SECTION 9: WOOD DESIGN 9-5

9.5.3—Net Section

In calculating stresses for wood members (e.g., posts

and poles), the net section of the member shall be used. The
net section shall be determined by deducting from the gross
section the projected area of all material removed by boring,
grooving, dapping, notching, or other means.

9.6—BASIC DESIGN VALUES FOR WOOD C9.6

MEMBERS

Basic design values for posts are given in Tables 9-3 Basic design values listed in Tables 9-3 and 9-4 are
and 9-4. given for some common species and grades of lumber for
Basic design values for round timber poles are given in posts. For other species or grades not listed in these tables,
Table 9-5. the NDS should be used.
ASTM D 3200 provides a test method for determining
the basic design values of round timber poles.
The NDS does not contain basic design values for poles;
however, the Timber Construction Manual suggests using
the basic design values for poles included in the NDS, based
on single-member use. Table 9-5 lists basic design values
using this recommendation for three species of poles.
Designs preformed for each of these species will require the
same class or approximately the same class of pole for a
given loading and length of pole. For poles specified by class
and length only, designs based on the Southern Pine species
will result in the average class requirement for these species.
Basic design values from Tables 9-3, 9-4, and 9-5 apply
to normal load duration. Normal load duration is defined as
the condition of fully stressing a member to its allowable
stress by the application of the full design load for a
cumulative period of approximately 10 yr, and/or the
application of 90 percent of the full design load continuously
throughout the remainder of the life of the structure.
When the design load is applied for a cumulative period
of more than 10 yr, basic design values except the modulus
of elasticity, E, and the compression perpendicular to grain,
Fcp, are reduced by ten percent to account for the possibility
of creep and other long-term effects. This condition
corresponds to Group I load combination, which considers
only dead load.

© 2009 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved.
Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
9-6 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS FOR HIGHWAY SIGNS, LUMINAIRES, AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Table 9-3—Basic Design Values for Visually Graded Lumber Posts for 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in.) through 100 × 150 mm (4 × 6 in.)
(See note d for adjustments of basic design values.)

Tension Compression Compression Modulus of

Bending parallel to Shear parallel perpendicular parallel to elasticity, E
Species and Fb grain, Ft to grain, Fv to grain, Fcp grain, Fc MPa Grading rules
commercial grade MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) (psi) ×103 agency
Douglas WCLIB
Fir-Larch WWPA
select structural 10.34 (1500) 6.90 (1000) 0.65 (95) 4.31 (625) 11.72 (1700) 13.10 (1900)
No. 1 6.90 (1000) 4.65 (675) 0.65 (95) 4.31 (625) 10.34 (1500) 11.72 (1700)
No. 2 6.21 (900) 3.96 (575) 0.65 (95) 4.31 (625) 9.31 (1350) 11.03 (1600)
Hem Fir WCLIB
select structural 9.65 (1400) 6.38 (925) 0.52 (75) 2.79 (405) 10.34 (1500) 11.03 (1600) WWPA
No. 1 6.72 (975) 4.31 (625) 0.52 (75) 2.79 (405) 9.31 (1350) 10.34 (1500)
No. 2 5.86 (850) 3.45 (500) 0.52 (75) 2.79 (405) 8.62 (1250) 8.96 (1300)
Southern Pine SPIB
100 × 100 mm
(4 × 4 in.)
select structural 19.65 (2850) 11.03 (1600) 0.69 (100) 3.90 (565) 14.48 (2100) 12.41 (1800)
No. 1 12.76 (1850) 7.24 (1050) 0.69 (100) 3.90 (565) 12.76 (1850) 11.72 (1700)
No. 2 10.34 (1500) 5.69 (825) 0.62 (90) 3.90 (565) 11.38 (1650) 11.03 (1600)
Southern Pine SPIB
100 × 125 or
150 mm
(4 × 5 or 6 in.)
select structural 17.58 (2550) 9.65 (1400) 0.62 (90) 3.90 (565) 13.79 (2000) 12.41 (1800)
No. 1 11.38 (1650) 6.21 (900) 0.62 (90) 3.90 (565) 12.07 (1750) 11.72 (1700)
No. 2 8.62 (1250) 5.00 (725) 0.62 (90) 3.90 (565) 11.03 (1600) 11.03 (1600)
Spruce-Pine-Fir NELMA
(South) NSLB
select structural 8.96 (1300) 3.96 (575) 0.48 (70) 2.31 (335) 8.27 (1200) 8.96 (1300) WCLIB
No. 1 6.03 (875) 2.76 (400) 0.48 (70) 2.31 (335) 7.24 (1050) 8.27 (1200) WWPA
No. 2 5.34 (775) 2.41 (350) 0.48 (70) 2.31 (335) 6.90 (1000) 7.58 (1100)
Western Cedar WCLIB
select structural 6.90 (1000) 4.14 (600) 0.52 (75) 2.93 (425) 6.90 (1000) 7.58 (1100) WWPA
No. 1 5.00 (725) 2.93 (425) 0.52 (75) 2.93 (425) 5.69 (825) 6.90 (1000)
No. 2 4.83 (700) 2.93 (425) 0.52 (75) 2.93 (425) 4.48 (650) 6.90 (1000)

