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 procedures to establish a performance rating for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber for use as exterior deck boards, stair treads, guards, and handrails. The purpose of this specification is to establish a basis for code recognition of these products or systems in exterior applications.

Note 1: While wood-plastic composites contain wood or other cellulosic materials, the presence of wood or other cellulosic materials in plastic lumber is not required by this specification. Due to non-wood materials in wood-plastic composites and plastic lumber the structural, physical, fire, and other attributes may not be similar to those of wood.

Note 2: The products addressed in this standard are considered combustible. No fire response characteristic is required in this specification except for flame spread index as determined in accordance with Test Method E84.

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 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.

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

1.5 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.

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.