Raa ee ‘TRADA Technology Timber frame construction Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials A1.1 Structural solid timber ALAA Sizes Sizes for structural timber are given in BS EN 336 Structural timber Sizes Permitted deviations. This includes @ National Annex which details sizes customary in the UK. ‘The sizes are quoted as Target sizes at a moisture content of 20%. The cross sectional dimensions (thickness and width) are assumed to increase by 5% for every 1.0% increase in moisture content above 20% up to 30%, and rease by 0.25% for every 1% decrease in moisture content below 20%, ‘Two Tolerance Classes are recognised for deviations in thickness and width from the target sizes. Tolerance Class 1 is usually applied to sawn sections and ‘Tolerance Class 2 to machined (processed) sections. The Tolerance Class should be quoted when specifying section sizes; the class references are abbreviated to TI and T2, ‘Table A1.1 Tolerance classes for structural timber sizes ‘Thicknesses and widths [Tolerance Class 1(T1) | Tolerance Glass 2 (72) upto and including 100 mem [+ 37-1 mm eat mm lover 100 mm pai 2 mm 181-48 mm Softwood ‘machined on the width’ may also be used in timber flame construction, This process used to be known as Yegularising’. Commonly available taigat sizes for softwood and hardwoods aro shown in Table AI 2, Table A1.2 Target sizes for timber machined on the width Thickness wath 2) mam (rym [72] 97 | 120 | we | 70 | 195 | 220 | 245 | 270 | 205 2 be 25 be eee 36 a a je de de ee fe az xe bh fe fe lei he a a i he ie [x ie fe |x 700 fe fe fe he "80 be he 216 '‘The customary lengths of softwood are 2.40, 3,00, 3.90, 3.60, 3.90, 4.20, 450, 4.80, 8.10, 6.40. Lengths of 5.4 m are usvelly available to order. Negative length deviations are not permitted ‘Most timber frame construction uses softwood surfaced to the sizes shown in Table A1.9. The timber has rounded aitises not exceeding 3 mm radius. ‘These sizes originated in North America and exe commonly Known as ALS/GLS, However, surfaced softwood is now also widely available from UK and Nordic sources, Stud sizes for low rise buildings are most commonly 98 x 89 mm or 38 x 140 mm. Table A1.3 ALSICLS sizes for softwood Width (72) mm Thickness(t2) mm|és___[ee___ [ido [fa [a8Yaae 3% 5 5 xe G oi a Sawn hardwood sizes are given in BS HIV 1319-2 Round and sawn timber - Permitted deviations and preferred sizes. Part 2 Hardwood sawn timber. The Standards relating to hardwoods refer to BS EN 396 for tolerances on sizes for structural uses, Preferied thicknesses for sawn hardvroods are given in BS 1313-2 as, 20, 27, 82,40, 60, 60, 65, 70, 80, 100 mm with additional sizes preferred in the UK: 19, 26, , 52, 63, 75, Standatd widths for sawn hardwoods are given in BS 1318-2 as: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 ete, Preferred lengths for square edged hardwoods are in increments of 0.10 m for lengths over im, ‘The reduction of sawn hardwood sizes by processing for structural purposes 's as given in BS EN 336, For non-structural purposes, the reduction of hardwood sawn sizes hy processing is inchided in a National Annex and depends upon the end use, Table A1.4 Reduction of basic hardwood sizes by processing two opposed faces (from 88 1919-2) Reduction from basie size of width or thickness mm 15-25 [26-80 [1-100 | 101-150 [151-300 Ficoring, malcings, 5 fe Fr 7 F nterocked poarcing an planed all ound Tem 6 7 is fs 0 Joinery and cabinet work [7 e 10 12 v4 End use or product Permissibio deviation for al frished sizes alter processing s plus or minus 0S my 2171S ETS TRADA Technology Timber frame construction A1.4.2 Strength grading and strength classes Timber, as a natural material, is inherently veriablo; even within a eingle species, Strength grading overcomes this by assessing the strength and siiliness of individual pieces intended for structural use end assigning them to an appropriate strength grade and/or strength class which has known and Gependable mechanical properties. ‘The structural design codes for timber, BS 8268-2 Structural use of timber Jssibla stress design, materials and workmanship, and BS EN 1995-1-1 Eurocode 5 Design of timber structures, General rules and rules for buildings and through these the national building regulations for al) areas of 1e UK require structural timber to be strength graded and marked as such. It is now a legal requirement for suppliers of strength graded timber intended for permenent incorporation in construction works to be able to demonstrate that thex products comply with the Construction Products Directive, The most straightforward way to achieve this is by complying with the harmonised standard for strength graded timber, BS BN 14081 Timber stuctues - Strength graded structural umber with rectangular crass section, published in four parts, This also enables the supplier to apply the CE mark, although this is not yet mandatory in the UK. More information is given in the TRADA Wood Information Sheet CE marking: the implications for timber products. For structural timber, compliance with BS 14081 requizes strength grading and marking to be carried out under supervision in aovordance with BS 4978 and/or with BS EN 14081-1, by a Buropean Notified Body’ ‘The EU Notified Bodies oversee the taining and certification of graders and the operation of grading machines, They also monitor the quality of grading carried out by the companies under thelr control. The EU Notified Body or grading agency logo or mark forms part of the grade stamp which must ‘appear on all strength graded timber. A strength class is simply a group of species/strength grade combinations ‘which have simile properties. The solid timber strength classes are defined in BS EN 338 Suctural timber Strength classes. Righteen strength classes are defined: twelve for softwoods, prefixed C, and six for hardwoods, prefixed. D. The softwood strength classes are C14 (weakest), C16, C18, C20, C22, 24, €27, C90, C35, 640, 045 and C50, The hardwood strength classes are 190, B35, D40, DSO, D80 and D70, The numbers represent the characteristic ‘bending stress, a value which is used for designing to Eurocode 5. Under BS EN 14081, visual strength grading is carried out to national standards which comply with its requirements. In the UK the relevant standards are BS 4978 Visual strength grading of softwood. Specification and BS 6766 Visual strength grading of hardwood. Specification. Machine grading is undertaken in accordance with BS 14081 ‘Timber strength graded to national standards is assigned to a strength clase, according to its species and grade in BS EN 1912 Structural timber. Strength classes. Assignment of Individual grades and species. Timber strength graded to other national standards may also be used in the UK if the grading body is listed in BS BN 1912. 218Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials ES Further information is given in the TRADA Wood Information Sheet 4-7 ‘Timber stength grading and strength classes. C16 is the strength class most commonly used for timber frame studs, with, C16 or C24 for solid timber floor joists and the special giade TR26 seen almost exclusively in trussed rafters. 1.1.2.1 Moisture content of strength graded timber The structural design codes define three Service Classes for structural timber, based on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air: Service Class 1 Characterised by a moisture content cortesponding to a temperature of 20° C and the relative humidity of the surrounding aix only exceeding 65% for a few weeks each year. In such conditions, most timber vill attain an average moisture content not exceeding 12%. Service Class 2 Characterised by a moisture content conesponding to a temperature of 20° C and the relative humidity of the eurrounding air only exceeding 85% for a few weeks each year In such conditions most timber will attain an average moisture content not exceeding 20%. Service Class 3 Characterised by higher moisture contents than Service Class 2 The timber strength grading standards recognise two levels of moisture content at the time of grading: dry-graded and wet-graded. ‘The structural timber components used in conventionel timber frame construction will be in Service Classes 1 or 2 and for these puzposes dry. graded timber must be specified. This is graded at an average moisture content of 20% or below and will be merked ‘DRY GRADED’. Timber in hheated buildings will normally dry down to @ moisture content of around 10% or less and so some shtinkage will oocur ‘The implications of this Shrinkage in timber frame construction are discussed in Section 9,3. Note Under BS BN 14081, wet graded timber is not requized to be mazked as such. ‘Therefore if no moisture condition is marked on tha timber, the purchaser or user should assume that the timber was wet-graded Due to the difficulties of drying large seotions, timber with a target thickness of over 100 mm may have to be graded and installed wet - ie over 20% ‘moistuue content In this case, wet stresses must bo used for structural design and extra care must be taken to account for shrinkage lied super-dried softwood is available under a variety of brand names. ‘This is graded at an average moisture content of 12% or below and when uused in timber frame reduces the differential movement between the timber frame and masonry claddings. Guidance is given in Section 9.3. 1.1.2.2 Softwood strength grading I Visual grading to BS 4978 | ‘Two principal grades ate defined: * GS- General structural ¢ SS - Special structural. i 219| | TRADA Technology ‘Timber frame construction Bach pice of vsualyy strength graded softwood (Figure Af.) is usually | | 12348678 wppa_| stamped clearly and indelibly on one face with os | + Name or identifying matk of producer esse DRY €N14081 GRADED iikd * The strength class from BS EN 1922 (or, if not included, the strength grade and grating stancars) | Figure A1.1 Example of Bit TRADA cerieaton mar forvnwaly graded ge words DRY GRADED if appropriate The BU notified body t 9 If preservative treated, additional marking according to prEN 15228 | (Note: this standard is in draft and still subject to approval and adoption) | | + Bither, the additional information below or a reference number that identifies the documentation containing the additional information, } ‘Additional information to be marked on the product or in accompanying documentation ‘+ I single species, the species code in accordance with BS EN 13556 Round and sawn timber Nomenclature of timbers used in Europe, see Table ALS 4 Ifspecies combination, the species code specified in BS EN 14081-1, ser ‘Table 415 + Ifmarked vrith a strength class, the grade and grading standard Table A1.5 Examples of assignment of grades of softwood species to Strength Class C16 (rom BS EN 1912) ade [Grading rile publahing [Species conmerciainame [Specs code from Bourse country BEEN 19556 / BS EN 140811) is DK GS HTB) Rete eed PSY, WPCA ERE Eons Doug WeLarch Haan FRSPF [WSN WABA, WPCE Shana Canaca Parana pe a eal | sr Semany Doogie (a Barna ond Senay i sore) | orang and ana [Soroe, Pio, Fare ERE Ee \ e Neeranae Ser at IC Eaape | Sap WoT [USRara Canee aagias Tela Henris SPF [WPS WAG WPCE Tish and Cada | GaP NSS —|USRand Canad Saagias La Narr SPF WPSM, WABA WPCE Shand Cos i peers [Usa Sacer pre RE asm i Su ENE Eaiope = Geral ond Neth Easier Exrepe NG Europe = Norhem end Cental Europe EP = et nd Prank SPF =Spencesirese 220Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials ‘Machine grading to BS EN 14081 BS EN 14081 does not define grades or strength classes for timber. Softwood strength graded by machine in the UK or in Ewope to BS EN 14081 will normally be graded to the strength limits laid down for the twelve softwood, strength classes defined in BS EN 338 Special grades can also be developed and defined for particular purposes; for example, BS 5268-2 includes a grade developed for the manufacture of trussed rafters, designated TR 26. Each piece of machine stength graded timber igure A12) is normally [——————— cleanly and indelibly mackod with naa sere WePA ees) “e ‘ ‘¢ Name or identifying