Notes:
a
Basic design values for other grades or species of posts are given in the NDS.
b
Basic design values are based on dry service conditions (i.e., moisture content less than or equal to 19 percent). For wet service
conditions (i.e., moisture content greater than 19 percent), provisions of Article 9.8.1 shall be considered.
c
Values for modulus of elasticity are average values that conform to ASTM D 245 and ASTM D 1990. Adjustments in modulus of
elasticity have been taken to reflect appropriate increases for seasoning; increases for density where applicable; and, where required,
reductions have been made to account for the effect of grade on stiffness.
d
For all species other than Southern Pine, the tabulated bending, tension, and compression parallel to grain basic design values shall be
multiplied by the following size-adjustment factors to determine the actual basic design values (size adjustment factors have already
been incorporated in the tabulated values for Southern Pine):
Size-Adjustment Factors
Post Size Fb Ft Fc
100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in.) 1.5 1.5 1.15
100 × 125 mm (4 × 5 in.) 1.4 1.4 1.1
100 × 150 mm (4 × 6 in.) 1.3 1.3 1.1

© 2009 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved.
Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
SECTION 9: WOOD DESIGN 9-7

Table 9-4—Basic Design Values for Visually Graded Lumber Posts 125 × 125 mm (5 × 5 in.) and Larger
Tension Shear Compression Compression Modulus of
Bending parallel to parallel to perpendicular parallel to elasticity, E
Species and commercial Fb grain, Ft grain, Fv to grain, Fcp grain, Fc MPa (psi) Grading rules
grade MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) × 103 agency
Douglas Fir-Larch WCLIB
select structural 10.34 (1500) 6.90 (1000) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 7.93 (1150) 11.03 (1600)
No. 1 8.27 (1200) 5.69 (825) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 6.90 (1000) 11.03 (1600)
No. 2 5.17 (750) 3.27 (475) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 4.83 (700) 8.96 (1300)
Douglas Fir-Larch WWPA
select structural 10.34 (1500) 6.90 (1000) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 7.93 (1150) 11.03 (1600)
No. 1 8.27 (1200) 5.69 (825) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 6.90 (1000) 11.03 (1600)
No. 2 4.83 (700) 3.27 (475) 0.59 (85) 4.31 (625) 3.27 (475) 8.96 (1300)
Hem Fir WCLIB
select structural 8.27 (1200) 5.52 (800) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 6.72 (975) 8.96 (1300)
No. 1 6.72 (975) 4.50 (650) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 5.86 (850) 8.96 (1300)
No. 2 3.96 (575) 2.59 (375) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 3.96 (575) 7.58 (1100)
Hem Fir WWPA
select structural 8.27 (1200) 5.52 (800) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 6.72 (975) 8.96 (1300)
No. 1 6.55 (950) 4.50 (650) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 5.86 (850) 8.96 (1300)
No. 2 3.62 (525) 2.41 (350) 0.48 (70) 2.79 (405) 2.59 (375) 7.58 (1100)
Southern Pine SPIB
select structural 10.34 (1500) 6.90 (1000) 0.76 (110) 2.59 (375) 6.55 (950) 10.34 (1500)
No. 1 9.31 (1350) 6.21 (900) 0.76 (110) 2.59 (375) 5.69 (825) 10.34 (1500)
No. 2 5.86 (850) 3.79 (550) 0.69 (100) 2.59 (375) 3.62 (525) 8.27 (1200)
Spruce-Pine-Fir (South) NELMA
select structural 6.90 (1000) 4.65 (675) 0.45 (65) 2.31 (335) 4.83 (700) 8.27 (1200) NSLB
No. 1 5.52 (800) 3.79 (550) 0.45 (65) 2.31 (335) 4.31 (625) 8.27 (1200) WWPA
No. 2 3.27 (475) 2.24 (325) 0.45 (65) 2.31 (335) 2.93 (425) 6.90 (1000)
Western Cedar WCLIB
select structural 7.58 (1100) 5.00 (725) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 6.38 (925) 6.90 (1000)
No. 1 6.03 (875) 4.14 (600) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 5.52 (800) 6.90 (1000)
No. 2 3.79 (550) 2.41 (350) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 3.80 (550) 5.52 (800)
Western Cedar WWPA
select structural 7.58 (1100) 5.00 (725) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 6.38 (925) 6.90 (1000)
No. 1 6.03 (875) 4.14 (600) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 5.52 (800) 6.90 (1000)
No. 2 3.45 (500) 2.41 (350) 0.48 (70) 2.93 (425) 2.59 (375) 5.52 (800)
Notes:
a
Basic design values for other grades or species of posts are given in the NDS.
b
Basic design values are based on dry service conditions (i.e., moisture content less than or equal to 19 percent), except for Southern
Pine. For wet service conditions (i.e., moisture content greater than 19 percent), provisions of Article 9.8.1 shall be considered. Basic
design values for Southern Pine are based on wet service conditions, and they may be used for dry service conditions.
c
Values for modulus of elasticity are average values that conform to ASTM D245 and ASTM D1990. Adjustments in modulus of elasticity
have been taken to reflect appropriate increases for seasoning; increases for density where applicable; and, where required, reductions
have been made to account for the effect of grade on stiffness.

