EC5 + NA

Version 02.2017

60 60 60
a4,t a2 a4,t

240
lef
160
lef,k

Construction
α
60

Design guidelines
a1

Guidelines for the design of structural

connections with SPAX fasteners
You can also use the
SPAX design software at:
https://designsoftware.spax.com
Table of content

1. Introduction............................................................................................................................. 3
2. Definitions and nomenclature
Symbols used in the equations............................................................................................... 4
Determination of thicknesses resp. penetration depths t1 and t2.......................................... 5
Determination of effective threaded lengths lef and lef,k......................................................... 5

3. Design value of the resistance

3.1 Design value of the shear resistance ..................................................................................... 6
3.2 Design value of the withdrawal resistance............................................................................ 6

4. Modification factors
4.1 Modification factor of the resistance kmod ............................................................................. 7
Service Class ................................................................................................................... 7
Load-duration classes .................................................................................................... 8
Values of modification factor of the resistance kmod ...................................................... 9
4.2 Partial coefficient for material properties γM ........................................................................10

5. Dimensioning value for load-bearing capacity

5.1 Load-bearing capacity subject to shear
Design of SPAX timber connections in accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1, §8 ..............11
Rope effect contribution ΔRk ..........................................................................................13
Effective number of fasteners.........................................................................................14
5.2 Load-carrying capacity in withdrawal
Characteristic value of withdrawal resistance of the threaded part Fax,a,Rk ..................15
Characteristic tensile resistance ftens,k of SPAX steel......................................................15
Characteristic head pull-through resistance..................................................................16
Effective number of fasteners.........................................................................................17

6. Installation guidelines
6.1 General ....................................................................................................................................18
6.2 Predrilling ...............................................................................................................................19
6.3 Minimum thickness to prevent wood splitting ......................................................................19
6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances ..........................................................................20

7. Dimensioning tables
Shear: wood to wood...............................................................................................................25
Withdrawal...............................................................................................................................28

8. Overview of product offering ...........................................................................................30

2
1. Introduction

This guide the design and installation of loadbearing connections with SPAX fasteners in accordance with BS EN
1995-1-1:2004+A2:2014 (Eurocode 5 resp. EC5) and its National Annex dated October 2012, and in accordance
with European Technical Approval ETA-12/0114.
It is aimed at quick predesign of loadbearing connections with SPAX fasteners, but is not intended to replace
appropriate engineering and design by a design professional.
In absence of further specific provisions in the European Technical Approval (ETA), EC5 and its National Annexes
apply to the design and installation of connections. Outside the European Union, national standards shall be
considered as well.
This document solely covers requirements relative to load-carrying capacity and serviceability of connections.
In addition to EC5 provisions, specific design prescriptions are provided in the relevant sections, and shall be
considered as minimum requirements. They may need to be extended to particular connection configurations.
Members of solid timber, glued-laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), wood-based products
(in accordance with their ETA or national approval) or steel may be connected to further members of solid timber,
glued-laminated timber, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), wood-based products (in accordance with their ETA or
national approval).
Connections to wood-based panels (particle board, fibre board, OSB or plywood) may be designed in accordance
with the prescriptions of the ETA or national approval of the relevant panel, provided screwed connection is
accepted or covered in its scope.
This guide has been established in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. No liability is therefore engaged
or accepted for any obvious mistake or error.
Please send any suggestion, question or proposal for corrections to [email protected].

You can also use the SPAX design software to calculate your projects in accordance with ETA-12/0114
EC5 + ETA. The new browser-based version offers online calculation with the modules General
Screw Calculation (shearing + withdrawal), Notch Reinforcement, Transverse Pressure
Reinforcement, Above-Rafter Insulation and Main and Secondary Beam Connection with
server-based storage option (file hosting) and project management. For a more detailed
description of the programme, please see the SPAX Design Software Quick Guide at:
downloads.spax.com
To directly access the software, go to: https://designsoftware.spax.com
If you use the programme frequently, we recommend placing a bookmark.

3
2. Definitions and nomenclature

Symbols used in the equations

Fv,Ed Design value of the shear force acting on the fastener [N]
Fv,Ek, Characteristic value of the shear force acting on the fastener [N]
Fax,a,Ed Design value of the axial force acting on the fastener [N]
Fax,a,Ek Characteristic value of the axial force acting on the fastener [N]
My,k Characteristic value of the fastener yield moment [Nm] ETA
Fv,Rd Design value of fastener shear resistance, per fastener and per shear plane [N]
Fv,Rk Characteristic value of fastener shear resistance, per fastener and per shear plane [N] EC5 ; §8.2.2 (1)
∆Rk Characteristic value of additional fastener shear resistance due to rope effect [N] EC5 ; §8.2.2 (2)
Fax,a,Rd Design value of fastener axial withdrawal resistance [N]
Fax,a,Rk Characteristic value of fastener axial withdrawal resistance [N] ETA
ftens,d Design value of steel tensile resistance [N]
ftens,k Characteristic value of steel tensile resistance [N] ETA
d1 Outer thread diameter [mm] ETA annexes
dh Head diameter [mm] ETA annexes
fax,k Characteristic withdrawal parameter [N/mm²] ETA
fhead,k Characteristic head pull-through parameter [N/mm²] ETA
fh,k Characteristic embedment strength of timber [N/mm²] ETA
kmod Modification factor for duration of load and moisture content
lef Effective threaded length in member 2 (pointside) [mm]
lef,k Effective threaded length in member 1 (headside) [mm]
lg Threaded length of screw [mm] ETA annexes
nef Effective number of fasteners [] EC5 ; §8.7, ETA
t Thickness (e.g. of a member) [mm]
t1 Thickness or penetration depth in member 1 (headside) [mm]
t2 Thickness or penetration depth in member 2 (pointside) [mm]
treq Required thickness or penetration depth [mm]
ugl Wood equilibrium moisture content [%]
α Angle between the screw axis and the direction of the grain [°] ETA
α' Angle between the direction of the resultant force and the direction of the grain [°]
β Ratio of embedment strengths fh,2,k/fh,1,k [] EC5 ; §8.2.2
γM Partial factor for material properties (under static or quasi-static loading)
ρk Characteristic density of the wood or wood based member [kg/m³]

You can also use the SPAX design software to calculate your projects at: https://designsoftware.spax.com 4
2. Definitions and nomenclature

Design with loading perpendicular to the screw axis – Shear

Figure 2.1 Determination of thicknesses resp. penetration depths t1 and t2

Groove

t1 t1 Member 1
t1

t2 t2 Member 2
t2

= Grain direction

Design with loading parallel to the screw axis – Withdrawal

Figure 2.2 Determination of effective threaded lengths lef and lef,k
l ef,k

lef,k Member 1
α

lef,k
lg
lef
l ef

lg lef lef Member 2

= Grain direction

You can also use the SPAX design software to calculate your projects at: https://designsoftware.spax.com 5
3. Design value of the resistance

3.1 Design value of the shear resistance

Design value of the resistance perpendicular to screw axis

kmod · Rk
Rd = [N] γM = 1.3
γM
For determination of the characteristic value of the resistance, see §5.1

3.2 Design value of the withdrawal resistance

Design value of the resistance parallel to screw axis
Withdrawal resistance is determined by comparison of the design values of resistances corresponding with
the three possible failure modes of SPAX screws.
The lowest value is retained.
Design value of the resistance Rax,d based on failure in withdrawal of the threaded part
R ax,d = min Design value of the resistance Rt,u,d based on failure in tension of the steel
Design value of the resistance Rax,d based on failure in head pull-through

Design value – Withdrawal of the threaded part:

kmod · Rax,k
R ax,d = [N] γM = 1.3 EC5 ; §2.4.3
γM

Design value – Steel tension:

Rt,u,k
R t,u,d = [N] γM = 1.3
γM

Design value – Head pull-through:

kmod · Rax,k
R ax,d = [N] γM = 1.3
γM

6
4. Modification factors kmod

4.1 Modification factor of the resistance kmod

The modification factor of the resistance kmod accounts for the influence of Service Class and load-duration EC5 ; Tab. 3.1
class on the mechanical properties of wood or wood-based materials.