mark of producer ea 338 DRY ete © The letter M and the strength class to BS ENV 398, or he letter Mand tha | EN 14081 GRADED “ strength grade and grading standard Figure A1_2 Example of BHI TRADA certification mark for machine graded @ The words 'DRY GRADED if appropriate timber © The EU notified body © Any restriction to a spacial use © If preservative treated, additional marking according to prEN 18228 (Note: this standaid is in draft and still subject to approval and adoption} © Either, the additional information below or a reference number that ‘identifies the documentation containing the additional information, Additional information to be marked on the product or in accompanying documentation: ® Ifsingle species, the species code in accordance with BS EN 19556, soe Table A16. If species combination, the species code specified in Table 4 in BS EN 14081-1, soe Table A1.6. © Grading standard, ie EIN 14081-1 © The code identifying the country or region of origin in accordance with, EN 180 3166-1: 1998. Table A1.6 Examples of softwood machine graded to BS EN 14081 [Species or species group) Source [Species coda(vom BS EN 13556/BS EN 1408-4 Bitch pine (GorseaniSeos pine) [UK PRN [riish spruce (Nowway/Sika spruce) [UK weos Henie [canada WABA Radiata pine [Chile and New Zealand H Redwood [ENE Europe PReY | [Sout African pine South ica | Spruce-pino-fr [Canada WPOE | fwhitowood [ENE Europe WPCA Zimbabwean pine zimbabwe |CNE Europe = Gontral Northem and Easter Europe 221i | TRADA Technology Timber frame construction 1.1.2.3 Hardwood strength grading Hardwoods used for structural purposes are strength graded in accordance with the requirements of BS 5756, / ‘Tropical hardwoods are graded to a single strenath grede: 6 Hardwood structural, HS. ‘Temperate hardwoods are assigned to one of two groups, depending upon on the size of the section, Within each size grouping there are two grades Grades THA and THB apply to temperate hardwoods of large cross section and TH1 and TH2 apply to temperate hardwoods with smaller cross sections, The actual sizes are defined in the Standard. ‘The marking requirements ate similar to those required on visually strength i graded softwood, ‘Machine settings are not currently available for machine strength grading hardwoods. A.1.1,2.4 CE marked strength graded timber ] Each piece of CE merked timber (Figure A1.3) should be clearly and indelibly marked to provide’ PRODUCER NBODY + Name or identifying mark of producer CODE DRYGRADED 24 + Ifmachine graded, then the letter M and the strength class to BS EN 338 if appropriate, otherwise the letter M and the strength grade and ‘with minimum information for untreated tena machine graded timber gecieg senda + If vioual graded, then the strength class as assigned in BS EN 1912, ot the strength grade and the grading standard if not included in BS EN 1912 + Any restriction to a special use 4 Words 'DRY GRADED if appropriate + If preservative treated, additionsl marking according to prBN 16228 | (Note: this standard is in dreft and still subject to approval and adoption) © The levers OB BU Notified Body identification number lither the information required in addtional informetion or @ code number that identities the documentation containing the additional information, ‘Additional information to be marked on the product or in accompanying documentation 4 Ifsingle species, the species code in accordance with BS EN 13555 © Ifspecies combination, the species code spacified in BS ZIV 14081-1 and 2 ‘+ Number of the European Standard, ie EN 14081-1 222 | ee |Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials ¢ Ifmachine graded, the code identifying the country or region of origin in accordance with EN 180 3166-1 + Ifvisual graded and marked with a strength class, the grade and grading standard ¢ Identification number of the FPC certification body + Name and registered address of the producer «Last two digits of year of OE marking 4 Number of the FPC certificate + Description of the product (only on the commercial document) ¢ Reaction to fire class + For untreated timber, durability class, with reference to BS EN 350-2 o "Durability NPD' (No performance determined) + For treated timber, additional marking accorting to prEN 16228 (see References). A1.2 Structural timber composites Structure) timber compésites, as the name implies, are produced in ‘structural sized’ sections for use as heams and joists, columns and studs and as proprietary structural components, The amily’ of structural timber composites ie growing but currently can be considered as comprising: Glued laminated timber or glutam + Laminated veneer lumber or LVL. + Parallel strand lumber or PSL «Laminated strand lumber or LSL + Engineered beam or joist components, euch as I beams and metal wab beams a © Enginested panel components, such as SIPs and solid cross leminated timber panels, ‘The advantages of structural timber composites include: availability in long lengths and in deep sections for long spans i high strength and light welght * consistent structural properties ‘© manufactured at low moisture content so shrinkage and distortion are reduced © maximisation of the renewable timber resource 223 rs me SS7g SERS ESS A SCTE TRADA Technology Timber frame construction Brief details of each type are given below. Further information is given in TRADA Wood Information Shost 1 - 6 Glued laminated timber and in Sheet 1-42 Timber I-joists: applications and design. A1.2.1 Glulam | Glued laminated timber, or glulam is the best known and longest estab- lished of the structural timber composites. Gluiam components can be manufactured to meet virtually any architectural requirement. Common basic structural forms include 4 Straight, eg purlins, beams, lintels, columns | + Tiangulated, og Adrames, trusses girders | + Curved, eg arches, portals, domes, ‘Stiaight forms are available ‘off the shelf. other configurations are designed ‘and manufactured to order comply with the Construction Products Directive; like other products, the easiest way to achieve this is by