Structural Use of Timber Part 2 Allowable Stress Design

© SABS.
This standard may reside on internal network or intranet on a Single Site only and is exclusively available to South African Council for the Architectural Pr
in accordance with copyright exploitation agreement no. , valid until 2022-03-31. The single-site licence allows South African Council for the Architectural Pr to
make five (5) printouts of the standard and will expire after one year unless renewed.
ICS 79.040; 91.080.20

SABS
ISBN 0-626-13240-1
0163-2*
*This standard references other standards
Edition 1.1
2001
SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARD
Code of practice
The structural use of timber
Part 2: Allowable stress design
Consolidated edition incorporating amendment No. 1: 7 September 2001
Published by
THE SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS Gr 17
This product is copyrighted by SABS, 1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, 0181, South Africa. All rights reserved.
© SABS. This standard may reside on internal network or intranet on a Single Site only and is exclusively available to South African Council for the Architectural Pr
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Amendments incorporated since the publication of SABS 0163-2:1994

Amdt No. Date Scope
1 2001-09-07 Has been amended to incorporate references to new SABS standards and to
replace the subclause on the design of bracing for compression members.
ICS 79.040; 91.080.20 SABS 0163-2

Ed. 1.1
SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS
CODE OF PRACTICE
THE STRUCTURAL USE OF TIMBER
PART 2: ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN
Obtainable from the
South African Bureau of Standards

Private Bag X191
Pretoria
Republic of South Africa
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Printed in the Republic of South Africa by the

South African Bureau of Standards
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Notice
This part of SABS 0163 was approved in accordance with SABS procedures on 7 February 1994.
Amendment 1 was approved in accordance with SABS procedures on 7 September 2001.
NOTES
1 In terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993), no person shall claim or declare that he or any other person
complied with an SABS standard unless
a) such claim or declaration is true and accurate in all material respects, and
b) the identity of the person on whose authority such claim or declaration is made, is clear.
2 It is recommended that authorities who wish to incorporate any part of this standard into any legislation in the manner
intended by section 31 of the Act consult the SABS regarding the implications.
This part of SABS 0163 will be revised when necessary in order to keep abreast of progress.
Comment will be welcome and will be considered when this part of SABS 0163 is revised.
Foreword
Edition 1.1 of this part of SABS 0163 cancels and replaces all previous editions.
A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been modified by amendment No. 1.
This part of SABS 0163 is essentially a "working stress" code, based on accepted engineering
principles of elasticity and on internationally accepted timber engineering methods. In the commentary,
reference is made to the Draft International Model Code, Timber structures, drafted by the Building
Research Council (CIB).
Should the requirements for grade stresses or the design procedures given in the standards referred
to differ from the relevant requirements or the procedures given in this part of SABS 0163, the
requirements and procedures given in this part of SABS 0163 shall prevail.
The commentaries in this part of SABS 0163 explain the rationale behind the design clauses and
provide references to enable the user to see the provisions in a better perspective. Where it was felt
that the wording was self-explanatory, no comment has been provided.
Annexes A to F are for information only.
Attention is drawn to the normative references given

in clause 2 of this standard. These references are
indispensable for the application of this standard.
ISBN 0-626-13240-1
ii
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Introduction
Background to the standard
The standard for the structural use of timber, SABS 0163, was drafted to assist designers of timber
structures.
The commentary on the standard is written in italic print and is intended to explain the rationale behind
the design clauses and to provide references to enable the design engineer to see the provisions in
a better perspective and thus be better able to use his discretion when necessary.
The drafting committee comprised expert and experienced engineers from industry, consulting
practices, research institutions and universities.
With few exceptions, the design data contained in the standard were derived from tests on full-size
structural members of South African grown timber. In a few instances, and where appropriate, data
from other countries were adapted to suit South African timber while research to develop our own data
continues.
Special features of timber
The designer of timber structures should always be aware of the following inherent features of timber
which cause it to differ from other materials:
a) timber is orthotropic, i.e. it possesses different mechanical properties in different directions relative
to the direction of the grain. Timber is much stronger and stiffer along the grain than perpendicular
to it;
b) considerable variance in strength and stiffness moduli exists, even within one grade of timber;
c) the short-term loads that timber can carry are higher than the long-term loads, i.e. the design
stresses can be increased for the short term; and
d) due allowance for creep under self-weight load should be made in cases where deflection is
important.
There are useful references in the commentary which the designer can consult to find more detailed
information about the nature of timber as a structural material.
Responsibility for the stability of buildings
Timber structures frequently form part of a building or a structure and therefore the engineer designing
such a timber structure should be fully aware of his responsibility. He should also point out the limit
of his responsibility for the overall structural stability to his client and should state his design
assumptions.
The engineer appointed to be responsible for the overall structural stability and safety of the whole
structure should satisfy himself that the timber elements have been designed and detailed for the
appropriate conditions. There should be no doubt where the responsibilities for the overall structural
stability lie when all or some of the design and details are not made by this engineer.
Note to specifiers
It is strongly recommended that in the drafting of contract documents and orders for material,
reference be made to the appropriate standard, and that use be made of the "Notes to Purchasers"
annex, where given in SABS standards.
iii
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Blank
iv
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Contents
Page
Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Normative references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Definitions and symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 Aspects of timber structure design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4.1 Special considerations in timber design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1.2 Design considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.3 Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.4 Serviceability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4.1 Deflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4.2 Ponding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4.3 Vibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4.4 Protection against fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4.5 Preservative treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 Statutory point loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
5.3 Eaves overhang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Allowable stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.2 Grade stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.3 Determination of allowable stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.3.1 Bending, tension and shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
6.3.2 Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.3.3 Modification factor for the duration of the load, k 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
6.3.4 Modification factor for load sharing, k 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.3.5 Modification factor for type of structure, k 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6.3.6 Modification factor for quality of fabrication, k 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3.7 Modification factor for moisture content, k 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4 Determination of design deflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4.1 Design deflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4.2 Modification factor for creep, d 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.4.3 Modification factor for moisture content, d 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Contents (continued )
Page
7 Design of members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
7.2 Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2.1 Maximum bending stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2.2 Effective span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2.3 Prevention of lateral instability in beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2.3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
7.2.3.2 Calculations for lateral stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.2.4 Horizontal shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.2.4.1 Beams of constant depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.2.4.2 Notched beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.2.5 Built-up beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.5.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.5.2 Web stiffeners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.5.3 Instability due to web buckling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.6 Beams loaded at an angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.7 Composite beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7.2.8 Battens and purlins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2.8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2.8.2 Grade stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2.8.3 Load cases and design criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2.8.4 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.3 Tension members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.3.1 Maximum tensile stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.3.2 Combined stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.3.3 Splices in tension members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.3.4 Maximum slenderness ratio in tension members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.4 Columns and compression members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.4.1 Concentrically loaded compression members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7.4.2 Eccentrically loaded columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.4.3 Effective column length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.4.4 Maximum slenderness ratio in compression members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.4.5 Tapered columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.4.6 Spaced columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7.4.7 Compression members in triangulated frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.4.7.1 Effective length for "in-plane" buckling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.4.7.2 Effective length for "out-of-plane" buckling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.5 Members subjected to combined bending and axial force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
7.6 Glued laminated timbers (glulam) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
7.6.2 Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7.6.3 Tapered beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7.6.4 Curved beams with constant cross-section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
7.6.5 Double tapered curved beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
7.6.6 Distribution of bending stresses in heavily curved beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7.6.7 Bending stress in double tapered beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7.6.8 Arches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7.6.8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
7.6.8.2 Lateral stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
vi
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Page
7.7 Design of bracing for compression members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

7.7.1 Calculation of stiffness in lateral restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 |
7.7.2 Calculation of force in lateral restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 |
7.7.3 Calculation of stiffness of bracing membranes or frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 |
7.7.4 Calculation of the lateral uniformly distributed load in the bracing |
system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
8 Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.1 Allowable joint forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.2 Butt-joints in compression made with mechanical fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.3 Density groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.4 Proprietary fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.5 Groups of fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
8.1.6 Loads at various angles to the grain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
8.2 Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
8.2.1 Withdrawal forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
8.2.2 Metal side plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8.2.3 Spacing of nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
8.2.4 Basic lateral forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.2.5 Nails in end-grain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3 Coach screws (lag screws) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3.1 Spacing of coach screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3.3 Withdrawal forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.3.4 Basic lateral forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
8.4 Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.4.2 Spacing of bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.4.3 Bolts in two-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
8.4.4 Larger washer sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
8.4.5 Bolts in multiple-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
8.4.6 Slip in the joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
8.5 Circular toothed connectors, split-ring connectors and shear-plate connectors . . . 51
8.5.1 Bolts and nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.5.2 Spacing of connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.5.3 Basic forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.6 Glued joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.6.1 Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8.6.2 Allowable stresses for glued joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
8.7 Finger-joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
8.8 Nail-plate connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.8.1 Minimum thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.8.2 Allowable loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
8.8.3 Minimum strength for handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.8.4 Alignment of fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
8.8.5 Forces at an angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
8.8.6 Edge distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
8.8.7 Plate position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
vii
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Page
9 Panel products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9.2 Grade stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9.2.1 Grade stresses for SA pine plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9.2.1.1 Grade stresses other than bending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
9.2.1.2 Grade stresses for bending on flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.2.2 Grade stresses for battenboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.2.3 Grade stresses for blockboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
9.2.4 Grade stresses for fibreboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.2.5 Grade stresses for particleboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3 Design of members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3.1 Flexural members for bending on flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3.1.1 Plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
9.3.1.2 Fibreboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
9.3.1.3 Particleboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
9.3.2 Shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
10 Tables
Table 1 Density of SA structural timbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Table 2 Guide to weight per square metre of typical roof, ceiling and flooring materials
(includes the weight of any battens, brandering and purlins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Table 3 Grade stresses for SA pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Table 4 Grade stresses for SA pine in compression parallel to grain (for slenderness
ratios 10 and greater) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Table 5 Grade stresses for round poles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Table 6 Grade stresses for round poles in compression (for slenderness ratios 10 and
greater) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Table 7 Values of CfD, CfI and CfW ........................................... 66
Table 8 k3 factors for different spans of timber trusses and girders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Table 9 Modification factor for moisture content d2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Table 10 Approximate lateral support rules for rectangular beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Table 11 Effective length of rectangular beams Re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Table 12 Trusses and purlin/batten spacing – empirical design of SA pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Table 13 Grade stresses for softwood brandering and battens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Table 14 Grade compressive stress pcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
viii
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Page
Table 15 Effective length Re of columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Table 16 Load-span table for grade 6 glulam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Table 17 Maximum span of rafters for sheeted roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Table 18 Maximum span of rafters for tiled roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Table 19 Maximum span of rafters for domestic floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Table 20 Constants for determination of radial stress in double tapered curved

members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Table 21 Modification factor for fasteners in a row in joints with timber side plates . . . . . . . 73
Table 22 Basic forces for mild steel nails in single shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Table 23 Basic forces in withdrawal of coach screws per 25 mm penetration of thread

in the side grain of seasoned timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Table 24 Factors for penetration of thread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Table 25 Basic forces for coach screws in lateral bearing in the side grain of seasoned
timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Table 26 Factors for thickness of timber side plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Table 27 Basic forces on bolts in two-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Table 28 Basic forces on bolts in multiple-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Table 29 Minimum spacing for circular toothed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Table 30 Minimum spacing for split-ring and shear-plate connectors ................. 79
Table 31 Basic forces for circular toothed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Table 32 Basic forces for split-ring connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Table 33 Basic forces for shear-plate connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Table 34 Representative properties for nail-plate connectors ....................... 82
Table 35 Grade stresses for plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Table 36 Grade stresses for battenboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Table 37 Grade stresses for blockboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Table 38 Grade stresses for fibreboard ........................................ 84
Table 39 Grade stresses for particleboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
ix
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Page
Annexes
A Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
A.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
A.2 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
A.3 Machining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
A.4 Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.4.1 Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.4.2 Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.4.2.1 Types of timber screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.4.2.2 Coach (lag) screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
A.4.2.3 Normal timber screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A.4.3 Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
A.4.4 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
A.4.4.1 Circular toothed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
A.4.4.2 Split-ring and shear-plate connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
A.4.5 Patented and specialized fasteners and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
A.5 Assembly of structural units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
A.6 Transportation, storage and erection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
A.7 Steelwork and fitting of steelwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
A.8 Cover plates to exposed edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
A.9 Air space or moisture barrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
B Dimensions of timber commonly produced in South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

B.1 Rough-sawn solid timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
B.2 Categories other than rough-sawn timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
B.2.1 Dimensions of SA pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
B.2.2 Nominal dimensions of SA pine stocklam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
B.2.3 Nominal dimensions of saligna glulam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
B.2.4 Non-standard sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
C Derivation of grade stresses and loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

C.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
C.2 Testing procedure for members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
C.3 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
C.4 Tests on joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
D Prototype and proof testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

D.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2 Prototype testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.1 Preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.2 Deflection test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.3 Strength test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.4 Performance criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.4.1 Deflection test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
D.2.4.2 Strength test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
D.3 Proof testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Contents (concluded )
Page
E Fire resistance . . . . . . .................................................... 111

E.1 Definition . . . . . . .................................................... 111
E.2 Charring rate . . . .................................................... 111
E.3 Timber members .................................................... 111
E.4 Connections . . . .................................................... 112
E.5 Treatments . . . . .................................................... 112
F Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
xi
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Committee*)
South African Bureau of Standards ........................... DC de Villiers

(Chairman)
DAJ Loubser
(Project leader)
EP du Plessis
(Committee administrator)
CSIR
Boutek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R Forbes
Department of Public Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H Bosch
International Truss Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M Hull

M Piyackis
Institute for Timber Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T Blackwood-Murray
MiTek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M Newham
R Adams
Omni Truss Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R Sorrensen
Trussdata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KJW Downnams
University of Pretoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W Burdzik
*) This committee was responsible for the 1994 edition of this part of SABS 0163.
xii
CODE OF PRACTICE SABS 0163-2

