This specification presents the standard procedures for establishing the performance rating of wood-plastic composite (WPC) deck boards and guardrail systems (guards or handrails). The purpose of this specification is to establish the basis for code recognition of these products or systems in exterior applications where combustible construction is allowed. The general requirements foe these products shall be dictated by their performance in the following test methods: flesural tests; temperature and moisture effects; ultraviolet resistance test; freeze-thaw resistance test; biodeterioration tests; and fire performance tests. Deck boards shall additionally examined by: creep-recovery test; determination of unadjusted allowable load; mechanical fastener holding tests; and slip resistance test. In the same manner, guards and handrails shall additionally be analyzed through concentrated load tests, and one- and two-family dwelling requirements.

1.1 This specification covers the procedures to establish a performance rating for wood-plastic composite (WPC) deck boards. This specification also defines the procedures to establish a performance rating for WPC guards and handrails. The purpose of this specification is to establish the basis for code recognition of these products or systems in exterior applications where combustible construction is allowed (see X1.1).

Note 1: While WPCs may contain wood fiber, the presence of wood fiber in the composite is not required by this standard. Other lignocellulosic materials may be used. For WPC deck boards and guardrail systems evaluated according to this standard, the structural, physical, and fire attributes may or may not exhibit similarity to those of wood due to the presence, type, and quantity of plastic(s) in the composite. WPCs should not be assumed to behave similarly to wood. For example, to address the influence of plastic in the composite, special considerations in the standard address sensitivity to temperature, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and freeze-thaw resistance.

1.1.1 The plastic component of wood-plastic composites and plastic lumber covered by this specification shall consist primarily of thermoplastics.

1.2 Deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails covered by this specification are permitted to be of any code compliant shape and thickness (solid or non-solid).

1.3 A deck board, and a deck board used as a stair tread, are assigned a span rating indicating its ability to comply with model code specified functions identified for its specific end use. A guard or handrail is recognized for its ability to meet minimum code requirements specified in the appropriate model building code.

1.4 Wood-plastic composites and plastic lumber are produced in a broad range of fiber and/or resin formulations. It is recognized that the performance requirements in this specification are valid for any material or combination of materials used as deck boards, stair treads, guards, or handrails.

1.5 Details of manufacturing processes are beyond the scope of this specification.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7 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 requirements prior to use.

1.8 Table of Contents:

Section

Scope

1

Referenced Documents

2

Terminology

3

General Requirements

4

 Sampling

4.1

 Sample Size

4.2

 Conditioning

4.3

 Flexural Tests

4.4

 Temperature and Moisture Effects

4.5

 Ultraviolet (UV) Resistance Test

4.6

 Freeze-Thaw Resistance Test

4.7

 Biodeterioration Tests

4.8

 Fire Performance Tests

4.9

Deck Board Performance Requirements

5

 General

5.1

 Flexural Performance Tests

5.2

 Determination of the Unadjusted Allowable Load

5.3

 Creep-Recovery Test

5.4

 Mechanical Fastener Holding Tests

5.5

 Slip Resistance Test

5.6

Guard and Handrail Performance Requirements

6

 General

6.1

 Guardrail System Test Requirements

6.2

  One- and Two-Family Dwelling Requirements

6.2.1.1

 Handrail Test Requirements (Concentrated Load)

6.3

Report

7

Independent Inspection

8

Manufacturing Standard

9

Precision and Bias

10

Keywords

11

Two-Span Test Method

Annex A1

Commentary

Appendix X1