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IS 8720 : 1978Methods of sampling of timber scantlings from depots and their conversion for testing

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ISO 3129 · ASTM D143
CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 8720:1978 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for methods of sampling of timber scantlings from depots and their conversion for testing. This standard provides the methodology for sampling timber scantlings from a depot or lot for testing purposes. It specifies the scale of sampling based on lot size and details the procedure for selecting and converting these scantlings into small, clear specimens required for physical and mechanical tests.

Methods of sampling of timber scantlings from depots and their conversion for 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)ASTM D143-21 · ASTM International (USA)
Typically used with
IS 1708IS 2455IS 399
Also on InfraLens for IS 8720
5Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! The selection of scantlings should be truly random to ensure the sample is representative of the entire lot. Avoid picking only the most accessible pieces.
! During conversion into test specimens, the goal is to obtain 'clear' samples, which means they must be free from defects like knots, cracks, decay, and insect attack.
! Proper marking and recording are crucial to maintain traceability from the final test result back to the specific scantling and its original lot.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3Scale of SamplingCl. 4Selection of ScantlingsCl. 5Conversion of ScantlingsCl. 6Marking and Recording
Pulled from IS 8720:1978. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberwoodscantlings

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ISO 3129:2019International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
HighCurrent
Wood — Sampling methods and general requirements for physical and mechanical testing of small clear wood specimens
Directly covers sampling from sawn timber and logs to prepare small clear specimens for testing.
ASTM D143-21ASTM International (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber
Includes a 'Secondary Method' for sampling from commercial lumber shipments to prepare test specimens.
BS 373:1957British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
MediumWithdrawn
Methods of testing small clear specimens of timber
Covered sampling and preparation of small clear specimens, but is now obsolete.
Key Differences
≠IS 8720 provides a prescriptive, table-based sampling scheme based on lot size (e.g., sample 5 scantlings for a lot up to 50). Modern standards like ISO 3129 are principle-based, requiring a statistically valid sampling plan to be developed and reported, without mandating fixed numbers.
≠IS 8720 specifies a single, mandatory cutting pattern (Fig. 1) for converting a scantling into test sticks. ASTM D143 and ISO 3129 provide recommended diagrams but allow more flexibility, focusing on principles like avoiding defects and ensuring representation across the cross-section.
≠The Indian standard is narrowly focused on 'scantlings from depots', whereas ISO 3129 and ASTM D143 have a broader scope, covering sampling from standing trees, logs, and general sawn timber/lumber shipments.
≠As a 1978 standard, IS 8720's methodology is less aligned with modern statistical sampling theory compared to the recently updated ISO 3129:2019 and ASTM D143-21.
Key Similarities
≈All standards share the fundamental objective of obtaining representative samples from a larger population of timber for the purpose of physical and mechanical testing.
≈The core principle across all standards is the preparation of 'small clear specimens', meaning test pieces free from defects like knots, decay, and splits, which would influence the intrinsic material properties.
≈All standards mandate a robust system for marking and tracking samples, from the original log or scantling down to the final test specimen, to ensure full traceability of test results.
≈The standards recognize the critical influence of moisture content and provide guidelines for handling and conditioning samples to be tested in a specified state (e.g., green or at a standard 12% moisture content).
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Sampling BasisLot-based acceptance sampling from a depot, with a fixed sampling schedule.Statistically-based representative sampling; plan depends on population variability and test objectives.ISO 3129:2019
Sample Size from a Lot of 100 Scantlings8 scantlingsNot prescribed; must be determined by a statistical sampling plan.ISO 3129:2019
Sample Length from ScantlingA length of 1.2 m shall be cut from each selected scantling.Not specified; length must be sufficient to yield the required number of test specimens clear of defects.ASTM D143-21
Specimen Conversion GuideMandatory cutting diagram (Fig. 1) must be followed.Provides recommended cutting diagrams but allows flexibility based on material and objectives.ASTM D143-21
Target Test StandardSpecimens prepared for tests as per IS 1708.Specimens prepared for tests as per the ISO 13061 series.ISO 3129:2019
TraceabilityPrescribes a specific marking scheme for lot, scantling, and test sticks.Requires a complete and unambiguous marking system to be used and documented, but does not prescribe a specific format.ISO 3129:2019
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Sample size for lot of 51 to 90 scantlings5
Sample size for lot of 91 to 150 scantlings8
Sample size for lot of 151 to 280 scantlings13
Minimum recommended length of scantling2.4 m
Minimum recommended cross-section of scantling50 mm x 50 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Scale of Sampling
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Scale of Sampling
Clause 4 - Selection of Scantlings
Clause 5 - Conversion of Scantlings
Clause 6 - Marking and Recording

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 2455:1990Method of sampling of model trees and logs an...
→
IS 399:1966Classification of Commercial Timbers and Thei...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

How many scantlings do I need to sample from a truckload of 120 pieces?+
For a lot size between 91 and 150, you need to select 8 scantlings for testing, as per Table 1.
What is the purpose of this standard?+
It standardizes how to obtain a representative sample of timber from a large batch and how to cut it into smaller pieces for quality testing.
Does this standard tell me how to test the timber's strength?+
No. This standard is only for sampling and preparing test specimens. The actual test procedures are covered in IS 1708 (Methods of testing of small clear specimens of timber).

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