Edition 1.1
The structural use of timber
Part 2:
Allowable stress design
1 Scope
This part of SABS 0163 gives guidance on the structural design based on the allowable stresses of
timber and on the evaluation of timber members and structures.
2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions
of this part of SABS 0163. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a standard
is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements based on this
part of SABS 0163 are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the
standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards may be
obtained from the South African Bureau of Standards.
BS 1579, Specification for connectors for timber.
CIB Structural timber design code, 1980.
ISO 3898, Bases for design of structures – Notations – General symbols.
SABS 457, Wooden poles, droppers, guardrail posts, and spacer blocks.
SABS 540-1, Fibreboard products – Part 1: Uncoated fibreboards.
SABS 540-2, Fibreboard products – Part 2: Coated fibreboard.
SABS 753, Pine poles, cross-arms and spacers for power distribution, telephone systems, and street
lighting.
SABS 754, Eucalyptus poles, cross-arms and spacers for power distribution, and telephone systems.
SABS 763, Hot-dip (galvanized) zinc coatings (other than on continuously zinc-coated sheet and wire).
SABS 820, Mild steel nails.
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
SABS 929, Plywood and composite board.
SABS 1349, Phenolic, aminoplastic and one-part polyurethane resin adhesives for the laminating and
finger-jointing of timber, and for furniture and joinery.
SABS 1460, Laminated timber (glulam).
| SABS 1700-7-1, Fasteners – Part 7: External drive hexagon bolts and screws – Section 1: Hexagon
| head bolts – Product grades A and B. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| head bolts – Product grades A and B – Reduced shank (shank diameter approximately equal to pitch
| diameter). Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| head bolts – Product grade C. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| head screws – Product grades A and B. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1700 -7-5, Fasteners – Part 7: External drive hexagon bolts and screws – Section 5: Hexagon
| head screws – Product grade C. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1700-14-1, Fasteners – Part 14: Hexagon nuts – Section 1: Style 1 – Product grades A and B.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1700-14-2, Fasteners – Part 14: Hexagon nuts – Section 2: Style 2 – Product grades A and B.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1700-14-3, Fasteners – Part 14: Hexagon nuts – Section 3: Product grade C.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1700-14-4, Fasteners – Part 14: Hexagon nuts – Section 4: Hexagon thin nuts (chamfered) –
| Product grades A and B. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1783-2, Sawn softwood timber – Part 2: Stress-graded structural timber and timber for frame wall
| construction. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS 1783-4, Sawn softwood timber – Part 4: Brandering and battens. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
SABS 05, The preservative treatment of timber.
SABS 043, The laying of wood floors.
SABS 096, The manufacture of finger-jointed structural timber.
SABS 0160, The general procedures and loadings to be adopted in the design of buildings.
| SABS 0183, The terminology and classification of adhesives for wood. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS EN 312-1, Particleboards – Specifications – Part 1: General requirements for all board types.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
| SABS EN 312-4, Particleboards – Specifications – Part 4: Requirements for load-bearing boards for
| use in dry conditions. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
SABS EN 312-5, Particleboards – Specifications – Part 5: Requirements for load-bearing boards for |
use in humid conditions. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
SABS EN 312-6, Particleboards – Specification – Part 6: Requirements for heavy duty load-bearing |
boards for use in dry conditions. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
SABS EN 312-7, Particleboards – Specification – Part 7: Requirements for heavy duty load-bearing |
boards for use in humid conditions. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
3 Definitions and symbols
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this part of SABS 0163, the following definitions apply:
3.1.1 allowable stress or allowable joint force: The grade stress or basic joint force multiplied by
the modification factors that are appropriate to the specific conditions under which a member, structure
or joint will operate.
3.1.2 basic joint force: The force that is assigned to a joint or to a member of a joint such as a nail
or a bolt, to quantify the strength of the joint or the member.
NOTE The allowable joint force is obtained from the basic joint force (see annex C) by means of the modification factors
that are appropriate to the specific conditions under which the joint or the member of the joint will operate.
3.1.3 calculated deflection: The predicted deflection of a member or structure, calculated by means
of an analysis based on elastic theory.
3.1.4 camber: An upward vertical displacement built into a member, to compensate for deflection due
to self-weight.
3.1.5 competent person: A person who is qualified by virtue of his experience and training.
3.1.6 connector: A device used for connecting one or more timber members to one another or to
metal members, and capable of transmitting loads.
3.1.7 density group: Timber of density that exceeds 480 kg/m3 is classified under density group D1,
and timber of density between 400 kg/m3 and 480 kg/m3 under density group D2.
3.1.8 design deflection: The calculated deflection of a member or structure, adjusted to account for
creep and abnormal moisture content.
3.1.9 glued laminated member: A member manufactured by gluing together a number of timber
laminations that have their grains essentially parallel.
3.1.10 grade stress: The stress that is assigned to a timber member or product, to quantify its
strength.
NOTES
1 The allowable stress (see 3.1.1) is obtained from the grade stress by means of the modification factors that are
appropriate to the specific conditions under which a member or structure will operate.
2 The grade stress is derived in accordance with annex C from the strength at failure of full size test specimens.
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
3.1.11 member: Any structural component that is a piece of solid timber or has been built up from
pieces of timber or plywood or both (e.g. a floor joist, a box beam or a member of a truss).
3.1.12 modification factor: A factor that is applied to the grade stresses, basic joint forces or
calculated deformations, to allow for the specific condition(s) under which a member or structure will
operate and which will influence its structural behaviour.
3.1.13 moisture content: The mass of water in a sample of timber and expressed as grams of
moisture per kilogram of oven-dry mass of the sample of timber.
3.1.14 net cross-sectional area: The net cross-sectional area of a piece of timber at a given position
along the timber depends upon the cross-section of all the timber within a distance measured each side
of this given position; this distance is equal to twice the larger of the width or depth of the timber at that
position (see figure 1). The net cross-sectional area is equal to the actual cross-sectional area of the
timber less the cross-sectional area of all timber removed by operations such as machining, notching,
grooving and holing (as appropriate) within the distance given above. Holes of diameter less than 6 mm
made for bolts or nails are ignored.
3.1.15 proof testing: The application of test loads to assess the acceptability to the designer of a
structural component or components prior to use.
3.1.16 prototype testing: The evaluation under test loads of the structural characteristics of a
component nominally identical with the proposed component.
3.1.17 rough-sawn: Descriptive of timber sawn on a breakdown saw or similar device and then edged
but not otherwise machined (see annex B).
Figure 1 — Net cross-section
3.2 Symbols
The symbols used in this part of SABS 0163 are generally in accordance with ISO 3898, and are as
follows:
A the area or a constant
Cd duration of load coefficient for deflection
Cf duration of load coefficient for stress
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Ck critical stability function
Cs slenderness factor
D diameter
E average modulus of elasticity
Ee effective modulus of elasticity
I second moment of area (moment of inertia)
L length
Lu laterally unsupported length
M bending moment
N number of lateral restraints
N1 allowable force (see 8.1.6)
P force or allowable force parallel to the grain
PA average axial force in strut due to self-weight load only (see 7.7.1)
PL force on lateral restraint (see 7.7.2)
Q allowable force perpendicular to the grain
Rm radius of curvature of the centre-line of member
V shear force
WD self-weight load effect
WI imposed load effect
WW wind load effect
Z section modulus
a bolt spacing in direction of force
a1 end or edge distance
b width of beam/member (see 7.6.4)
c length of splay (see 7.2.4.2(b))
d depth of beam/member (see 7.6.4)
d1 deflection modification factor for creep
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
d2 deflection modification factor for moisture content
da depth of beam at apex (see 7.6.5 and 7.6.7)
de depth of beam at notch
e dimension
fb allowable bending stress
fc allowable compressive stress parallel to the grain
ft allowable tensile stress parallel to the grain
ftp allowable tensile stress perpendicular to the grain (see 7.6.4 and 8.1.6)
fv allowable shear stress
k1 stress modification factor for the duration of the load
k2 stress modification factor for the sharing of the load
k3 stress modification factor for the type of structure
k4 stress modification factor for the quality of fabrication
k5 stress modification factor for moisture content
k6 stress modification factor for heavily curved beams (see 7.6.6)
k7 stress modification factor for heavily curved beams (see 7.6.6)
k8 stress modification factor for laminate curvature
kR stress modification factor for double tapered curved beams (see 7.6.5)
Re effective length (see 7.4.3)
n number of specimens or number of members
p grade stress
pb grade bending stress
pc grade compressive stress
pcy grade compressive stress parallel to the grain for a short strut
pe Euler stress
ptp grade tensile stress perpendicular to the grain
r radius of gyration
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
s standard deviation
t thickness
y distance from neutral axis to extreme fibre
β angle between the tangent to the top surface of a beam at a springing point and the straight line
joining the two springing points
σb calculated bending stress
σbo calculated bending stress in the outer face of a curved beam
σbi calculated bending stress in the inner face of a curved beam
σc calculated compressive stress parallel to the grain
σr calculated radial stress
σt calculated tensile stress parallel to the grain
σv calculated horizontal shear stress
σVM calculated shear stress due to moment
σVF calculated shear stress due to force
σVR calculated resultant shear stress
λ slenderness ratio
η eccentricity coefficient
∆ deflection
θ angle of force to grain of timber splay angle (see 7.2.4.2(b))
4 Aspects of timber structure design
4.1 Special considerations in timber design
4.1.1 General
Timber differs from other structural materials in that it is organic and orthotropic. Its structural behaviour
is reflected in the modification factors that are to be applied to the grade stresses, basic joint forces and
calculated deflections.
Commentary
The microstructure of timber can be visualized as a bundle of straws glued together (see figure 2).
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 2 — Straw bundle analogue of timber
From figure 3 it is clear that the strength properties of timber will vary in three distinct directions:
– tangential: the direction of a tangent to the stem (see figure 3);
– radial: from the centre of the stem outwards (see figure 3); and
– longitudinal: in the long direction of the stem, i.e. parallel to the grain.
Figure 3 — Directions for strength properties in timber
Since the radial and longitudinal strength properties are very similar, only two directions are taken
into consideration for design purposes:
a) perpendicular to the grain (radial or tangential); and
b) parallel (longitudinal) to the grain.
4.1.2 Design considerations
The designer should consider the following:
a) the use of timber treated in accordance with SABS 05 in environments where untreated timber could
be susceptible to attack by fungi or insects (see 4.4.5);
b) the use of such a design for the structure that tension perpendicular to the grain of the timber is
minimized;
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
c) the use of timber in applications involving short-term loading rather than long-term loading;
d) the necessity of applying limits to initial deformations in timber, such as bow and twist;
NOTE When timber is used for columns, it is recommended that the bow not exceed L/300, and when timber is used
for beams (where lateral instability can occur), it is recommended that the bow not exceed L/200.
Commentary
Timber tends to bow or twist when its moisture content changes (and particularly during the drying
process if the timber is incorrectly stacked). When an axial force acts on a piece of timber deformed
by bowing or twisting or both, the resulting bending moments can lead to progressively bigger
deformations, even to such an extent that the member becomes unstable. Beams with an initially
deformed compression flange can be progressively deformed in the same way. It is therefore
necessary to limit initial deformation in timber. The appearance of a timber structure can also be
improved considerably when the relevant limits are applied.
e) the increase of the calculated deflection of a member or a structure by means of the appropriate
modification factors to allow for long-term creep;
Commentary
To avoid damage to partitions and ceilings and for reasons of appearance and stability, it is
necessary to limit the deflection of a part of a structure or of the structure as a whole (see
SABS 0160). Timber creeps under long-term loading and, since this creep can be significant, it is
important that the appropriate modification factors be used in the calculation of the design deflection.
Large secondary bending moments in a plane other than the principal bending plane can occur in
trusses of low profile and this should be taken into account when the method used to analyse the
forces and moments in such trusses is being decided upon. A great disparity in overall stiffness
between the top and bottom chords of a truss will redistribute such secondary moments to the stiffer
member. It is therefore strongly recommended that stiffness matrix methods of analysis be used in
the analysis of trusses of low profile.
f) the use of standard dimensions of structural timber products that are produced in commercial sizes
(see annex B); and
NOTE In the case of timber that is of non-standard dimensions, use the actual measured sizes.
g) the use of timber structural components that comply with SABS standards (see clause 2).
4.2 Strength
Ensure that the calculated stresses are less than the allowable stresses given in this standard.
4.3 Stability
Perform all the necessary calculations to ensure that the structure and its components are stable under
all loading conditions to which they could be subjected during use.
Commentary
The following forms of instability are often encountered in timber structures and require special
attention:
a) uplift of an entire roof due to wind;
b) inadequate bracing in timber roofs;
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
c) inadequate lateral support to slender beams;
d) reversal of stresses; and
e) inadequate racking resistance provided by wall panels in timber frame constructions.
If the self-weight load of a structure is a stabilizing component, SABS 0160 states that only 0,7 times
the self-weight load should be used for design purposes.
4.4 Serviceability
4.4.1 Deflections
Ensure that the deflections of timber structures are in accordance with SABS 0160. (See also 4.1.2(d)
and 6.4.)
4.4.2 Ponding
So design flat or slightly sloping roofs that ponding is avoided. Allow for rain and hail and for any build-
up of such loads.
Commentary
The imposed load given for roofs in SABS 0160 makes provision for the build-up of water, hail or
snow to a depth of 50 mm, 60 mm or 250 mm respectively. Water will only accumulate on very flat
roofs, hail can accumulate over the entire roof with a pitch of 10° or less and snow will accumulate
over the entire roof with a pitch of up to 30°. Hail or snow also tends to accumulate in places such
as gutters and valleys.
4.4.3 Vibration
So minimize vibrational effects that no discomfort or alarm is caused to the occupants of buildings or
other structures.
Commentary
Timber floors are particularly susceptible to vibration. In most structures, the stiffness provided to
conform to the deflection criteria will be such that no further consideration of vibration is necessary.
See 3.1.4 of SABS 0160 if further vibration calculation is deemed necessary.
4.4.4 Protection against fire
Ensure that the fire ratings of different types of buildings are in accordance with the National Building
Regulations: Part T.
Commentary
A method for the calculation of the resistance of timber members to fire is given in annex E.
4.4.5 Preservative treatment
Specify that timber for use in the proclaimed areas of the Republic of South Africa as defined in the
regulations in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act 122 of 1984), and published by Government Notice
No. R 602 dated 27 March 1986, be effectively protected from rot and from attack by fungi and insects,
by being treated in accordance with SABS 05. (See also SABS 043.)
10
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
1) General
The degradation of untreated or incorrectly used timber could be due to biological factors, extreme
climatic conditions, fire or chemicals.
Timber can be protected by treating it with insecticides, fungicides or fire retardants or by using good
detailing, soil poisoning and other protective measures to prevent attack by fungi, insects, fire and
chemicals.
For preservation and treatment, refer to SABS 05 and to specialists in timber treatment. In the
treatment of laminated timber, care should be taken to ensure that the preservative used is
compatible with the adhesive.
2) Standards
SABS 05, SABS 457, SABS 753, SABS 754 and SABS 1288 should be consulted for recommenda-
tions regarding the preservative treatment of timber against fungi and insects. Standards covering
preservatives for timber are listed in SABS 05. Any treatment should preferably be carried out before
installation, but where this is unavoidable or impracticable (such as with overhanging truss ends),
a liberal brush application of a preservative in accordance with SABS 05 should be prescribed.
3) Regulations
The Department of Environment Affairs has promulgated regulations to control the spread of insects
harmful to timber structures and to prevent the damage that these insects can cause the structures
and the economy. The latest regulations in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act 122 of 1984), have
been published by Government Notice No. R 602 dated 27 March 1986.
These regulations are not comprehensive and do not cover areas where insect attack and
specifically fungal attack are minimal but where preservative treatment is still required.
The regulations list so-called proclaimed areas where the preservative treatment of specified
timbers, which are used structurally in permanent buildings, is compulsory.
The latest regulations also cover the quality of preservation by requiring that the application of a
preservative to timber anywhere in the country comply with the appropriate provisions of SABS 05
or SABS 1288.
4) Fungal decay
The development of fungal decay in timber can only take place if the temperature is in the range
5 °C to 45 °C and moisture is present. Most timber decays when its moisture content exceeds the
fibre saturation point, provided that air is present. Timber that is continuously immersed in water or
that has a moisture content of 200 g/kg or less is safe from fungal attack. When conditions for fungal
decay cannot be controlled, decay can be inhibited by suitable treatment of the timber (see
SABS 05).
When the decay of timber is caused by fungi, the strength and fire resistance are reduced.
Where timber is intended for use in conditions favourable to fungal decay, it should be treated with
a timber preservative, unless the timber is naturally resistant to decay. In the case of laminated
timber, the preservative should be compatible with the adhesives used for manufacture. Decay can
be avoided if attention is paid to design details, for example by ensuring sound site and building
drainage, adequate separation of the timber from known or likely sources of moisture and effective
control of ventilation and condensation. All exposed timber surfaces and adjoining areas should be
provided with an adequate pitch to ensure the rapid run-off of water. Construction details that could
trap moisture, particularly in end grain, should be avoided. Timber should be separated from contact
with concrete, brick and other permeable surfaces by means of waterproof membranes. Openings
for girders and joists in masonry walls should have air spaces (clearances) to the ends and sides
11
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
of these members. Condensation can be prevented by the provision of openings to ensure cross-
ventilation. This is particularly important in the case of suspended timber floors at ground level (see
SABS 043).
Where timber is to be used in an environment of high humidity, such as found in textile and paper
mills, only properly treated timber should be used.
In such conditions, careful detailing is necessary to avoid possible loss of strength caused by fungal
attack and consequent abnormal deflections.
Periodic inspections of the structure should be carried out to ensure that anti-decay measures are
being maintained and that additional decay hazards are not present.
Generally, damage resulting from decay in timber develops slowly.
Annex A gives (among other information) typical construction details.
5) Insect attack
Attack by insects can be prevented by means of suitable treatment and impregnation with a
preservative in accordance with SABS 05.
Special attention should be paid to detailing, particularly in the foundations of timber structures, to
prevent access by termites; such access can be prevented if the timber is kept well clear of the
ground and is founded on concrete. Chemical treatment of the ground (soil poisoning in accordance
with SABS 0124) should be considered.
6) Chemical attack
Timber is often superior to other construction materials in resisting chemical attack. The chemical
resistance of timber depends upon the type of chemical process, temperature, humidity and pH
values involved.
Wherever there is a possibility of chemical attack, the designer should investigate and ascertain the
effects of the chemical on both the timber and the connections.
7) Cutting after preservation
When timber that has been treated with preservatives is cut and drilled, the cut and drilled surfaces
should be treated with the same preservative, applied by brush or spray.
8) Transportation, storage and erection
Owing to the nature of timber, special care should be taken in handling and transporting
manufactured components. All materials and assemblies should be protected from the weather,
particularly during the wet season.
Where storage is necessary prior to erection, all timber should be kept well clear of contact with the
ground. The timber should also be kept dry and well ventilated.
12
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
5 Loads
5.1 General
Design all members, components, joints and structures in accordance with SABS 0160.
Commentary
Ideally, the variation in magnitude of load during the life of a structure should be expressed
statistically so that the maximum likely load corresponding to any particular probability of occurrence
can be determined. This load is known as the "characteristic load". Generally, owing to insufficient
data, the characteristic loads cannot be accurately defined and therefore, in terms of the National
Building Regulations, the loading to be used for design is that described in SABS 0160.
Since timber structures are often lightly loaded, the designer should carefully consider the mass of
different elements of the structure. Where the design values used are those recommended by the
manufacturers of the structures, the basis of the values should be checked. Typical self-weight load
data are given in tables 1 and 2 (see clause 10).
The self-weight load of an absorbent low-density screed that covers the timber structure should be
calculated on the assumption that the screed will be saturated with water, unless the designer is
absolutely certain that the screed will remain dry throughout its design life. Similar assumptions
should be made for all porous materials.
The component or structure should be able to support the alternative single vertical concentrated
load of 0,9 kN placed in any position and applied to an area of 0,1 m × 0,1 m. This point load and
the imposed load should not be placed on the structure simultaneously. For the duration-of-load
adjustment of stress, the point load is classified as "short term".
5.2 Statutory point loads |
The point load specification 5.4.3.3 of SABS 0160 must be applied to the bottom chord of any truss at |
any position where the height of the truss is greater than 1,5 m, as measured from the top of the bottom |
chord to the top of the top chord (rafter). Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
5.3 Eaves overhang
The point load specified in 5.4.3.3 of SABS 0160 may be reduced by 50 % for the design of eaves
overhangs in timber trusses, provided that the trusses are spaced at centres not exceeding 1,5 m and
that the eaves overhang of the rafters does not exceed 1,2 m. This reduction is allowable because of
the load-sharing effect of adjacent trusses.
Commentary
The point load specified in 5.4.3.3 of SABS 0160 may be reduced by 50 % for the following reasons:
a) if the distribution of load by battens or purlins is considered, the effect of a point load is greatly
reduced;
b) a point load cannot easily be applied at the extreme end of an eaves overhang; and
c) the probability of the worst allowable defect for the specified rafter grade occurring at the heel
joint is very small.
13
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
6 Allowable stresses
6.1 General
The grade stresses given in 6.2 cover commonly available structural timber products. The allowable
stresses are derived by multiplying the grade stresses by the modification factors appropriate to the
specific design conditions and as listed in 6.3.
Commentary
Grade stresses for timber products not listed in this part of SABS 0163 can be obtained experi-
mentally in accordance with the procedure described in annex C. It is important that any such tests
be carried out at, or the results be qualified by, a reputable timber research laboratory such as the
SABS or the Division of Forest Science and Technology (Environmentek) of the CSIR. The strength
of timber will vary widely with density and sawing patterns so that statistical sampling and testing
methods are extremely important in deriving sound strength data.
The designer should ensure that all the required allowable stress data for the timber to be used are
available. Note that owing to the orthotropic nature of timber, properties are not the same in all
directions or even proportional to the properties given for another tested product.
The availability of the particular grade of timber to be used in the design should first be ascertained.
6.2 Grade stresses
The grade stresses of commercially available timber are given in tables 3 to 6 (see clause 10).
Commentary
The grade stresses are calculated by dividing the values for characteristic stress (see 5.1) by a
modification factor of 2,22, which is deemed to cater for long-term loading and a factor of safety.
(Characteristic stresses are given in annex N of SABS 0163-1.)
These grade stresses are such that if no modification factors are applied, they will be safe in all but
exceptional circumstances. The stresses allow for a normal service environment that causes little
change in moisture content, and a service moisture content of less than 170 g/kg. Moisture content
has little effect on the bending, tension and shear stresses but is significant in compression and is
therefore included in 6.3.2. These stresses also assume a long-term (50 year) loading.
6.3 Determination of allowable stress
Commentary
The modification factors k 1 to k 5 provide the designer with some advantage for a number of
conditions. The most significant of these is the modification factor k 1 for the duration of the load.
6.3.1 Bending, tension and shear
To determine the allowable stress for bending, tension and shear, multiply the grade stress by the
appropriate modification factors.
14
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
The allowable stress is equal to the grade stress multiplied by k 1, k 2, k 3 and k 4
where
k 1 is the modification factor for the duration of load (see 6.3.3);
k 2 is the modification factor for the load sharing (see 6.3.4);
k 3 is the modification factor for the type of structure (see 6.3.5); and
k 4 is the modification factor for the quality of fabrication (see 6.3.6).
6.3.2 Compression
To determine the allowable stress for compression, multiply the grade stress by the appropriate modifi-
cation factors.
The allowable stress is equal to the grade stress multiplied by k 1, k 2, k 3, k 4 and k 5
where
k 1, k 2, k 3 and k 4 are as given in 6.3.1, and
k 5 is the modification factor for moisture content (see 6.3.7).
6.3.3 Modification factor for the duration of the load, k 1
From table 7 obtain the values of the coefficients C fD, C fI and C fW that are applicable to the duration
of the load (i.e. the period or the sum of all the periods during which the load acts) and calculate the
modification factor for the duration of the load, k 1, as follows:
WD % WΙ % WW
k1 '
Cf D . WD % Cf Ι . WΙ % Cf W . WW
where
W D is the self-weight load effect;
W I is the imposed load effect;
W W is the wind load effect;
C fD is the duration-of-self-weight load coefficient;
C fI is the duration-of-imposed load coefficient; and
C fW is the duration-of-wind load coefficient.

