Designation: D 2395 – 93 (Reapproved 1997)e1

Standard Test Methods for

Specific Gravity of Wood and Wood-Based Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2395; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

e1 NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in October 1997.

INTRODUCTION

The specific gravity is the weight of any given volume of a substance divided by the weight of an
equal volume of water. As both the weight and volume of wood vary with the amount of moisture
contained in the wood, specific gravity as applied to wood is an indefinite quantity unless the
conditions under which it is determined are clearly specified. The specific gravity of wood is generally
based on the weight when oven-dry, but the volume may be that in the oven-dry, partially dry, or green
condition. The amount of moisture retained at any equilibrium condition is proportional to the dry
weight of the specimen, and for this reason moisture content is normally expressed as a percent of the
oven-dry weight of the wood.

1. Scope measurements made. If the specimens are carefully prepared

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the and regular in shape, the volume determined by Method A can
specific gravity of wood and wood-based materials to generally be quite exact. The volume of irregularly shaped specimens
desired degrees of accuracy and for specimens of different can best be determined by immersion in water or mercury and
sizes, shapes, and moisture content conditions. The method if due care is taken to prevent absorption of water or entrap-
title is indicative of the procedures used or the specific area of ment of mercury, Methods B and D will give results of great
use. precision. Method C is an approximate method but a procedure
Section
that can be very useful, particularly as part of a production
Method A—Volume by Measurement 6 procedure. Methods E and F are especially adapted to gravity
Method B—Volume by Water Immersion 9 measurements of living trees or of in-place elements and the
Method C—Flotation Tube 12
Method D—Volume by Mercury Immersion 15
accuracy of the result is dependent upon the care used in
Method E—Forstner Bit 18 obtaining the specimen. Method G is a specific procedure for
Method F—Increment Core 21 wood chips.
Method G—Chips 24
3.2 Conversion of Values—It may often be desirable to
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the convert the specific gravity obtained at one moisture content to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the that at some other moisture content condition. This may be
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- approximated by the use of the chart in Fig. 1. The values of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- specific gravity based on oven-dry volume or volume at the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. current moisture content, less than the fiber saturation value,
are read on the left-hand scale. The specific gravity values
2. Referenced Documents based on green volume are plotted on the diagonal lines. All
2.1 ASTM Standards: values are based on oven-dry weight.
D 2016 Test Methods for Moisture Content of Wood2 3.2.1 To illustrate the use of the chart, assume the specific
gravity on an oven-dry weight and green volume basis is 0.55
3. Summary of Test Methods and it is desired to find the specific gravity for a 12 % moisture
3.1 The accuracy of the specific gravity value obtained on a content condition. Enter the chart at the 12 % moisture content
representative specimen will depend upon the accuracy of the and move vertically to the point where this line intersects the
0.55 specific gravity value (between diagonals 0.54 and 0.56)
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-7 on
and move horizontally to the left-hand scale to read the specific
Wood and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.01 on Fundamental gravity value 0.60. If the specific gravity on an oven-dry
Test Methods and Properties. weight and volume basis is 0.54 and the specific gravity at
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1993. Published October 1993. Originally 15 % moisture content is desired, enter the chart at 0.54 on the
published as D 2395 – 65 T. Last previous edition D 2395 – 83.
2
Discontinued; see 1988 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.10. left-hand scale and move parallel to the diagonals to an

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 2395

FIG. 1 Relation of Specific Gravity and Moisture Content

intersection with the 15 % moisture content line, then move that could be produced, the workability of the material, or the
horizontally to the left-hand scale to read 0.50. If the specific strength characteristics of a specimen or a species. It should be
gravity at 8 % moisture content is 0.45 and the value at 15 % recognized that specific gravity varies between trees, within a
moisture content is desired, enter the chart with 8 % moisture tree, and between species. Since the specific gravity of wood
content on the lower scale and 0.45 on the left-hand scale; from substance is practically constant for all species (approximately
this intersection move parallel to the diagonal lines to an 1.53), it is apparent that individual specific gravity values are
intersection with the 15 % moisture content line and then indicative of the amount of wood substance present. It affords
horizontally to the left-hand scale to read 0.44. a rapid and valuable method for selection of wood for specific
uses.
4. Significance and Use 4.2 It may be desirable to know the specific gravity of a
4.1 The specific gravity of wood gives an excellent measure living tree, a structural member already in place, a log cross
of the amount of wood substance present in a sample. Thus, it section, a segment of a research element, or the earlywood or
may serve as a valuable indicator of the amount of wood pulp latewood layer. The specimen thus may be large or small,