Table 9-5—Basic Design Values for Treated Round Timber Poles

Tension Compression Compression Modulus of

Bending parallel to Shear parallel perpendicular parallel to elasticity, E
Fb grain, Ft to grain, Fv to grain, Fcp grain, Fc MPa (psi)
Species MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) MPa (psi) × 103 Standard
Douglas Fir 13.10 (1900) — 0.79 (115) 1.59 (230) 6.90 (1000) 10.34 (1500) ASTM D 2899
Red Pine 10.00 (1450) — 0.59 (85) 1.07 (155) 5.00 (725) 8.83 (1280) ASTM D 2899
Southern Pine 12.76 (1850) — 0.76 (110) 1.72 (250) 6.55 (950) 10.34 (1500) ASTM D 2899

Note:
a
Basic design values are based on wet service conditions (i.e., moisture content greater than 19 percent), and they may be used for dry
service conditions (i.e., moisture content less than or equal to 19 percent).

© 2009 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved.
Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
9-8 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS FOR HIGHWAY SIGNS, LUMINAIRES, AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS

9.7—ALLOWABLE STRESSES FOR WOOD C9.7

MEMBERS

Basic design values from Tables 9-3, 9-4, and 9-5 shall Round or square cross-sections are not susceptible to
be multiplied by all applicable adjustment factors as shown lateral torsional buckling. However, lateral torsional buckling
in Table 9-6 to determine the allowable stresses and the should be considered in the case of rectangular sections bent
effective modulus of elasticity of wood members. about their major axis. A beam stability factor is provided by
the NDS to modify the allowable stresses in cases of bending
of rectangular members. The modification of the allowable
bending stress for rectangular sign posts may be neglected
when the post depth does not exceed the post thickness by
more than 50 mm (2 in.).
Cantilever members such as those covered by this
Section (i.e., posts and poles) are usually subjected to small
axial compressive loads. Therefore, a reduction in the
compressive stress to account for the slenderness of the
member is not considered. Slenderness should be considered
for members subjected to appreciable axial compressive
loads. As conservative criteria, slenderness effects should be
considered when fc/Fc is greater than 0.02. A column stability
factor is provided by the NDS to modify the allowable
compressive stresses for the effects of member slenderness.