The modification factor of the resistance kmod is determined in 3 steps:

1. Determination of the Service Class
2. Determination of the load-duration class based on the most unfavourable load combination
3. Determination of the modification factor of the resistance kmod based on the Service Class and load-duration
class determined previously

Service Class
To account for the physical properties of wood based materials, wood based structures shall be assigned to a EC5 ; §2.3.1.3
Service Class characterising the environmental conditions of the structure in service:
Service Class 1: is characterised by a moisture content in wood based materials corresponding to a
temperature of 20°C and the relative humidity of the surrounding air only exceeding 65% for a few weeks per
year, e.g. a structure located in an interior heated environment.
Service Class 2: is characterised by a moisture content in wood based materials corresponding to a
temperature of 20°C and the relative humidity of the surrounding air only exceeding 85% for a few weeks per
year, e.g. an exterior but covered structure, protected from direct weathering.
Service Class 3: is characterised by climatic conditions leading to higher moisture contents than these of
Service Class 2, e.g. for an exterior structure exposed to direct weathering.

Table 4.1 Summary of assignment to Service Classes

A B C D
1 SC Surrounding climate a
Installation situation Average moisture content ugl
2 1 20 °C / Rel. Humidity ≤ 65 % Interior heated 5 % – 15 % b
Exterior covered, protected from direct
3 2 20 °C / Rel. Humidity ≤ 85 % 10 % – 20 % c
weathering
4 3 Moisture content higher than in SC2 Exterior, exposed to direct weathering 12 % – 24 %

Note:
Some configurations of exterior covered structures may however require to be assigned to SC3.
Members in exterior location may be assigned to SC2 provided they are adequately protected from direct
weathering.

a
Conditions of the surrounding climate can be exceeded during a few weeks per year.
b
In SC1 the average moisture content of most softwoods will not exceed 12%.
c
In SC2 the average moisture content of most softwoods will not exceed 20%.
7
4. Modifiation factors kmod and partial coefficient γM

4.1 Modifiation factor kmod

Load-duration classes
Table 4.2 Assignment of actions to load-duration classes in accordance
with BS EN 1991-1-1 and NA to BS EN 1995-1-1.
A B NA ; Tab. 2.2

1 Action Load-duration class

2 Dead load per BS EN 1991-1-1 and its UK National Annex
3 Imposed loads per BS EN 1991-1-1 and its UK National Annex
4 A Areas for domestic and residential activities Medium term
5 B Office areas Medium term
Areas where people may congregate (with the exception of areas defined
6 C Medium term
under category A, B or D)
7 D Shopping areas Medium term
8 E Areas susceptible to accumulation of goods, including access areas Long term
9 F Garages and vehicle traffic areas: gross vehicle weight ≤ 30 kN Medium term
10 G Garages and vehicle traffic areas: 30 kN < gross vehicle weight ≤ 160 kN Medium term
11 H Roofs non accessible except for normal maintenance and repair Short term
12 K Roofs accessible for special services, such as helicopter landing areas Short term
13 Horizontal loads per BC EN 1991-1-1 and its UK National Annex
14 Horizontal loads on parapets and partition walls acting as barriers Short term
15 Wind loading per BS EN 1991-1-4 and its UK National Annex Instantaneous
16 Snow loading per BS EN 1991-1-3 and its UK National Annex Short term

Actions induced by differential set shall be assigned to Permanent load-duration class.

The influence of temperature changes can be neglected for wood based materials.
In case of a combination of actions assigned to different load-duration classes, the modification factor of the EC5 ; §3.1.3 (2)
resistance kmod corresponding to the shortest load-duration class may be used.

8
4. Modifiation factors kmod and partial coefficient γM

4.1 Modifiation factor kmod

Table 4.3 Values of modification factor of the resistance kmod

A B C D E F G H EC5 ; Tab. 3.1

Load-duration class
Service
1 Material Standard Permanent Long term Medium Short term Instanta­
Class
action action term action action neous action
2 1 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
3 Solid timber EN 14081-1 2 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
4 3 0.50 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.90
5 1 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
Glued laminated
6 EN 14080 2 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
timber
7 3 0.50 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.90
8 1 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
Laminated veneer EN 14374,
9 2 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
lumber (LVL) EN14279
10 3 0.50 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.90
11 EN 636
12 Type EN 636-1 1 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
Plywood
13 Type EN 636-2 2 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.10
14 Type EN 636-3 3 0.50 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.90
15 EN 300
16 OSB/2 1 0.30 0.45 0.65 0.85 1.10
OSB
17 OSB/3, OSB/4 1 0.40 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10
18 OSB/3, OSB/4 2 0.30 0.40 0.55 0.70 0.90
19 EN 312
20 Type P4, Type P5 1 0.30 0.45 0.65 0.85 1.10
21 Particleboards Type P5 2 0.20 0.30 0.45 0.60 0.80
22 Type P6, Type P7 1 0.40 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10
23 Type P7 2 0.30 0.40 0.55 0.70 0.90
24 EN 622-2
HB.LA,
25 Fibreboards, hard
HB.HLA1 or 2 1 0.30 0.45 0.65 0.85 1.10
26 HB.HLA1 or 2 2 0.20 0.30 0.45 0.60 0.80
27 EN 622-3
Fibreboards, MBH.LA1 or 2 1 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.10
28
medium MBH.HLS1 or 2 1 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.10
29 MBH.HLS1 or 2 2 – – – 0.45 0.80
30 EN 622-5
Fibreboards MDF.LA,
31 1 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.10
MDF MDF.HLS
32 MDF.HLS 2 – – – 0.45 0.80

In case the connected members show different values of the modification factor of the resistance
(kmod,1 and kmod,2), a single equivalent factor for the connection defined as follows may be used:
kmod = kmod,1 · kmod,2 EC5 ; §2.3.2.1(2) Equ. (2.6)

a
Service Class 1 only
9
4. Modifiation factors kmod and partial coefficient γM

4.2 Partial coefficient for material properties γM

Table 4.5 Partial coefficient for material properties γM under static or quasi-static loading

A B EC5 ; §2.4.1(1) Tab. 2.3

+ NA §2.4.1(1)
1 Material γM
Fundamental combinations:
2 Solid timber, grade stamp individually marked 1.3
3 Solid timber, grade stamp package marked 2.0
4 Glued laminated timber 1.25
5 LVL, plywood, OSB 1.2
6 Particleboards 1.3
7 Fibreboards, hard 1.3
8 Fibreboards, medium 1.3
9 Fibreboards, MDF 1.3
10 Fibreboards, soft 1.3
11 Connections (except for punched metal plate fasteners) 1.3
12 Punched metal plate fasteners, anchorage strength 1.3
13 Punched metal plate fasteners, plate (steel) strength 1.15
14 Accidental combinations 1.0

For the design of steel parts, the partial coefficient for material properties defined in BS EN 1993-1-1 and its
UK National Annex shall be used.
For accidental combinations of actions the partial coefficient value of γM shall be used.

10
5.1 Load-carrying capacity in shear

5.1.1 Design of SPAX timber connections in accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1, §8

The design of connections per Eurocode 5 considers the different failure modes depending on the embedment EC5; 8.2.2 (1)
strength of the wood based members and on the yield moment of the fastener.
The characteristic value of shear resistance to Eurocode 5 of a connection with SPAX fasteners is determined
by comparison of 6 failure modes:

fh,1,kt1d1 (a)
fh,2,kt2d1 (b)

() () ( )
2 2
fh,1,kt1d1 t2 t t2 t2 Fax,a,Rk
b+2b2 1+ + 2 +b3 -b 1+ + (c)
1+b t1 t1 t1 t1 4

fh,1,kt1d1 4b(2+b)My,Rk Fax,a,Rk

1.05 2b(1+b) + -b + (d)
Fv,Rk = min 2+b fh,1,kd1t12 4

fh,1,kt2d1 4b(1+2b)My,Rk Fax,a,Rk

1.05 2b2(1+b) + -b + (e)
1+2b fh,1,kd1t22 4

2b Fax,a,Rk
1.15 2My,Rk fh,1,kd1 + (f)
1+b 4

Fv,Rk = characteristic value of the embedment strength in shear + rope effect

where
My,Rk = characteristic value of the yield moment of SPAX fasteners as defined in its ETA
Fax,a,Rk = characteristic value of the resistance to head pull-through
b = fh,2,k / fh,1,k
with
fh,1,k = characteristic value of the embedment strength in member 1 (headside)
fh,2,k = characteristic value of the embedment strength in member 2 (pointside)
t1 / t2 = thickness of member 1/ penetration depth in member 2