2
 D 2395
regular or irregular, and at a variety of moisture contents. This 7.3.1 Small Specimens—The entire specimen may be used
test method gives procedures that include all of these variables for determination of moisture content.
and provides for calculation of specific gravity values to 7.3.2 Intermediate Specimens—When the specimen is of a
degrees of accuracy generally needed. size that is unsuitable for moisture content determinations (the
5. Test Specimens time to oven-dry to constant weight would be excessive), a
segment may be cut from the specimen for a moisture content
5.1 The specific gravity specimens shall be fully represen- specimen. Select this segment so that its moisture content is
tative of the material from which they are taken. The specimen representative of that of the larger specimen. Where possible in
size shall be such that accurate measurements of weight and solid wood elements, the moisture content specimen shall be of
volume are easy to attain. Where other standards specify the full cross-sectional dimensions and 1 in. (25 mm) in length
location and size of specific gravity specimens, these require- (parallel to grain). In sheet materials the specimen shall be
ments shall be carefully followed. The specimens shall be equal in thickness to the thickness of the material and 3 by 6 in.
carefully cut from the larger element to ensure clean-cut (76 by 122 mm) in size.
surfaces. All loose fibers shall be carefully removed before the
7.3.3 Structural Elements—In full-sized members, deter-
specimen is weighed and measured. The specimen shall be free
mine the moisture content from a segment cut from the
from knots, and if pitch or other infiltrates are present, this shall
member. It shall be of full cross-sectional dimensions and 1 in.
be noted in the report or they shall be extracted before specific
(25 mm) in length (parallel to grain), and shall be selected from
gravity values are obtained.
a representative area of the member. To avoid the effects of end
5.2 Measurements—The dimensions of test specimens shall
drying, cut the specimen at least 18 in. (457 mm) in from the
be measured to a precision of 60.3 % or less, and the weight
end of the member.
shall be determined to a precision of 60.2 % or less. Where
drying of specimens is required, this shall be done in an oven 7.3.4 Special Situations—Where the specimen or element
maintained at 103 6 2°C. (For most panel materials and wood cannot be cut to secure a moisture content segment, an
specimens 1 in. (25 mm) in length parallel to grain, drying for approximate moisture content may be obtained through the use
48 h in an oven having good air circulation and exchange will of a moisture meter which is used in accordance with the
be sufficient to reach constant weight.) manufacturer’s recommendations. Since the moisture content
5.3 Report—The report shall identify the material as com- value is approximate, it should be recognized that the specific
pletely as possible, the method of selecting the specific gravity gravity value obtained will also be approximate.
sample, the procedure used in determining the specific gravity, 7.3.5 Specimen Preparation—When the moisture content
and the conditions under which the volume and weight were specimen is a portion of the element, remove all loose particles
determined. from the specimen and determine the initial weight (I) in
accordance with 5.2.
METHOD A—VOLUME BY MEASUREMENT 7.4 Drying—Oven-dry the moisture content specimen to
6. Applicability constant weight in accordance with 5.2, and determine the
oven-dry weight (F).
6.1 Shape of Specimen—The specimen must be regular in
shape with right-angle corners for determination of volume by
8. Calculation
lineal measurement. The procedure is adaptable to any size of
specimen or to specimens of any moisture content. If the 8.1 Moisture Content—Calculate the moisture content of
surfaces of the specimen are smooth and sufficient measure- the specimen as follows:
ments are taken, the volume can be obtained with considerable Moisture content, % 5 100 @~I 2 F!/F# (1)
accuracy. Special care must be taken in measurement of very
small or thin specimens. Volume of irregular or rough-surfaced where:
specimens should be obtained by Method B or Method D. I 5 initial weight, and
F 5 final weight (oven-dry).
7. Procedures 8.2 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as fol-
7.1 Measurement—Measure the length (L), width (w), and lows:
thickness (t) of the specimen in accordance with 5.2 in a sp gr 5 KW/@1 1 ~M/100!#Lwt (2)
sufficient number of places to ensure an accurate indication of
volume. In small specimens, uniform in size, one or two where:
measurements of each dimension will suffice; in larger speci- W 5 weight of specimen,
mens the number of measurements will depend on the unifor- M 5 moisture content of sample, %,
mity of the specimen, but at least three measurements of each W/[1 + (M/100)] 5 calculated oven-dry weight of speci-
dimension will be required. men,
7.2 Weight—Determine the weight (W) of the specimen at L 5 length of specimen,
the time of observation or test in accordance with 5.2. w 5 width of specimen,
7.3 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content (M) t 5 thickness of specimen, and
of the specimen to permit description of the basis on which the K 5 a constant;
K 5 27.68 when weight is in lb and volume
specific gravity is computed. Test Methods D 2016 indicate
is in in.3
procedures that should be used.

