The need for performance criteria in evaluating the durability of wood products

Abstract

Data generated from wood-product durability evaluations can be difficult to interpret. Standard methods used to evaluate the potential long-term durability of wood products often provide little guidance on interpretation of test results. Decisions on acceptable performance for standardization and code compliance are based on the judgment of reviewers or committees. This decision-making process has potential pitfalls, especially when there is pressure to minimize the time needed for evaluation. This paper discusses some of the pitfalls encountered in interpretation of in-ground and above-ground durability test data and suggests areas where more prescriptive performance criteria may be warranted.