The characteristic value of embedment strength fh,k is a contributor to the dowel bearing capacity of the wood
based member, and is defined in Eurocode 5 as:

without predrilled holes:

fh,k = 0.082 ∙ rk ∙ d1-0.3

with predrilled holes:

fh,k = 0.082 ∙ (1 – 0.01 ∙ d1) ∙ rk

where
rk = characteristic density of wood member [kg/m³]
d1 = outer thread diameter of SPAX [mm]

11
5.1 Load-carrying capacity in shear

5.1.1 Design of SPAX timber connections in accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1, §8

The embedding strength for screws in non-pre-drilled holes arranged at an angle between screw axis and grain ATE
direction, 0° ≤ a ≤ 90° is:
0.082 · rk · d-0,3
fh,k = [MPa]
2.5 · cos2 a + sin2 a

for screws in pre-drilled holes:

0.082 · rk · (1-0.01·d)
fh,k = [MPa]
2.5 · cos2 a + sin2 a

for threaded rods in pre-drilled holes:

0.082 · rk · (1-0.01·d)
fh,k = [MPa]
∙2.5 · cos2 a + sin2 a∙ · ∙k90 · sin2  + cos2  ∙
Where
rk characteristic timber density [kg/m³];
d outer thread diameter [mm];
a angle between screw axis and grain direction;
 angle between force and grain direction;
k90 according to equation (8.33) in EN 1995-1-1.

The embedding strength for screws arranged parallel to the plane of cross laminated timber, independent of the
angle between screw axis and grain direction, 0° ≤ a ≤ 90°, shall be calculated from:

fh,k = 20 · d-0.5 [N/mm²]

unless otherwise specified in the technical specification (ETA or hEN) for the cross laminated timber.

Where
d outer thread diameter [mm]
(d1 in the drawings in the annex)

The embedding strength for screws or threaded rods in the plane surface of cross laminated timber should be
assumed as for solid timber based on the characteristic density of the outer layer. If relevant, the angle between
force and grain direction of the outer layer should be taken into account.

The direction of the lateral force shall be perpendicular to the screw axis and parallel to the plane surface of the
cross laminated timber.

For angles 45° ≤ a < 90° between force and grain direction of the outer layer the characteristic load-carrying
capacity may be assumed as 2/3 of the corresponding value for a = 90°, if only the penetration depth
perpendicular to the wide face is taken into account.

12
5.1 Load-carrying capacity in shear

5.1.1 Design of SPAX timber connections in accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1, §8

Figure 5.1 Failure modes

t1 t2

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

a) embedment failure in member 1, (b) embedment failure in member 2, (c) embedment failure in members 1
and 2, (d) combined embedment and fastener yield failure in member 2, (e) combined embedment and fastener
yield failure in member 1, (f) multiple yield failures of the fastener

Failure modes are correlated to the thickness of wood based members, influencing the embedment strength.
The maximum load-carrying capacity of a connection in simple shear is reached when mode of failure (f) with
multiple yield failures of the fastener governs. Defining a required minimum thickness of the wood based
members (hence embedment strength) enables ensuring this failure mode.
The use of this required minimum thickness is advantageous in that it allows determining the load-carrying
capacity in shear from one single equation instead of six. The required minimum thicknesses being based on
the yield moment capacity of SPAX fasteners, they are obviously valid only for SPAX screws.
As shown in the following tables, the values of the required minimum thickness ensuring multiple yield failure
as the governing failure mode are typically met or exceeded through the general design of the wood members.

5.1.2 Rope effect contribution ΔRk

ΔRk = min. {Fv,Rk ; 0.25 ∙ Fax,a,Rk}

For SPAX screws, the rope effect contribution can be taken into account up to 100% of the characteristic load-
carrying capacity in shear (provided the characteristic withdrawal capacity is at least 4 times higher than the
characteristic shear capacity).
Hence, the characteristic value of the shear resistance can be increased by up to 100% through contribution
of the rope effect.

13
5.1 Load-carrying capacity in shear

5.1.3 Effective number of fasteners

When several (n) SPAX fasteners are aligned in a single row parallel to the grain, a reduced effective number EC5 ; 8.3.1.1 (8)
of fasteners nef = nkef shall be taken into account. This reduction may be ignored (nef = n) provided the SPAX
fasteners are driven home staggered by at least fastener diameter perpendicular to grain.

Figure 5.2 Effective number of fasteners nef

1 ∙ d1

= Direction of the grain

= SPAX

Table 5.1 Effective number of fasteners nef based on their spacing a1 and predrilling conditions
(with or without predrilled holes)
A B C D E F G H I
1 effective number nef effective number nef effective number nef effective number nef
2 kef = 0.5 kef = 0.7 kef = 0.85 kef = 1.0
3 a1 = 4 · d1 a1 = 7 · d1 a1 = 10 · d1 a1 = 14 · d1
with predrilled holes, without with predrilled holes, without with predrilled holes, without EC5 ; Eq. (8.17)
4 with predrilled holes
predrilled holes predrilled holes predrilled holes

5 n α‘ = 0° α‘ = 90° α‘ = 0° α‘ = 90° α‘ = 0° α‘ = 90° α‘ = 0° α‘ = 90°

6 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
7 2 1.4 2.0 1.6 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.0
8 3 1.7 3.0 2.2 3.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0
9 4 2.0 4.0 2.6 4.0 3.2 4.0 4.0 4.0
10 5 2.2 5.0 3.1 5.0 3.9 5.0 5.0 5.0
11 6 2.4 6.0 3.5 6.0 4.6 6.0 6.0 6.0
12 7 2.6 7.0 3.9 7.0 5.2 7.0 7.0 7.0
13 8 2.8 8.0 4.3 8.0 5.9 8.0 8.0 8.0
14 9 3.0 9.0 4.7 9.0 6.5 9.0 9.0 9.0
15 10 3.2 10.0 5.0 10.0 7.1 10.0 10.0 10.0

14
5.2 Load-carrying capacity in withdrawal

The characteristic value of withdrawal resistance to Eurocode 5 of a connection with SPAX fasteners is determined by
comparison of 3 failures modes:
1 withdrawal failure of the threaded part in member 2 (pointside) -> table 7.14

2 tensile failure ftens,k of SPAX steel -> table 7.15

min.
3 head pull-through failure in member 1 (headside), which is the maximum of the following modes:
head pull-through -> table 7.16
max.
withdrawal failure of the threaded part in member 1 (headside) -> table 7.14

The withdrawal resistance of the connection is the minimum of the design value of each if these three failure modes.

5.2.1 Characteristic value of withdrawal resistance of the threaded part Fax,a,Rk

( )
0.8
nef · fax,k · d1 · lef rk
Fax,a,Rk = · ETA
1.2 · cos2a + sin2a 350

where
Fax,a,Rk characteristic withdrawal resistance of the screw at an angle a to the grain [N]

nef nef = n0.9 v nef = max {n0.9 ; n · 0.9 } EC5 v ETA

fax,k characteristic value of the withdrawal parameter ETA

2.5 mm ≤ d ≤ 5.0 mm: fax,k = 14.0 N/mm2
6.0 mm < d < 8.0 mm: fax,k = 12.0 N/mm2
d = 10.0 mm: fax,k = 11.5 N/mm2
d = 12.0 mm: fax,k = 11.0 N/mm2
d = 16.0 mm: fax,k = 10.0 N/mm2
d1 Outer thread diameter [mm]
(d1 in the drawings in the annexes)
lef Penetration depth of the threaded part per BS EN 1995-1-1 [mm]
a Angle between the grain and the screw axis (a > 15°)
rk Characteristic density [kg/m3]

5.2.2 Characteristic tensile resistance ftens,k of SPAX steel

The characteristic value of the tensile resistance ftens,k is defined in the ETA of SPAX screws.
See Table 7.15
The design value in accordance with EC5 is: ftens,d = ftens,k/gM
where gM = 1.3

15
5.2 Load-carrying capacity in withdrawal

5.2.3 Characteristic head pull-through capacity

( )
0.8
rk
nef · fhead,k · dh2 ·
350
Maximum of ETA

( )
0.8
nef · fax,k · d1 · lef rk
·
1.2 · cos2a + sin2a 350

fhead,k Characteristic value of the head pull-through parameter [N/mm2]

Table 5.2 Values of fhead,k for timber connections

A B
1 Countersunk head
2 dh fhead,k
3 ≤ 16 mm 27.0 - dh
4 16 < dh ≤ 32 mm 11.0 - 0.2 · (dh - 16)
5 Washer head, pan head, countersunk head with washer
6 dh fhead,k
7 ≤ 16 mm 29 - dh
8 16 mm < dh ≤ 22 mm 13.0
9 22 mm < dh ≤ 32 mm 16.0 - 0.5 · (dh - 16)

dh Diameter of screw head or washer [mm].