3
 D 2395

K 5 453.59 when weight is in lb and volume Determine the volume of the specimen by measuring the
is in cm3 volume of water displaced or by determining the weight of the
K 5 453 590 when weight is in lb and water displaced. The weight in grams is numerically equal to
volume is in mm3 the volume in cubic centimetres.
K 5 0.061 when weight is in g and volume 10.2.1 Mode I—Place the specimen in a tank of known
is in in.3 volume and add sufficient water to fill the tank. Then remove
K 5 1 when weight is in g and volume is in the specimen and determine the volume of water remaining.
cm3 The tank volume less the volume of water remaining is equal
K 5 1000 when weight is in g and volume is to the volume of the specimen. The relationship between
in mm3 specimen volume and tank volume shall be such that the
8.2.1 The specific gravity calculated is based on oven-dry precision of specimen volume measurement is high.
weight and volume at test. 10.2.2 Mode II—Place a container holding enough water to
8.2.2 If the term [1 + (M/100)] were removed from the completely submerge the specimen on one pan of a balance as
formula, the specific gravity value would be based on weight shown in Fig. 2. Then balance the combined weight of the
and volume when tested, or at the moisture content when container and water with weights added to the other pan. Hold
measured. If the measured moisture content were above the the specimen so that it is completely submerged without
fiber saturation point, the specific gravity would be based on touching the sides of the container by means of a sharp,
the green volume. pointed, slender rod and balance the scales again. The weight
METHOD B—VOLUME BY WATER IMMERSION added to restore balance is equal to the weight of water
displaced by the specimen. Alternatively, an automatic balance
9. Applicability may be used and will greatly facilitate the speed of such
9.1 Type of Specimen—This procedure is particularly adapt- measurements. If very small specimens are used, the accuracy
able to specimens of irregular shape or having a rough surface. of resulting data is likely to be low.
Limitations on specimen size are based primarily on size of 10.2.3 Mode III—Place a container holding enough water to
immersion tanks available. In small size specimens, less than 1 completely submerge the specimen below one pan of a balance
cm3 in volume, air bubbles adhering to the specimen surface as shown in Fig. 3. The container shall be sufficiently large so
can result in considerable error in volume measurement and that immersion of the specimen causes no material change in
thus to the computed specific gravity value. Freshly cut green water level. Suspend a wire basket of sufficient weight to hold
wood will not absorb appreciable quantities of water during the the specimen submerged from this same pan and immerse it in
brief immersion period. As soon as any drying of the wood has the water. Balance the weight of the basket when freely
taken place however, the surface must be sealed before immersed with weights added to the other scale pan. Weigh the
immersion in water or else the volumetric displacement of the specimen in air. Place the specimen in the basket and hold it
wood specimen will be in error in an amount equal to the completely submerged without touching the container while
volume of water absorbed by the wood. balancing the scales again. The weight added to restore
balance, if the specimen is lighter than water, plus the weight
10. Procedures of the specimen in air equals the volume of water displaced. If
10.1 Weight—Determine the initial weight (I) of the speci- the specimen is heavier than water, subtract the weight added
men at time of test in accordance with 5.2. to restore balance from the weight of the specimen in air to
10.2 Volume—Determine the volume of the specimen by determine the volume of water displaced.
one of the following modes. Volume may be determined in the 10.2.4 Mode IV—Immerse the specimen, of an elongated
“as received” condition if the specimen is green; or in the “as shape, in a graduated tube having a cross section only slightly
received” condition if the specimen is partially dry or after larger than that of the specimen as shown in Fig. 4. Read the
oven-drying if the pores are adequately sealed (see 10.2.5). water level in the tube, preferably to an even graduation mark,