NOTE The load effect is that stress or displacement or distortion induced by the application of the load.
Where the relation between loads and load effects is in the same proportion for all the loads (i.e. all
loads are uniformly distributed), then the modification factor k 1 can be calculated directly from the loads.
Note that in this case, adjustment of the applied loads by the duration-of-load coefficients will produce
a result identical with adjustment of the allowable stresses.
15
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
Note that imposed roof loads defined in SABS 0160 are regarded as short-term loads and C fI can
be taken as 0,66. It is convenient in practice to apply the coefficient C f for self-weight load, imposed
load and wind load to the loads rather than to factor the stresses. This approach is in general
arithmetically identical with the methods specified. However, forces calculated in such a way should
be readjusted if applied to materials that do not exhibit a duration-of-load effect. One such example
is the reaction of a timber structure carried by a steel or concrete structure.
Where load effects act in opposite directions, the appropriate duration-of-load factor should be
applied to the difference between the load effects. For example, where uplift forces due to wind
exceed the self-weight loads, the factor for short duration should be applied in checking the net
resultant stress.
For example – where the design self-weight load is 0,2 kN/m 2 and wind loads are assessed as
0,5 kN/m 2 uplift, take
W D as 0,2 kN/m 2 × 0,7 (see the note below); and
W W as 0,5 kN/m 2;
therefore the total load is 0,36 kN/m 2 uplift.
This can be taken as a load of short duration (C fW = 0,66) and if the load effect is proportional to
the loads then the modification factor for the duration of the load (k 1) becomes
0,36
k1 '
0,36 × 0,66
= 1,52
NOTE 5.2 of SABS 0160 provides for a reduction in the self-weight loads by a modification factor of 0,7
when structures subject to reversal of stress are being assessed.
6.3.4 Modification factor for load sharing, k 2
For uniformly distributed loads acting on more than four members of a structure (other than trusses or
laminated beams) spaced not more than 600 mm apart and that operate together in such a way that
they are restrained to the same deflection, take k 2 as 1,15. In all other cases, take k 2 as 1.
Commentary
The modification factor k 2 only applies where the elements of a system are constrained to the same
deformation.
6.3.5 Modification factor for type of structure, k 3
Where the consequences of failure are small, take k 3 as being between 1,15 and 1,0. Where the
consequences of failure are large, take k 3 as being between 1,0 and 0,85. k 3 factors for different spans
of timber trusses and girders are given in table 8 (see clause 10).
Commentary
The introduction of the tributary loading in SABS 0160 reduces the overall safety factor of large span
timber girders and trusses and has necessitated the introduction of a k 3 modification factor of less
than 1,0.
16
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
6.3.6 Modification factor for quality of fabrication, k 4
When a fabricated structural component complies with an SABS standard, take k 4 as 1,05. In all other
cases, take k 4 as 1.
6.3.7 Modification factor for moisture content, k 5
In cases where the moisture content in a compression member or in a joint can occasionally exceed
170 g/kg, take k 5 as 0,75. Take k 5 as 1 where it is certain that 170 g/kg will not be exceeded.
Commentary
The effect of moisture content on the bending, tensile and shear strength of commercial timber can
be ignored. However, the factor for moisture content is applied to compression members and to
joints, while the factor for moisture content is smaller than 1,0. Omitting this factor will therefore yield
unsafe results.
Specialist advice should be sought where the moisture content is consistently over 200 g/kg. This
situation is normally unlikely to occur but special applications such as in kiln drying sheds or in dye
houses should be treated with caution.
In the case of timber treated with a waterborne preservative, the moisture content could be well
above the 200 g/kg specified. Problems could be encountered with creep and with corrosion of
fasteners if this moisture content is maintained. The modification factor k5 can be taken as 1,0 if a
sufficient period is allowed for adequate reduction of the moisture content before load is applied.
6.4 Determination of design deflection
6.4.1 Design deflection
To determine the design deflection ∆, multiply the calculated deflection by the appropriate modification
factors.
∆ design deflection = ∆ calculated deflection . d1 . d2 < ∆ allowable deflection
where
d 1 is the deflection modification factor for creep (see 6.4.2); and
d 2 is the deflection modification factor for moisture content (see 6.4.3).
Commentary
Timber subject to stress so creeps with time that the deflections calculated on elastic principles
should be adjusted in the prediction of long-term deformation. Under normal conditions, with little
variation in moisture content, most of the creep will occur soon after loading and very little additional
deformation will take place after the first three months under load.
6.4.2 Modification factor for creep, d 1
When the full load or a combination of loads acts on a member for a period or a sum of periods
exceeding three months, take the applicable duration-of-load coefficient for deflection C d in the range
0,5 to 0,7, but 0,6 is recommended (see table 7). In all other cases, take C d as 1,0. Use these values
to calculate d 1 as follows:
17
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
WD % WΙ % WW
d1 '
Cd D . WD % Cd Ι . WΙ % Cd W . WW
where
W D is the self-weight load effect;
W I is the imposed load effect;
W W is the wind load effect;
C dD is the duration-of-self-weight load coefficient for deflection;
C dI is the duration-of-imposed load coefficient for deflection; and
C dW is the duration-of-wind load coefficient for deflection.
This formula is not to be used when long-term deflections due to wind loading are being calculated.
WARNING — The omission of the creep factors will lead to calculated deflections being smaller
than those measured in practice.
Commentary
Data on the creep behaviour of South African timber are sparse, but take C d as 0,6 for pine and as
0,7 for hardwoods such as saligna. Creep data for SA pine are given by Pienaar (1982(c)).
6.4.3 Modification factor for moisture content, d 2
Take the modification factor d 2 as the appropriate of the values given in table 9.
WARNING — The omission of the creep factors will lead to calculated deflections being smaller
than those measured in practice.
Commentary
The moisture content has a significant effect on creep at values exceeding 200 g/kg. In general, a
change in moisture content at levels exceeding 170 g/kg will induce significant creep and this is
shown in the factors in table 9. Changes in climatic conditions in South Africa are unlikely to induce
much change in moisture content and, in general, the moisture content in practice will be less than
170 g/kg. Where the designer is aware that the structure will be manufactured using timber at a
moisture content exceeding 200 g/kg, special allowance can be made in the calculation of cambers.
This is not a practice to be recommended.
7 Design of members
7.1 General
This clause applies to the design of structural members of any cross-section, whether sawn or
laminated, provided that the timber complies with the relevant product standards.
18
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
7.2 Beams
7.2.1 Maximum bending stress
Ensure that the calculated bending stress, obtained as follows, does not exceed the allowable bending
stress:
My
σb ' < fb
I
where
σ b is the calculated bending stress, in megapascals;
M is the bending moment, in newton millimetres;
y is the distance from neutral axis to extreme fibre, in millimetres;
I is the second moment of area of the section, in millimetres to the fourth power; and
fb is the allowable bending stress, in megapascals.
7.2.2 Effective span
Take the span used in the design of members that are subject to bending as equal to the distance
between the centres of areas of bearing.
Commentary
The span of flexural members should be taken as the distance between the centres of areas of
bearing. Where the areas of bearing are unnecessarily wide, the effective span can be taken as the
distance between the centres of the minimum bearing necessary to comply with the provisions of
this part of SABS 0163; however, due attention should be paid to the ensuing eccentricity of the load
on the support.
7.2.3 Prevention of lateral instability in beams
7.2.3.1 General
Lateral instability in beams can be prevented by the use of the formulae given in 7.2.3.2, to reduce the
allowable stresses in the beams. Maximum depth-to-width ratios for beams with various support
conditions are given in table 10, using the empirical method. Lateral stability should be checked in all
cases.
Commentary
The design procedure normally adopted when the empirical method is being used, is to proportion
the beam in such a way that the depth-to-width ratios become less than, or equal to, the maximum
values given in the table. The design bending stress is not reduced.
19
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
7.2.3.2 Calculations for lateral stability
The method of design set out in 7.2.3.2.1 to 7.2.3.2.3 is generally satisfactory for slender rectangular
beams loaded and supported as described, but other methods should be used for beams that are
differently loaded and supported and for beams of different cross-section.
Commentary
The lateral buckling of a beam depends not only on its depth-to-width ratio, but also on
– the geometrical and physical properties of the beam section;
– the nature of the applied loading;
– the position of the applied loading with respect to the neutral axis of the section; and
– the degree of restraint provided at the vertical supports and at points along the span.
7.2.3.2.1 Slenderness factor
Calculate the slenderness factor of a beam of rectangular cross-section as follows:
Re . d
Cs '
b2
where
C s is the slenderness factor;
Re is the effective length of the beam, in millimetres (see 7.2.3.2.2);
d is the depth of the beam, in millimetres; and
b is the width of the beam, in millimetres.
Ensure that C s in no case exceeds 52 (see figure 4).
Commentary
This method of design is satisfactory for slender rectangular beams loaded and supported as
described in table 11, but for beams differently loaded and supported and beams of different cross-
section, reference should be made to texts on this subject.
7.2.3.2.2 Effective length of a beam
For a beam of rectangular cross-section, determine the laterally unsupported length (L u) in accordance
with (a), (b) or (c) below, and then, from table 11, determine the effective length for the applicable
support and load conditions:
a) where the compression edge of a beam is so supported throughout its length as to prevent its lateral
displacement, and the ends at the points of bearing have lateral support that prevents rotation, take
the slenderness factor as being less than 10;
b) where lateral support is provided to prevent rotation at the ends at the points of bearing, but no other
support to prevent rotation or lateral displacement is provided throughout the length of a beam, take
the laterally unsupported length as the distance between the ends at the points of bearing or, in the
case of a cantilever, as the length of the cantilever; and
20
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
c) where a beam is provided with lateral support to prevent both rotational and lateral displacement at
intermediate points and also at the ends, take the laterally unsupported lengths as the distance
between successive points of lateral support.
Commentary
The value of effective length R e given in table 11 is based on a beam loaded on the compression
flange. This effective length does not describe the buckling mode of the beam and should be seen
as a load correction factor. When the beam is loaded on the tension flange, the instability is
decreased and therefore, in the case of the design of purlins subjected to uplift, the effective length
calculated by the use of table 11 will be conservative.
7.2.3.2.3 Allowable bending stress for slender beams
Determine the allowable bending stress f b in the compression flange of a slender beam as follows:
a) short beams (C s < 10): calculate the allowable bending stress f b as follows:
fb = pb . k1 . k2 . k3 . k4 . k5
where p b is the grade bending stress given in tables 3 to 6;
b) intermediate beams (10 < C s < C k): where C k is the critical stability function (as defined below),
calculate the allowable bending stress f b as follows:
4
1 Cs
f b ' pb 1 S . k1 . k2 . k3 . k4 . k5
3 Ck
where
p b is the grade bending stress; and
3E
Ck '
5pb
where
E is the average modulus of elasticity; and
c) long beams (C k < C s < 52): calculate the allowable bending stress f b as follows:
0,4 E
fb ' . k1 . k2 . k3 . k4 . k5
2
Cs
Commentary
Figure 4 gives modified grade bending stress P bm for slender beams of grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12,
14 and 16, to be used as follows:
calculate allowable bending stress f b :
f b ' P bm . k1 . k2 . k3 . k4 . k5
21
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 4 — Modified grade bending stress for slender beams
22
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
7.2.4 Horizontal shear
Commentary
Because the allowable shear stress is much greater perpendicular to the grain than it is parallel to
the grain, it is not necessary to check vertical shear.
7.2.4.1 Beams of constant depth
Ensure that the shear stress, calculated as follows, does not exceed the allowable shear stress f v :
V
σ v ' 1,5 < fv
b . d
where
σ v is the calculated horizontal shear stress, in megapascals;
V is the shear force, in newtons;
b is the width of beam, in millimetres;
d is the depth of beam, in millimetres; and
fv is the allowable shear stress, in megapascals.
In the calculation of the value of V, all forces that act within a distance equal to the depth of the beam
from the edge of the support, can be omitted.
7.2.4.2 Notched beams
Where the use of a notch in a beam cannot be avoided, ensure that the allowable shear stress does
not exceed the value calculated in accordance with (a), (b) or (c) below, as appropriate:
a) for a beam notched on the undersurface, use the formula:
V d
σv ' 1,5 . # fv
b . de de
where
σ v, V, d, and b are as given in 7.2.4.1; and
d e is the depth of beam at the notch, in millimetres (see figure 5).
b) the influence of the notch can be reduced by the use of a splay as shown in figure 6. For a
d
splay angle θ of less than 30°, take the value of as 1 in the formula given in (a) above, and for
de
d
90° > θ > 30° substitute the following interpolation formula for d e in the formula:
d c
S
de d 3
23
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
c is the length of splay, in millimetres; and
c) if the beam is notched on the upper surface as shown in figure 7, calculate the horizontal shear
stress, using the following formula:
1,5 V
σv '
(d S d e)
b d S .e
de
where e is the distance between the centre-line of the support and the end of the notch, in
millimetres.
de
Ensure that the ratio is at least 0,6.
d
Commentary
Notches cause a weakening in addition to that caused by the reduction in beam area. This is due
to the stress concentrations that occur, particularly when tensile stresses perpendicular to the grain
are produced.
Figure 5 — Notched beam
Figure 6 — Notched beam with splay
24
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 7 — Inverted notched beam
7.2.5 Built-up beams
Commentary
Refer to Plywood web beams (Australian Plywood Board, undated); Timber designers manual
(Ozelton & Baird, 1990); Wood engineering (Gurfinkel, 1973); Design of wood structures
(Breyer, 1980); and Timber construction manual (American Institute of Timber Construction, 1985)
(see annex F).
7.2.5.1 General
Design built-up beams such as I-beams or box beams in such a way that adequate shear strength is
developed between the components of the beam. When glued joints are used, ensure that the specified
adhesive gives joints such strength and durability that the integrity of the glue-line is maintained
throughout the life of the structure.
7.2.5.2 Web stiffeners
Provide web stiffeners to ensure strength and stability of the webs at all points where concentrated
loads occur, or elsewhere, as may be required.
7.2.5.3 Instability due to web buckling
Select the dimensions of the flanges in relation to the webs in such a way that both local and overall
buckling are prevented.
7.2.6 Beams loaded at an angle
In the case of a beam with a load acting in the plane of the cross-section but at an angle to the axes,
design the beam by resolving the load into components acting parallel to the axes and ensure that the
sum of the stresses does not exceed the allowable stress. Consider also the torsional effects of
eccentric loads.
7.2.7 Composite beams
When designing composite timber-steel beams or composite timber-concrete beams, make adequate
provision for the transfer of shear stresses between the two materials, whether these shear stresses
are caused by external loads, by differential temperatures or by shrinkage. Design composite beams
in such a way that the two materials carry the forces in proportion to their relative stiffness.
25
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
7.2.8 Battens and purlins
7.2.8.1 General
Empirical designs for battens and purlins are given in table 12. Use the design procedures given in
7.2.8.2 to 7.2.8.4 for cases not covered by the table.
7.2.8.2 Grade stresses
| For brandering and battens that comply with the requirements of SABS 1783-4, use the grade stresses
in bending given in table 13. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
For purlins, use the grade stresses given in tables 3 to 6.
Commentary
The grade stresses can be adjusted by the following modification factors (see 6.3.1 to 6.3.5):
a) k 1 for duration of load;
b) in the case of battens spaced at centres of less than 600 mm, k 2 can be taken as 1,15;
c) in the case of battens or purlins that span less than 2 500 mm, k 3 can be taken as 1,35. Note that
this factor is much higher than that specified in 6.3.5.
7.2.8.3 Load cases and design criteria
Consider the following two load cases (see 5.4.3.2 and 5.4.3.3 of SABS 0160).
a) self-weight load plus uniformly distributed characteristic imposed load: check both the
bending stress and the long-term design deflection. The latter should not exceed span/250, which
is in accordance with SABS 0160.
b) self-weight load plus vertical concentrated characteristic imposed load: since the battens are
closely spaced (less than 400 mm) and the roof tile or slate will act to share the load between
battens, it can be assumed that only 50 % of the point load acts on one batten. It is not recom-
mended that this assumption be made for battens with a span exceeding 1 200 mm.
7.2.8.4 Design
To assess the bending moments and deflections in a batten, consider the batten as a continuous beam
with four supports, taking into account the angle at which the load is acting owing to the pitch of the
roof. A purlin should be considered as a continuous beam with three supports.
In the case of purlins, the bending moments and deflections in the plane of roof sheeting may be
assumed to be resisted by the roof sheeting. The designer will, however, have to ensure that the
sheeting and its connections are adequate for this purpose.
7.3 Tension members
7.3.1 Maximum tensile stress
Ensure that the calculated tensile stress σ t, calculated as follows, does not exceed the allowable tensile
stress f t :
26
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
P
σt ' < ft
A
where
σt is the calculated tensile stress, in megapascals;
P is the total tensile force, in newtons;
A is the net cross-sectional area (see 3.1.14), in square millimetres; and
ft is the allowable tensile stress, in megapascals.
7.3.2 Combined stresses
Where tensile forces and bending moments act simultaneously in a member, design the member in
accordance with 7.5.
7.3.3 Splices in tension members
Where splices are used in tension members, arrange the splice plates symmetrically, to minimize
moments in the main members.
Commentary
If the splice is positioned at or near a point of contraflexure, bending moments can be ignored in the
design of the splice. The number of nails, bolts or toothed connectors can be determined from
tables 27 to 28 and tables 31 to 33, taking into account only the direct shear and axial forces.
The net cross-sectional area (see 3.1.14) has to be used in calculations where shear connectors are
used. Where shear perpendicular to the grain is significant, the required edge distances should be
checked.
In the case of a splice positioned at a point where moments are significant, the appropriate design
checks should be made.
7.3.4 Maximum slenderness ratio in tension members
The slenderness ratio of a tension member shall not exceed 250, R e /b < 72. This limit can be waived
if other means are provided to control flexibility, sag, vibration and slack in a manner commensurate
with the service conditions of the structure, or if it can be shown that such factors are not detrimental
to the performance of the structure or of the assembly of which the member is a part.
7.4 Columns and compression members
7.4.1 Concentrically loaded compression members
Design concentrically loaded pin-ended columns by calculating the grade compressive stress p c, using
the following formula:
2
p cy % ( η % 1 ) p e p cy % ( η % 1 ) p e
pc ' S & p cy . p e
2 2
27
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
p c is the grade compressive stress;
p cy is the grade compressive stress parallel to the grain in a short strut, which is calculated at a
theoretical value of slenderness ratio λ approaching zero, in megapascals (see table 14); and
η is the eccentricity coefficient
= 0,002 λ
where λ is the slenderness ratio
= R e /r,
where
Re is the effective length, in millimetres;
r is the radius of gyration, in millimetres;
p e is the Euler stress;

π2 . E e
λ2
where E e is the effective modulus of elasticity;
= E /2,22;
where E is the average modulus of elasticity.
See tables 3 to 6.
In the case of rectangular sections,

b
r '
12
where
r is the radius of gyration, in millimetres; and
b is the least dimension of a rectangular section, in millimetres;
and in the case of round poles,

D
r '
4
where D is the least diameter of a pole, in millimetres.
28
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
The average compressive stress due to axial forces, calculated on the effective cross-sectional area
of a member, should not exceed the maximum allowable stress in compression parallel to the grain,
as determined in accordance with 6.2. Because timber sections are generally rectangular (or circular
in the case of poles) in which the radius of gyration bears a constant ratio to the least dimension,
the slenderness ratio in the tables is given for convenience in terms of R e /b for rectangular sections
(where b is the least lateral dimension) and in terms of R e /D for round poles (where D is the least
diameter).
7.4.2 Eccentrically loaded columns
Where an external end moment or side loading occurs in a column, include in the calculations the
additional moment caused by the deformation.
Commentary
Where the column is subjected to bending in addition to axial force, the design should be based on
the combined stress effect, in accordance with the interaction formula given in 7.5.
7.4.3 Effective column length
When calculating the slenderness ratio of a column, obtain the value of the effective length R e from
table 15.
Commentary
The theoretical effective length is the distance between two adjacent points of zero bending moment
due to buckling, these being two points between which the deflected member would be in single
curvature. The design effective length has been modified for practical conditions of fixity.
7.4.4 Maximum slenderness ratio in compression members
Ensure that the slenderness ratio is less than 180 for any member carrying forces resulting from the
self-weight load or an imposed load, or both.
For members that are required to resist loads caused by wind loads only, ensure that the slenderness
ratio is less than 250.
7.4.5 Tapered columns
Design a tapered column in accordance with 7.4.1 to 7.4.4, but determine the least radius of gyration
of a column tapered at one or both ends from the sum of the minimum dimension and one-third of the
difference between the minimum dimension and the maximum dimension (provided that this sum is in
no case more than 1,5 times the minimum dimension). Ensure that the induced stresses at the small
end or at each end, as relevant, of a tapered column, do not exceed the allowable compression stress.
7.4.6 Spaced columns
A spaced column is composed of two or more shafts spaced apart by end and intermediate packing
blocks, which are glued, bolted, screwed or connected in position as specified.
Commentary
A suggested design method is described in The structural use of timber by Booth and Reece (1967)
but the method should be adjusted to suit South African conditions.
29
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
7.4.7 Compression members in triangulated frames
7.4.7.1 Effective length for "in-plane" buckling
In a continuous compression member such as a chord of a truss, take the effective length for "in-plane"
buckling as the distance between the node points multiplied by a modification factor of between 0,85
and 1,0, depending on the degree of fixity and the distribution of the load. In a non-continuous
compression member such as the web of a truss, take the effective length for "in-plane" buckling as
the actual length of the member multiplied by a factor of between 0,8 and 1,0, depending on the degree
of end fixing.
Commentary
Where the joint at the end of the compression member provides rotational fixity such as in the case
of bolt clusters or nail plates, a factor of 0,85 for chords and 0,8 for webs can be assumed. For
connections that are in effect pinned, such as by single bolts, tooth connectors or shear plates, use
a factor of 1,0. Note that a cluster of nails around a single bolt should not be assumed to provide any
significant end fixity.
7.4.7.2 Effective length for "out-of-plane" buckling
7.4.7.2.1 Take the effective length of the compression chords to be equal to the purlin or batten
spacing, provided that the purlins or battens are adequately fixed to the chords, properly spliced to
transmit the forces, and braced against longitudinal movement.
7.4.7.2.2 In the case of tiles supported on battens, the battens being spaced less than 400 mm apart
and fixed to the chords with one or two plain wire nails, use a minimum slenderness ratio (R e /b) of 15
for calculating the allowable compressive stresses for the chords.
7.4.7.2.3 If the compression chords are braced by means of a bracing frame or a truss that restrains
the longitudinal movement of all battens, use the minimum slenderness ratio given in 7.4.7.2.2.
7.4.7.2.4 In a compression web of a truss, take the effective length for "out-of-plane" buckling as the
length between the centre-lines of the chords. (No reduction factor for the effective length should be
applied.)
Commentary
For non-continuous compression members such as web members in a framework, the effective
length for buckling should be taken as the actual distance between the points of intersection of the
centre-lines of the members connected, e.g. the top and bottom chords of trusses.
7.5 Members subjected to combined bending and axial force
Proportion a member subjected to bending and axial compression or tension so that the quantity
σ bx σ by σc
% % < 1
f bx f by fc
or
σ bx σ by σt
% % < 1
f bx f by ft
30
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
x and y refer to the horizontal and vertical areas of symmetry in the plane of the cross-section;
σ bx is the calculated bending stress about the x-axis;
σ by is the calculated bending stress about the y-axis;
σ c is the calculated compressive stress parallel to the grain;
σt is the calculated tensile stress parallel to the grain;
f bx is the allowable bending stress for bending about the x-axis;
f by is the allowable bending stress for bending about the y-axis;
fc is the allowable compressive stress parallel to the grain; and
ft is the allowable tensile stress parallel to the grain.
Commentary
A graphical presentation of the interaction between axial and bending stresses is given in figure 8.
Figure 8 — Interaction between axial and bending stresses
From the above, it can be seen that a small change in compressive stress will influence the bending
moment capacity of a member. The formulae given above do not reflect such an increase and are
therefore conservative. This subject is dealt with in detail by Buchanan (1984) (see annex F).
7.6 Glued laminated timbers (glulam)
7.6.1 General
Laminated timber should comply with the requirements of SABS 1460.
NOTE SABS 1460 contains information on the use of laminated timber (see appendix G of SABS 1460).
31
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
1) Size and shape
Glulam can be manufactured to virtually any size and shape but it is in the interest of the end-
user to ascertain from manufacturers the sizes and shapes that can be manufactured
economically.
2) Radius of curvature
The minimum radius of curvature to which laminates can be bent around a jig without cracking
them is 150 t for hardwoods and better grades of softwoods and 200 t for normal softwoods such
as SA pine, where t is the thickness of the laminate.
3) Jigging
Curved members are formed by bending around a convex jig. It is very difficult and sometimes
impossible to pull laminates into a concave jig. Therefore "S" shaped members should be
avoided where possible.
7.6.2 Span
Use the cross-sections and spacings given in tables 17 to 19. The tables have been calculated in
accordance with the information given in table 16, which in turn is based on the information given in
SABS 0160.
7.6.3 Tapered beams
Ensure that the tension zone of a tapered beam is so cut as to give a slope not exceeding 1:12.
Commentary
Simple beams should not be tapered by cutting off the tension face unless the resulting secondary
stresses have been checked. Straight, pitched or curved beams can be cut to a taper on the
compression face.
When tapered symmetrically, beams that use more than one grade of lamination should be designed
to have the required depth at the critical section when they are cut to a taper. The beam design
should be checked to make certain that allowable stresses for lower-strength inner laminations are
not exceeded in areas where higher-strength outer laminations are removed by cutting.
The beam should be checked for shear at the thin end and for interaction of bending, shear and
perpendicular-to-grain stresses.
The effective depth of a haunch in cranked beams or portal frames should not include laminations
with an internal glue-line of length less than 1,0 m in the section under consideration.
7.6.4 Curved beams with constant cross-section
Ensure that in curved beams with constant cross-section, the radial tensile stresses, calculated as
follows, are less than the allowable stresses:
3M
σr ' < f tp
2 Rm . b . d
32
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
σr is the calculated radial stress, in megapascals;
M is the bending moment, in newton millimetres;
R m is the radius of curvature of the centre-line of the member, in millimetres;
b is the width of the member, in millimetres;
d is the depth of the member, in millimetres; and
f tp is the allowable tensile stress perpendicular to the grain, in megapascals.
For the stress reduction for laminar thickness in curved beams, reduce the allowable bending stress
in a curved beam by the reduction factor k 8 given by the following formula:
2
t
k 8 ' 1 S 2 000
Rm
where
t is the laminar thickness, in millimetres; and
R m is the radius of curvature of the centre-line of the member, in millimetres.
The radius of a curved beam should exceed 150 t.
Commentary
Where the bending moment tends to increase the radius of curvature, the radial stress is tension
perpendicular to the grain and this stress should not exceed the allowable stress for tension
perpendicular to the grain. Where the bending moment tends to decrease the radius of curvature,
the radial stress is compression perpendicular to the grain and this stress should not exceed the
allowable stress for compression perpendicular to the grain.
Figure 9 — Curved beam with constant cross-section
7.6.5 Double tapered curved beams
Ensure that in double tapered curved beams (see figure 10), the radial tensile stresses, calculated as
follows, do not exceed the allowable stresses:
33
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
6M
σr ' kR < f tp
b . d a2
where
k R is the stress modification factor for double tapered curved beams.
2
da C.da
' A % B %
Rm Rm
where
A, B and C are as given in table 20 and σ r, M, b, f tp, and R m are as given in 7.6.4; and
d a is the depth of the beam at the apex, in millimetres.
Figure 10 — Double tapered curved beams
Commentary
The stress modification factor k R can be read off conveniently from the graph in figure 11.
34
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 11 — Determination of k R
7.6.6 Distribution of bending stresses in heavily curved beams
So design the curved portion of heavily curved beams (R m /d < 10) (see 7.6.4) that the stresses, when
calculated using the information given in figure 12, are less than the allowable stresses:
6M
σ bi ' k 6 < fb
b . d2
and
6M
σ bo ' k 7 < fb
b . d2
where
σ bi is the calculated bending stress in the inner face, in megapascals;

