Testing for soft rot fungi and soil microorganisms

Standard XP CEN/TS 15083-2 describes a laboratory test method for determining the natural durability of wood (or modified wood) against soft rot microorganisms.

The test assesses the durability of wood under exposure conditions that reflect use in service class 4.

Test specimens of wood are buried in standardised soil under defined temperature and humidity conditions for a period of 10 to 48 weeks, depending on the species of wood being tested. A percentage of mass loss of the test specimens is used to evaluate the resistance of the hardwoods being tested to attack by microorganisms as a basis for a provisional assessment of durability.

For softwoods, the provisional durability rating is based on the loss of modulus of elasticity.
At the end of the test, the manufacturer receives a recognised and accredited report specifying the durability class of the tested material (wood or modified wood, heat-treated wood, etc.).

Standard XP ENV 807 is a laboratory method for determining the effectiveness of a wood preservative against soft rot microorganisms and other soil microorganisms. For this test, samples of non-durable wood treated by impregnation with 5 concentrations of the product are placed in contact with microbiologically active soil for 32 weeks. The effective concentration of the treatment product is based on the results of mass loss in the samples compared with test pieces treated with a reference product. This is a mandatory test for the marketing authorisation of biocidal products and CTB P+ certification.

At the end of the test, the manufacturer receives a recognised and accredited report indicating the efficacy threshold of its product for treating wood by impregnation for use in service class 4.

• Skills : 
  Biological wood testing

• Normative references:

  XP ENV 807, XP CEN/TS 15083-2

• COFRAC accreditation