compliarice with the harmonised standard, BS EN 14080 Timber structures. Glued laminated timber. Requirements ‘which also opens the way for CE marking (more information is available mm the TRADA Wood information Sheet 2/3 - 86 CB marking: implications for | timber products}, | Chinn anions ie oneraen 20 equtenonts ofS NSH Gast ‘dana! unter ekeeree gaiomta ard minum pececien | requirements, The laminations are strength graded before glulamm manufac- | van Ghd aay be hemogencce ft ho onion athe sams | miogi cure? omtunes he mca laiaons oo ea ight | Sergi ds. BS B17 198 Rmber omctres Cod laminated tamer | ave ciate end ceureheon dchancerste we Soins cane | a isa cine pipetin ined so he sreraicesetibo | itunes br er sooo gran of coc ype cyan Taaso canbe | ae ee twnbnceetirnagun secs tenensicie | “nb to elation, bse on guarce gan 8 1194 Glulam complying with BS EN 14080 should be marked or labelled with: 4+ The identity of the manufacturer i + The characteristic values + Adnesive ype 4 Production week and year CE making, where epplied, has to be shown in the accompanying papers vith the following information: + [dontification of the manufacturer 224 ner2s een a TS TSP ASE SSS TE ‘Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials @ The number of the certificate of conformity and the number of the Notified Body ¢ The Standard number ¢ Strength class or a documentad stron © Adhesive type ¢ Formaldehyde class ¢ Year of affixing the CB marking ¢ Reaction to fire class © Dimer species + Bending, compressive, tensile and shear strength + Modulus of elasticity © Durability class. A1.2.2 Laminated veneer lumber Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is produced by bonding together veneers peeled from a log. The resulting long panels are then cut into structural sized sections LVL should comply with the requirements of BS ENV 14279 Laminated veneer lumber (LVL - Definitions, classification and specications. This sets out three types of LVL with the bonding requirements to BS 314.2 Plywood. Bonding quality. requirements and biological use classes to BS EN 336.3 Hazard classes of wood and woob-based products against biological attack being defined for each type: LVL/1 - for use in dry conditions; bonding class 1; use class 1 LVLI2 - for use in humid conditions; bonding class 2; use class 2 LVLIB - for use in exterior conditions; bonding class 3; use class 3. The standard also points out that for exterior use, suitable preservative treatment and/or surface and edge costings together with proper installation and maintenance, will be required for satistactory performance It is now a legal requirement for suppliers of LVL intended for permanent incorporation in permanent construction works to be able to demonstrate that their products comply with the Construction Products Directive, The most straightforward way to achieve this is by complying with the harmonised standard, BS EN 14974 Timber structures - Structural Jaminated veneer lumber - Requirements. This also allows the manufacturer t0 apply the CE mark, although this step is not yet mandatory in the UK (more infor- mation is available in the TRADA Wood Information Sheet 2/3 - 56 CE marking: implications for timber products). Compliance with BS BN 14374 requites the involvement of a Buropean ‘Notified Body’ to oversee the factory production contro.eS REE ES STS TRADA Technology Timber frame construction ee ee Propertias which must be assessed by the manufacturer inc + Bonding quality + Shength properties; bending, tension, compression, shear, modulus of elasticity, shear modulus + Dens ty + Reaction to fire class (standard value may be sod} + Release of + Durability class ‘The characteristic values provided can be used in designs to Furocode 5. For designs to BS 5268-2, 2 method of conversion is given in BS'5268-2 to convert them into grade stresses. A1.2.3 Parallel strand lumber Paraliel strand lumber is manufactured by cutting peeled veneers into long strands which are glued under a heat and pressure in a quasi-extrusion procass to form structural-sized sections in long lengths. Proprietary products are approved for use in the UK through independent third party certification schemes. Design information is available from the approval certificates or from the manufacturers. A1.2.4 Laminated strand lumber Laminated strand lumber is produced by gluing together large flakes of ‘wood under heat and pressure to produce structural sections. Propristary Hl products are approved for use in the UK through independent third party cettification schemes. Design information is available from the approval cottificates or from the manufacturers A1.2.5 Engineered beam or joist components Proptietary timber-based structural beam or joist components are now available and are increasingly being used in timber frame construction ‘Typical products of thie type are I-beams, or Joists manufactured with the flanges made of softwood or LVL and the webs of OSB, plywood ot hardboard. Metal web beams combine timber flanges with metal strutting webs. E-beams and metal web beams are used for floor joists, where they combine laige span capabilities with low moisture content and hence greater dimen- sional stability than solid timber supplied at 20% moisture content, Metal web beams have the advantage that services can be ran in the spaces botwoen the webs, avoiding the need for cutting or drilling oa site, I-beams are also used in some cases for studs where high levels of insulation are required. Proprietary products ate opproved for use in the UK through independent third party certification echemes, beams may be available with a CE mark ‘through a European Technical Approval (more information is available in 0 226 ee |A Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials se RADA Wood Information Sheet 2/3 - 56 CE marking: implications for timber products), Design information is available from the approval cottificates or fom the manufacturers. A1.2.6 Engineered panel components ‘Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are becoming