Outer diameter of screw head or washers
Nominal diameter is limited to 32 mm when dh > 32 mm
(dk defined in drawings of the ETA annexes).
rk Characteristic density [kg/m3], for wood-based panels, use rk = 380 kg/m3

16
5.2 Load-carrying capacity in withdrawal

5.2.4 Effective number of fasteners

The effective number of screws nef shall be used to account for the effect of a fastener group. EC5 ; §8.7.2 (8)

nef = n0.9

For axially loaded screws in tension, where the external force is parallel to the screw axes, the rules in ETA
EN 1995-1-1, 8.7.2 (8) should be applied.

For inclined screws in timber-to-timber or steel-to-timber shear connections, where the screws are arranged under an
angle 30° ≤ a ≤ 60° between the shear plane and the screw axis, the effective number of screws nef should be
determined as follows:

For one row of n screws parallel to the load, the loadcarrying capacity should be calculated using the effective
number of fasteners nef, where

nef = max {n0.9 ; 0.9 · n}

and n is the number of inclined screws in a row. If crossed pairs of screws are used in timber-to-timber connections,
n is the number of crossed pairs of screws in a row.

Note: For screws as compression reinforcement or inclined screws as fasteners in mechanically jointed beams or
columns or for the fixing of thermal insulation material, nef = n.

Table 5.3 Effective number of fasteners nef = n0.9

A B C D E F G H I J K L
1 n nef n nef n nef n nef n nef n nef
2 1 1.0 6 5.0 11 8.7 16 12.1 21 15.5 26 18.8
3 2 1.9 7 5.8 12 9.4 17 12.8 22 16.2 27 19.4
4 3 2.7 8 6.5 13 10.1 18 13.5 23 16.8 28 20.1
5 4 3.5 9 7.2 14 10.8 19 14.2 24 17.5 29 20.7
6 5 4.3 10 7.9 15 11.4 20 14.8 25 18.1 30 21.4

17
6. Installation guidelines

The German approval „allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung“ (AbZ) of SPAX screws contains prescriptions relative to state of the art
installation of structural timber connections. As for the connection design, installation requirements of EC5 and its National Annex shall be
considered as well, unless more restrictive prescriptions are stated in the AbZ.
In case of wood based members subject to a national or European approval, relevant installation prescriptions contained therein shall also
be considered.
Installation guidelines aim at preventing premature splitting of the timber connection respectively of the considered wood member, before
even reaching the load-carrying capacity determined for the designed configuration.
Hence, as an example, one should not misinterpret the minimum thickness tmin defined thereafter with the required minimum thickness treq.
The required minimum thickness treq is a prerequisite defined to simplify the design of screws subject to shear, ensuring that the multiple
yield failure of screws is the governing failure mode.

6.1 General
Penetration depths lef < 4 · d1 shall not be considered in design, neither in shear, nor in withdrawal. ETA

The screw thread is allowed to extend in the connected member. ETA

Screws with countersunk head are permitted to be used with washers. ETA

In case of reinforcement with full length threaded SPAX screws of a member subject to compression ETA, Annex C
perpendicular at an angle 45° ≤ a ≤ 90° to the grain, the uniform distribution of the compression
stress to each reinforcing screw shall be ensured, and the capacity of the supporting material to resist
the compression stress induced by the screw heads shall be verified. (select screws of identical length
and a steel plate of appropriate thickness)

In case of end grain fastening, solid timber moisture content shall not exceed 18% at the moment Recommandation
of installation.

Section reduction must be considered in member design. For SPAX screws the nominal diameter of the screw EC5 ; §5.2
(outer thread diameter d1) shall be used in absence of predrilled holes, while the predrilled hole diameter ap-
plies when otherwise. Section reduction does not need to be accounted for with SPAX screws of outer thread
diameter d1 ≤ 6 mm driven without predrilling.
In Douglas Fir or Maritime Pine, minimum fastener distances parallel to the grain shall be increased by 50%. ETA

SPAX screws can be driven in softwoods without predrilled holes. When d1 ≥ 8 mm predrilled holes are ETA
required in species other than Spruce, Pine or Fir.

18
6. Installation guidelines

6.2 Predrilling
Softwoods: predrilling of wood members is allowed. ETA
When d1 ≥ 8 mm, predrilled holes are required in species other than Spruce, Pine or Fir.
Hardwoods: predrilling of wood members is mandatory.
When predrilling wood members connected with SPAX screws, the table below lists recommended
drill diameters.
Table 6.1 Recommended drill diameters for predrilling of wood members based on nominal diameter
of SPAX screw
A B C D E F G H
1 Nominal Ø d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 Softwoods 2.5 3.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
4 Hardwoods 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

Complementary information relative to this topic can be found in the technical note SPAX Holzbau-Report n° 6.
Hardwoods can be: Beech or Oak solid timber, Beech, Oak or Ash glued laminated timber in accordance with their ETA
European or national approval.

Complementary installation guidelines:

Holes in steel parts must be predrilled with appropriate diameter.

Holes in fibre cement boards must be predrilled with 0.7 · d1 diameter.

SPAX screws with countersunk head require steel parts and fibre cement boards with appropriate countersunk.

6.3 Minimum thickness tmin to prevent wood splitting.

In order to prevent splitting, wood members in connections with nails or screws without predrilled holes, shall EC5 ; §8.3.1.2
meet or exceed a minimum thickness tmin.
Provided the minimum spacing, end and edge distances prescribed in Table 8.2 of EC5 (see Table 6.3, C-E)
are met, the minimum thicknesses are:
ρk
Softwood timber tmin = max {14 · d1 ; (13 · d1 - 30) · } EC5 ; Eq. (8.19)
200
ρk
Pine timber tmin = max { 7 · d1 ; (13 · d1 - 30) · } EC5 ; Eq. (8.18)
400
As SPAX screws with 4CUT or CUT point reduce significantly the risk of splitting, the prescribed minimum ETA
thicknesses may be reduced as well.
See Table 6.3 for these prescriptions.
Prescribed minimum thicknesses do not apply to members with predrilled holes.

19
6. Installation guidelines

6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances

Table 6.2 Definition of minimum spacing, end and edge distances per EC5 and ETA of SPAX screws

A B EC5 ; Figure 8.7

ETA
1 EC5 resp.

a2
a2
a1 a1
2

α'
a4,c

a4,t
α'

a3,c a3,t

spacing
3 parallel to the grain a1
0° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

spacing
4 perpendicular to the grain a2
0° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

loaded end distance

5 a3,t
-90° ≤ α' ≤ 90°
unloaded end distance
6 a3,c
90° ≤ α' ≤ 270°
loaded edge distance
7 a4,t
0° ≤ α' ≤ 180°
unloaded edge distance
8 a4,c
180° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

20
6. Installation guidelines

6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances

Table 6.3 a Minimum spacing, end and edge distances of wood to wood
connections in shear or combined shear and withdrawal per EC5

A B C D E
1 Shear or withdrawal or combined shear and withdrawal
2 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances per EC5, Table 8.2
3

4
Without minimum thickness
requirement as with
predrilled holes
SPAX screw d1 ≤ 6 mm: see Table 6.3b C2-C5 or D2-D5,
5
SPAX screw d1 ≥ 8 mm: see Table 6.3b E2-E5