FIG. 2 Diagrammatic Sketch of Apparatus Used to Measure Volume of Specimens by Method B-II

4
 D 2395

FIG. 3 Diagrammatic Sketch of Apparatus Used to Measure Volume of Specimens by Method B-III

dipped in a solution of paraffin wax in carbon tetrachloride: 1

oz of paraffin wax in 260 in.3 of carbon tetrachloride (1 g of
paraffin wax in 150 cm3 of carbon tetrachloride). Before
immersion, allow the carbon tetrachloride to evaporate for a
few minutes. The gain in weight due to the thin film of wax
deposited is negligible. This test method may be effectively
used on air-dry specimens since thin wax film does not appear
to affect shrinkage when the specimen is oven-dried.
NOTE 1—Caution—Observe necessary precautions to ensure proper
ventilation when carbon tetrachloride is used.
10.3 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content
(M) of the specimen to permit description of the basis on which
the specific gravity is computed.
10.3.1 Specimen—The entire specimen or a representative
segment may be used for the moisture content determination.
Remove all loose particles from the specimen and determine
the initial weight (I) in accordance with 5.2.
10.4 Drying—Oven-dry the moisture content specimen to
constant weight in accordance with 5.2 and determine the
oven-dry weight (F).
11. Calculation
11.1 Moisture Content—Calculate the moisture content as
follows:
Moisture content, % 5 100 @~I 2 F!/F# (3)

where:
FIG. 4 Method of Measuring Volume of Elongated Specimens
Using a Graduated Tube I 5 initial weight, and
F 5 final weight (oven-dry).
11.2 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as
before immersing the specimen. Immerse the specimen, hold it follows:
submerged with a slender pointed rod if necessary, and sp gr 5 KW/V (4)
determine the water level again. The difference in water level
is equal to the volume of the specimen. where:
10.2.5 Surface Treatment of Specimen—Green specimens W 5 weight of specimen at desired moisture content,
may be immersed in water for volume determinations without V 5 volume of specimen at desired moisture content, and
material absorption of water that will affect volume determi- K 5 constant whose value is determined by the units used
nations. Dip air-dry or oven-dry specimens in hot paraffin wax to measure weight and volume, as defined in 8.2.
before making volume determinations. After the wax dip, METHOD C—FLOTATION TUBE
weigh the specimen again and use this weight in conjunction
with the immersed weight for determining volume in Mode II 12. Applicability
and Mode III (10.2.2 and 10.2.3). Alternatively, softwood 12.1 Type of Specimen—This procedure provides a rapid
specimens or hardwood specimens with small pores may be means for obtaining an approximate specific gravity for an

5
 D 2395
elongated specimen of uniform cross section and known coating except for specimens with open pores or voids which
moisture content. could entrap mercury and thus result in an erroneous measure-
ment of volume.
13. Procedures
NOTE 2—A paraffin wax coating may be used to seal open pores or
13.1 Specimen Preparation—The specimen shall be slender voids but should be used with caution since the coating could add to the
and of uniform cross section, preferably about 1 in. (25 mm) on volume of small specimens and thus cause errors in measurement of
a side and 10 in. (254 mm) long. The moisture content may be volume.
any known value.
13.2 Measurement—Place the specimen in a slender cylin- 16. Procedures
der filled with water and allow it to float in as nearly a vertical 16.1 Weight—Determine the initial weight (I) of the speci-
position as possible (Fig. 5). The cylinder diameter shall be but men at time of test in accordance with 5.2.
little larger than the specimen cross section, and the specimen 16.2 Volume—The volume (V) of the specimen may be
shall not touch the cylinder wall until immersed as far as it will determined at any desired moisture content condition or
go. With the specimen floating in an upright position, quickly oven-dry. Determine the volume by immersing the specimen in
mark the water level on the specimen to avoid excessive mercury in a manner similar to that described for measuring
absorption of water by the specimen. volume by water immersion in 10.2.3, or by equivalent
methods which measure displacement volume directly. When
14. Calculation the immersion technique is used, the specimen must be
14.1 Specific Gravity—Determine the specific gravity of the forcefully submerged in the mercury and the procedures used
specimen at the given moisture content by dividing the must ensure that the volume of the specimen holder does not
immersed length of specimen by the total length. Estimates of influence volume measurement of the specimen.3
specific gravity to the nearest 0.02 can be readily made. NOTE 3—Caution—Observe necessary precautions to ensure proper
ventilation when mercury is used.
METHOD D—VOLUME BY MERCURY IMMERSION
17. Calculation
15. Applicability
17.1 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as
15.1 Type of Specimen—This procedure is adaptable for follows:
specimens of almost any shape, density, and moisture content.
sp gr 5 KI/V (5)
Because of the high density of mercury, accurate observations
can be obtained even for very small specimens. The procedure where:
has the advantage of not changing the moisture content of the I 5 weight of specimen at desired moisture content,
specimen. It also eliminates the need for a hot paraffin wax V 5 volume of specimen at desired moisture content, and
K 5 constant whose value is determined by the units used
to measure weight and volume, as defined in 8.2.
METHOD E—FORSTNER BIT
18. Applicability
18.1 Type of Specimen—This procedure is particularly
adaptable for determining the specific gravity of logs, timbers,
or any inplace elements from which it would be difficult to saw
a more conventional sample. The Forstner-type bit does not
have a lead screw, and volume of material can be readily
obtained from the diameter of the bit and the depth of the hole.
Care must be taken to collect all of the shavings.
19. Procedures
19.1 Volume—Obtain the volume of specimen material by
boring a hole into the element in question with a Forstner-type
bit. The diameter of hole and depth of boring shall be such that
an adequate sample is obtained without damage to the element.