0,5 d
k6 ' 1 % ;
Rm
M, R m, b and d are as given in 7.6.4;
fb is the allowable bending stress, in megapascals;
σ bo is the calculated bending stress in the outer face, in megapascals; and

0,3 d
k7 ' 1 %
Rm
35
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 12 — Curved beams
7.6.7 Bending stress in double tapered beams
Calculate the bending stress σ b at the apex of a double tapered beam as follows:
6M
σ b ' ( 1,0 % 2,7 tan β )
b . d a2
where
β is the angle between the tangent to the top surface of the beam at a springing point and the
straight line joining the two springing points (see figure 10), in degrees; and
M, b and d a are as given in 7.6.4 and 7.6.5.
7.6.8 Arches
7.6.8.1 General
Design arches as members carrying combined axial loads and bending moments.
7.6.8.2 Lateral stability
Ensure that, when the top edge of an arch is held in line by, for instance, decking, the structural depth-
to-width ratio of the arch does not exceed 5 and that when such firm bracing is missing, the structural
depth-to-width ratio does not exceed 4.
7.7 Design of bracing for compression members
| 7.7.1 Calculation of stiffness in lateral restraints

|
| For a single or multiple struts prevented from buckling by lateral restraints, ensure that the required
| spring constant of each lateral restraint (stiffness) is at least:
4.k s . P A
| kL '
L1
36
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where |
|
ks is the factor for number of lateral supports |
π
= 2 (1 + cos ( ) ) |
m
where |
|
m is the number of equal spans between lateral restraints |
|
L 1 is the distance between lateral supports |
|
P A is the compressive force in the member |
(For tiled roofs use the force due to self-weight load (dead load) only) |
|
7.7.2 Calculation of force in lateral restraints |
|
For a number of members n, supported by lateral restraints the force P L, in the lateral restraints is: |
PL ' n 07 . 0,03 . PA |
where |
|
P A is as defined in 7.7.1. |
|
Commentary |
|
The concrete tiles on roofs in South Africa have a fair amount of friction between the individual tiles. |
When live load is applied to the roof, the friction between the tiles should ensure that no movement |
will occur. It is therefore generally not necessary to design the bracing of tiled roofs for live load. The |
friction between the tiles is broken when temperature expansion and contraction of the tiles occur |
as well as when gusty wind conditions or earth tremors shake the roof. These usually happen under |
serviceability dead load. |
|
Both the required stiffness and the force in the bracing increase as the number of lateral braces |
increases. The force in the lateral restraints is a function of the initial and final curvature. As the |
initial curvature of the compression members will differ and should not necessarily all be in the same |
direction, the cumulative force is not a linear function of the number of compression members. |
|
7.7.3 Calculation of stiffness of bracing membranes or frames |
|
The required stiffness modulus β req for bracing systems that brace compression members continuously |
is given by: |
5,921 . m 2 . π2 . Pe PA
βreq ' .[ S m 2] |
L 2 Pe
where |
|
L is the length of beam or distance between eaves support and apex support of truss; |
37
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Pe
| m = 1 for > 0,447 Buckling in half-sine wave
PA
|
Pe
| m = 2 for 0,447 > > 0,227 Buckling in full sine wave
PA
|
Pe
| m = 3 for 0,227 > > 0,200 Buckling in one and a half sine waves
PA
|
Pe
| m = 4 for 0,200 > Buckling in double sine wave
PA
| where
|
| PA is as defined in 7.7.1
|
| Pe is the fifth percentile Euler buckling load
π2 . E0,05 . I
| =
L2
| I is the second moment of area about the minor axis
|
| E 0,05 is the fifth percentile modulus of elasticity.
|
| 7.7.4 Calculation of the lateral uniformly distributed load in the bracing system
|
| The lateral uniformly distributed load q L, induced in the bracing system, is given by
0,06 . n 0,7 . PA
| qL '
L
| where
|
| P A is as defined in 7.7.1
|
| n is as defined in 7.7.2
|
| L is as defined in 7.7.3. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
38
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
8 Joints
This clause applies only to joints made with timber that has a moisture content of 170 g/kg or less.
8.1 General
8.1.1 Allowable joint forces
To obtain the allowable joint forces, adjust the basic joint forces (see 3.1.2) by the relevant modification
factors for duration of load (k 1), load sharing (k 2), type of structure (k 3), quality of fabrication (k4), and
moisture content (k 5), as described in clause 6.
8.1.2 Butt-joints in compression made with mechanical fasteners
Assume that at least 50 % of the compression force is transferred through the fastener in monoplanar
butt-joints that have the members in contact with each other.
Commentary
Butt-joints occur frequently in trusses, e.g. in web to chord joints, apex joints and splices. The maxi-
mum allowable gap between members in the joint is 1 mm for effective butting. When stress reversal
is considered, the fastener(s) should be designed to resist the full reversed load.
8.1.3 Density groups
Basic forces for some types of fasteners are given in tables 22, 23, 25 and 31 to 33, for the two density
groups D1 and D2, as defined (see 3.1.7).
NOTE Timber of stress grades 4 and 5 could include timber of density group D2. Stress grades 6 and higher will normally
consist of timber from density group D1 (see table 1).
8.1.4 Proprietary fasteners
For proprietary fasteners, such as special nails and the various makes of truss connector plates, use
data based on the results of tests carried out under the supervision of a competent laboratory such as
the SABS or the Division of Forest Science and Technology (Environmentek) of the CSIR.
Commentary
Any alternative design values should be verified by a competent laboratory.
8.1.5 Groups of fasteners
Where more than one screw, bolt, timber connector or other fixing unit is used in a joint, the total
allowable force in withdrawal resistance or lateral resistance is the sum of the allowable forces for the
individual fixing units. With the exception of nails, do not use more than six connectors in a row parallel
to the direction of the force.
The allowable force on a joint made of more than two fasteners in a row parallel to the direction of the
force is calculated from
PN ' n . P . α
39
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
P N is the allowable force on a joint made with N fasteners, in newtons;
n is the number of fasteners in a row parallel to the direction of the force;
P is the allowable (basic) force on a single fastener from tables 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 31 to 33;
and
α is the modification factor from table 21.
The allowable force on a joint made with bolts and nails can be calculated as the sum of the allowable
force on the bolts and three-quarters of the allowable force on the nails.
Commentary
If groups of similar fasteners are used in a row parallel to the direction of the applied load, the
fasteners will not share the load equally.
The first and last fasteners will be subjected to a higher proportion of the load than will the inner
fasteners. This is mainly owing to the non-linear load-slip behaviour of the fasteners and the
deformability of the timber, which allows strain between the fasteners.
8.1.6 Loads at various angles to the grain
For plain wire nails, the basic forces given in table 22 are applicable, regardless of the direction of the
lateral load with respect to the grain of the timber.
For coach screws, bolts and toothed, split-ring and shear-plate connectors for which different basic
values are given for forces parallel and perpendicular to the grain, calculate the allowable force N 1, in
any other direction with respect to the grain, as follows:
P.Q
N1 '
P . sin θ % Q . cos2 θ
2
where
P is the allowable force parallel to the grain, in newtons;
Q is the allowable force perpendicular to the grain, in newtons; and
θ is the angle of force to grain.
If allowable values for intermediate angles have been obtained from tests, these should prevail over
values calculated from the formula.
Both the tension perpendicular to the grain and the shear in the member have to be checked when
loads are applied perpendicular to the grain. The area of timber resisting the shear is that portion
between the edge towards which the load is applied and the fastener furthest removed from that edge.
Use the allowable shear stress for shear parallel to the grain (see clause 6).
Calculate the tension perpendicular to the grain due to one or several connectors in a row and ensure
that it is less than the allowable stress. Calculate the allowable tensile stress perpendicular to the grain,
f tp, as follows:
40
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
ftp ' k1 . kcon . Ptp
where
k1 is the modification factor for the duration of the load (see 6.3.3);
k con is the factor for the area stressed by the connectors,
Ao 0,2
=
Aeff
where
Ao is a standard stressed area, in square millimetres; and
A eff is the effective area, in square millimetres
= R eff . b.
where
b is the penetration depth of the connector, in millimetres.
R eff = Rr2 % (c . h)2
where
Rr is the distance between the outer connectors of the connector group,

in millimetres;
3
4 ar ar
c ' . . 1 S
3 h h
where
ar is the distance of the connector from the stressed edge, in milli-

metres; and
h is the depth of the member perpendicular to the grain, in milli-

metres, and
P tp is the grade tensile stress perpendicular to the grain, in megapascals.
Calculate the induced stress as follows:

F2
σtp ' η .
Aeff
41
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
where
η is the connector depth ratio
2 3
ar ar
' 1 S 3 % 2
m h h
F 2 is the component of the load perpendicular to the grain on the connection, in kilonewtons.
Figure 13 — Symbols to calculate A eff
Commentary
The compressive strength of timber depends on the direction of the grain with respect to the
direction of the applied load. It is highest parallel to the grain and lowest perpendicular to the grain.
When joint forces are at an angle of between 0° and 90° to the grain, allowable values are obtained
from the formula given above. Where a load is applied to a surface at an angle, the angle for
calculations is measured between the force direction and the surface.
8.2 Nails
Commentary
The basic factors that determine the strength of a nailed joint are
a) the density of the timber;
b) the diameter of the nail;
c) the depth of penetration; and
d) the moisture content of the timber.
8.2.1 Withdrawal forces
Design nailed joints in such a way that the nails do not have to resist axial forces that tend to withdraw
them.
Commentary
When withdrawal forces are unavoidable, the clinching of nails is advisable. The withdrawal
resistance of clinched wire nails is considerably higher than that of unclinched nails. The ratio
between loads for clinched and unclinched nails varies with the moisture content of the timber at the
time when the nail is driven and when withdrawal loads are applied and the size of the nail and the
42
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
direction of clinching with respect to the grain. Clinching will not increase the lateral resistance of
the nail and can even reduce it because of damage done to the fibres during clinching.
Clinching is recommended for joints in trusses, both for safety and for resisting handling forces. No
design figures for withdrawal forces are available, but values taken from Booth and Reece (1967)
(see annex F) could be used conservatively.
8.2.2 Metal side plates
Where nails are driven through close-fitting holes in metal side plates of thickness at least one-sixth
of the nominal diameter of the nails and of adequate strength to transfer the loads, increase the basic
forces given in table 22 by 25 %.
Commentary
Metal side plates restrain the rotation of the nail in the timber and therefore increase its efficiency.
8.2.3 Spacing of nails
8.2.3.1 Except as allowed in 8.2.3.2, use the nail spacing given in figure 14. Deviations of 20 % are
allowed, provided that the total number of nails is not increased.
Figure 14 — Minimum nail spacing
Commentary
The spacing given in figure 14 does not apply to nail-plate connectors because the nails are integral
with the plate which tends to hold the timber together. Where metal side plates are used, the internal
nail spacing may be 0,7 times those given for timber-to-timber joints. Edge and end distances are
unaltered.
8.2.3.2 Provided that the nails are driven into pre-drilled holes of diameter between 0,5 and 0,8 times
the nominal diameter of the nails, the nail spacing, other than edge distance, given in figure 14 can be
reduced by 50 %.
43
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
Pre-drilled holes are also used to prevent splitting of timber. The design value for lateral resistance
of a fastener with a pre-drilled hole is the same as that of a fastener without a pre-drilled hole.
8.2.4 Basic lateral forces
The basic lateral forces for ordinary round wire nails are given in table 22 for some of the nominal sizes
of nails of this type covered by SABS 820.
In order that the basic forces given in table 22 should apply, ensure that, for two-member joints, the
thickness of the head-side member is at least 75 % of the actual penetration of the point of the nail into
the second member. If the thickness of the head-side member is less than this value, reduce the value
of the basic force proportionately. Do not increase the force for members that are thicker than required.
Commentary
For nails in multiple shear, the basic loads should be multiplied by 0,9 times the number of shear
planes, provided that the basic force permitted for the thinnest member of the joint is used as given
in table 22.
No increase of lateral forces is allowed for penetrations exceeding those in table 22. For smaller
penetration, reduce the forces in table 22 in proportion to the length, but a minimum penetration of
at least 6 times the diameter of the nail is required.
8.2.5 Nails in end-grain
Take the basic lateral forces on nails in the end-grain as two-thirds of the values given in table 22 and
use the same nail spacing as that given for nails in the side grain. (See also 8.2.1.)
8.3 Coach screws (lag screws)
8.3.1 Spacing of coach screws
For coach screws, use the spacing given in 8.4.2 for bolts of the same diameter. Use the diameter of
the shank of the coach screw in calculating the spacing.
Where coach screws are inserted through close-fitting holes in metal side plates of thickness at least
one-sixth of the nominal diameter of the coach screws and of adequate strength to transfer the loads,
increase the basic lateral forces for coach screws given in table 25 by 25 %.
8.3.3 Withdrawal forces
Obtain the basic withdrawal force for coach screws in the side grain of timber by multiplying the
applicable basic force given in table 23 by the appropriate factor given in table 24.
8.3.4 Basic lateral forces
The basic forces for coach screws bearing laterally are given in table 25. Multiply the relevant value by
the appropriate factors to allow for the thickness of the timber side plate at the head side as given in
table 26, and for the penetration of the threads into the second member as given in table 24.
44
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
8.4 Bolts
8.4.1 General
Ensure that bolts used are ISO metric hexagon bolts that comply with the relevant requirements of
SABS 1700 (set). Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
Commentary
Owing to the many factors involved in the complex behaviour of a bolted joint, a theoretical analysis
of the joint for use in design is not practical. Consequently, the designer is dependent on the
empirical results obtained from tests. The results are based on a slip limit and an ultimate load
criterion. The stress modification factors (k 1 to k 5) and the deflection modification factors (d 1 and d2)
are also applicable to the bolt values. Washers should be used under the nut and under the bolt
head.
8.4.2 Spacing of bolts
Ensure that the minimum distances for the spacing of bolts are as given in figure 15.
NOTE The distance a 1 can be reduced to a minimum of 4 D provided that the load is reduced proportionally.
Figure 15 — Minimum bolt spacing
Commentary
The minimum spacing requirements are necessary mainly to prevent splitting of the timber.
8.4.3 Bolts in two-member joints
Table 27 gives the basic forces for mild steel bolts in a two-member joint in which the force acts
perpendicular to the axis of the bolt, parallel or perpendicular to the grain.
45
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Where parallel members are of unequal thickness, use the basic force for the thinner member. Where
members of unequal thickness are joined at an angle, determine the basic force for each member and
use the smaller force.
The values of the basic forces for member cross-sections not included in table 27 can be calculated
as described below. The method only applies to two-member joints where the force acts perpendicular
to the bolt axis and for bolts of ISO grade 4.6 or bigger.
.% 7,7 (k g1 . t1 + k g2 . t 2) . ρ . D
/
/ or
/
F = minimum of / 30 ρ . k g1 . t 1 . D
/
/ or
/
/
(kg1 % kg2) fy
32 D 2 . ρ . @
.Ó
2 240
where
F is the basic force, in newtons;
k g1, k g2 are factors for member 1 or member 2 to take the influence of the angle between the
direction of the force and the grain into consideration;
t is the timber thickness, in millimetres;
ρ is the fifth percentile local density of the timber members (see table 1);
D is the bolt diameter, in millimetres;
fy is the yield strength of the bolt, in megapascals.

kg0
'
kg0 . cos α % sin2 α
2
where
k g0 = 0,45 + 8 D S1,5
α is the angle between the direction of the force and the grain for member 1 or
member 2, in degrees; and
the subscripts 1 and 2 are chosen so that k g1 . t 1 < k g2 . t 2.
The basic force on a bolt with the force perpendicular to the grain can therefore be obtained by
multiplying the values parallel to the grain by the factor k g0.
8.4.4 Larger washer sizes
For washers that are at least 3D in diameter and 0,3D in thickness, where D is the diameter of the bolt,
the values given in tables 27 and 28 for basic forces on bolts can be increased as follows:
46
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
a) a 25 % increase for bolts of diameter not exceeding 10 mm;
b) a 15 % increase for bolts of diameter exceeding 10 mm but not exceeding 12 mm; and
c) a 10 % increase for bolts of diameter exceeding 12 mm.
Commentary
A two-member joint is eccentric and the bolt will become skew as illustrated in figure 16. If subjected
to a load, the bolt will eventually act in tension.
Figure 16 — Behaviour of a two-member bolted joint under load
The washer, bolt head and nut press into the timber and so damage it. The larger the washer, the
lower the stress applied and consequently this damage will be less. Thus the use of large washers
will increase the joint strength (see de Klerk, 1985) (see annex F).
Example – Determination of two-member joint strength.
Determine the basic force of a 16 mm bolt in the heel joint of a truss with a pitch of 20°. The
members are 38 mm thick, of grade 5 timber. Washers 5 mm thick and 50 mm in diameter are used. |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Solution: Obtain the basic forces parallel and perpendicular to the grain from table 27, i.e. 3,4 kN and
2,0 kN.
Increase these values by 10 % (for a 16 mm bolt), owing to the large washer (see 8.4.4(c)).
P = 3,74 kN; and
Q = 2,2 kN.
Therefore (from 8.1.6) the basic force at an angle of 20° to the direction of the grain is:
P.Q
N1 '
P . sin θ % Q . cos2 θ
2
47
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
3,74 × 2,2
'
3,74 sin 20E % 2,2 cos2 20E
2
= 3,46 kN
See also the commentary on A.4.3.
8.4.5 Bolts in multiple-member joints
Table 28 gives the basic forces for mild steel bolts in multiple-member joints in which the force acts
parallel or perpendicular to the grain. Determine the basic force for each member from table 28, taking
into consideration the thickness of each member and the angle between load and grain.
Commentary
The differences between the basic force values for two-member joints (table 27) and for multiple-
member joints (table 28) are small. In many cases, the value for a multiple-member joint is lower
than that for a two-member joint. The reason for the apparent anomaly lies in the mode of failure.
A two-member joint under load behaves as illustrated in figure 16. The bolt in a multiple-member
joint normally stays perpendicular to the timber, as illustrated in figure 17. The members then fail in
bearing.
Figure 17 — Mode of failure in a multiple-member joint
The values of the basic forces for member cross-sections not included in table 28 can be calculated
as described below (see the CIB structural timber design code). The method only applies to multiple-
member joints where the force acts perpendicular to the bolt axis and for bolts of ISO grade 4.6 or
better.
.% 15 p . k g2 . t 2) . D
/
/ or
/
F = minimum of / 30 ρ . k g1 . t 1 . D
/
/ or
/
/
(kg1 % kg2) fy
32 D 2 . ρ . @
.Ó
2 240
where the symbols are as given in 8.4.3 for two-member joints, except that the subscripts 1 and 2
denote the side member and the middle member respectively.
48
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
Example – Determination of multiple-member joint strength.
Determine the basic force of the bolt in the joint illustrated in figure 18.
Solution: The basic force on the central member is 4,9 kN (table 28). The two outer members each
have a basic force of 4,0 kN (table 28), giving a sum of 8,0 kN. Thus, the basic force for the joint is
the lesser of 4,9 kN and 8,0 kN, i.e. 4,9 kN. The same approach as above should be used in joints
with more than three members (see 8.4.2 for edge distances).
Figure 18 — Multiple-member joint with grade 5 timber and 16 mm bolt |

Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
8.4.6 Slip in the joints
The slip in bolted joints loaded up to the allowable load will be approximately
a) 1,0 + 0,1D . d 1 for two-member joints, in millimetres; and
b) 1,0 + 0,2D . d 1 for multiple-member joints, in millimetres,
where
D is the bolt diameter, in millimetres; and
d 1 is the deflection modification factor for creep.
Commentary
A formula for the slip should be interpreted as 1,0 mm slip (timber-to-timber) owing to the loose fit
of the bolt plus the additional modification factor for the deflection of the joint. This means that points
A, B and C on the load-slip curve are known.
49
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure 19 — Slip in a two-member joint
Example – Calculation of joint slip. What will the total slip be at the allowable load in a two-member
joint if half of the load is due to long-term loading and half due to short-term loading:
The bolt diameter is 12 mm.
Solution: Calculate the deflection modification factor for creep d1 (see 6.4.2)
1 % 1
d1 ' ' 1,25
0,6 % 1
therefore
Total slip = 1 + 0,1 D . d1
= 1 + 0,1 × 12 × 1,25
= 2,5 mm
If the bolt had been used in a close-fitting hole, the initial 1 mm slip could have been ignored (see
A.4.3).
Where bolts are inserted through close-fitting holes in metal side plates of thickness at least one-sixth
of the nominal diameter of the bolt and of adequate strength to transfer the loads, increase the basic
forces on the shear planes by 25 % for loads parallel to the grain. No increase is allowed for loads
perpendicular to the grain.
Commentary
Metal side plates are often used to splice members. Some other connector types, such as truss
hangers, should be treated as metal side plates, to obtain bolt values. Whether the joint is to be a
two-member or a multiple-member joint should be determined by the anticipated mode of failure. A
metal side plate acts as a large washer to distribute the load over a larger area. If the plate thickness
is less than one-third of the bolt diameter, washers may not be used.
50
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
8.5 Circular toothed connectors, split-ring connectors and shear-plate con-

nectors
8.5.1 Bolts and nuts
Ensure that the bolts and nuts of connectors comply with the relevant requirements of SABS 1700 (set). |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
8.5.2 Spacing of connectors
Ensure that the minimum spacings for circular toothed connectors are as given in table 29, and that
the minimum spacings for split-ring and shear-plate connectors are as given in table 30.
Commentary
If connectors are spaced too closely, the timber between adjacent connectors could shear between
the grooves or teeth.
8.5.3 Basic forces
The basic forces for connectors are given in the following tables:
– Circular toothed connectors: table 31
– Split-ring connectors: table 32
– Shear-plate connectors: table 33
The basic forces can be increased by 25 % if metal side plates of thickness at least one-sixth of the
nominal diameter of the bolt are used. Metal side plates will generally be of mild steel and will have bolt
holes that exceed the bolt diameter by not more than 2 mm.
Commentary
Allowable force values for loads at an angle to the grain are obtained in accordance with the formula
given in 8.1.6. The allowable force on a joint made with a circular toothed connector is calculated
as illustrated in the example below. The procedure is similar for split-ring and shear-plate
connectors.
Example – Calculation of allowable load on a circular toothed connector.
Calculate the allowable force on a multiple-member joint.
Solution: Basic force per connector for 38 mm timber with two loaded faces = 3,7 kN.
Allowing a 25 % increase for the use of metal side plates:
P = 2 × 1,25 × 3,7
= 9,25 kN.
8.6 Glued joints
8.6.1 Adhesives
Use only adhesives that comply with SABS 1349 and SABS 0183 to ensure the integrity of the glue-line
throughout the life of the structure.
51
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
Gluing of structural joints should be carried out by skilled tradesmen using the correct equipment.
Careful quality control should be provided at all stages of manufacture. Reference should also be
made to SABS 1460 and SABS 096.
Gluing under site conditions may be done only under a very high standard of quality control. The
adhesive could be affected by dust or other foreign particles or by adverse weather conditions. This
will cause insufficient bonding and the joint will have insufficient strength. Site gluing should not be
permitted except where specifically required by the engineer and then only with adequate specialist
supervision. The adhesive manufacturers should be consulted.
8.6.2 Allowable stresses for glued joints
Take the allowable stress parallel to the grain in a glued joint as equal to the applicable value for the
particular timber given in clause 6. Take the allowable shear stress perpendicular to the grain (rolling
shear) as 25 % of that parallel to the grain. For loads at other angles to the grain, calculate the
allowable stress by using the formula given in 8.1.6.
Commentary
Glued joints covered by relevant national standards such as SABS 1460 and SABS 096 should be
regarded as efficient, and the published timber stresses can be used. All other joints should
preferably be proof tested (see annex D.3).
8.7 Finger-joints
Accept finger-joints in structures and structural members if they have been manufactured in accordance
with SABS 096.
Commentary
The size of timber that can be successfully finger-jointed is generally limited only by the size of the
jointing machine – theoretically there is no limitation in size. It is therefore possible to finger-joint
large glulam sections and apart from transport and handling problems, length is unlimited. SABS 096
provides details on manufacture, material requirements, finger profile dimensions, machining,
adhesives and joint assembly. Annex C covers the testing of the joint and the determination of the
bending strength of the jointed material. There is no reason to suggest that several finger-joints
placed at close centres will reduce the strength of the component.
The number of joints is normally governed by economic considerations and limits should only be
placed on the number of joints or the minimum distance between them (or both) where absolutely
necessary.
Because quality control and proper equipment are very important to ensure satisfactory jointing,
finger-joints should only be factory made. Since most specifications allow finger-jointing, no special
reference to it is necessary unless it is undesirable for reasons of appearance. It is common to
finger-joint timber after stress grading. Since grading machines do not grade some 500 mm at the
ends of a board, this practice can result in a length of timber 500 mm on either side of the finger-joint
being ungraded.
Stress grading of joints is not regarded as proof loading. Finger-joints in structural timber grades
above grade 7 are currently only permitted by special arrangement between the purchaser, the
supplier and approved quality control authorities.
52
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
8.8 Nail-plate connectors
Commentary
Nail plates are proprietary items and their design properties, which have been ascertained through
exhaustive tests by independent approved testing authorities, are generally not available unless
requested from the manufacturer.
8.8.1 Minimum thickness
Specify punched nail-plate connectors of galvanized steel that has a minimum thickness of 1 mm. Nail
plates are to be galvanized to a minimum of 275 g/m2 in accordance with the requirements of
SABS 763.
Commentary
1) Connector plates
Connector plates that are thinner than the recommended minimum could be subject to buckling
between the nails.
2) Resistance to corrosion
Corrosion of nail plates is normally not a problem but if any doubt exists, the engineer should
contact the plate manufacturer for further information.
8.8.2 Allowable loads
Determine the allowable loads from the results of tests carried out by a competent laboratory.
Table 34 gives values that represent the typical design properties of punched nail-plate connectors
available in South Africa. Only nail-plate connectors for which allowable loads have been determined
by testing (as stated above) should be used.
Figure 20 gives the notation of the allowable stress values according to the applicable plate
orientations.
Figure 20 — Loads applied at different angles on nail-plate connectors
53
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
The shear stress (σVF) on a plate should be calculated as
P
σ VF '
A
where
P is the axial force, in newtons; and
A is the effective area of the plate, in millimetres.
When the plate-to-timber shear stress σVF is being calculated, the effective area of the plate can be
obtained from the plate properties (see table 34). σVF should be less than the allowable value pß,α
obtained as described in 8.8.5.
The effective area of the plate is calculated by deducting edge distances (6 mm) and end distances
(12 mm) which are deemed to be ineffective plate areas as shown in figure 21. (See also 8.8.6.)
Figure 21 — Edge distance adjustments for calculating effective

nail-plate area (effective areas shown hatched)
The stress at a point i caused by a bending moment is given by

M . ri
σ VM '
J
where
M is the bending moment, in newton metres;
ri is the distance from the centroid of effective area of the plate to point i, in millimetres; and
J is the polar second moment of area of effective plate area, in millimetres to the fourth
power.
54
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
The resultant stress from combined axial forces and bending moments should be less than the
allowable stress for that plate orientation. Figure 22 illustrates the determination of the resultant
stress.
Figure 22 — Resultant stress on a plate

subjected to axial force and bending
8.8.3 Minimum strength for handling
Provide all joints on either side with plates that are capable of sustaining a minimum handling force of
1,5 kN per member in the axial direction.
Commentary
Forces on joints caused by handling could be very different from those catered for in design. These
forces are often in the opposite direction to the design forces, as in the case when trusses are lifted
during erection. The 1,5 kN force could in some cases be inadequate, such as when trusses are
carried horizontally. The manufacturer's handling recommendations should always be followed. A
standard handling test can be used in which one end of the truss is dropped from a specified height
onto a trestle of height 800 mm while the other end of the truss is held on the ground. The test is
repeated with the truss reversed and conclusions are drawn from the condition of the truss after the
test.
8.8.4 Alignment of fasteners
As far as is practicable, so arrange fasteners that the line of force in a member passes through the
centroid of the group of fasteners.
Commentary
The design strength of punched nail-plate connectors is dependent on the orientation of the plates
relative to the grain of the timber. Misalignment could reduce the strength of the joint.
55
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
8.8.5 Forces at an angle
Unless relevant test results are available, calculate, by means of the formula given in 8.1.6, the basic
forces on plates driven into the timber at an angle of orientation other than parallel to the grain of the
timber.
Commentary
The following procedure should be used to obtain allowable values for nail plates at various angles
to grain:
a) Obtain the allowable values p0,0, p0,90, p90,0 and p90,90 for extreme orientations from tests as shown
in figure 23. The values given in table 34 may be used to give a general indication of plate
strengths.
Figure 23 — Extreme orientations of loads
b) Obtain the allowable value at A by means of the formula given in 8.1.6.
p0, 0 . p0, 90
N1A '
p0, 0 sin2 α1 % p0, 90 cos2 α1
c) Obtain the allowable values at B from
p90, 0 . p90, 90
N1B '
p90, 0 sin2 α1 % p90, 90 cos2 α1
d) The formula is not precise for variations of the angle between the load and the plate axis. For an
accurate analysis, values at various angles to the plate axis with the load parallel to the grain (β
= 0) should be found experimentally. It is then possible to interpolate at any α1 or β1. However,
linear interpolation for β 1 should be adequate in most cases. Therefore the allowable value will
be
56
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
( B S A ) β1
pβ, α ' % A
A
More detail about the design of nail plates is given by Simon (1976) and Pienaar (1984) (see
annex F).
8.8.6 Edge distances
Consider all teeth located within 6 mm of the edge of the timber (measured perpendicular to the grain)
and within 12 mm of the end of the timber (measured parallel to the grain) to be ineffective when the
load-carrying capacity of the joint is calculated.
8.8.7 Plate position
Ensure that all joints are so designed that nail plates can be mispositioned by up to 5 mm in any
direction without reducing the strength of the joint to below the required level.
9 Panel products
9.1 General
This clause applies to all structures designed using wood-based panels.
Except where otherwise specified, the applicable information in this part of SABS 0163 is also relevant
to panel products.
9.2 Grade stresses
9.2.1 Grade stresses for SA pine plywood
The grade stresses given in this subclause refer to plywood that has been manufactured from South
African pine veneer. It is assumed that the veneer thickness is less than 3 mm, that an uneven number
of plies are used and that alternate plies have their grain directions perpendicular to each other.
Plywood manufactured from thicker veneer, from an even number of plies, or having alternate plies with
their grain direction in the same direction should be tested by an approved authority.
9.2.1.1 Grade stresses other than bending
The grade stresses that are given in table 35 apply to typical standard plywood lay-ups with a minimum
of 40 % cross-grain. Stress values given in 9.2.1.2 and 9.2.2 to 9.2.5 apply to the nominal thickness
of plywood that complies with the requirements of SABS 929.
Bending on edge is for stresses that are induced by moments that are at right angles to the plane of
the veneer and would apply to boards that are used as web material for I-beams and box beams.
The values given in table 35 are for stresses induced by forces other than bending moments in the
plane of the veneer.
Compression members with R e /t values exceeding 10 can be designed in accordance with the formula
given in 7.4.1. Use the formula given in 9.3.1.1 to calculate the second moment of area I. Area can be
taken as 55 % of the total cross-sectional area for compression parallel to the outer grain direction and
as 45 % for compression perpendicular to the outer grain direction.
57
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
9.2.1.2 Grade stresses for bending on flat
The following stresses apply to typical standard plywood lay-ups with a minimum of 40 % cross-grain,
and are in accordance with the relevant requirements of SABS 929. Grade stresses for non-standard
or special lay-ups should be based on tests carried out by a competent laboratory.
Grade stresses for bending depend on the direction of the grain of the outer veneers, and the following
formulae should be used:
a) in the case of plywood of thickness not exceeding 32 mm,
p 2 = 19 S 0,5 t + 0,007 t 2
p z = 0,31 t
where
p 2 is the grade stress parallel to the outer grain, in megapascals;
p z is the grade stress perpendicular to outer grain, in megapascals; and
t is the nominal thickness of the plywood, in millimetres; and
b) in the case of plywood of thickness exceeding 32 mm, the grade stress parallel or perpendicular to
the outer grain is taken as 10 MPa.
Commentary
The stresses given in this subclause are based on a number of tests on standard plywood lay-ups.
Alternate plies of veneer of thickness less than 3 mm were placed perpendicular to each other.
Bending grade stresses were determined by calculation of the bending strength of the material
(plies) with its grain in the direction of bending. Material (plies) with its grain perpendicular to the
direction of bending was declared inactive and was ignored.
9.2.2 Grade stresses for battenboard
The grade stresses for battenboard are given in table 36.
Commentary
Bending grade stresses were determined by calculation of the equivalent sectional bending strength
of the material with its grain in the direction of bending. Material with its grain perpendicular to the
direction of bending was declared inactive and was ignored. The ply number refers to the number
of veneer layers in the plywood that are glued to the outside of the pine core.
9.2.3 Grade stresses for blockboard
The grade stresses for blockboard are given in table 37.
Commentary
Bending grade stresses were determined by calculation of the equivalent sectional bending strength
of the material with its grain in the direction of bending. Material with its grain perpendicular to the
direction of bending was declared inactive and was ignored. The ply number refers to the number
of veneer layers in the plywood that are glued to the outside of the pine core.
58
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
9.2.4 Grade stresses for fibreboard
The grade stresses for fibreboard are given in table 38.
Commentary
These boards are E. grandis based fibreboards, where standard hardboard and medium density
fibreboard are for interior applications and tempered hardboard for exterior applications.
9.2.5 Grade stresses for particleboard
The grade stresses for particleboard are given in table 39.
Commentary
These boards are commonly called chipboard, with class P4 – load-bearing boards for use in any |
conditions, class P5 – load-bearing boards for use in humid conditions, class P6 – heavy duty load- |
bearing boards for use in dry conditions and P7 – heavy duty load-bearing boards for use in humid |
conditions. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
9.3 Design of members
9.3.1 Flexural members for bending on flat
The stiffness of plywood, battenboard and blockboard depends on the direction of bending and this
should be taken into account in designing for deflection or where panels span in two directions.
9.3.1.1 Plywood
The following formulae should be used to determine the second moment of area of plywood sections:
if t < 32,
I 2 = 0,15 t 2,63
I z = 4,4 . 10S 3 t 3,65
and if t > 32,

t3
I = Iz =
24
where
I2 is the second moment of area per millimetre of width for bending parallel to the outer grain,
in millimetres to the fourth power per millimetre;
Iz is the second moment of area per millimetre of width for bending perpendicular to the outer
grain, in millimetres to the fourth power per millimetre; and
t is the nominal thickness of standard plywood lay-ups as supplied by South African manu-
facturers, in millimetres.
For non-standard lay-ups, second moments of area can be calculated by taking into account only those
plies that have the grain parallel to the direction of bending. Plies with grain perpendicular to the
direction of bending are ignored.
59
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Commentary
The values for the second moments of area are based on a regression analysis of a number of
standard lay-ups that have an uneven number of plies of equal stiffness and alternate plies with the
grain direction perpendicular to each other. The second moments of area of plywood that does not
conform to these limitations can be calculated by using the equivalent stiffness of veneer layers that
have the grain direction in the direction of stress.
9.3.1.2 Fibreboard
Owing to excessive creep under long-term loading, fibreboard is not recommended for use in elements
in bending, unless the fibreboard has a surface veneer, or the creep is taken into account.
Fibreboard is suitable for web material of I-beams or box beams. For design deflection (see 6.4.2), the
value of C d should be taken as 0,3.
Commentary
Fibreboard products that do not have a surface veneer are inclined to creep under long-term loading
when used for bending on flat. When fibreboard is used for this application, allowance must be made
for the long-term deflection. Owing to the high shear and relatively high bending-on-edge strength
values, fibreboard is most suitable for use in I-beams and box beams.
9.3.1.3 Particleboard
For design deflection (see 6.4.2), the value of C d should be taken as 0,5.
Commentary
Particleboard products are inclined to creep under long-term loading when used for bending on flat.
When particleboard is used for this application, allowance must be made for the long-term deflection.
9.3.2 Shear
When a board is used on flat, the induced shear stress should be less than the allowable interlaminar
shear strength (do not use panel shear).
Shear stress of panel products used for bending on flat should be less than the allowable interlaminar
shear strength, while the shear stress of panel products used in shear panels or as web material of
I-beams and box beams should be less than the allowable panel shear strength.
60
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
10 Tables
Table 1 — Density1) of SA structural timbers
1 2 |
Minimum density |
Timber |
kg/m3 ||
SA pine grade1) |
5 360 |
7 425 |
10 475 |
14 5302) |
Saligna glulam 460 |
1) See SABS 1783-2. |
2) Approximate only. |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Table 2 — Guide to weight per square metre of typical roof,

ceiling and flooring materials (includes the weight of
any battens, brandering and purlins)
1 2
Weight
Material
kN/m2
0,6 mm steel sheeting 0,10

Aluminium sheeting 0,056
Corrugated fibre-cement sheeting 0,18

Cement tiles 0,51-0,64
Fibre-cement slate tiles 0,26
Natural slate (conventional-double thickness) 0,82

Natural slate (single thickness with underlay) 0,46
Thatch (per 100 mm thickness, wet) 0,35 (see note 1)
9 mm fibre-cement ceiling 0,10

25 mm wood-fibre-cement ceiling 0,15
25 mm SA pine boarding 0,12
6,4 gypsum board 0,06