more widely used in the UK. ‘They are proprietary products approved for use in the UK through inde- pendent third party certification schemes and may be available with a CE mark through a European Technical Approval (more information is available in the TRADA Wood Information Sheet 2/3 - 56 CE marking: implications for timber products). SIPs comprise oriented strand board (OSB) facing boards vith a tigid thermal insulation core bonded between them. The interlocking panels are used both for extemal walls and for roofs, More recent introductions into the UK trom mainland Europe are various proprietary brands of cross-laminated solid timber panels. Typically these comprise softwood strips stacked and bonded in layers to produce panels up to 600 mim thick Panel sizes typically range from 125 - 4.6 m wide by Jengths from 8 m up to around 24 m. They may be approved for use in the UK through independent thud party certification schemas and may be available with a CE mark through a European Technical Approval, A1.3 Wood-based panel products Its now a legal requiremignt for suppliers of wood-based panels intended for | permanent nouporaton is pemanont consnacion were tobe abs Zemanta tat tar prods comply wi te Coostucton Podics | Directive. The most straightforward way to achieve this is by complying with 1 the bermonioed sedans lor woo based pent, BS BN 13080 Wd aod panel run in emssricton, Charctrtetes, craton olcantrmiy and | ving. Than alos te mamscasers apy the CE mate atrough this sp eno yet mandatory inthe UK Pr sovctual panels, comlinoe with BS BN 2008 vqultes the itvelnoment oa European Noted Body” BS BN 13986 refers to a series of BS EN product standards for specifications and requitements for each pene! type. These set out minimum proparties and quality control procedures for different grades of panel, defined by: + punpose’ eg loadbearing or heavy duty loadbearing + service (or use) class conditions in which they are suitable for use: dry, humid or exterior. The conditions are defined in BS EN 335-1 Durability of wood and wood-based products. Definitions of use classes. General but broadly relate to the design service classes defined in BS 5268 and. Burocode 6. ‘The Technical Glasses of panel suitable for use in appropriate structural (oadbearing) applications according to BS SIV 13986 are shown in Table AL7, 207a ST TRADA Technology Timber frame construction, ‘Table A17 Technical classes of wood-based panels listed in BS EN 19986 as suitable for structural applications Requirements for hordbearcs Panel ype [Complying with: Standard Technical lass ose [BS EN 300 Oriented sirand boards (O86). [OSB/2 oai-bearng, dry Betiniions, dassitcaton and specications | o38/ toad.bearing, humid J0S8/4 heavy duty load-bearing, humid Piywoad TBS EN 636 Piypwood Speciicatons Bey Sauce Sy EN 636-2 S structural, hurls 836-0 S structural, exterior Fibreboarde [BE EN E250 Fbreboards. Specticalons. [AB LALoad beara, Sry #8.HLAt load-bearing, hums HB.HLAZ heavy duty load-bearing, humid [BS EN 823-3 Foreboards, Specticatons Requirements for medium boards MBHLAT load-bearing, ay IMBH.LAZ heavy duty load-bearing, dry MBH HLSt losd-bosring, humid * BH HLS? heavy duly load-besring, humid" BS EN 6224 Pbveboards, Speativations, Requlrements for sottboards [SBS load beara, d™ SB.HLS load-bearing, humié * BS EN BIZ6 Fbreboards, Spoatioatone Requirements for dry process boards (MOF) WDFLA adi bearing, ay MOF.HLS load-bearing, humid * PA load-bearing, ory Paricleboard (ain bonded) BS EN 312 Parleboards, Specifications Pa padbeamne, oy 5 load: bearing, humic 6 heavy duty load-bearing, dry PY neavy duty load-bearing, humid [Cemant bonded paricleboara BS EN 654-2 Cemaricbonded paricleboards — /Spectcation- Requirements for OPC bonded partcleboarcs for use In dry, humid and exterior conditions Wadulue of oastaly dase Tor2 Sch wood panels [BS EN 15953 Sobd wood pansle (EWP) Requirements SWIPTT ary Conditions |SWPIZ humid conditions |SVIPIS exterior conditions in the type classification F Fibreboards sutable ony for Sractaral apicaione where hare are inelantaneous or shorclerm loads Gry. This Is neioaled By The "S A1.3.1 Performance characteristics ‘The performance characteristics (properties) requ Wed for panels in various applications are set aut in BS EN 13986, Structural components are listed under the following categories internal use as structural components in dry conditions ‘+ internal use as structural components in humid conditions + external use as structural componente ‘+ internal use as structural floor and roof decking on joists and structural ‘wall sheathing on studs. 228‘Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials Some performance characteristics are tested by the manufacturer and main- tained through the production quality contiol process, for others, standard values may be used. © Properties always assessed - by manufacturer: + bending strength and stiffness (quality control tests) © bond quality/internal bond (quality control tests) © durability - moisture resistance, thickness swelling (quality control rests) © formaldehyde - a constituent of some adhesives, particularly amino- plastic resins. Some types of panel mey not requize testing if no formaldehyde-containing materials are added during, of post-production © pentachlorophenol (only if materials used contain more than 5 ppm Pop) Properties where standard values may be used ‘© reaction to fire (values for certain products mounted without an air gap ae given in BS ENT 13985) © water vapour permeability (values for certain products are given in BS EN 13985) © altbome sound insulation and sound absorption (values for certain products are given in BS BN 13986) © thermal conductivity (values for certain products are given in BS EN 13986) © characteristic values of strength and stiffness (values for certain products are given in BS EN 12369 Wood-based panels. Characteristic values for structural design. Plywood) © mechanical durability - creep and duration of load (modification factors are given in BS EN 1995-1-1 * biological durabil y (guidance is given in BS BN 395), BS BN 12966 requires panels for some end uses, such as floor and roof decking and well sheathing to undergo specific edditionel testing. The manufacturer must now provide euch data. Properties required for a particular end use: © floor and 1o0f decking [BS EN 13986 requires soft body impact and concentrated load tasts to be carried out, as described in BS EN 12871Wood-basod panels, Performance specifications and requirements for load bearing boards for use in floors, wails and roofs, Products thet meet the requirements should be marked ‘FLOORING’ or ROOFING' as appropriate. 