3
A number of specialized types of apparatus have been developed to measure
specimen volumes by mercury immersion. These include: A mercury balance
volumeter described by E. G. Stern and P. S. Dear in ASTM Bulletin No. 135, August
1945, pp. 35–40. (Measures volume by weight of mercury displaced.); A mercury
volumeter developed by Bethel and Harrar and described in Yale Tropical Woods
Booklet No. 93. (Measures displacement volume directly.); and The Breuil (Amsler)
FIG. 5 Cylinder and Specimen Used in Flotation Tube Method of volumeter manufactured by Alfred J. Amsler and Co., Switzerland. (Measures
Specific Gravity Determination displacement volume directly.)

6
 D 2395
Accurately measure the diameter of the bit and depth of the where:
hole. Use these dimensions to calculate the specimen volume. I 5 initial weight, and
19.2 Weight—Carefully collect all of the chips obtained by F 5 final weight (oven-dry).
boring and immediately weigh them to determine the initial 23.2 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as
weight (I). follows:
19.3 Moisture Content—Determine the moisture content sp gr 5 KF/V (9)
(M) to permit description of the basis on which the specific
gravity is computed. where:
19.4 Drying—Oven-dry the chips to constant weight in V 5 volume of specimen at desired moisture content,
accordance with 5.2 and determine the oven-dry weight (F). F 5 final weight (oven-dry), and
K 5 constant whose value is determined by the units used
20. Calculation to measure weight and volume as defined in 8.2.
20.1 Moisture Content—Calculate the moisture content as
METHOD G—CHIPS
follows:
Moisture content, % 5 100 @~I 2 F!/F# (6) 24. Applicability
where: 24.1 This procedure is specifically designed to determine
I 5 initial weight, and the specific gravity of wood chips. This is most often obtained
F 5 final weight (oven-dry). on a green volume, oven-dry weight basis, although other
20.2 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as specific gravity values can be obtained.4
follows:
25. Procedures
sp gr 5 KF/V (7)
25.1 Specimen—Select a representative sample of chips
where: weighing 0.66 to 0.77 lb (approximately 300 to 350 g) for test.
V 5 volume of specimen at desired moisture content, Remove sawdust and undersized chips by shaking on a
F 5 final weight (oven-dry), and three-mesh sieve.
K 5 constant whose value is determined by the units used 25.2 Weight—Obtain the initial weight (I) of the chips in
to measure weight and volume, as defined in 8.2. accordance with 5.2.
25.3 Volume—Submerge the chips in water at room tem-
METHOD F—INCREMENT CORES perature for at least 1 h to ensure that they are at their green
volume and will not absorb water during volume measurement.
21. Applicability
Then remove them from the water, allow them to drain in a
21.1 This procedure is particularly adaptable for obtaining wire-mesh basket, and place them in the centrifuge basket.
specimens to determine the specific gravity of standing trees Centrifuge the chips from 800 to 1200 rpm for 1 to 4 min.
but is also suitable for use on logs, poles, piles, or other 25.3.1 Place a container holding enough water to freely
structural elements. Since only a pencil-sized hole is made in submerge the chip holder on one scale pan and balance it.
the member in question, it has no material effect on the Submerge the empty chip holder, except for its wire handle, in
properties of the member and can be easily sealed. the water container. The chip holder must not touch the sides or
bottom of the container, and shall be balanced by weights
22. Procedures
which represent the volume of water equivalent to that of the
22.1 Volume—Obtain the specimen material by extracting a empty chip holder. Transfer the chips to the chip holder and
core from the member by means of a standard increment borer. slowly lower them into the container of water, being careful to
Obtain the volume from the diameter of the cutting edge of the remove any entrapped air. Balance the scale and obtain the
increment borer and measure the length of the core immedi- weight necessary to balance the volume of water equal to the
ately after it is removed from the member. Handle the core volume of chips (V).
carefully to prevent damage or loss of any portion. 25.4 Drying—Remove the chips and oven-dry to constant
22.2 Weight—When the moisture content of the element is weight in accordance with 5.2 to determine the oven-dry
desired, weigh the increment core immediately after the length weight (F).
is measured in order to obtain the initial weight (I). If this is
impossible, the core must be protectively wrapped to prevent 26. Calculations
loss of moisture. 26.1 Moisture Content—Calculate the moisture content as
22.3 Drying—Oven-dry the increment core to constant follows:
weight in accordance with 5.2 and determine the oven-dry
Moisture content, % 5 100 @~I 2 F!/F# (10)
weight.
where:
23. Calculation
23.1 Moisture Content—Calculate the moisture content as
follows: 4
Additional information on this test method may be obtained from TAPPI T18
Moisture content, % 5 100 @~I 2 F!/F# (8) 0S-53.