6,4 gypsum board with plaster 4 mm to 10 mm 0,12
NOTES
1 The weight of some thatching reeds can be as much as double this value.
2 Actual material weights can be provided by suppliers but the weights given by
suppliers generally do not include the weights of battens, brandering and purlins.
61
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 3 — Grade stresses for SA pine
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Grade stress
MPa (see note 1)
Grades of Compression
Tension Tension Compression Shear Mean
timber parallel to
Bending parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel modulus of
(see note 2) grain
grain to grain to grain to grain elasticity
(see note 3)
pb pt p tp pc p cp pv E
| 4 4,0 2,2 0,13 6,4 1,6 0,4 6 000,0
| 5 5,2 3,0 0,16 7,4 2,1 0,7 7 800,0
| 6 6,0 3,6 0,20 8,5 2,7 0,8 8 500,0
| 7 7,1 4,5 0,23 9,4 3,0 0,9 9 600,0

| 8 8,0 4,8 0,27 9,9 3,4 1,0 10 500,0
| 10 10,5 6,0 0,33 10,8 4,1 1,3 12 000,0
| 12 12,4 7,4 0,40 12,7 5,0 1,6 14 250,0

| 14 14,6 8,6 0,47 14,2 5,8 1,8 16 000,0
| 16 16,7 9,9 0,54 15,6 6,7 2,1 18 000,0
NOTES
| 1 These stresses apply to visually, mechanically or proof graded timber that complies with SABS 1783-2 (grades 5,
| 7 to 10), SABS 1460 (grades 5, 7, 10 and 14) and as appropriate, or any other grading rules approved by the SABS for
| special purposes.
2 Grade stresses given here are for a range of grades beyond those covered in current SABS standards. The intention
is to cater for any special-purpose grade that could be introduced with the approval of the SABS.
3 These are compression stresses for short columns (R e /b < 10). See table 4 for other slenderness ratios.
4 Designers should check the availability of any grade they wish to specify.
5 SABS 1460 refers to both hardwoods and softwoods. For laminated timber, use the appropriate grade stress given
in tables 3 and 4 for the applicable grade of timber.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
62
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 4 — Grade stresses for SA pine1) in compression2) parallel

to grain (for slenderness ratios 10 and greater)
1 2 3 4 5 |
Slenderness Grade stress ||
ratio MPa |
R e /b ||
5 7 10 14 |
10,00 7,40 9,40 10,80 14,20 |
11,00 7,29 9,26 10,65 14,00 |
12,00 7,16 9,09 10,47 13,77 |
13,00 7,02 8,90 10,27 13,51 |
14,00 6,85 8,68 10,04 13,21 |
15,00 6,65 8,42 9,78 12,87 |
16,00 6,43 8,12 9,48 12,49 |
17,00 6,18 7,79 9,14 12,05 |
18,00 5,91 7,43 8,76 11,57 |
19,00 5,61 7,04 8,36 11,05 |
20,00 5,31 6,65 7,94 10,50 |
21,00 5,01 6,25 7,51 9,94 |
22,00 4,71 5,86 7,08 9,38 |
23,00 4,42 5,50 6,66 8,83 |
24,00 4,14 5,15 6,26 8,31 |
25,00 3,88 4,82 5,89 7,81 |
26,00 3,64 4,52 5,53 7,34 |
27,00 3,42 4,24 5,20 6,91 |
28,00 3,21 3,98 4,89 6,50 |
29,00 3,02 3,74 4,61 6,12 |
30,00 2,85 3,52 4,34 5,77 |
31,00 2,69 3,32 4,10 5,45 |
32,00 2,54 3,14 3,87 5,15 |
33,00 2,40 2,96 3,66 4,87 |
34,00 2,27 2,81 3,47 4,61 |
35,00 2,15 2,36 3,29 4,38 |
36,00 2,04 2,52 3,12 4,16 |
37,00 1,94 2,40 2,97 3,95 |
38,00 1,85 2,28 2,82 3,76 |
39,00 1,76 2,17 2,69 3,58 |
40,00 1,68 2,07 2,56 3,41 |
41,00 1,60 1,97 2,45 3,26 |
42,00 1,53 1,88 2,34 3,11 |
43,00 1,46 1,80 2,24 2,98 |
44,00 1,40 1,72 2,14 2,85 |
45,00 1,34 1,65 2,05 2,73 |
46,00 1,28 1,58 1,97 2,62 |
47,00 1,23 1,52 1,89 2,51 |
48,00 1,18 1,46 1,81 2,41 |
49,00 1,14 1,40 1,74 2,32 |
50,00 1,09 1,35 1,68 2,23 |
51,00 1,05 1,30 1,61 2,15 |
52,00 1,01 1,25 1,55 2,07 |
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS 1783-2 |
and SABS 1460, as appropriate. |
2) See 7.4.1. |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
63
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 5 — Grade stresses for round poles1)
1 2 3 4 5
Grade stress
MPa
Nature of stress
SABS 457 SABS 753 SABS 754
Pine Gum Pine Gum
Bending 10,6 15,3 24,8 24,8

Tension parallel to grain 6,0 10,8 9,9 18,0
Compression parallel to grain 10,3 11,7 15,6 18,5
Compression perpendicular to grain2) 3,6 3,6 6,0 6,0

Shear parallel to grain 0,7 0,7 2,1 2,1
Modulus of elasticity 6 000 10 000 10 000 17 000
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS 457, SABS 753 or SABS 754, as appropriate.
2) Compression stresses for R e /b < 10. For other slenderness ratios of poles complying with
SABS 753 or SABS 754, see table 6.
64
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 6 — Grade stresses for round poles1) in compression

(for slenderness ratios 10 and greater)
1 2 3 4 5
Grade stress
Slenderness MPa
ratio
SABS 457 SABS 753 SABS 754
R e /D
Pine Gum Pine Gum
10 10,30 11,65 15,60 18,50
11 9,64 11,29 14,79 17,99
12 8,85 10,86 13,80 17,38
13 8,01 10,35 12,68 16,65
14 7,20 9,75 11,53 15,80
15 6,45 9,10 10,42 14,85
16 5,79 8,43 9,41 13,84
17 5,21 7,76 8,50 12,83
18 4,70 7,14 7,69 11,84
19 4,25 6,55 6,98 10,92
20 3,87 6,02 6,36 10,06
21 3,53 5,54 5,81 9,28
22 3,23 5,11 5,33 8,57
23 2,97 4,72 4,90 7,93
24 2,74 4,37 4,52 7,35
25 2,53 4,05 4,18 6,83
26 2,35 3,77 3,88 6,35
27 2,18 3,51 3,61 5,93
28 2,03 3,28 3,37 5,54
29 1,90 3,07 3,15 5,19
30 1,78 2,88 2,95 4,87
31 1,67 2,71 2,76 4,57
32 1,57 2,55 2,60 4,31
33 1,48 2,40 2,45 4,06
34 1,39 2,27 2,31 3,84
35 1,32 2,15 2,18 3,63
36 1,25 2,03 2,07 3,44
37 1,18 1,93 1,96 3,26
38 1,12 1,83 1,86 3,10
39 1,06 1,74 1,77 2,95
40 1,01 1,66 1,68 2,81
41 0,96 1,58 1,60 2,67
42 0,92 1,51 1,53 2,55
43 0,88 1,44 1,46 2,44
44 0,84 1,38 1,39 2,33
45 0,80 1,32 1,33 2,23
46 0,77 1,26 1,28 2,14
47 0,74 1,21 1,22 2,05
48 0,71 1,16 1,17 1,97
49 0,68 1,11 1,13 1,89
50 0,65 1,07 1,08 1,82
51 0,63 1,03 1,04 1,75
52 0,60 0,99 1,00 1,68
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS 457, SABS 753
or SABS 754, as appropriate.
65
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 7 — Values of C fD, C fIand C fW
1 2 3
Duration-of-load
coefficient, Duration of load Description of load
C fD, C fI and C fW
1,0 (permanent) More than 3 months Self-weight loads, earth pressure, loads from contents of tanks
and silos or similar retaining structures
Imposed loads that are removed and replaced at regular inter-

vals such that the structure remains loaded for a substantial
proportion of its life
0,8 (medium term) 1 d to 3 months Snow loads, traffic loads on bridges
Imposed loads that are applied at frequent intervals
(These loads include some imposed floor loads as defined in

SABS 0160)
0,66 (short term) Less than 1 d Normal wind loads
Imposed loads on scaffolding and concrete shuttering
Other imposed loads that are applied at infrequent intervals
(These loads include the imposed roof loads as defined in

SABS 0160, with the exception of the 0,9 kN point load (see
below))
0,5 (very short term) Less than 1 h 0,9 kN point load
Table 8 — k 3 factors for different spans of timber trusses and girders
1 2 3
Span of trusses Span of girders

k 3 factor
mm mm
0 – 4 000 0 – 2 500 1,15

4 001 – 6 000 2 501 – 3 500 1,10
6 001 – 9 000 3 501 – 4 500 1,05
9 001 – 12 000 4 501 – 7 000 1,00

12 001 – 15 000 7 001 – 9 000 0,95
15 001 – 20 000 9 001 – 11 000 0,90
> 20 000 > 11 000 0,85
66
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 9 — Modification factor for moisture content d 2
1 2
Moisture content
d2
g/kg
Normal, i.e. less than or equal to 170 1,00

Exceeding 170 but not exceeding 200 1,25
Exceeding 200 1,67
At time of construction exceeding 170 but less than or equal

to 250 and after that falling to 170 or less 1,43
At time of construction exceeding 250 and after that falling

to 170 or less 1,67
Fluctuating over a range exceeding 100 1,43
Table 10 — Approximate lateral support rules for rectangular beams
1 2
Degree of lateral support Maximum

depth-to-width
ratio
No lateral support 2
Ends held in position 3
Ends held in position and members held in line, as by purlins or tie rods 5
Ends held in position and compression edge held in line, as by direct

connection of sheeting, deck or joists 5,5
Ends held in position and compression edge held in line, as by direct

connection of sheeting deck or joists, together with adequate bridging
or blocking spaced at intervals not exceeding six times the depth 6
Ends held in position and both edges firmly held in line 7
Table 11 — Effective length of rectangular beams R e
1 2
Effective length R e as
Type of beam span and nature of load multiple of laterally
unsupported length L u
Single-span beam, load concentrated at centre 1,61 L u

Single-span beam, uniformly distributed load 1,92 L u
Single-span beam, equal end moments 1,84 L u
Cantilever beam, load concentrated at unsupported end 1,69 L u

Cantilever beam, uniformly distributed load 1,06 L u
Single-span or cantilever beam, any load (conservative value) 1,92 L u
67
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 12 — Trusses and purlin/batten spacing — empirical designs of SA pine
1 2 3 4 5
Maximum self- Maximum truss Maximum purlin/ Size of purlin/

Roof cover weight load centres batten centres batten1)
kN/m2 mm mm mm × mm
Concrete tiles 0,65 760 250 38 × 38

0,55 760 350 38 × 38
0,55 900 350 38 × 50 on flat
0,55 1 000 350 38 × 50 on edge
Natural slate:
Conventional-double thickness 0,82 760 140 38 × 38

Single thickness with underlay 0,46 760 250 38 × 38
Fibre-cement slates 800 400 38 × 38

0,25 1 000 400 38 × 50 on edge
1 000 400 50 × 50
Profiled metal tiles (see note 1) 1 060 370 38 × 38

0,12 1 100 370 38 × 50 on flat
1 200 370 38 × 50 on edge
Metal ribbed sheets 0,11 1 500 1 200 50 × 76 on edge
Fibre-cement corrugated sheets 0,19 1 350 1 200 50 × 76 on edge
| 1) Battens and purlins that comply with SABS 1783-4 and purlins that comply with SABS 1783-2.
NOTES
1 Metal tiles refer to profiled metal tiles or other roofing materials that rely on the tile or sheet section to span between
the battens. They have to be erected in accordance with the manufacturer's specification. This specification shall have
been tested by a competent laboratory for compliance with SABS 0160.
2 Self-weight load includes the self-weight load of the purlins and the battens.
3 The maximum self-weight load given in column 2 should not be exceeded.
4 At pitches exceeding 45°, the direction of the major axis of the purlin/batten shall be reversed (e.g. a 50 × 76 on edge
must be laid on flat).
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Commentary
For the metric timber size, 75 mm (given in annex B) purlin and batten spacings will be the same as
for 76 mm sizes.
68
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 13 — Grade stresses for softwood brandering and battens1)
1 2 3
Nominal batten Size to be used

Bending stress
size in design
mm mm MPa
38 × 38 36 × 36 6,0
38 × 50 36 × 48 5,0
50 × 50 48 × 48 5,0
1) For other characteristics, see applicable values in table 3.
Table 14 — Grade compressive stress p cy
1 2 3
Value of p cy for
Table No. Timber grade R e /r > 0
MPa
3 5 8,1 |
3 7 10,3 |
3 10 11,8 |
3 14 13,2 |
Poles to: |
5 SABS 457 Pine 12,5 |
5 SABS 457 Gum 13,2 |
Poles to: |
5 SABS 753 18,4 |
5 SABS 754 20,9 |
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Table 15 — Effective length R e of columns
1 2
Effective length R e as
Condition of end restraint
multiple of actual length L
Restrained at both ends in position and direction 0,7 L
Restrained at both ends in position and at one end in direction 0,85 L
Restrained at both ends in position but not in direction 1,0 L
Restrained at one end in position and direction and at the other end partially 1,5 L
restrained in direction but not in position
Restrained at one end in position and direction but not restrained in either position 2,0 L
or direction at the other end
69
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 16 — Load-span table for grade 6 glulam
1 2 3 4 5
Self-weight load Live load Point load

Roof/floor Deflection limit
2 2
N/m N/m N
Sheeted roofs 270 500 900 span/300
Tiled roofs 700 500 900 span/300
Floor joists (domestic houses) 200 1 500 1 500 span/300
Table 17 — Maximum span of rafters for sheeted roofs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Cross-section of Maximum span

rafter m
Rafter spacing
mm mm
Width Depth 600 750 900 1 050 1 200 1 350 1 500

1)
32 100 1,7 1,6 1,6 1,5 1,5 1,4 1,4
45 1001) 2,0 2,0 1,9 1,9 1,9 1,8 1,8
70 1001) 2,4 2,4 2,3 2,3 2,3 2,2 2,1
32 1331) 2,5 2,5 2,4 2,3 2,2 2,2 2,1

45 1331) 2,9 2,9 2,8 2,8 2,6 2,5 2,4
70 1331) 3,6 3,5 3,3 3,2 3,0 2,9 2,8
32 166 3,4 3,3 3,2 3,1 2,9 2,8 2,7

45 166 3,9 3,8 3,6 3,4 3,3 3,3 3,1
70 166 4,7 4,4 4,2 4,0 3,8 3,8 3,5
45 2001) 4,9 4,6 4,4 4,1 4,0 4,0 3,7

70 2001) 5,7 5,3 5,0 4,8 4,6 4,6 4,2
45 233 5,7 5,4 5,1 4,8 4,6 4,6 4,3

70 233 6,6 6,1 6,8 5,5 5,3 5,3 5,0
70 2661) 7,4 7,0 6,6 6,3 6,0 5,8 5,6

70 300 8,3 7,8 7,4 7,1 6,8 6,8 6,4
70 3331) 9,2 8,7 8,2 7,8 7,5 7,5 7,0
70 366 10,0 9,5 9,0 8,6 8,3 8,0 7,7

70 4001) 10,1 10,0 9,8 9,4 9,0 8,7 8,4
1) Preferred sizes.
70
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 18 — Maximum span of rafters for tiled roofs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

rafter m
Rafter spacing
mm mm
Width Depth 600 750 900 1 050 1 200 1 350 1 500
32 1001) 1,4 1,3 1,2 1,2 1,1 1,1 1,0

45 1001) 1,8 1,7 1,6 1,5 1,4 1,4 1,3
70 1001) 2,2 2,1 2,0 2,0 1,9 1,8 1,7
32 1331) 2,1 1,9 1,8 1,7 1,7 1,6 1,5

45 1331) 2,6 2,4 2,3 2,2 2,1 2,0 1,9
70 1331) 3,1 3,0 2,9 2,8 2,7 2,6 2,5
32 166 2,8 2,6 2,5 2,3 2,2 2,1 2,0

45 166 3,4 3,2 3,0 2,9 2,7 2,6 2,5
70 166 4,1 3,9 3,7 3,5 3,3 3,2 3,1
45 2001) 4,3 4,0 3,8 3,7 3,3 3,1 3,0

70 2001) 5,0 4,7 4,4 4,2 4,0 3,9 3,7
45 233 5,1 4,7 4,4 4,1 3,9 3,6 3,5

70 233 5,8 5,4 5,1 4,9 4,7 4,5 4,3
70 2661) 6,6 6,2 5,9 5,6 5,3 5,1 4,9

70 300 7,4 7,0 6,6 6,3 6,0 5,8 5,5
70 3331) 8,2 7,7 7,3 7,0 6,7 6,4 6,1
70 366 9,0 8,4 8,0 7,6 7,3 7,0 6,7

70 4001) 9,8 9,2 8,7 8,3 8,0 7,6 7,3
1) Preferred sizes.
71
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 19 — Maximum span of rafters for domestic floors
1 2 3 4 5 6

rafter m
Rafter spacing
mm mm
Width Depth 600 750 900 1 050
32 1001) 1,0 1,0 1,0 1,0

45 1001) 1,4 1,4 1,3 1,3
70 1001) 2,0 2,0 2,0 1,9
32 1331) 1,7 1,7 1,6 1,6

45 1331) 2,3 2,3 2,2 2,2
70 1331) 3,1 2,9 2,7 2,5
32 166 2,6 2,5 2,4 2,3

45 166 3,4 3,1 2,9 2,7
70 166 4,0 3,6 3,4 3,2
45 2001) 4,1 3,8 3,5 3,3

70 2001) 4,8 4,4 4,1 3,8
45 233 4,8 4,4 4,1 3,8
70 233 5,5 5,1 4,7 4,5
70 2661) 6,3 5,8 5,4 5,1

70 300 7,1 6,5 6,1 5,7
70 3331) 7,8 7,2 6,7 6,3
70 366 8,6 7,9 7,4 7,0

70 4001) 9,4 8,6 8,0 7,6
1) Preferred sizes.
Table 20 — Constants for determination of radial

stress in double tapered curved members
1 2 3 4
Angle Value of constant

β
degrees A B C
2,5 0,0 079 0,1 747 0,1 284

5 0,0 174 0,1 251 0,1 939
7,5 0,0 279 0,0 937 0,2 162
10 0,0 391 0,0 754 0,2 119

15 0,0 629 0,0 619 0,1 722
20 0,0 893 0,0 608 0,1 393
25 0,1 214 0,0 605 0,1 238

30 0,1 649 0,0 603 0,1 115
72
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 21 — Modification factor for fasteners

in a row in joints with timber side plates
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Dimension Modification factor α

of smallest
Joint type member Number of fasteners in a row
mm 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Two-member joint 38 × 76 0,99 0,93 0,89 0,84 0,79 0,74 0,70 0,65 0,61 0,57
38 × 114 1,00 0,99 0,97 0,96 0,93 0,91 0,89 0,86 0,83 0,80
38 × 152 1,00 0,99 0,98 0,97 0,95 0,93 0,91 0,89 0,87 0,84
38 × 228 1,00 0,99 0,99 0,98 0,97 0,95 0,94 0,92 0,91 0,89
50 × 76 0,99 0,98 0,97 0,95 0,93 0,90 0,87 0,84 0,81 0,78
50 × 114 1,00 0,99 0,98 0,97 0,95 0,93 0,91 0,89 0,87 0,84
50 × 152 1,00 0,99 0,98 0,97 0,96 0,95 0,93 0,91 0,90 0,88
50 × 228 1,00 0,99 0,99 0,98 0,98 0,97 0,96 0,94 0,93 0,91
Multiple-member 38 × 76 0,92 0,84 0,75 0,68 0,61 0,55 0,50 0,45 0,42 0,38
joint 38 × 114 0,94 0,88 0,81 0,75 0,68 0,62 0,57 0,52 0,48 0,45
38 × 152 0,95 0,91 0,85 0,79 0,73 0,67 0,62 0,58 0,54 0,50
38 × 228 0,97 0,93 0,89 0,84 0,79 0,74 0,70 0,65 0,61 0,57
50 × 76 0,93 0,87 0,80 0,72 0,66 0,60 0,55 0,50 0,46 0,43
50 × 114 0,95 0,91 0,85 0,79 0,73 0,67 0,62 0,58 0,53 0,50
50 × 152 0,97 0,93 0,88 0,83 0,78 0,72 0,68 0,63 0,59 0,55
50 × 228 0,97 0,94 0,90 0,86 0,82 0,77 0,73 0,68 0,64 0,61
Commentary
For the additional metric sizes as given in annex B, the factors can be calculated or taken as follows:
a) for 75 mm: as for 76 mm;
b) for 100 mm: interpolate between 76 mm and 114 mm;
c) for 150 mm: as for 152 mm;
d) for 200 mm: interpolate between 152 mm and 228 mm; and
e) for 225 mm: as for 228 mm.
73
Table 22 — Basic forces for mild steel nails in single shear
74
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Ed. 1.1
Basic force
kN
SABS 0163-2
Nominal Nominal Optimum Penetration depth

length diameter point mm
of nail of nail penetration Optimum
25 38 50 75
penetration
Density group1)
mm mm mm D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1
50 2,5 25 0,16 0,19 – – – – – – 0,16 0,19
63 2,8 28 0,18 0,21 – – – – – – 0,20 0,24

3,2 32 0,19 0,23 – – – – – – 0,25 0,30
75 3,2 32 0,19 0,23 – – – – – – 0,25 0,30

3,5 36 0,22 0,26 – – – – – – 0,32 0,38
90 4,0 44 0,23 0,27 0,35 0,42 – – – – 0,40 0,48
100 4,0 44 0,23 0,27 0.35 0,42 – – – – 0,40 0,48

5,0 60 – – 0,40 0,48 0,52 0,63 – – 0,63 0,75
125 5,0 60 – – 0,40 0,48 0,52 0,63 – – 0,63 0,75

5,6 70 – – 0,43 0,51 0,56 0,67 – – 0,78 0,94
150 5,6 70 – – 0,43 0,51 0,56 0,67 – – 0,78 0,94

6,3 85 – – – – 0,58 0,70 0,88 1,05 0,99 1,19
7,1 95 – – – – 0,66 0,80 1,00 1,19 1,25 1,51
1) Density groups as defined.

SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 23 — Basic forces in withdrawal of coach screws per 25 mm

penetration of thread in the side grain of seasoned timber
1 2 3 4
Nominal Basic force

kN Maximum load for any
diameter of
density group, based on
coach
Density group1) tension at root of thread2)
screw
mm D2 D1 kN
10 1,55 2,22 4,90

12 2,04 2,75 9,61
16 2,40 3,24 15,49
20 2,75 3,71 23,40

2) For both density groups, D1 and D2.
Table 24 — Factors for penetration of thread
1 2 3 4 5 6
Actual penetration of Factors
Density threads into second

Nominal diameter of coach screw
group1) member mm
mm 10 12 16 20
150 1,0 1,0 0,8 0,7

125 1,0 0,8 0,7 0,5
D2 100 0,9 0,7 0,5 0,4
75 0,7 0,5 – –
50 0,4 – – –
150 1,0 1,0 0,9 0,7

125 1,0 0,9 0,7 0,6
D1 100 1,0 0,7 0,6 0,5
75 0,7 0,5 – –
50 0,5 – – –
75
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 25 — Basic forces for coach screws in lateral

bearing in the side grain of seasoned timber
1 2 3 4
Nominal Basic force

kN
diameter of Loading to
coach screw grain Density group1)
mm D2 D1
10 Parallel 0,94 1,07

Perpendicular 0,71 0,81
12 Parallel 1,67 1,89

16 Parallel 2,61 2,96

20 Parallel 3,76 4,26

Table 26 — Factors for thickness of timber side plates

Dimensions in millimetres
Factors
Thickness of
timber side plate Nominal diameter of coach screw
at head side
10 12 16 20
76 1,00 1,00 1,00 1,00

50 1,00 1,00 0,92 0,89
38 1,00 0,95 0,77 0,66
25 0,89 0,62 – –
76
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 27 — Basic forces on bolts in two-member joints
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Basic forces on one bolt

Nominal kN
Nominal
thickness
bolt
of thinner Grade of timber
diameter
member
5 7 10 |
Parallel to Perpendicular Parallel to Perpendicular Parallel to Perpendicular
mm mm
the grain to the grain the grain to the grain the grain to the grain
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,1 1,5

38 12 2,7 1,7 3,1 2,0 3,3 2,1
16 3,4 2,0 3,7 2,1 4,2 2,4
20 4,2 2,3 4,6 2,5 5,3 2,9

24 5,1 2,6 5,5 2,8 6,3 3,3
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,2 1,5

50 12 2,8 1,8 3,1 2,0 3,3 2,1
16 4,4 2,5 4,8 2,8 5,5 3,2
20 5,5 3,0 6,0 3,2 6,9 3,7

24 6,7 3,5 7,2 3,7 8,3 4,3
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,2 1,5

76 12 2,8 1,8 3,1 2,0 3,3 2,1
16 4,9 2,8 5,1 2,9 5,5 3,2
20 7,7 4,2 8,0 4,3 8,6 4,6

24 10,1 5,2 11,0 5,7 12,4 6,4
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
77
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 28 — Basic forces on bolts in multiple-member joints
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Basic forces on one bolt

Nominal kN
Nominal
thickness
bolt
of thinner Grade of timber
diameter
member
| 5 7 10
Parallel to Perpendicular Parallel to Perpendicular Parallel to Perpendicular

mm mm
the grain to the grain the grain to the grain the grain to the grain
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,2 1,5

38 12 3,2 2,1 3,4 2,2 3,6 2,3
16 4,0 2,3 4,2 2,4 4,9 2,8
20 4,1 2,2 4,4 2,4 5,1 2,8

24 4,9 2,5 5,3 2,7 6,1 3,2
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,2 1,5

50 12 3,2 2,1 3,4 2,2 3,6 2,3
16 4,3 2,5 4,7 2,7 5,4 3,1
20 5,4 2,9 5,8 3,1 6,7 3,6

24 6,5 3,4 7,0 3,6 8,1 4,2
10 1,9 1,3 2,0 1,4 2,2 1,5

76 12 3,2 2,1 3,4 2,2 3,6 2,3
16 4,9 2,8 5,1 2,9 5,5 3,2
20 7,7 4,2 8,0 4,3 8,6 4,6

24 9,8 5,1 10,7 5,5 12,3 6,4
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Table 29 — Minimum spacing for circular toothed connectors

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Spacing (centre to centre) Edge distance End distance

Size of
connector Parallel to Perpendicular Unloaded Loaded Unloaded Loaded
the grain to the grain edge edge end end
50 76 64 32 38 38 89
63 95 76 38 38 38 89
75 114 89 44 44 44 89
NOTES
1 These values are the minimum allowable spacing except that, in the case of tension members,
the end distance can be reduced if the load is reduced.
2 The loaded end distance can be reduced to 38 mm provided that the allowable load is reduced
to 70 %. Increased edge or end distances or spacing does not allow higher loading values to be
used.
78
Table 30 — Minimum spacing for split-ring and shear-plate connectors
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Minimum end distances: centre Minimum edge distances: centre of

Minimum spacing of connectors (centre to centre)
of connector to end of timber connector to edge of timber
31E to 90E angle of force Tension Compression 31E to 90E angle of force
0E to 30E angle of force to grain
to grain members members to grain
Size and type Spacing per- 0E to 30E Compression
of connector Spacing parallel to grain pendicular to angle of side of Opposite
Spacing Force Force
Spacing grainFull Full force to connector compres-
perpen- reduced reduced
parallel basic basic grain sion side
Full Force Force dicular by by Full Force
to grain Full Force force force of
basic reduced reduced to grain basic reduced 37,5 % 37,5 % basic reduced connector
force by 25 % by 50 % force by 15 % force by 15 %
63 split-ring
connector 180 130 90 90 90 115 90 150 75 100 65 45 70 45 45
100 split-ring
connector 230 180 125 140 140 165 140 180 90 140 85 70 95 70 70
66 shear-plate
connector 180 125 90 90 90 115 90 150 75 100 65 45 70 45 45
100 shear-
plate connector 230 180 125 140 140 165 140 180 90 140 85 70 95 70 70
79
Ed. 1.1
SABS 0163-2
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 31 — Basic forces for circular toothed connectors1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Basic force per connector

Nominal kN
Size of Timber Number of
bolt
connector thickness loaded Parallel to grain, P Perpendicular to grain, Q
diameter
faces Density group2)
mm mm mm D2 D1 D2 D1
19 1
38 2 3,7 5,1 2,9 3,9
25 1
50 2 4,1 5,5 3,0 4,1
50 12 38 1
76 2 4,5 5,7 3,3 4,7
50 1
100 2 4,5 5,7 3,6 5,1
25 1
50 2 4,6 6,2 3,6 4,8
63 12 38 1
76 2 5,1 6,4 3,9 5,4
50 1
100 2 5,1 6,4 4,2 5,8
25 1 5,6
50 2 5,2 6,9 4,1
75 12 38 1
76 2 5,6 7,1 4,5 6,1
50 1
100 2 5,6 7,1 4,8 6,5
1) In accordance with BS 1579.

Commentary
The basic forces for the metric size 75 mm (as given in annex B) can be taken to be the same as
the forces given for 76 mm.
80
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 32 — Basic forces for split-ring connectors1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Nominal kN
bolt
diameter
25 1 7,8 9,1 5,3 6,4
38 1 9,3 11,1 6,5 7,8
63 12 38 2 7,1 8,2 4,9 5,8
50 1 9,3 11,1 6,5 7,8
50 2 9,1 11,1 6,5 7,8
38 1 17,3 20,9 12,0 14,2
50 1 17,8 21,4 12,5 15,0
100 20 50 2 14,2 17,1 9,1 12,0
76 1 17,8 21,4 12,5 15,0
76 2 17,8 21,4 12,5 15,0
Commentary
The basic forces for the metric size 75 mm (as given in annex B) can be taken to be the same as
the forces given for 76 mm.
Table 33 — Basic forces for shear-plate connectors1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Nominal kN
bolt
diameter
38 1 11,3 10,9 6,2 7,6
38 2 7,4 8,4 6,2 7,6
66 20 50 1 11,8 11,6 6,5 8,2
59 2 9,1 10,9 6,5 7,4
76 1 11,8 11,6 6,5 8,2
76 2 9,8 11,6 6,5 8,2
38 1 12,9 15,1 9,6 11,6
50 1 14,7 17,6 10,2 12,2
100 20 50 2 10,9 12,9 7,5 9,1
76 1 14,7 17,6 10,2 12,2
67 2 14,0 16,5 8,9 11,6
Commentary
The basic forces for the metric size 75 mm (as given in annex B) can be taken to be the
same as the forces given for 76 mm.
81
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 34 — Representative properties for nail-plate connectors
1 2 3
Property Symbol Typical values per pair of plates
Allowable stress with load at 0° to plate and 0° to grain p0,0 2,0 MPa
Approximate joint stiffness – 10 MPa/mm
Thickness of plate – 1,0 mm
Allowable stress for steel with no holes – 155 MPa
Nail spacing along plate axis Sx 20 mm
Nail spacing at right angles to plate axis Sy 6,0 mm
Ratio of steel area available at a section to total area of that

section for tension parallel to plate axis – 0,4
Allowable strength of plate for tension perpendicular to plate axis – 60 MPa
NOTE The occurrences of p0,0, p90,0, p0,90 and p90,90 are illustrated in figure 19.
Table 35 — Grade stresses for plywood1)
1 2
Grade stress
Nature of stress
MPa
Bending on edge pb 5,9
Tension pt 5,9
2)
Compression pc 9,4
Panel shear pv 2,0
Rolling or interlaminar shear pv 0,4
Modulus of elasticity E 14 800

3)
Bending on flat pb
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS 929.
2) For R e /t not exceeding 10, where Re is the effective length of a
compression member and t is the thickness.
3) See 9.2.1.2.
82
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 36 — Grade stresses for battenboard1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Grade stress
Mean MPa
Nominal Direction of modulus of
Panel type thickness span relative Interlaminar
elasticity E Bending Panel shear
to face grain shear
mm MPa pb pv pv
16 Parallel 4 900 5,2 0,67 0,4
Perpendicular 4 700 4,0 0,67 0,4
3 ply RC pine 19 Parallel 4 600 4,7 0,67 0,4

202) Parallel 4 200 4,4 0,67 0,4

212) Parallel 7 300 6,7 0,67 0,4

213) Parallel 7 300 6,7 0,67 0,4

5 ply RC pine 244) Parallel 2 500 6,4 0,67 0,4

29 Parallel 7 300 6,1 0,67 0,4

204) Parallel 7 500 6,8 0,67 0,4

9 ply RC pine 322) Parallel 7 500 6,5 0,67 0,4

383) Parallel 7 400 6,1 0,67 0,4


2) For exterior use (concrete formwork).
3) Resin faced – direction refers to length of panel.
4) Mining utility cut.
RC – rotary cut.
83
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 37 — Grade stresses for blockboard1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Grade stress
Mean MPa
Nominal Direction of modulus of
Panel type thickness span relative Interlaminar
elasticity E Bending Panel shear
to face grain shear
mm MPa pb pv pv
3 ply hardwood 21 Parallel 7 600 10,7 0,67 0,4
5 ply sliced 15 Parallel 7 500 7,7 0,67 0,4
veneer face Perpendicular 3 800 4,0 0,67 0,4
17 Parallel 7 500 7,2 0,67 0,4
19 Parallel 7 600 6,9 0,67 0,4
5 ply RC pine 21 Parallel 7 500 6,7 0,67 0,4
32 Parallel 7 200 5,9 0,67 0,4
9 ply hardwood 38 Parallel 7 600 12,0 0,67 0,4
sliced veneer Perpendicular 2 300 2,5 0,67 0,4
13 ply pine 38 Parallel 7 800 8,0 0,67 0,4
RC – rotary cut.
Table 38 — Grade stresses for fibreboard1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Grade stress
Mean MPa
Nominal
modulus of
thickness
Panel type elasticity E Bending on Tension Interlaminar Panel Bending on
flat shear shear edge
mm MPa pb pt pv pv pb
Standard 3,2 5 000 17,2 4,9 0,21 2,0 4,9
hardboard 4,8 5 000 15,5 4,9 0,21 2,0 4,9
6,4 5 000 13,9 4,9 0,21 2,0 4,9
9,5 5 000 11,3 4,9 0,21 2,0 4,9
3,2 5 800 20,3 5,9 0,45 2,0 5,9
Tempered 4,8 5 800 19,5 5,9 0,45 2,0 5,9
hardboard 6,4 5 800 19,5 5,9 0,45 2,0 5,9
9,5 5 800 13,6 5,9 0,45 2,0 5,9
Medium density 12, 16,
fibreboard (MDF) 18, 22 4 500 13,00 5,9 0,60 – –
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS 540-1 and SABS 540-2.
84
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Table 39 ) Grade stresses for particleboard1)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Grade stress
Nominal Mean modulus MPa Average
Class thickness of elasticity E Interlaminar density
Bending Panel shear
shear
mm MPa pb pv pv kg/m3
P4 12 3 000 27 4 15 650
12 3 300 3,6 0,3 1,5 650

P5 16-18 3 500 5,0 0,3 1,3 700
22 3 000 4,8 0,3 1,1 650
P6 12 3 000 4,4 0,4 1,5 700

16-18 3 000 5,2 0,4 1,3 650
P7 12 3 300 4,0 0,4 1,5 700

16,18 3 500 6,3 0,5 1,3 700
1) Complying with the relevant requirements of SABS EN 312-4, SABS EN 312-5, SABS EN 312-6 and
SABS EN 312-7.
85
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Annex A
(informative)
Construction
A.1 General
This annex deals with the practical aspects of timber engineering and attempts to highlight certain
aspects of importance which often are the cause of problems in service. The recommendations given
in A.2 to A.6 concern the application of the design rules given.
So construct timber structures that they conform to the principles and practical considerations of the
design.
So apply, use or fix materials for the structures as to enable them to perform adequately the functions
for which they are designed.
Ensure that workmanship in the fabrication, preparation and installation of materials conforms in all
respects to accepted good practice.
A.2 Materials
Ensure that timber and timber-based components of structural elements are not exposed to climatic
conditions more severe than those to be encountered in the finished structure and, in particular, that
they are not subjected to prolonged exposure to the weather or to conditions conducive to fungal or
insect attack.
Ensure that timber that has been crushed or otherwise damaged is not used for structural work.
Ensure that, before use, the timber is seasoned as nearly as is practicable to the moisture content
appropriate to the climatic conditions at the site of the completed structure.
A.3 Machining
Ensure that the size, shape and finish of all timber and other materials conform to the detailed design
drawings and specifications for the structure.
Avoid the cutting of timber after preservative treatment. Where cutting is unavoidable, treat the cut
surfaces liberally with the preservative.
Commentary
All timber should be of the correct shape and size as specified on the drawings. Pieces that are
damaged or no longer conform to the appropriate grade requirements of SABS 1460 or
SABS 1782-2 and/or do not comply with the provisions of this part of SABS 0163 for mechanical
stress grading or any other relevant code specified by the designer, should be rejected, unless it can
be shown that the structural strength is still adequate for the intended purpose.
The surface at any joint in an assembly should be such that the components can be brought into
contact over the entire area of the joint before the fasteners are inserted or before any pressure or
restraint from the fastener is applied. The surfaces should have a good sawn or planed finish. Butt-
joints in compression should have a close fit but a gap of not more than 1 mm may be permitted. For
members in tension, the gap should not exceed 3 mm. This brief description is not adequate and for
trusses an approved authority should be consulted (see SABS 0243).
86
SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Where notches, other than at the ends of the beams, are specified by the designer, they should,
where possible, be formed by parallel cuts to previously drilled holes within the notch area. For
narrow notches, the diameter of the hole should be equal to the width of the notch. If, after
machining, splitting of a member is likely to occur due to moisture ingress or egress, which can have
a deleterious effect, effective treatment and durable sealing are recommended. Where treated timber
is being used, all cuts and holes should be locally treated using the same effective treatment and
durable sealing.
Where holes are required for bolts, these should, if possible, be drilled at the manufacturer's works.
A.4 Joints
Commentary
Connectors should not be placed in flaws such as end split in timber.
A.4.1 Nails
Unless otherwise specified, drive nails in at right angles to the grain of the timber and to such a depth
that the heads are flush with the timber surface.
Commentary
Where a problem is experienced with splitting (e.g. hardwoods), nails should be driven into pre-
drilled holes of diameter not exceeding 0,8 times the nail diameter. Where improved nails are used,
it is often essential to pre-drill holes.
A.4.2 Screws
Timber screws are used where a joint has to be stronger than a nailed joint or where dismantling and
re-assembly may be necessary.
A.4.2.1 Types of timber screws
Figure A.1 — Types of timber screws
A.4.2.2 Coach (lag) screws
Coach screws are a special type of timber screw with a hexagonal bolt-type head.
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Commentary
1) When coach screws are being used, they should be fitted only into pre-drilled holes.
2) The diameter of the hole for the shank should be at least equal to the diameter of the shank and
should not exceed it by more than 1 mm. The depth of the hole should be equal to the length of
the unthreaded shank.
3) The diameter of the hole for the threaded portion of the screw should not exceed the root
diameter of the screw (see table A.1). The depth of the hole should be at least equal to the
intended depth to which the screw is to be driven.
4) The threaded portion of the screw should be lubricated with soap or another lubricant (not
petroleum based) and inserted into the lead hole and screwed home with a wrench. Under no
circumstances should the screw be hammered into place.
Table A.1 — Root diameters for coach screws
1 2
Screw diameter Root diameter
6 4,2
8 5,6
10 7
12 9
20 15
A.4.2.3 Normal timber screws
Timber screws with slotted countersunk heads are mostly used, but other forms of head may be
specified.
Commentary
For normal timber screws, lead holes should be used to ensure good workmanship. The diameter
of the hole should not exceed 0,8 times the diameter of the root of the screw thread adjacent to the
shank. Screws should not be hammered into place.
A.4.3 Bolts
Ensure that the diameter of the bolt holes is the same as the diameter of the bolts. A tolerance of
% 1,0
&0
mm may be allowed.
Use the appropriate washers under the heads of bolts and under the nuts.
Commentary
So tighten nuts that the members fit closely and, if necessary, tighten them again after the timber
has reached its equilibrium moisture content.
Washers of diameter larger than 3D may be used. (D is the diameter of the bolt.) Table A.2 gives
the recommended larger washer sizes that will allow a percentage increase in the basic forces of
bolts given in tables 27 and 28. (See also 8.4.4.)
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Table A.2 — Recommended larger washer sizes
1 2 3
Square Round
Bolt
mm mm
Bolts up to M6 16 × 16 × 2 20 ` × 2
Bolts up to M12 35 × 35 × 4 35 ` × 4
Bolts up to M20 55 × 55 × 6 60 ` × 6
Bolts exceeding M20 80 × 80 × 10 95 ` × 10
Mushroomhead square neck bolts (carriage bolts) are not an adequate substitute for ISO black bolts.
Where possible, the members to be bolted together should be preassembled and drilled whilst firmly
clamped together. This work should preferably be done in a workshop. Where relevant, the use of
jigs is recommended.
All bolt holes, except where otherwise specified, should be drilled perpendicular to the members to
be bolted together.
A.4.4 Connectors
A.4.4.1 Circular toothed connectors
When toothed plates are used, embed the teeth completely into the timber. In small and light structures,
the bolts can be used for impressing the toothed plates, provided that the diameter of the bolts is at
least 12 mm. In other cases, use a threaded high-tensile steel rod in place of the bolt.
To prepare a joint for the use of toothed connectors, the members should be preassembled in their
appropriate positions and drilled whilst firmly clamped together. The position of the holes for the toothed
connectors should be carefully located by means of a template or by careful measurement, to ensure
that the designer's requirements are maintained. A positional tolerance of 5 mm may be accepted.
Commentary
The connectors should be embedded into the timber members by means of a threaded high-tensile
steel rod passing through the member and the connector. The rod should be fitted with a large thick
washer at each end to ensure that even pressure is applied over the whole of the face of the
connector.
Alternatively, screw clamps or hydraulic pressure can be used to embed the connectors. When the
teeth of the connectors are fully embedded, the high-tensile steel rod should be replaced with the
appropriate bolt, with washers under both the bolt head and the nut.
It is essential that the teeth of the connectors be fully embedded in both contact faces of the joint.
Whichever method is used, care should be taken during the embedding process to ensure that the
timber under the washers is not crushed.
Because of the difficulty of ensuring proper penetration of the teeth, toothed connectors are not
recommended for timber that has a density exceeding 500 kg/m3.
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The transfer of the load for a toothed connector is dependent on the density of the timber and the
depth of penetration of the teeth. At 80 % depth of penetration of the teeth, the transfer of shear
force is reduced to 70 % of the design value. A depth of penetration of the teeth of less than 80 %
is not allowable and should be referred to the designer.
Double-sided connectors as shown in figure A.2 are used for permanent timber-to-timber connection.
Figure A.2 — Double-sided circular toothed connectors
Single-sided connectors as shown in figure A.3 are used for timber-to-steel connections or for timber-
to-timber connections when used back to back, and are easy to dismantle. For these connections, the
bolt transfers load in shear.
Figure A.37— Single-sided circular toothed connectors
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A.4.4.2 Split-ring and shear-plate connectors
To prepare a joint using split rings or shear plates (see figure A.4), the members of the joint should be
preassembled in their appropriate positions and drilled whilst firmly clamped or spiked together. The
position of holes for the split rings and shear plates should be carefully located by means of a template
or by careful measurement.
Commentary
The groove for the split ring or shear plate should be formed by the use of the grooving tool provided
by the suppliers of the connectors that are to be used. For the dimensions and tolerances of the
grooves, refer to the information supplied by the manufacturers of the connectors.
Care should be taken to ensure that all chips and shavings are removed from the grooves and, in
the case of split rings, the rings should be expanded before being placed in the grooves. Typical
split-ring and shear-plate connections are shown in figures A.5 and A.6. Both split rings and shear
plates should be set in an epoxy resin compound to prevent any movement in the joint.
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Figure A.4 — Shear-plate connectors
92
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Figure A.5 — Typical split-ring connection
Shear plates as shown in figure A.4 can be used in the same manner as single-sided circular toothed
connectors for timber-to-metal plate connections for bigger forces. Their load capacity exceeds that of
single-sided circular toothed connectors.
Figure A.6 — Typical shear-plate connection
A.4.5 Patented and specialized fasteners and connectors
Different types of patented and specialized mechanical fasteners, usually of metal, have been
developed to provide effective joints for timber members, or between steel and timber. In all cases,
these fasteners should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Most of these
products require the use of special tools for correct and satisfactory fitting.
A.5 Assembly of structural units
Assemble members in such a way that no unintentional stresses are induced. Do not use members that
are badly warped, split or ill-fitting.
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Commentary
Assembly of units, including site-made timber trusses, should be done on a level bed and in such
a way as to avoid damage to any of the members. The finished structural units should conform in
all respects to the design specifications and detailed drawings.
When the assembly is to be done on site, one set of the component parts should be preassembled
in the workshop and checked.
Twisted or damaged members should be replaced before assembly.
Figures A.7 to A.13 give typical construction details as a guide and may be adjusted by the designer.
There should be a minimum clearance of 25 mm or an impervious moisture barrier between all wall
contact surfaces, ends, sides and tops (if masonry exists above beam end) in beam anchorages, as
shown in figure A.7.
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Figure A.7 — Typical beam anchorages
95
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Figure A.8 — Beam and purlin hangers
96
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Figure A.9 — Beam to column connections
97
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Figure A.10 — Column anchorages
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Figure A.11 — Arch anchorages
99
SABS 0163-2
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Figure A.12 — True hinge anchorage for arches
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SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
Figure A.13 — True heel connection
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A.6 Transportation, storage and erection
A.6.1 Do not permit the overstressing of members during transportation, storage and erection. Take
special care to avoid distortion when structures such as framed arches and portal frames are hoisted
from the horizontal to the vertical position. In case of uncertainty, advice and guidance on lifting should
be sought from the designer.
Commentary
Long and flexible components such as trusses are best stored flat on timber or other bearers spaced
closely enough to prevent distortion.
During erection, full attention should be paid to detail, and particularly to detail of bracing. Many of
the familiar timber structural entities, e.g. trusses, portals, etc., are extremely flexible and can easily
bend and distort, with resultant structural damage to members or joints or both. The use of suitable
lifting gear and subsidiary rope guides is often necessary to ensure safe handling from storage to
final position of the various timber components that form part of the ultimate structure. It is strongly
recommended that the designer read available information on the subject of the erection of timber
structures. Such information is obtainable from the CSIR, the SABS and other recognized timber
information centres.
A.6.2 Wallplates could be required in order to assist in aligning trusses and to spread the truss
reactions evenly onto the supporting structure.
Commentary
Wallplates should be bedded onto the top of the structure to avoid the introduction of local stresses.
The bearing stresses should be calculated to comply with the values given in table 3.
The thickness or position of the wallplate may be varied in order to avoid notching of the support
structure. However, if the wallplate is not under the heel joint, the resultant eccentricity should be
catered for in the design calculations.
Only structural timber that complies with the requirements of SABS 563 should be used, so that
geometry and density are assured.
A.7 Steelwork and fitting of steelwork

