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IS 6346 : 1971Method of tests for timber props for mines

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ASTM D198 · EN 408 · AS/NZS 4063.1
CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodGeotechnical · Timber and Timber Stores
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 6346:1971 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for method of tests for timber props for mines. This standard specifies the methods for sampling, conditioning, and conducting compression tests on full-size timber props used for support in mines. It aims to provide a uniform procedure for determining their load-bearing capacity and behavior under axial load.

Method of tests for timber props for mines

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Geotechnical — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Testing Method
International equivalents
ASTM D198-19 · ASTM International, USAEN 408:2010+A1:2012 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeAS/NZS 4063.1:2010 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 1708IS 287
Also on InfraLens for IS 6346
5Key values3FAQs
Practical Notes
! The strength of timber is highly sensitive to moisture content; ensure props are conditioned to the specified 12% moisture level for comparable results.
! Careful visual inspection for defects such as knots, splits, and decay is essential before testing, as these significantly influence the prop's strength and failure mode.
! The rate of loading must be controlled as specified, as a faster rate can yield artificially high strength values.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Sampling and Selection of PropsCl. 4ConditioningCl. 5Compression TestCl. 6Report
Pulled from IS 6346:1971. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timber

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM D198-19ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural Sizes
Provides methods for bending and compression tests on full-size structural timber, overlapping with IS 6346 test procedures.
EN 408:2010+A1:2012CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Timber structures - Structural timber and glued laminated timber - Determination of some physical and mechanical properties
Defines test methods for determining bending strength, stiffness, and compression strength of structural timber, aligning with the IS code's objectives.
AS/NZS 4063.1:2010Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Characterisation of structural timber - Part 1: Test methods
Specifies methods for determining characteristic properties of structural timber, including bending and compression tests relevant to the IS code.
ISO 13910:2005ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
LowWithdrawn
Structural timber — Characteristic values
Focuses on deriving characteristic values from test data rather than the primary test methods themselves, but references similar testing principles.
Key Differences
≠IS 6346:1971 is highly specific to round timber props for mines, whereas modern standards like ASTM D198 and EN 408 are for general structural timber, usually of rectangular cross-section.
≠Modern international standards specify strain-controlled or displacement-controlled loading rates (e.g., mm/min), which are more precise than the load-controlled rate (kgf/min) specified in the older IS code.
≠International standards typically require test results to be adjusted to a reference moisture content (e.g., 12%), a procedure not detailed in IS 6346, which tests props in 'green' or 'air-dry' condition.
≠Test setup parameters, such as the span-to-depth ratio for bending tests, are defined as fixed values in IS 6346 (e.g., 1.2 m span), while in EN 408 and ASTM D198, they are proportional to the specimen's dimensions (e.g., span = 18h).
Key Similarities
≈All standards prescribe fundamental mechanical tests, including an axial compression test to determine maximum compressive strength and a bending (flexural) test for Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity.
≈The basic principle of applying a load using a universal testing machine and measuring the load at failure or deflection is common across all the compared standards.
≈All standards require the timber specimens to be free from major strength-reducing defects and for the ends to be prepared properly (e.g., sawn square) to ensure uniform load application in compression tests.
≈The underlying engineering formulas used to calculate key properties like compressive stress (Load/Area) and Modulus of Rupture from the test data are based on the same mechanical principles.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Primary ApplicationRound timber props for minesGeneral purpose structural lumber (typically rectangular)ASTM D198-19
Axial Compression Loading Rate2500 kgf/min (approx. 24.5 kN/min)Controlled rate of head motion of 0.003 mm/mm of specimen length per minuteASTM D198-19
Bending Test Span1.2 meters (fixed)18 times the specimen depth (18h)EN 408:2010+A1:2012
Compression Specimen L/d RatioTest is on full-size prop, ratio variesShort column test requires L/d ratio not to exceed 17:1ASTM D198-19
Moisture Content AdjustmentNot specified; tested as-is (green or air-dry)Results are typically adjusted to a reference moisture content of 12%ASTM D198-19
Failure DescriptionLocation and nature of failure to be recorded.Requires detailed description and sketches of failure mode, especially for bending tests.ASTM D198-19
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Standard test temperature27 ± 2 °C
Standard relative humidity for conditioning65 ± 5 percent
Loading head bearingThe machine shall have a spherical bearing block for the loading head
Accuracy of load measurement± 1 percent of the indicated load
Rate of movement of testing machine headNot to exceed 0.05 mm/s per cm of prop length
Key Formulas
Compressive Strength (σ) = P / A — where P is the maximum load and A is the cross-sectional area at the point of failure

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Sampling and Selection of Props
Clause 4 - Conditioning
Clause 5 - Compression Test
Clause 6 - Report

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 287:2022Code of Practice for Design of Timber Structu...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary test conducted according to IS 6346?+
The primary test is an axial compression test on a full-size timber prop to determine its maximum load-carrying capacity.
Does this standard provide acceptable strength values for mine props?+
No, this is a 'method of test' standard. It only defines how to test the props. Acceptable strength values are specified by regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).
What is the standard condition for testing timber props?+
The props should be conditioned to a moisture content of 12% and tested at a temperature of 27 ± 2 °C.

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