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IS 2455 : 1990Method of sampling of model trees and logs and their conversion for timber testing

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ISO 3129 · ASTM D5536-94(2017)
CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues3InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 2455:1990 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for method of sampling of model trees and logs and their conversion for timber testing. This standard lays down the methodology for selecting, felling, and sampling model trees from forests. It details the procedures for marking, cross-cutting into logs, and their systematic conversion into standard-sized sticks to prepare small clear specimens for physical and mechanical timber testing.

Method of sampling of model trees and logs and their conversion for timber testing

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Testing Method
International equivalents
ISO 3129:2019 · International Organization for Standardization (ISO), InternationalASTM D5536-94(2017) · ASTM International, USA
Typically used with
IS 1708IS 1150
Also on InfraLens for IS 2455
3Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Always mark the North direction on the trunk before felling to trace anisotropic property variations in the wood.
! End-coat the logs immediately after cross-cutting with coal tar, bitumen, or thick paint to prevent end-splitting and moisture loss during transit.
! Ensure accurate recording of the locality, soil type, and elevation where the trees were sampled for context during testing.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Selection of Model TreesCl. 4Felling, Cross-cutting and MarkingCl. 5Recording of Field DataCl. 6Despatch of LogsCl. 7Conversion of Logs into Test Specimens
Pulled from IS 2455:1990. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberwoodlogsmodel trees

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ISO 3129:2019International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
HighCurrent
Wood — Sampling methods and general requirements for physical and mechanical testing of small clear wood specimens
Specifies methods for sampling wood from trees and logs for physical and mechanical tests on clear specimens.
ASTM D5536-94(2017)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Practice for Sampling Forest Trees for Determination of Clear Wood Properties
Outlines practices for sampling forest trees to obtain clear wood specimens for determining physical and mechanical properties.
BS 373:1957British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
MediumWithdrawn
Methods of testing small clear specimens of timber
Included a section on selecting test material from logs, though its primary focus was on testing procedures.
Key Differences
≠IS 2455 mandates a highly prescriptive log sawing pattern, known as the 'butterfly' method (detailed in its Fig. 2), to obtain test sticks. International standards like ISO 3129 provide general principles for representative sampling (e.g., along cardinal directions) but do not mandate a single, universal sawing diagram.
≠The Indian standard specifies a fixed sampling size of five 'model trees' for each species from a given locality. In contrast, ASTM D5536 allows for a variable number of sample trees based on the specific research objectives, species variability, and statistical requirements, which is a more flexible approach.
≠IS 2455 is tailored to Indian forestry practices, specifying log conversion into bolts of 2.4 m length. ASTM D5536 typically recommends shorter bolt lengths (e.g., 1.2 m - 1.8 m or 4-6 ft), providing more sections from the most important butt log.
≠IS 2455's concept of 'model trees' is based on selecting trees of average dimensions from different diameter classes. ASTM D5536 focuses more on random or systematic selection to reduce bias and better represent the entire population, which is a more statistically rigorous approach.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the primary goal of obtaining small, clear wood specimens, free from defects like knots, decay, and grain distortions, to determine the intrinsic properties of the wood.
≈Both IS 2455 and its international counterparts (ISO 3129, ASTM D5536) mandate a systematic approach to sampling from the pith to the bark to capture property variations across the tree's radial profile.
≈A comprehensive marking and documentation system is a cornerstone of all these standards, ensuring complete traceability of each test specimen back to its original height and radial position within the source tree.
≈The target final cross-section for the primary set of mechanical test specimens is consistently based on a 50 mm x 50 mm (approx. 2 in x 2 in) dimension across IS 2455, ISO, and ASTM procedures.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Number of Sample Trees per Species5 model trees per locality.Varies with statistical needs; can be 5 to 50+ trees.ASTM D5536
Standard Bolt Length for Conversion2.4 metresTypically 1.2 m to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft).ASTM D5536
Log Conversion Sawing PatternMandatory, specified 'butterfly' diagram.Recommended principles (e.g., quartersawing), no mandatory diagram.ISO 3129
Initial Test Stick Cross-Section6.25 x 6.25 cmSized to yield 50 mm specimens (e.g., 65 x 65 mm).ISO 3129
Final Primary Specimen Cross-Section50 x 50 mm50 x 50 mmISO 3129
Marking of Bolts from Butt LogA, B, C, D, etc., from the butt end upwards.Letters for bolts (A, B, C...) and numbers for cardinal directions (1, 2, 3, 4).ASTM D5536
Inclusion of PithPith is generally excluded from the final test specimen.Pith and adjacent juvenile wood are excluded from final specimens.ISO 3129
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values3

Quick Reference Values
minimum trees per locality5 trees
standard log length3 m (typically)
stump height clearance30 cm to 60 cm from ground level

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Selection of Model Trees
Clause 4 - Felling, Cross-cutting and Marking
Clause 5 - Recording of Field Data
Clause 6 - Despatch of Logs
Clause 7 - Conversion of Logs into Test Specimens

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 1150:2000Trade names and abbreviated symbols for timbe...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the minimum number of model trees to be sampled?+
A minimum of 5 representative model trees should be selected from a given locality for a specific species.
Why must the North direction be marked on trees before felling?+
To allow researchers and technologists to evaluate directional wood properties and growth ring variations relative to sun exposure.
How should test logs be protected during transportation to the testing laboratory?+
The ends of the logs must be thoroughly end-coated immediately after cutting to prevent rapid moisture loss and subsequent end checks or splits.

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