The localized crushing behavior of wood or wood-base products beneath a fastener where the fastener does not bend provides a material property that is used in theoretical models for connections where crushing or fastener bending, or both, occur. These theoretical models are used to establish design values for wood and wood-base connections. The tests are appropriate when studying the effects of such variables as fastener diameter, fastener hole size, moisture content, specific gravity, and grain direction on the dowel-bearing strength.

1.1 This test method provides the basic procedure for evaluating dowel-bearing strength of wood and wood-based products. The bearing test results are used to determine the static load resistance and deformation characteristics of connections in wood and wood-base products resulting from the application of a load transmitted by a fastener inserted into a predrilled hole, or driven without drilling. Methods are given for preparing specimens with predrilled holes larger than the fastener diameter and specimens with holes produced by inserting fasteners in holes smaller than the fastener diameter. The methods apply to fasteners such as dowels, bolts, nails, spikes, drift pins, screws, lag screws, and staples.

1.2 This test method also provides the basis for determining the compression behavior of wood products beneath a laterally loaded fastener where the thickness of the product and the diameter of the fastener are such that minimal bending of the fastener occurs during testing.

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.