7
 D 2395

I 5 initial weight, and K 5 constant whose value is determined by the units used
F 5 final weight (oven-dry). to measure weight and volume, as defined in 8.2.
26.2 Specific Gravity—Calculate the specific gravity as
follows: 27. Precision and Bias
sp gr 5 KF/V (11) 27.1 The precision and bias of these test methods for
determining specific gravity are being established.
where:
V 5 volume of specimen at desired moisture content, 28. Keywords
F 5 final weight (oven-dry), and 28.1 specific gravity; wood; wood-based material

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CONVERSION FORMULAS FOR SPECIFIC GRAVITY/MOISTURE CONTENT RELATIONSHIPS

X1.1 When a mathematical expression for the conversion Sd

Sa 5 (X1.3)
of specific gravity values obtained at one moisture content to 1 1 Sd ~0.009!M
that at some other moisture content condition is required, the X1.1.3 If M1 is the percent moisture content when the
following formulas may be used:5
specific gravity is Sa, M2 is the percent moisture content when
X1.1.1 Specific gravity at any moisture content M, below the specific gravity is Sb and M2 is greater than M1 then
the fiber-saturation point, determined from specific gravity
Sb
values based on weight when oven-dry and volume when green ~ a ! Sa 5 (X1.4)
1 2 Sb ~0.009!~M2 2 M1!
and on weight and volume when oven-dry.

F G
Sa
M ~ b ! Sb 5 (X1.5)
Sa 5 Sd 2 ~Sd 2 Sg!30 (X1.1) 1 2 Sa ~0.009!~M2 2 M1!

X1.1.2 Specific gravity (Sa) computed for any moisture where:

content M below the fiber-saturation point when the specific M 5 percentage moisture based on oven-dry
gravity of the wood at some particular moisture content is weight,
known or assumed. Sa and Sb 5 specific gravity values when wood has mois-
(a) based on specific gravity of wood when green 5 Sg ture content values of M1 and M2 respec-
tively, and
Sg
Sa 5 (X1.2) Sd 5 specific gravity based on the weight of the
1 2 Sg ~0.009!~30 2 M!
oven- dry wood and volume when oven-dry,
(b) based on specific gravity of wood when oven-dry 5 Sd and
Sg 5 specific gravity based on the weight of the
5
oven- dry wood and volume when green.
MacLean, J. D. 1944. Effect of Moisture Changes on the Shrinking, Swelling,
Specific Gravity, Air or Void Space, Weight and Similar Properties of Wood. Mimeo
No. R1449, U.S.D.A., Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI.

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