Wood Handbook Revision Help

[MTEng1]

I have a reference from an ASTM standard which says to use the USDA Agricultural Handbook 72 for design of timber structures. The problem I am having is that it references "Revision 0". What version is "Revision 0" for the wood handbook? I would think it is the 1955 version, but would like to see if anyone else knows for sure. Thanks in advance.

"Structural engineering is the art of modeling materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot precisely analyse so as to withstand forces we cannot properly assess in such a way that the public at large has no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance." -Dr. A. R. Dykes

 

[JAE]

Is this an old document or something? Why would you need to use it?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

The "Wood Handbook" was first published in 1935, with revisions in 1939, 1955, 1974, 1987 and the current 1999 edition. I have hard copy of the 1974 edition and there is no mention of "Revision Numbers". You can download the 1999 book (free .pdf). The Preface has the above references to when revisions were made. Here is the link:

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/products/publications/several_pubs.php?grouping_id=100&header_id=p

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[MTEng1]

JAE, it is referenced in the ASTM F1159-03, which is the current version of this standard (the 2003 version).

SlideRuleEra, that is exactly what I found as well. There is no reference to "Revision Numbers". Here is the exact quote from the ASTM F1159-03: "Design timber structures in accordance with USDA Agricultural Handbook 72, Revision 0, The Wood Handbook."

"Structural engineering is the art of modeling materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot precisely analyse so as to withstand forces we cannot properly assess in such a way that the public at large has no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance." -Dr. A. R. Dykes

 

[msquared48]

My '74 edition of the Wood Handbook, is based on the "USDA Agriculture Handbok 72, revised". It is unclear as to whether the revision pertains to the Wood Handbook or the Agriculture Handbook as the title page mentions "Agriculture Handbook No. 72" on one line, then on the next says "Revised August 1974".

It is also interesting to note that on the last page in the lower right corner, credits are given to the "US Government Printing Office: 1974 O-530-886"

So... I guess, since it is a government publication, we should expect confusion.



Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[MTEng1]

That is what I noticed too, msquared48. You are right, it is a government publication, they seem to enjoy confusing us sometimes. Although, the reference is from an ASTM standard. I have called the ASTM F 24 Subcommittee and am waiting for a response back. They may provide me with a better answer for what they meant by "Revision 0". I will post when I receive word back from them, unless someone else on the forum finds an answer.

"Structural engineering is the art of modeling materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot precisely analyse so as to withstand forces we cannot properly assess in such a way that the public at large has no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance." -Dr. A. R. Dykes

 

[JAE]

MTEng1 - just trying to learn something here. What is the ASTM section F1159-03 for and why is its reference important to you? Just wondering how this fits in with an engineering task.

Usually ASTM doesn't back cite handbooks or codes - usually it is the other way around where a code/spec will cite the ASTM document.

 

[MTEng1]

JAE, it is a standard for patron directed amusement rides and devices. We are working with a company that is developing an amusement ride and I am assisting them with meeting this ASTM standard.

BTW, I was unable to reach anyone on the F 24 Committee other than the Administrative Assistant. Everyone seems to be on vacation this week.

"Structural engineering is the art of modeling materials we do not wholly understand into shapes we cannot precisely analyse so as to withstand forces we cannot properly assess in such a way that the public at large has no reason to suspect the extent of our ignorance." -Dr. A. R. Dykes

 

[jdonville]

MTEng1,

Just use the latest version. And check with the current NDS, too.

Jeff