6 without predrilled holes

with predrilled holes
7 ρk ≤ 420 kg/m3 420 kg/m3 < ρk < 500 kg/m3
d1 < 5 mm :
8 spacing (5 + 5 | cos α' |) · d1
a1 parallel to the grain (7 + 8 | cos α' |) · d1 (4 + | cos α' |) · d1
0° ≤ α' ≤ 360° d1 ≥ 5 mm :
9
(5 + 7 | cos α' |) · d1
spacing
perpendicular to the
10 a2 grain
5 · d1 7 · d1 (3 + | sin α' |) · d1
0° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

11
loaded end distance
a3,t (10 + 5 cos α') · d1 (15 + 5 cos α') · d1 (7 + 5 cos α') · d1
-90° ≤ α' ≤ 90°
12

unloaded end distance

13 a3,c 10 · d1 15 · d1 7 · d1
90° ≤ α' ≤ 270°

d1 < 5 mm : d1 < 5 mm : d1 < 5 mm :

14
loaded edge distance (5 + 2 · sin α') · d1 (7 + 2 · sin α') · d1 (3 + 2 · sin α') · d1
a4,t
0° ≤ α' ≤ 180° d1 ≥ 5 mm : d1 ≥ 5 mm : d1 ≥ 5 mm :
15
(5 + 5 · sin α') · d1 (7 + 5 · sin α') · d1 (3 + 4 · sin α') · d1

unloaded edge distance

16 a4,c 5 · d1 a) 7 · d1 a) 3 · d1
180° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

α' = angle between applied force and direction of the grain

Amin = minimum section (area) of connected wood members
In Douglas Fir and Maritime Pine, minimum spacing and distances parallel to the grain shall be increased by 50%.
a)
For SPAX screws: a4,c = 3 ∙ d1 may be used provided a1 and a3,t are met and a3,c ≥ 25 ∙ d1
For steel to wood connections:
minimum spacing a1 and a2 may be multiplied by 0.7.

21
6. Installation guidelines

6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances

Table 6.3 b Minimum spacing, end and edge distances of wood to wood connections
in shear or combined shear and withdrawal per §4.2.4 of the ETA of SPAX screws
A B C D E F
1 Shear or withdrawal or combined shear and withdrawal Withdrawal
ETA
2 Amin ≥ 40 · d12
3 SPAX d1 ≤ 6 mm SPAX d1 ≥ 8 mm SPAX d1 ≤ 12 mm

4 4CUT point CUT point 4CUT or CUT point 4CUT or CUT point b)

tmin = 12 · d1
6 · d1 5 · d1
5 tmin = max tmin = max tmin = 7 · d1 pour Kerto-Q et Kerto-S
20 mm 20 mm
tmin = 6 · d1

6 without predrilled without predrilled without predrilled

without predrilled holes
7 holes holes holes

8 spacing
parallel to the
a1 grain
5 · d1 5 · d1
9 0° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

spacing
perpendicular to 5 · d1 resp.
10 a2 (3 + | sin α' |) · d1
the grain 2,5 · d1 (when a1 · a2 = 25 · d12)
0° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

11 loaded end
a3,t distance 12 · d1 c)

12 -90° ≤ α' ≤ 90°

unloaded end
13 a3,c distance 12 · d1 5 · d1
90° ≤ α' ≤ 270°

d1 < 5 mm :
14 loaded edge (3 + 2 · sin α') · d1
a4,t distance c)

0° ≤ α' ≤ 180° d1 ≥ 5 mm :
15
(3 + 4 · sin α') · d1

unloaded edge
16 a4,c distance 3 · d1 3 · d1
180° ≤ α' ≤ 360°

Amin = minimum section (area) of connected wood members

In Douglas Fir and Maritime Pine, minimum spacing and distances parallel to the grain shall be increased by 50%.
b)
Specific point shape is required for Kerto-Q and Kerto-S
c)
In case of SPAX screws designed for withdrawal exclusively, all ends and edges can be considered unloaded.
For steel to wood connections:
minimum spacing a1 and a2 may be multiplied by 0.7.

22
 6. Installation guidelines

6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances for SPAX screws loaded axially

For crosswise installed screws, minimum spacing a2 can be taken as:

1.5 · d1
a2 = max
2.5 ∙ ( 1-
k
180° ) · d1 with 0° ≤ k ≤ 90°

k = angle between crosswise installed screws

Subsequent parallel screws of neighbouring crosswise installed screw pairs shall meet the
minimum spacing a1 and a2.

Diagram 6.1 Minimum spacing a2 based on angle α k between crosswise installed screws
ETA
2.5
2.5
2.3
Minimum spacing a2

2.1
2.0
1.9

1.7
1.5 1.5
1.5

0° 15° 30° 45° 60° 75° 90°

k

Figure 6.1 Crosswise configuration (e.g. for one pair of screws)

Plan view Side view

a3,c a3,c

F 
a4,c

a4,c

Thickness ≥ 12 ·d1

S
S
Width
a2

k
S
S
a4,c
a4,c

F 
a3,c
a3,c

S = Centre of gravity of the threaded part penetrating the wood member.

In case of predrilled holes, the requirement for minimum thickness ≥ 12 · d1 does not apply.

23
6. Installation guidelines

6.4 Minimum spacing, end and edge distances for SPAX screws loaded axially

Figure 6.2 Parallel configuration (e.g. for 3 pairs of screws)

Plan view Side view

a1

F
a1

F
a2

a4,c
F

S
a4,c

Thickness ≥ 12 ·d1
S
S
Width

S
a2

a3,c

a4,c
S
a4,c

S = Centre of gravity of the threaded part penetrating the wood member.

In case of predrilled holes, the requirement for minimum thickness ≥ 12 · d1 does not apply.

24
7. Shear: wood to wood

Minimum required penetration depth

Table 7.2 Minimum required thickness t1,req resp. penetration depth t2,req for wood to wood connections
without predrilled holes, with wood materials of identical density (β = 1) and t1,req = t2,req [mm],
applicable to SPAX screws made from high-carbon steel

A B C D E F G H I J

1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]

2 Strength class ρk [kg/m³] 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 C16 310 28 31 35 41 54 66 79
4 C24 GL24c 350 26 30 33 39 51 62 74
5 C30 GL24h, GL28c 380 25 28 31 37 49 60 71
6 C35 400 25 28 31 36 47 58 69
7 GL28h, GL32c 410 24 27 30 36 47 58 69
8 C40 420 24 27 30 35 46 57 68
9 GL32h, GL36c 430 24 27 29 35 46 56 67
10 GL36h 450 23 26 29 34 45 55 65

In accordance with German National Annex to EC5:

In case the thickness t1 resp. t2 is less than the minimum required thickness t1,req resp. t2,req, it is permitted to DIN NA ; §8.2.4 (NA.2)
determine the characteristic load-carrying capacity in shear Fv,Rk by multiplying the listed value of Fv,Rk by the
minimum of ratio t1/t1,req and t2/t2,req.

Table 7.2 a Adjustment factor for SPAX screws made from other steel grade

A B C D E F G H
1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 Stainless steel 0.846 0.839 0.839 0.833 0.830 0.828 0.831
4 with predrilled holes 0.846 0.839 0.828 0.806 0.766 0.759 0.743

25
7. Shear: wood to wood

Load-carrying capacity
Table 7.3 Characteristic load-carrying capacity in single shear per shear plane Fv,Rk for wood to wood
connections without predrilled holes [N] applicable to SPAX screws made from high-carbon steel
A B C D E F G H I J EC5; Eq. (8.6 f)

1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]

2 Strength class ρk [kg/m³] 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 C16 310 766 931 1,107 1,496 2,404 3,475 4,694
4 C24 GL24c 350 814 989 1,176 1,589 2,555 3,692 4,988
5 C30 GL24h, GL28c 380 848 1,030 1,226 1,656 2,662 3,847 5,197
6 C35 400 870 1,057 1,258 1,699 2,731 3,947 5,332
7 GL28h, GL32c 410 881 1,070 1,273 1,720 2,765 3,996 5,399
8 C40 420 892 1,083 1,289 1,741 2,799 4,045 5,464
9 GL32h, GL36c 430 902 1,096 1,304 1,762 2,832 4,092 5,529
10 GL36h 450 923 1,121 1,334 1,802 2,867 4,186 5,656

nef  5.1.3 Effective number of fasteners

Table 7.3 a Adjustment factor for SPAX screws made from other steel grade

A B C D E F G H
1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 Stainless steel 0.816 0.816 0.816 0.816 0.816 0.816 0.816
4 with predrilled holes 1.206 1.223 1.240 1.268 1.310 1.340 1.362

