What is BS EN 302-4 - Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures about?  
BS EN 302-4 is the fourth part of the multi series standard that specifies a method for determining the influence of shear strength in crosswise gluing by wood shrinkage under drying conditions.
BS EN 302-4 is suitable for the following applications:
- for assessing the compliance of adhesives with EN 301, EN 15425 and EN 16254
- for assessing the suitability and quality of adhesives for load-bearing timber structures
- for determining if the adhesive is capable of withstanding stresses due to wood shrinkage without unacceptable loss of strength
This test is intended primarily to obtain performance data for the classification of adhesives for load-bearing timber structures according to their suitability for use in defined climatic environments. This test is carried out on Norway spruce (Picea abies L.).
The method described in BS EN 302-4 is not intended for use to provide numerical design data and does not necessarily represent the performance of the bonded member in service.
Who is BS EN 302-4 - Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures for? 
BS EN 302-4 on Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures is useful for: 
- Manufacturers of furniture 
- Sculptors of timber structures 
- Carpenter  
- Constructors of wooden houses 
- Civil engineers 
Why should you use BS EN 302-4 - Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures?  
BS EN 302-4 helps in joining or attaching the load-bearing timber structures by using adhesives.  The test method outlined in BS EN 302-4 helps in increasing the life of adhesives in different climatic conditions. 
Using BS EN 302-4 you can calculate the shear strength.  This calculation can help in determining the effect of shrinkage on the shear strength of damaged wood fibres. By using BS EN 302-4 you can manufacture better quality load-bearing timber structures by using good quality adhesives.  
What’s changed since the last update?  
BS EN 302-4:2013 supersedes BS EN 302-4:2004. BS EN 302-4:2013 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 3023:2013. These include: 
- The wood density requirement for Norwegian spruce has been altered;
- A recommended time period is given for the dry storage treatment.