Timber members can be isolated from the ground by means of steel shoes. This steelwork should
preferably be fitted in a factory before delivery to site. Tensile forces and moment should be taken by
bolts or connectors as no reliance can be placed on the tight fit of the steel components. Steel shoes
exposed to the elements need to be provided with drainage holes and to be protected from corrosion.
A.8 Cover plates to exposed edges

The end-grain of glulam members should, if exposed to the elements, be protected by metal cover
plates that are adequately protected against corrosion (see figures A.15 to A.17). Corrosion-protected
screws or nails should be used to attach the cover plate to the member. The cover plates should have
suitable drainage holes.
A.9 Air space or moisture barrier

There should be a minimum clearance of 25 mm or an impervious moisture barrier between a member
and the wall (see figure A.14(a) and (b)). Other protection methods may also be used.
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Figure A.14 — Air space between member and wall
Figure A.15 — Protection considerations for partially exposed arches
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Figure A.16 — Arch leg protection
Figure A.17 — End and top protection for overhangs
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Annex B
(informative)
Dimensions of timber commonly produced in South Africa
B.1 Rough-sawn solid timber
Use the nominal dimensions.
B.2 Categories other than rough-sawn timber
Use the minimum rough-sawn dimensions.
B.2.1 Dimensions of SA pine
The dimensions of SA pine are given in table B.1.
Table B.1 — Dimensions of SA pine
1 2 3 4
Nominal Minimum rough-
Members dimensions sawn dimension
mm mm
1)
Brandering and battens 38 35
50 47
38 36
50 48
Thickness
75 73
76 74
75 72
76 73
100 97
Structural timber 114 111
150 147
Width
152 149
200 197
225 222
228 225
300 297
1) For resawn timber, subtract 2 mm. For regularized timber, subtract 0,5 mm.
NOTE Timber of a specified nominal dimension as given in column 3 may not be of

dimension less than the corresponding dimension given in column 4, even after the
application of dimensional tolerances.
Commentary
When a board is sawn from a log and undergoes no subsequent surface treatment, it is called
"rough-sawn". The grading rules and dimensional tolerances for rough-sawn SA pine structural
timber are set out in SABS 1783-2 as follows: Amdt 1, Sept. 2001 |
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SABS 0163-2
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| – the tolerance on width (under the nominal dimension) is S 3 mm. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
– the tolerance on thickness (under the nominal dimension) is S 2 mm.
Production of regularized timber is defined by the SABS as "the process whereby a piece of timber
of rectangular cross-section is machined throughout its length to a uniform thickness or width or
| both". In terms of SABS 1783-2, 0,5 mm more than the tolerance is allowed for regularized timber.
Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
The process is often called thicknessing or sizing. It is done by skimming a thin layer off the surface
of the timber, and is of particular importance to manufacturers of prefabricated trusses who need
to have a close tolerance on the thickness of adjoining pieces of timber under the nail plates.
Regularized, thicknessed or sized timber does not always have a perfectly smooth surface and can
therefore not be considered to be "wrought".
Wrought timber is obtained by planing a board to achieve a smooth surface throughout. If a designer
specifies wrought or planed timber, he should use the resulting reduced cross-sectional dimensions
in his calculations.
Designers should be aware of the fact that, as a result of low yields and of demand, some sizes and
| grades of SA pine may be difficult to obtain. The higher grades (10) for example, in 50 mm and
76 mm thick timber, are not always readily available. Amdt 1, Sept. 2001
Structural SA pine is marketed in standard length increments of 300 mm, normally up to 6,6 m in
length.
B.2.2 Nominal dimensions of SA pine stocklam
The nominal dimensions are as follows:
1 2
Widths,
mm 32, 45, 70, 100, 140
Depths,
mm 100 to 600 in increments of 33,3 mm
NOTE See SABS 1460.
The thickness of each laminate is approximately 33,3 mm.
B.2.3 Nominal dimensions of saligna glulam
The nominal dimensions are as follows:
1 2
Widths,
mm 25, 38, 50, 63, 75, 89, 114, 140, 163
Depths,
mm from 66, in increments of 22
NOTE See SABS 1460.
The thickness of each laminate is approximately 22,0 mm.
Commentary
The dimensions given in this part of SABS 0163 are for planed saligna beams.
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B.2.4 Non-standard sizes
Use the actual measured sizes of timber in all cases where the dimensions are non-standard.
Commentary
1) Poles
Poles are normally specified by the top (smallest) diameter.
Typical available diameters (mm) are: 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200.
2) Taper in poles
The taper in poles is typically of the order of 5 mm/m. In the design of a pole element, the
average diameter of that pole can be used for structural calculations. For more detailed
information, designers should consult the relevant national standards. They give information
about available sizes and accuracy of measurement and also the sequence in which length, width
and thickness should be given for the various products.
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Annex C
(informative)
Derivation of grade stresses and loads
C.1 General
Calculate the grade stresses and loads for timber members and joints by using the results of ultimate
strength tests carried out on representative samples of the members or joints concerned. Where
possible, use full-size specimens for the tests, and determine the number of tests to be performed from
the expected variance and degree of accuracy required. Convert the short-term test results to long-term
strength values.
C.2 Testing procedure for members
The test methods given in SABS SM 1122 apply and the criterion for ultimate strength is failure in
compression, in tension, in bending or in shear. After the necessary number of tests have been
conducted in the manner required, convert the strengths obtained to a value corresponding to a lower
level of probability of failure, called the characteristic value, which corresponds to the 5 % lower
exclusion limit.
The grade stress is equal to the 5 % lower exclusion limit divided by a modification factor of 2,22. The
modification factor takes into account the duration of the load and effects such as accidental
overloading, errors in design assumptions and errors in workmanship.
The modification factor is assumed to be constant for all strength properties such as compression,
tension, bending and shear.
C.3 Dimensions
To calculate stress, use the actual dimensions of the test sample and not the nominal dimensions.
C.4 Tests on joints
Take the basic (joint) force value as the lesser of the following two values:
a) the average ultimate force divided by 3 or the 5 % lower exclusion limit divided by 2,22; or
b) the average force at joint slip (timber-to-timber) of 0,76 mm, divided by 1,6.
The strength of a joint is a function of the timber density. If, therefore, the joint strength over the full
density range of a species is required, test representative samples from different density groups.
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Annex D
(informative)
Prototype and proof testing
D.1 General
Procedures for prototype testing and for proof testing are given in D.2 and D.3. (See also SABS 0160.)
D.2 Prototype testing
D.2.1 Preload
Preload as follows:
a) set up the component (e.g. truss) supported as intended in service and with lateral supports (e.g.
purlins or battens) in the same positions as intended in service; and
b) apply a preload equal to the design self-weight load for 5 min and then remove it.
D.2.2 Deflection test
Carry out the deflection test as follows:
a) load the component at a uniform rate such that the test load, equal to 1,8 times the design load, is
reached in 10 min, and read the deflection at least when design load is reached and when the test
load is reached;
b) maintain the test load for 120 min, and take readings of deflection at 10 min intervals;
c) if the rate of deflection is zero or decreasing, remove the load at the rate at which it was applied (i.e.
remove all load in 10 min) and then record the deflection;
d) allow the component to recover for 120 min and again record the deflection.
D.2.3 Strength test
Load the component at the same rate as given in D.2.2 and continue loading to failure. Record the
ultimate load.
D.2.4 Performance criteria
The performance criteria to be applied are as given below.
D.2.4.1 Deflection test
The following criteria apply:
a) the deflection at design load shall not exceed

span
– for brittle roof or ceiling materials, or
360
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SABS 0163-2
Ed. 1.1
span
– for non-brittle roof or ceiling materials;
240
b) at the test load, the joints shall not show signs of distortion;
c) the amount of creep in the 120 min period shall not exceed 0,20 times the deflection at test load;
d) the rate of creep shall have diminished or become zero within 120 min; and
e) the deflection after the recovery period shall not exceed 0,30 times the deflection at test load.
D.2.4.2 Strength test
The minimum value of the ratio ultimate load divided by design load shall be at least
– 2,50 for one specimen;
– 2,30 for two specimens;
– 2,15 for three specimens;
– 2,05 for four specimens; and
– 2,00 for five or more specimens.
D.3 Proof testing
Load the component at a uniform rate such that the proof load, equal to 1,6WD + 1,4 WI + 1,4 WW,
is reached in approximately 20 min. Check whether the deflection is less than or equal to the calculated
deflection for that load.
Maintain the proof load for 120 min and make a close visual inspection of the structure to ensure that
joints and timber show no signs of distress.
Check whether the creep deflection criterion given in D.2.4.1(c) is also satisfied.
Remove the load at the rate at which it was applied and check that the deflection criteria given in
D.2.4.1(d) and (e) are satisfied.
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Annex E
(informative)
Fire resistance
E.1 Definition
The fire resistance of a structural member is determined in accordance with the length of time during
which the component will continue to support the design load while subjected to fire.
Commentary
The fire resistance of a structure can be calculated. The parameters required are
a) the geometry of the critical timber members;
b) the loads applied and hence the member forces;
c) the existence of any covering that could reduce the effect of charring on any surface of the
members; and
d) the charring rate for the timber used.
E.2 Charring rate
Timber exposed to a fire of sufficient intensity to cause it to burn chars at a fairly constant overall rate,
regardless of the heat intensity, provided that no timber dimension is less than 25 mm. It can be
assumed that the timber behind the charring line does not distort or lose strength to any significant
extent. Although the rate of charring depends on various factors such as timber density, permeability
and moisture content, the charring rates given in table E.1 can be used.
Table E.1 — Charring rates
1 2
Density group Charring rate1)
Timber of average density less than 450 kg/m3 0,8 mm/min
Timber of average density exceeding 450 kg/m3 0,6 mm/min
1) The charring rate for glulam members can be considered to be identical
with that for solid members. See table 1.
Commentary
The figures given in table E.1 are typical for softwood structural timber. The charring rate is related
to density and moisture content and hence glulam timber will char at the same rate as the solid
timber type from which it is manufactured. Charring occurs only on exposed surfaces.
E.3 Timber members
Use the dimensions of the "residual" or uncharred section for the calculation of the fire resistance of
a member. This calculation involves determining the collapse load of the residual section of a member
subjected to a fire of a particular duration, and ensuring that this load is at least that for which the
original section was designed. A failure stress of 2,22 times basic stress can be used. In addition, for
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beams and floors, take the value of the ratio span/30 as the limit on deflection after a fire of the
specified duration.
E.4 Connections
Design metal connections to give the required fire resistance rating. Connections that are covered by
timber will benefit from the insulating effect of the timber. Provided that the connector unit remains
behind the charring line, the ultimate strength of the joint can be taken as 30 times the grade strength.
Assume externally exposed connector plates or metal hangers to have no fire resistance, unless
protection appropriate to the necessary standard of fire resistance is provided.
Commentary
Where any part of a nail, screw or bolt becomes exposed to heat during a fire, heat conduction will
lead to localized charring and loss of anchorage. Where this effect is likely to lead to the failure of
a structural member that is required to have fire resistance, protection of the fastener should be
provided by any one of the following methods:
a) ensure that every part of the fastener is so embedded in the timber that it remains within the
residual section. Any holes should be fully and securely plugged with timber glued into position.
Alternative plugging materials may be used if their fire resistance has been verified by fire tests;
b) cover the exposed part of the fastener with a suitable protecting material, e.g. timber,
plasterboard, fibre-cement insulation board or equivalent material. Special attention should be
paid to the fixing of such protection to ensure that it remains in position for the required fire
resistance; nails, screws or staples may be used in this case to fix this insulation; or
c) any appropriate combination of the methods outlined in (a) and (b) above.
No special protection is required for
– nailed and bolted joints for a fire resistance of up to 15 min;
) bolted joints in members with a minimum thickness of 70 mm for a fire resistance of up to

30 min.
E.5 Treatments
Treatment with chemical fire retardants may be permitted provided they do not have a corrosive effect
on the connections and do not weaken the timber.
Commentary
Two basic methods of treating timber in order to retard fire effects are available:
a) impregnation with chemical fire retardants; and
b) intumescent coatings.
The former type can react negatively with the preservative treatments, although ongoing research
is overcoming this problem. The latter type has the advantage that it can be painted onto any timber
surface without reacting with other chemical treatments (preservatives). When heated, the coating
swells up to form a carbon barrier which can be up to 12 mm thick, thereby increasing the charred
skin on the timber and so increasing the fire resistance.
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Annex F
(informative)
Bibliography
F.1 Standards
CAN 03-086-M80, Code for engineering design in wood.
BS CP 112-2, The structural use of timber ) Part 2: Code of practice for permissible stress design,
materials and workmanship.
SABS 1288, Preservative treated timber.
SABS 0124, The application of soil insecticides for the protection of buildings.
SABS 0163-1, The structural use of timber ) Part 1: Limit states design.
SABS 0243, The design, manufacture and erection of timber trusses.
SABS SM 1122, Qualification testing of solid structural timber and laminated structural timber (glulam)
for verifying timber grading systems in accordance to a given standard.
SABS document, Metrication in the timber industry.
F.2 Publications
American Institute of Timber Construction, Timber construction manual. 2nd ed. New York: Wiley, 1985.
Booth LG and Reece, PO. The structural use of timber. A commentary on CP 112. London: Spon,
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Breyer, DE. Design of wood structures. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1980.
Buchanan, AH. Strength model and design methods for bending and axial load interaction in timber
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De Klerk, D. Joint strength modification factor for a row of connectors. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special
Report HOUT 372, January 1985.
De Klerk, D. Strength and stiffness of bolt and nail lapped joints in SA pine structural timber. Pretoria:
CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 413, October 1985.
Foschi, RO and Barrett, JD. Load duration effects in western hemlock lumber. (np. nd.)
Gurfinkel, G. Wood engineering. New Orleans: Southern Forest Products Association, 1973.
Knuffel, WE. The determination of design stresses for the various grades of SA sawn timber ) Part 1:
Research proposal for in-grade testing. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 239, May 1992.
Knuffel, WE. The determination of design stresses for the various grades of SA sawn timber ) Part 2:
Regional and within-mill variation in SABS visual grade strengths. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special Report
HOUTIM 240, May 1984.
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Knuffel, WE. A new stress-grading system for SA pine. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Newsletter, HOUTIM 84,
November 1984.
Knuffel, WE. An improved visual and mechanical stress grading system for SA pine timber. Pretoria:
CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 318, March 1984.
Lantos, B. Load distribution in a row of fasteners subjected to lateral load. Wood Science (1/3 pp 129-136).
Madsen, B. Duration of load effects in timber. Auckland: Pacific Timber Engineering Conference, Vol III,
1984.
Ozelton EC and Baird, JA. Timber designers manual. London: Crosby Lockwood Staples, 1990.
Pienaar, FRP and Bronkhorst, BJ. The creep deflection of SA pine structural timber in bending.
Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 256, June 1982.
Pienaar, FRP. Permissible stress related to consequences of failure. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special
Report HOUT 297, June 1983.
Pienaar, FRP. Permissible loads for bolted joints for the code of practice for the design of timber
structures (SABS 0163). Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 244, June 1982.
Pienaar, FRP. The bracing of timber roof trusses (Part 1). Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special Report
HOUT 311, October 1983.
Pienaar, FRP. The design of nail-plated joints in timber structures for strength and stiffness. Pretoria:
CSIR, NTRI Special Report HOUT 360, September 1984.
Pienaar, FRP. The effective length of timber rafters in compression. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special
Report HOUT 348, July 1984.
Pienaar, FRP. The effective length and bracing requirements for out of plane buckling of timber rafters
in compression. Pretoria: CSIR, South African Forestry Journal RHOUT 323, June 1985.
Simon, JA. The design and manufacture of nail-plate timber trusses. Pretoria: CSIR, NTRI Special
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Structural Use of Timber Part 2 Allowable Stress Design

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Structural Use of Timber Part 2 Allowable Stress Design

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© SABS.

ICS 79.040; 91.080.20

SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARD

The structural use of timber

Part 2: Allowable stress design

Consolidated edition incorporating amendment No. 1: 7 September 2001

Amendments incorporated since the publication of SABS 0163-2:1994

ICS 79.040; 91.080.20 SABS 0163-2

SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

THE STRUCTURAL USE OF TIMBER

PART 2: ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN

Obtainable from the

South African Bureau of Standards

Telephone : (012) 428-7911

Printed in the Republic of South Africa by the

Annexes A to F are for information only.

Attention is drawn to the normative references given

Background to the standard

Special features of timber

Responsibility for the stability of buildings

3 Definitions and symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 Aspects of timber structure design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

7.7 Design of bracing for compression members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Table 1 Density of SA structural timbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Table 3 Grade stresses for SA pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Table 5 Grade stresses for round poles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Table 7 Values of CfD, CfI and CfW ........................................... 66

Table 8 k3 factors for different spans of timber trusses and girders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Table 9 Modification factor for moisture content d2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Table 10 Approximate lateral support rules for rectangular beams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Table 11 Effective length of rectangular beams Re . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Table 12 Trusses and purlin/batten spacing – empirical design of SA pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Table 13 Grade stresses for softwood brandering and battens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Table 14 Grade compressive stress pcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Table 15 Effective length Re of columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Table 16 Load-span table for grade 6 glulam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Table 17 Maximum span of rafters for sheeted roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Table 18 Maximum span of rafters for tiled roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Table 19 Maximum span of rafters for domestic floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Table 20 Constants for determination of radial stress in double tapered curved

Table 22 Basic forces for mild steel nails in single shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Table 23 Basic forces in withdrawal of coach screws per 25 mm penetration of thread

Table 24 Factors for penetration of thread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Table 26 Factors for thickness of timber side plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Table 27 Basic forces on bolts in two-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Table 28 Basic forces on bolts in multiple-member joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Table 29 Minimum spacing for circular toothed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Table 30 Minimum spacing for split-ring and shear-plate connectors ................. 79

Table 31 Basic forces for circular toothed connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Table 32 Basic forces for split-ring connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Table 33 Basic forces for shear-plate connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Table 34 Representative properties for nail-plate connectors ....................... 82

Table 35 Grade stresses for plywood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Table 36 Grade stresses for battenboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Table 37 Grade stresses for blockboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Table 38 Grade stresses for fibreboard ........................................ 84

Table 39 Grade stresses for particleboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

B Dimensions of timber commonly produced in South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

C Derivation of grade stresses and loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

D Prototype and proof testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

E Fire resistance . . . . . . .................................................... 111

South African Bureau of Standards ........................... DC de Villiers