Above ground testing is considered important for the assessment of treated wood intended for use class 3. Laboratory testing of efficacy of biocides as well as of natural durability focussing on such applications has to be linked to performance and service life. An accelerated L-joint test was some 15 years ago developed at the Ghent University to allow worst case assessment under semi-controlled outdoor circumstances. The method allows after 48 months outdoor exposure to differentiate wood species with regard to durability performance. Mass loss figures recorded were in line with the proposed Basidiomycete laboratory testing of natural durability. The method was further modified for testing panel products and has also proven potential to assess treated wood.

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