The AWC is protecting the safe use of North American lumber by engaging with building standards that influence market acceptance and regulatory compliance. For example, the AWC is engaged in many ASTM standards that directly influence the wood products industry, including the D07 Committee on Wood, E06 on Building Construction, and E33 on Acoustics. ASTM International sets the test methods and material performance standards that often become the gateway for product acceptance in building codes and regulatory systems worldwide.

AWC staff has had several recent successes in these committees. These include supporting the development of multiple wood standards and moving them closer to completion in D07 and chairing an E06 subcommittee that maintains standards related to panel strength testing and shear wall testing. In the E06 subcommittee, the AWC has pushed against the reapproval of an outdated shear wall test standard that had not been updated in more than 20 years. Early this year, the subcommittee voted in support of AWC’s position, meaning the standard is expected to be withdrawn. This marks an important step in ensuring the use of current, performance-based standards that better reflect modern wood construction systems. 

ASTM standards, and standards of other organizations, continue to impact market access and the safe use of North American wood products. The AWC’s leadership and participation in ASTM standards ensures the provisions are performance-based and fair.

MARKET IMPACT

• Safeguard wood products’ market competitiveness.

• Reinforce wood as a trusted, safe building material.