29TRADA Technology Timber frame construction + wall ehoathing BS EN 13086 requires a soft body impact test (vo BS EN 596 Timber structures, Test methods. Soft body impact test of timber framed walls) to be carried out against the requirements of BS NV 12871, Products complying with this should be marked ‘WALL SHEATHING’ Note: These performance-based tests for floors, walls and roofs are carried ‘out on small sections of components and the results are only relevant to the construction tested (eg panel type and thiclmess, joist spacings A1,3.2 Oriented Strand Board (OSB) OSB is manufactured from timber strands (flakes) measuring approximately 78 x 35 min, These are blended with a synthetic resin and wax and formed into a three-layer mat. The grain of the strands in the outer layers a1e criented along the lengts of the board and those of the inner layer across the hoard, The mat is then compressed using heat and pressure. Orientation of the strands in this way distributes the strength, stiffness and spanning capacity of the boards which ara approximetely twice as stiong in the length | as in the width. | Oriented strand board should comply with BS EN 300 Oriented strand ‘boards (OSE). Definitions, classification and specifications, which defines four types OSB1 General purpose boards end boards for interior fitments, including furniture, for use in dry conditions OSB2 Load-bearing boards for use in dry conditions OSB3 Load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions (O8B4 Heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions. Board sizes generally available are 2400 x 1200 mm and 2440 x 1220 mm in thickmesses of 6, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22 and 25 mm, In addition to the marking requirements set out in BS EN 13986, an addi tional voluntary colour coding may also appear on OSB, Coloured stipes are | applied vertically, approximately 25 mm apart, to a stack of boards near to a | corner, 4 combination of two colous bands define fisstly, the suitability of the board for particular applications ie White - general purpose hoards Yellow - loadbearing boards and secondly, the environmental conditions for which the board is suited: Blue - dry conditions i Green - humid conditions Characteristic values for OSB2, OSBS and OSB4 are given in BS EN 12069-1 5 "These can he used for designs to Eurocode 6, For designs to BS 5268, conver- sion factors are given in BS 5268-2 to convert them into grade stresses. The i 230 | eee |SSS SRE i Sz EE EE, Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials STA properties listed include bending, tension, compression and shear. For floors ‘and 100fs thie enables the behaviour under uniform loads to be assessed, For concentrated loads or impact, the manufacturer must provide the test date as described above, A1.3.3 Plywood Plywood should comply with BS ENV 636 Plywood. Specifications, published In Utes parts as shawn in Table 41.7. ‘A defining requirement for plywood telates to bonding quality which is laid down in BS EN 314-2, Three classes aze defined: + Bonding Class 1 - suitable for dry conditions, + Bonding Class 2 - suitable for humid conditions: + Bonding Class 3 - for exterior use ‘Common sheet sizes of plywood are: 2440 x 610 mm (normally tongued and grooved) 2500 x 1220 mm 3080 x 1825 mm ~ 3050 x 1220 mm, Commonly used thicknesses range from 8 - 25 mm. BS 5260-2: 2002 includes grade stresses for a range of plywoods from Scandinavia and North America, These materials must now also demon- strate compliance with the CPD, via BS EN 13986 or some cther means. For designs to Eurocode §, BS EN 12369-2 gives characteristic values of mechanical properties for plywood in bending, besed on @ series of strength classes and modulus classes. It includes advice on determining character- istic values in tension and compression by a combination of testing and celculation, Conservative values for shear are included. For floors and roofs this enables the behaviour under uniformn Joads to be assessed. For concen. trated loads or impact, the manufacturer must provide the test data as described above A1.3.4 Fibreboards ‘The generic types of fibreboards are defined on the basis of their method of manufacture and their density in BS EN 316 Wood fibreboards - Definition, classification and symbols. The types are Wet process boards: si ards - SB, density less than 400 kg/m? ‘Mediumboards, low density - MBL, density more than 400, Jess than 560 kg/m? 231 ‘Bilteereeeeceeerrerer veneersTRADA Technology Timber frame construction ‘Mediumboerds, high density - MBH, density more than 560, less than 900 kg/m? Hardboards - HB, density 900 kg/m or more. Dry process boards: ‘Mediurn density fibreboard - MDF, density 460 kg/m? or more. Fibreboards should comply with BS 622 which sets out the suitability for use im buildings as shown in Teble A1.7. In addition to the marking requirements sst out in BS EN 13986, an addi- tional voluntary colour coding scheme is included in the standards although national colour schemes ars not precluded. The recommended colour codes to be applied in stripes on a stack of boards, close to a corner, are similar to those recommended for OSB. A 1.3.5 Particleboard - wood chipboard ‘Wood paiticles comprise the bulk of wood chipboard. These are generally coniferous softwoods although hardwoods, such as birch are sometimes used. The binders (adhesives) used are generally synthetic resins; in moisture