It is permitted to select the characteristic embedment strength fh,k corresponding to the highest value of the DIN NA ; §8.3.1.2
characteristic density ρk of each connected wood material.
∆Rk - In single shear, the characteristic load-carrying capacity Rk shall be increased by the rope EC5 ; §8.2.2 (2)
effect contribution ∆Rk. ∆Rk = min {Fv,Rk ; 0.25 · Fax,a,k }

See overleaf for complementary information relative to ΔRk = 0.25 · Fax,a,k 

26
7. Shear: wood to wood

Load-bearing capacity
Table 7.3 b values of ∆Rk = 0,25 · Fax,a,Rk [N] for failure in head pull-through depending on the screw
head geometry

A B C D E F G H I
1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 Flat countersunk head dk [mm]
4 Strength class 8.0 8.8 9.7 11.6 15.1 18.6 22.6
5 C24 GL24c 304 352 407 518 678 906 1,236
6 C30 GL24h, GL28c 325 376 435 553 724 968 1,320
7 C35 338 392 453 576 755 1,009 1,375
8 GL28h, GL32c 345 400 462 588 770 1,029 1,403
9 C40 352 408 471 599 785 1,049 1,430
10 GL32h, GL36c 358 415 480 611 800 1,069 1,457
11 GL36h 372 431 498 633 829 1,108 1,511
12 with lef,k ≤ [mm] 22 22 23 29 28 32 37
13 with lef > [mm] 22 22 23 29 32 40 48
14 Washer head dk [mm]
15 9.6 10.6 11.6 13.6 20.0 25.0
16 C24 GL24c 447 517 585 712 1,300 1,797
17 C30 GL24h, GL28c 477 552 625 761 1,388 1,919
18 C35 497 575 651 792 1,447 1,999
19 GL28h, GL32c 507 587 664 808 1,475 2,039 -
20 C40 517 598 677 824 1,504 2,079
21 GL32h, GL36c 527 609 690 840 1,533 2,119
22 GL36h 547 632 716 871 1,589 2,197
23 with lef,k ≤ [mm] 32 33 33 40 54 63
24 with lef > [mm] 32 33 33 40 54 63

When the effective threaded length lef,k headside or lef pointside is larger than the tabulated length, a higher value of
∆Rk can be determined and taken into account.
For full threaded screws with larger values of the effective threaded lengths lef,k and lef a higher value of ∆Rk can be
determined and taken into account.

27
 7. Withdrawal

Characteristic withdrawal resistance of the threaded part Fax, a, Rk

Table 7.14 Characteristic withdrawal resistance Fax,a,Rk at an angle α = 90° between screw axis and
direction of the grain [N per mm of effective threaded length lef],
applicable to SPAX screws made from high-carbon or stainless steel

A B C D E F G H I J

1 Nominal diameter d1 [mm]

2 Strength class ρk [kg/m³] 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 C16 310 50.8 57.2 63.5 65.3 87.1 104.4 119.8
4 C24 GL24c 350 56.0 63.0 70.0 72.0 96.0 115.0 132.0
5 C30 GL24h, GL28c 380 59.8 67.3 74.8 76.9 102.5 122.8 141.0
6 C35 400 62.3 70.1 77.9 80.1 106.8 128.0 146.9
7 GL28h, GL32c 410 63.6 71.5 79.4 81.7 109.0 130.5 149.8
8 C40 420 64.8 72.9 81.0 83.3 111.1 133.1 152.7
9 GL32h, GL36c 430 66.0 74.3 82.5 84.9 113.2 135.6 155.6
10 GL36h 450 68.5 77.0 85.6 88.0 117.4 140.6 161.4

nef  5.2.4 Effective number of fasteners

Diagram 7.1 Adjustment factor kax for angle α between screw axis and direction of the grain

1.000
0.994 0.998
0.980 0.987
0.977
0.960 0.966
0.940 0.952
0.938
Factor

0.920 0.924
0.900 0.909
0.895
0.880 0.882
0.860 0.870
0.859
0.840 0,850
0.843
0.820
15° 20° 25° 30° 35° 40° 45° 50° 55° 60° 65° 70° 75° 80° 85° 90°

1
Diagram shows:
1.2 · cos2a + sin2a

Table 7.15 Characteristic and design values of the steel tensile resistance [N]
applicable to SPAX screws made from high-carbon or stainless steel

A B C D E F G H I
1 d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
3 ftens,k 5,000 6,400 7,900 11,000 17,000 28,000 38,000
High-carbon steel
4 ftens,d 3,846 4,923 6,077 8,462 13,077 21,538 29,231
5 ftens,k 3,800 4,200 4,900 7,100 13,000 20,000 28,000
Stainless steel
6 ftens,d 2,923 3,231 3,769 5,462 10,000 15,385 21,538

The maximum axial sollicitation (withdrawal) of SPAX screws is limited by the design value of the steel tensile
resistance ftens,d.

28
7. Withdrawal

Characteristic resistance to head pull-through

Table 7.16 Characteristic resistance to head pull-through Fax,a,Rk [N]
applicable to SPAX screws made from high-carbon or stainless steel

A B C D E F G H I J
1 d1 [mm]
2 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
Partial Full
3
thread thread
4 dh [mm]
Countersunk head
5 8.0 8.8 9.7 11.6 15.1 18.6 22.6 18.6
6 Wood rk = 350 kg/m³ 1,216 1,409 1,628 2,072 2,713 3,626 4,944 3,626
Wood based
7 rk = 380 kg/m³ 1,299 1,505 1,738 2,213 2,898 3,872 5,280 3,872
panels
8 for wood based panels of thickness t ≤ 20mm:
9 12 mm ≤ t ≤ 20 mm 547 662 804 1,150 1,948 2,956 4,364 2,956
10 t < 12 mm 400 -
11 dh [mm]
Washer head
12 9.6 10.6 11.6 13.6 20.0 25.0 -
13 Wood rk = 350 kg/m³ 1,788 2,067 2,341 2,848 5,200 7,188 -
Wood based
14 rk = 380 kg/m³ 1,909 2,208 2,501 3,042 5,554 7,676 -
panels
15 for wood based panels of thickness t ≤ 20mm:
16 12 mm ≤ t ≤ 20 mm 787 960 1,150 1,580 3,418 5,340
-
17 t < 12 mm 400 -
18 d [mm]
Washer
19 - 25 32 401)
20 Wood rk = 350 kg/m³ 7,188 8,192 8,192
Wood based -
21 rk = 380 kg/m³ 7,676 8,749 8,749
panels
22 for wood based panels of thickness t ≤ 20mm:
23 12 mm ≤ t ≤ 20 mm 5,340 8,749 8,749
-
24 t < 12 mm 400 -

1)
Use a nominal diameter value of 32 mm when dh > 32 mm.

Table 7.16a Adjustment factor for resistance to head pull-through based on characteristic density for
wood to wood connection per table 7.16

A B C D E F G H H
1 rk [kg/m³]
2 310 350 380 400 410 420 430 450
3 0.907 1.000 1.068 1.113 1.135 1.157 1.179 1.223

Characteristic density rk is limited to 380 kg/m³ for wood based panel to wood connections.
Head pull-through does not apply to steel to wood connections.

