The simulated above-ground exposure technique described is worthy of consideration as a simple procedure to determine the relative decay resistance of preservative-treated wood exposed to a moderate decay hazard. The method may readily be modified to allow testing of other materials such as plywood by simply enlarging the slots cut in the modified feeder strips. The method by no means completely simulates the conditions that exist in timbers exposed out of ground contact, nor does it simulate the natural process of infection, but it does provide lower toxic thresholds and allow reassessment of relative performance of preservatives under test conditions less severe than those of soil-contact exposures. A fully acceptable test procedure will be available only when a clear understanding is gained of the decay process in timbers and commodities exposed out of ground contact.

Download document (242 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document