

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.