resistant boards a melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) is commonly used although phenol formaldehyde and polymeric methylene di. isocyanate (PMD!) resins nay also be used. General requirements for particleboaids are laid down in BS EN 312 Particleboards. Specifications. The board types ate defined as: P2 Generel purpose boards for use in dry conditions 3 Boards for interior fitments, including furniture Pd Load-bearing boards for use in dry conditions PS Load-bearing boards for uso in humid conditions P6 Heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in dry conditions P7 Heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions. ‘The types suitable for use in buildings are shown in Table A1.7. In addition to the mazking requirements get out in BS EN 13986, chipboard may also be matked with the additional voluntary colour code marking Gescribed for OSB. 41.3.6 Cement-bonded particleboards Coment-bonded particleboards are manufactued from wood (or other vegetable) particles bound with hydraulic cement and possibly containing additives. Boards can be bonded with ordinary Portland cement or with magnesiuin cements, such as magnesite, BS EN 634-2 Cement-banded particleboards. Specifications. Requitements for OPC banded particleboard for use in dry, humid and external conditions covers only ordinary Portland cement-bonded boards. 232 pS cceca CCC(Cement-bonded particleboard generally has a density of 1000 - 1200 ka/m®, approximately twice that of plywood and about 1.7 times the density of standard grade wood particleboard. This inevitably imposes restrictions on ite use in lightweight framing, A1.4 Moisture content The successful use of timber depends, to a significant extent, upon its moisture content at the time of installation being close to equilibrium with the temperature and relative humidity ofits intended environment. In most situations, some fuctuations will occur and any chosen moisture content is a compromise, representing the meen equilibrium moisture content of the range of conditions likely to prevail over the life of a component or structure More details about moisture content can be found in the Wood Information Sheot 4 14 Moisture in timber. The Standards for grading and design of structural timber assume a moisture content of 20% for ‘dzy-graded' timber frame components at the time of grading and installation (see section A1.1.2). However, the equilib- rium moisture content of the timber frame in heated buildings will usually reduce to a moisture content of around 10 - 19% after one or two heating seasons. Installing timber at a moisture content of 20% means that the cross sections of frame members will shrink as the timber dries down to its equi- Uiprium moisture content, This results in differential movement between the timber frame and separately supported claddings, such ss brick, and allowance has to be made for this in the timber frame design; see Section 93. Shrinkage can be minimised by the specification of ‘super-dry timber, kiln died to around 12%, or by using structural timber composites, which are manufactured at low moisture contents, in floors and floor zones or by the use of storey height panels, ses Section 1.1 1.4.4 Measuring moisture content ‘The moisture content of timber can he checked by using an electrical resist- ‘ance moisture meter. Meters are available with insulated probes which can bbe driven into the timber to measuze the mofsture content below the surface. ‘This is important as the surface of the timber may have dried down whilst the core remains wot. Insulated probes also overcome the effects of surface ing which otherwise could give erroneously high readings using unin- sulated probes. Readings given by moisture meters are influenced by the presence of sells, such as those from metal-based preservatives, some flame retardant treat. ments, iron corrosion products end contamination by ssa water Such salts increase the conductivity of the timber and give a falsely high reading of moistuse content. The magnitude of this effect is variable and it is not usually possible to adjust the readings. Therefore when the presence of such salts is suspected, moisture readings which are higher than expected should be treated with caution, Panel products and structural timber composites, with the exception of glilam, must be regarded as separate materials and not merely as the timber species from which they are made. The moisture content readings 238 1 Timber and wood-based materialsTRADA Technology Timber frame construction cra obtained with a resistance-type meter can be misleading and they should not he regarded with confidence unless the manufacturer has produced cali- bration charts for the particular product being tested. A1.5 Preservative treatment ‘There are many examples of existing untreated timber freme buildings in the UK, Scandinavia and North Ametica which are performing satisfactorily However, the potential disruption and cost of carrying out remedial work, should problems ocour, leads to the recommendation that the softwood components listed below are treated with preservative when the timber spocies is of Durability class 3 (moderately durable) ot worse. Note the dura. bility ratings relate to the heartwood only and are defined in BS EN 350-1 Guide to the principles and testing and classification of the natural dura ility of wood and BS 360-2 Guide to natural durability and westability of selected wood species of importance in Europe. Sapwood should always be treated ‘The housing warrenty and guarantee authorities have specific requisements for both preservatives and methods of treatment for structural components im timber frame dwellings and for external joinery. The current editions of their manuals should be checked. ‘The key source of information is BS 8417 Preservation of timber, Recommendations. It provides guidance on the testment of timber for use in the UK, and includes the requirements of vital parts of other relevant BS and BS EN documents, Service factors (Table 41.8) based on eefety and economic considerations have been developed in the standards framework and are set cut in BS 8417. The specifier should use these when assessing the lovel of durability required, regardless of whether this is achieved by treating with wood preservative or selecting a naturally durable species of timber, ‘Table At.B Service factors ((rom BS 6417) [Safely and economic considerations [Need for natural durabllly oF preservative treatment Regie unnecessary [Whore rervadial adion or replacements _[Oplional simple and preservation can be regarded as an insurance against the cost of repairs [Where remedial adion or replacement |Decirable would be siffeult or expensive Where colapse of stuctares would Essential constitute a serious danger to persons or Property Use classes (Table A1.9), eet out in BS ENV 236-1 identily the risk of attack biological organisms in various situations. 