ISO 8375:2017

Overview

ISO 8375:2017 - "Timber structures - Glued laminated timber - Test methods for determination of physical and mechanical properties" - defines standardized test methods for characterizing glued laminated timber (glulam). The third edition (2017) specifies laboratory methods to determine key material properties used in design, certification and quality control of rectangular glulam members. It covers measurement of dimensions, moisture content, density, elastic moduli and strength values in bending, tension, compression and shear - both parallel and perpendicular to the grain.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Test procedures are applicable to rectangular shapes of glued laminated timber.
• Specimen preparation and conditioning: Requirements for specimen dimensions, surface preparation and environmental conditioning before testing.
• Physical properties: Determination of dimensions, moisture content and density.
• Elastic properties:
  • Modulus of elasticity (bending - local and global)
  • Shear modulus (variable span method)
  • Moduli in tension and compression (parallel and perpendicular to the grain)
• Strength properties:
  • Bending strength
  • Tension and compression strengths (parallel and perpendicular to the grain)
  • Shear strength (small specimen and full-size beam tests)
• Test procedures and reporting: Stepwise test methods, expressions of results and required information in the test report (see clause on test report content).

Practical applications

ISO 8375:2017 is essential for professionals needing reliable, repeatable characterization of glulam mechanical and physical properties:

• Manufacturers and quality control: Establish grade characteristics, verify production batches and ensure conformance to product specifications.
• Structural engineers: Use characteristic moduli and strengths for design, analysis and safety verification of timber structures.
• Testing laboratories: Implement harmonized test methods for certification, R&D and material property databases.
• Certification bodies and regulatory authorities: Assess conformity with design standards and support product approvals.
• Researchers and universities: Compare materials, validate new adhesives or manufacturing processes using standardized procedures.

Related standards

ISO 8375:2017 aligns with the work of ISO/TC 165 (Timber structures). For project-level design and regulatory compliance, users commonly consult complementary national and international standards for structural timber testing and grading. Refer to your national standards body for equivalent or harmonized test standards and normative cross-references.

Keywords: ISO 8375:2017, glued laminated timber, glulam test methods, modulus of elasticity, bending strength, shear modulus, moisture content, density, timber structures.