Table 9-6—Allowable Stresses and Effective Modulus of Elasticity

Posts Poles
Allowable bending stress F ′b = (CM)Fb F ′b = (Cu)Fb
Allowable tension stress (parallel to grain) F ′t = (CM)Ft —
Allowable compression stress (perpendicular to grain ) F ′cp = (CM)Fcp F ′cp = (Cu)Fcp
Allowable compression stress (parallel to grain) F ′c = (CM)Fc F ′c = (Cu)Fc
Allowable shear stress (parallel to grain) F ′v = (CM)Fv F ′v = (Cu)Fv
Effective modulus of elasticity E ′= (CM)E E ′= (1.0)E
Notes:
a
CM is the wet service factor defined in Article 9.8.1 for posts. See Article 9.8.2 for poles.
b
Cu is the untreated factor defined in Article 9.8.3.
c
The Fb , Ft , and Fc values for posts shall include applicable adjustments from the size-adjustment factors given in Table 9-3.

9.8—ADJUSTMENT FACTORS

9.8.1—Wet Service Factor for Posts CM

Basic design values from Tables 9-3 and 9-4 shall be

used for the design of posts under dry service conditions,
where the moisture content in use will be a maximum of
19 percent. If the moisture content of the post is expected to
exceed 19 percent, the basic design values shall be multiplied
by the wet service factor, CM, specified in Table 9-7.

© 2009 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved.
Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
SECTION 9: WOOD DESIGN 9-9

Table 9-7—Wet Service Factor, CM

Post Size Fb Ft Fv Fcp Fc E

Posts 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in.) through 100 × 150 mm 0.85 1.00 0.97 0.67 0.80 0.90
(4 × 6 in.)
Posts 125 × 125 mm (5 × 5 in.) and larger 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.67 0.91 1.00

Notes:
a
When Fb ≤ 7.93 MPa (1150 psi), CM = 1.0 for posts 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in.) through 100 × 150 mm (4 × 6 in.).
b
When Fc ≤ 5.17 MPa (750 psi), CM = 1.0 for Fc of posts 100 × 100 mm (4 × 4 in.) through 100 × 150 mm (4 × 6 in.).
c
For Southern Pine posts 125 × 125 mm (5 × 5 in.) and larger, CM = 1.0 for all basic design values.

9.8.2—Wet Service Use for Poles

Basic design values in Table 9-5 shall be used for the

design of poles under wet service conditions, and their use is
conservative for dry service conditions.

9.8.3—Untreated Factor for Poles Cu C9.8.3

When poles are air dried or kiln dried only prior to Basic design values listed in Table 9-5 are provided for
pressure treatment, Cu shall be taken as follows: treated poles, and they include an adjustment to compensate
for strength reductions due to steam conditioning or
• Cu shall be taken as 1.18, for Southern Pine and boultonizing prior to treatment. When poles are air dried or
kiln dried only prior to treatment, the untreated factor can be
• Cu shall be taken as 1.11, for other species. used.
Poles are often ordered by class number only; therefore,
the exact seasoning or conditioning process of the supplied
poles may not be known. The Specifications and Dimensions
for Wood Poles provides general information on seasoning
and conditioning processes for various species of poles.

9.9—TAPERED COMPRESSION MEMBERS C9.9

For the calculations of compression stresses and Eq. 9-1 provides the cross-section dimensions of
buckling loads of tapered compression members with rectangular or round members at the critical section for
rectangular cross-section, the representative dimension, d, for compression. The support condition parameter a in Eq. 9-1
each face of the member shall be derived as follows: accounts for the particular support conditions at the ends of
the tapered member. The value a = 0.70 is valid only for
⎡ ⎛ dt ⎞⎤ tapered cantilever posts and poles.
d = d t + ( d b − d t ) ⎢ a − 0.15 ⎜1 − ⎟ ⎥ (9-1) The values of db and Db are at the groundline section of
⎣ ⎝ d b⎠ ⎦
the member. The taper of a pole may be approximated from
the tabulated values for minimum circumference at top of
For the design of tapered members with round cross- pole and at 1.83 m (6 ft) from the butt.
section, the representative diameter D shall be derived using
Eq. 9-1 by replacing db by Db, and dt by Dt.
Calculations of the computed compression stress parallel
to grain, fc, shall be based on the representative dimensions
of d, for rectangular members, or the representative diameter,
D, for round members. In addition, fc at any cross-section of
the tapered member shall not exceed the basic compression
design value parallel to grain from Tables 9-3, 9-4, or 9-5
multiplied by all applicable adjustment factors specified in
Table 9-6.

© 2009 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved.
Duplication is a violation of applicable law.