29
8. Overview of product offering

Tables thereafter only present a limited overview of the SPAX product offering. Other references, geometries
and dimensions are available at www.spax.com  Screw finder
Description and dimensions
Ls Ls Ls Ls Ls Ls
LgV LgS LgS

Ø dk
Ø d1
Ø dk

Ø d1
d1
90°

Ø d1
Ø dk
Ø dk

Ø
LgT LgT

Countersunk head Washer head Pan head Cylindrical head

Table 8.1 Full thread

A B C D E F G
1 Full thread Full thread

2 High-carbon steel Stainless steel

3 ETA-12/0114 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 10.0 12.0
5 Head geometry Cylindrical head Countersunk head Countersunk head
6 dk 8.4 10.0 15.1 18.6 18.6 18.6 18.6
7 Point 4CUT point CUT point CUT point CUT point CUT point CUT point CUT point
8 Length increment Ls Ls Ls
9 every 20mm 80 - 200 200 - 300 160 - 300 200 - 300 200, 240, 280, 300 160, 200 - 300 -
10 every 50mm - 350 - 450 350 - 600 350 - 600 350 - 600 350 - 400 400 - 550
11 800

Table 8.2 Pan head

A B C D E F G

1 High-carbon steel Stainless steel

2 Pan head Pan head

3 ETA-12/0114 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 4.0 5.0
5 dk 8.0 9.0 9.9 11.9 8.0 9.9
6 Point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point
7 Ls lg lg lg lg lg lg
8 20 18 16
9 25 23 22 22 21 20
10 30 27 27 27 27 25 25
11 35 32 32 32 32 30
12 40 37 37 37 37 35 35
13 45 42 42 41 41 40
14 50 47 47 46 46 45 44
15 60 50 57 56 56
16 70 61 61
17 80 61 61
18 90 61 61
19 100 61

lg = threaded length
For SPAX screws of thread diameter d1 < 4.0 mm, refer to AbZ Z-9.1-235 or ETA-12/0114.
30
8. Overview of product offering

Table 8.3 Countersunk head of high-carbon steel

A B C D E F G H I J K L

1 High-carbon steel

2 Countersunk head
3 ETA-12/0114 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
5 dk 8.0 8.8 9.7 11.6 15.1 18.6 22.6
6 Point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point
7 Ls lgV lgT lgV lgT lgV lgT lgV lgT lgT lgT lgT
8 20 16
9 25 21 20 20
10 30 25 18 25 25 24
11 35 30 23 30 25 30 25 29
12 40 35 23 34 25 35 27 34 24
13 45 40 30 39 30 39 30 38
14 50 45 32 44 32 44 32 43 32
15 55 50 32 49 37 49 37 48
16 60 50 35 54 37 54 37 53 37
17 70 50 37 59 42 61 41 61 41
18 80 50 37 59 47 61 46 61 46 47 50
19 90 61 61
20 100 61 61 57 60 60
21 110 69 68
22 120 69 68 70 70 80
23 130 68
24 140 68 80 80 80
25 150 68
26 160 65 80 80 100
27 180 65 80 80 100
28 200 65 80 80 100
29 220 65 80 80 100
30 240 65 80 80 100
31 260 65 80 80 100
32 280 65 80 80 100
33 300 65 80 80 100
34 320 80 80
35 340 80 80
36 350 100
37 360 80 80
38 380 80 80
39 400 80 80 100
40 450 80 80 100
41 500 100
42 550 100
43 600 100

lgV = full thread

lgT = partial thread
For SPAX screws of thread diameter d1 < 4.0 mm, refer to AbZ Z-9.1-235 or ETA-12/0114.

31
8. Overview of product offering

Table 8.4 a Countersunk head of stainless steel

A B C D E F G H I

1 Stainless steel

2 Countersunk head
3 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0
5 dk 8.0 8.8 9.7 11.6
6 Point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point
7 Ls lgV lgT lgV lgT lgV lgT lgV lgT
8 20 16
9 25 21 20
10 30 25 18 25 25
11 35 30 23 30 25 30
12 40 35 23 34 25 35 27 34
13 45 40 30 39 30 39 30
14 50 45 32 44 32 44 32 43
15 60 50 54 37 54 37 53 37
16 70 59 42 61 41 61 41
17 80 61 46 61 46
18 90 61 61
19 100 61 61
20 120 69 68
21 140 68
22 160 65

lgV = full thread

lgT = partial thread

Table 8.4 a Countersunk head of stainless steel with CUT point

A B C D E

1 Stainless steel

2 Countersunk head
3 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 4.5 5.0
5 dk 8.8 9.7
6 Point 4CUT point 4CUT point
7 Ls lgT lgT
8 35 25
9 40 25
10 45 30
11 50 32
12 60 37 37
13 70 42 52
14 80 61

lgT = partial thread

32
8. Overview of product offering

Table 8.5 Washer head

A B C D E F G H

1 High-carbon steel Stainless steel

2 Flange head resp. washer head Washer head

3 ETA-12/0114 ETA-12/0114 ETA-12/0114
4 d1 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 8.0
5 dk 9.6 10.6 11.6 13.6 20.0 25.0 20.0
6 Point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point 4CUT point
7 Ls lg lg lg lg lg lg lg
8 20 18
9 25 23 22 22
10 30 27 27 27
11 35 32 32 32
12 40 37 37 37
13 45 42 42 41
14 50 47 46 46 46
15 60 56 56 56
16 80 61 70 70 70
17 100 61 80 80 80
18 120 68 80 80 80
19 140 68 80 80 80
20 160 65 80 80 80
21 180 65 80 80 80
22 200 80 80 80
23 220 80 80
24 240 80 80
25 260 80 80
26 280 80 80
27 300 80 80
28 320 80 80
29 340 80 80
30 360 80 80
31 380 80 80
32 400 80 80
33 450 80 80

lg = threaded length
For SPAX screws of thread diameter d1 < 4.0 mm, refer to AbZ Z-9.1-235 or ETA-12/0114.

33
8. Overview of product offering

Figure 8.1 Washers for countersunk head screws

90° ± 5°

Ø D1

Ø D2

t
45°
±5

Ø Di
°

Ø Da

Table 8.6 Washers for countersunk head screws

A B C D E F
ETA

1 Dimensions 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 Tolerance

2 Ø Da 18.0 25.0 32.0 40.0
3 Ø Di 6.5 8.5 11.0 13.0
4 Ø D1 13.5 17.5 22.5 27.0 ± 0.3
5 Ø D2 12.5 16.5 21.5 26.0
6 t 3.5 5.0 5.6 7.0

34
9. Wood to wood Design example No 1
Connection of chord under a purlin with a full thread screw

Complementary information to this topic is available in the SPAX Timber Construction Report No 2

Cut through Purlin Cut through Chord Plan view ETA

60 60 60
a4,t a2 a4,t

a4,t
180 x 280 GL28c

resp. a1
240
lef

a2
h
a

a4,t
α
80 x 160 C24
160
lef,k

α a4,c a4,c
60 40 40
a1 a4,c a4,c α = 90° [mm]

Service Cl. = 1, Load duration Cl. = Medium term -> kmod = 0.8 (Tab. 4.3; F2+F5)

Selected fastener: SPAX 8.0x400 countersunk head, full thread with CUT point, per ETA-12/0114 w/o predrilling
Subject to (combined) shear and withdrawal

Minimum dimensions of members to prevent wood splitting (Tab. 6.3 b; E)

SPAX screw with d1 = 8.0 mm : minimum section Amin = 40 · d1² = 40 · 8.0 mm² = 2,560 m²
Chord: section A = 80 mm · 160 mm = 14,400 mm² > 2,560 mm² -> satisfied
Purlin: section A = 180 mm · 280 mm = 54,000 mm² > 2,560 mm² -> satisfied
Minimum thickness tmin = 7 · d1 = 7 · 8,0 mm = 56 mm (Tab. 6.3 b; E5)
Chord tvorh = 160 mm > 56 mm -> satisfied
Purlin tvorh = 280 mm > 56 mm -> satisfied
Minimum spacing, end and edge distances for combined shear and withdrawal (Tab. 6.3 b; E)
a1 =   5 · d1 = 5 · 8.0 mm = 40 mm set to a1 = 60 mm -> satisfied
a2 =   3 · d1 = 3 · 8.0 mm = 24 mm set to a2 = 60 mm -> satisfied
a3,t and a3,c = 12 · d1 = 12 · 8.0 mm = 96 mm actual a3,c > 96 mm -> satisfied
a4,t =   7 · d1 = 7 · 8.0 mm = 56 mm set to a4,t = 60 mm -> satisfied
a4,c =   3 · d1 = 3 · 8.0 mm = 24 mm set to a4,c = 40 mm -> satisfied