234Appendix 1 Timber and wood-based materials ‘Table A1.9 Use classes applicable to timbor framed buildings (from BS EN 335-1) ‘Biological use lass [Definition [Application to solid wood Examples T Under cover, filly protected fram | Moisture content ass than 20%, Rsk | Tiber within Duldnger intemal the weather and nat exposed to of attack by surface moulds anc [oinay, intermediate foes, inlernal wetting 00d staining or destroying fungi is | root bare in pitched roots insignificant. Insect attack possible. B Under cover, ly protected fom | Molsture content occasionally Flat oof nbers, ground foe sis the westher but where righ humisity [exceeds 20% and allows attack by can load to occasional but not | wood destroying fungi or persistent wetting cisfiqurement by surface moulds or staining fungi Insect attack possible 37 Exterior above ground, protecied — | Molslure content eocasionaly Extemaljoineny [exceeds 20% and allows allack by oad destroying tangy or Jsigurement by surface moulds or staining fungi Insect attack possible Bz [Exterior above ground not alstore content Fequenlly above [Deck boards and balusades, fonce protected 20% thus often liable to attack by rats ood destroying fungl or cisigurement by surlace moulds oF staining fungi. Ineect attack possible ‘Although methods and types of preservative treatment are outlined in BS 6417, this was published before the introduction of current Biocidal Products Regulations, The industry guidance provided in the Wood Protection Association Manual includes details of current product names and suppliers, together with specifications for the treatment of timber commodities. Commodity specifications of particular relevance to timber (C9 Timber framed housing C8 Constructional timber (excluding the walls of timber frame houses) C11 Wood-baged board and engineered wood products 6 External timber cladding ‘Timbers which are normally treated in timber frame construction aze: # sole plates + bottom members of wall frames resting directly on the dpc framing of extemal wall panels (eatment regarded as options) under | BS 8417, but usuelly undertaken as insurance) + timber cavity bartiers in external cavity walls (also protected by a separate dpc) 4 timber in cold design flat roofs + tmber as a weather resistant cladding unless it is the heartwood of species of Durability Class 2 (durable) ot better + cladding battens i + tiling battens. 236TTRADA Technology Timber frame construction A1.6 Care of timber and components ‘Timber dried to a level appropriate to its end use must be stored in such a way that moisture changes are minimal. Timber and timber components stacked under adequate cover, but not enclosed, on a diy base, may be stored for a week or two without major changes in moisture content. Stacks should be covered to protect the timber from rain and direct sunlight but the covering should allow free circulation of air to avoid the tisk of condensation, ‘Timber or timber components should never be stored on site without protection, Compliance with the Construction Products Directive requires that anyone ‘who handles or distributes a compliant product must be in a position to demonstrate its fitness for purpose’. Fitness for purpose can be affected by the way that panels are handled, transported and stored at all stages shrough the supply chain, including construction sites. Delivery of timber frame components, including trussed rafters, should be scheduled to minimise storage on site. However. if components are not fixed in thetr final position directly from a trailer, then adequate storage on a dry ase should be prepared before delivery, ‘Timber frame wall or floor panels should be stacked, sheathing or flooring side up, on bearers positioned to provide adequate support. The stack should be covered. Trussed rafters insy be laid flat on sulficient bearers to give level support at close centres to prevent deformation and they should be covered. If trusses are stored in an upright position, they should bs firmly supported. Bearers should be placed at the wall plate position with sufficient height to ensure that any rafter overhang clears the ground. Caroassing timber should be stacked on bearers to keep it off the ground on a level, well drained area ‘and covered. Structural timber composites should be kept dry. Board materials of all types should be kept flat and dry. ‘The manufacture of wood-based panels produces boards at a moisture content lower than that likely to prevail, even in heated buildings. Boards should be conditioned before fixing, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, to the moisture content likely to be reached in use. Therefore ‘wood-based panels delivered to site in strapped bundles should be broken ‘open and the boards exposed to the atmosphere in a covered area for re conditioning, External joinery should be treated in a similar way to that recommended for structural components, with support being carefully chosen to avoid warp or ‘twist caused by unnatural loading. Internal joinery should be delivered and. installed after the building is weatherproof. If is necessary to store internal joinery, it should be kept in a dry store. 236