Shear resistance – per fastener

1. Minimum required thickness resp. penetration depth treq for multiple yield failure mode
t1 = 160 mm > t1,req = 50.5 mm -> satisfied (Tab. 7.1; E5)
t2 = 240 mm > t2,req = 47.6 mm -> satisfied (Tab. 7.1; F4)
-> No reduction of characteristic resistance Fv,Rk necessary!
2. Characteristic resistance Fv,Rk
Fv,Rk = 2,662 N (Tab. 7.3; H5)
γM = 1.3
0.8 · 2,662 N
Fv,Rd = = 1,638 N
1.3

35
9. Wood to wood Design example No 1
Connection of chord under a purlin with a full thread screw

3. Possible increase ∆Rk due to contribution of the rope effect

∆R k= min
} 2,662 N (governing)

0.25 · 15,360 N = 3,840 N (see below)

Fv,Rk = 2,662 N + 2,662 N = 5,324 N

γM = 1.3
0.8 · 5,324 N
Fv,Rd = = 3,276 N (100 % increase)
1.3

4. Effective number of fasteners nef
For one row perpendicular to the grain direction of SPAX screws staggered by 1 · d1
the effective number of fasteners is nef = 2. (§5.1.3)
Withdrawal resistance – per fastener
1. Withdrawal of the threaded part
lef = 240 mm
(Tab. 7.14; H5)
Fax,a,Rk = 102.5 N/mm · 240 mm = 24,600 N
γM = 1.3
0.8 · 24,600 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 15,138 N
1.3

2. Tensile steel resistance
ftens,k = 17,000 N (Tab. 7.15; G3)
γM = 1.3
17,000 N
ftens,d = = 13,077 N (Tab. 7.15; G4)
1.3

3. Head pull-through

Fax,a,Rk = max } 3.1 Head pull-through

3.2 withdrawal of threaded part headside
3.1 Head pull-through
Fax,a,Rk = 2,713 N (Tab. 7.16; G6)
γM = 1.3
0,8 · 2,713 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 1,670 N
1.3

3.2 Withdrawal of threaded part headside
lef,k = 160 mm
Fax,a,Rk = 96.0 N/mm · 160 mm = 15,360 N (Tab. 7.14; H4)
γM = 1.3
0.8 · 15,360 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 9,452 N (governing)
1.3

Verification of wood members
As the ratio a/h > 0.7 (Lef = 240 mm > t2 · 0.7 = 196 mm), verification of tension perpendicular to the grain NA/A1; 8.1.4
stress induced by the fastener in member 2 is not necessary.

Minimum spacing, end and edge distances for withdrawal only (Tab. 6.3 b; F)
If the SPAX screws were loaded in withdrawal only, the following minimum spacing, end and edge distances
could be used:
a1 = 5 · d1 = 5 · 8.0 mm = 40 mm set to a1 = 60 mm -> satisfied
a2 = 5 · d1 = 5 · 8.0 mm = 40 mm set to a2 = 60 mm -> satisfied
a3,c = 5 · d1 = 5 · 8.0 mm = 40 mm actual a3,c > 40 mm -> satisfied
a4,c = 3 · d1 = 3 · 8.0 mm = 24 mm set to a4,c = 40 mm -> satisfied
36
9. Wood to wood Design example No 2
Connection of roof batten to a counterbatten

Cut through Batten Cut through Counterbatten Plan view ETA

40 x 60 C24
30 x 50 C24
α

a4,t
32
lef,k
7
a4,t
32

a4,c
30

18
lef
a4,c
18

30 30
30 30
a4,c a4,c
30 40 60 a4,c a4,c

α = 90° [mm]

Service Cl. = 2, Load duration Cl. = short term -> kmod = 0.9 (Tab. 4.3; G3)

Selected fastener: SPAX 4.5 x 60 countersunk head, partial thread with 4CUT point in stainless steel A2 per
ETA-12/0114 w/o predrilling
Head diameter dk = 8.8 mm (Tab. 8.4 a; E5)
Length of partial thread lgT = 37 mm (Tab. 8.4 a; E15)
Subject to (combined) shear and withdrawal

Minimum dimensions of members to prevent wood splitting (Tab. 6.3 b; C)

SPAX screw with d1 = 4.5 mm: minimum section Amin = 40 ∙ d = 40 ∙ 4.5 mm = 810 mm
1
2 2 2 2 (Tab. 6.3 b; C3)

Batten: section A = 50 mm ∙ 30 mm = 1,500 mm2 > 810 mm2 -> satisfied

Counterbatten: section A = 40 mm ∙ 60 mm = 2,400 mm2 > 810 mm2 -> satisfied

Minimum thickness tmin = 6 ∙ d1 = 6 ∙ 4.5 mm = 27 mm (Tab. 6.3 b; C5)

Batten tvorh = 30 mm > 27 mm -> satisfied
Counterbatten tvorh = 40 mm > 27 mm -> satisfied

Minimum spacing, end and edge distances for combined shear and withdrawal (Tab. 6.3 b; C)

a4,t = 7 ∙ d1 = 7 ∙ 4.5 mm = 31.5 mm set to a4,t = 32 mm -> satisfied

a4,c = 3 ∙ d1 = 3 ∙ 4.5 mm = 13.5 mm set to a4,c = 18 mm -> satisfied

Shear resistance – per fastener

1. Minimum required thickness resp. penetration depth treq for multiple yield failure mode

t1 = 30 mm > t1,req = 30 mm ∙ 0.839 = 25.2 mm -> satisfied (Tab. 7.2; E4 · Tab. 7.2a; C3)
t2 = 60 mm - 30 mm = 30 mm > t2,req = 30 mm ∙ 0.839 = 25.2 mm -> satisfied (Tab. 7.2; E4 · Tab. 7.2a; C3)
-> No reduction of characteristic resistance Fv,Rk necessary!

2. Characteristic resistance Fv,Rk

Fv,Rk = 989 N ∙ 0.816 = 807 N (Tab. 7.3; E4 · Tab. 7.3a; C3)
γM = 1.3
0.9 · 807 N
Fv,Rd = = 559 N
1.3

37
9. Wood to wood Design example No 2
Connection of roof batten to a counterbatten

3. Possible increase ∆Rk due to contribution of the rope effect

∆R k = min
} 807 N

0.25 · 1,409 N = 352 N (governing) (see below)

(Tab. 7.3b; D5)

Fv,Rk = 807 N + 352 N = 1,159 N

γM = 1.3
0.9 · 1,159 N
Fv,Rd = = 802 N (44 % increase)
1.3

Withdrawal resistance – per fastener
1. Withdrawal of the threaded part



lef = min
} t2 = 30 mm (governing)

lgT = 37 mm

Fax,a,Rk = 63.0 N/mm · 30 mm = 1,890 N (Tab. 7.14; E4)

γM = 1.3
0.9 · 1,890 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 1,308 N
1.3

2. Tensile steel resistance
ftens,k = 4,200 N (Tab. 7.15; D5)
γM = 1.3
4,200 N
ftens,d = = 3,231 N (Tab. 7.15; D6)
1.3

3. Head pull-through



Fax,a,Rk = max
} 3.1 head pull-through

3.2 withdrawal of threaded part headside

3.1 Head pull-through

Fax,a,Rk = 1,409 N (Tab. 7.16; D6)
γM = 1.3
0.9 · 1,409 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 975 N (governing)
1.3

3.2 Withdrawal of threaded part headside
lef,k = 37 mm - 30 mm = 7 mm
Fax,a,Rk = 63.0 N/mm · 7 mm = 441 N (Tab. 7.14; E4)
γM = 1.3
0.9 · 441 N
Fax,a,Rd = = 305 N
1.3

38
Notes:

39
 Die Schraube

SPAX IS NOT ONLY CALLED “INTERNATIONAL” –

IT ACTUALLY IS!
Production is carried out at our site in Ennepetal
and we export SPAX products to more than 40 countries
across all continents.

TÜV NORD CERT

GmbH
M aProd

de
an
18

uc
i n G e r mA75-
S0

tt
es
ta ard
cc . t o TN - S t a n d

You can also find us at:

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG facebook.com/spax
ALTENLOH, BRINCK & CO - GRUPPE youtube.com/user/SPAXinternational
twitter.com/SPAX_DE
google.com/+SPAXcom
Kölner Straße 71–77 · 58256 Ennepetal · Germany xing.to/SPAX
Tel.: +49-23 33-799-1967 · Fax: +49-23 33-799-199 linkedin.com/company/spax-international
[email protected] · www.spax.com