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British Standards Institution 2012

PD 6693-1:2012

BSI Standards Publication

PUBLISHED DOCUMENT

UK Non-Contradictory
Complementary Information
to Eurocode 5: Design of
timber structures
Part 1: General – Common rules and
rules for buildings

This publication is not to be regarded as a British Standard.

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

raising standards worldwide™

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Publishing and copyright information

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document
was last issued.
© The British Standards Institution 2012
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2012
ISBN 978 0 580 67446 4
ICS 91.010.30; 91.080.20
The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard:
Committee reference B/525/5
Draft for comment 12/30254626 DC

Publication history
First published October 2012

Amendments issued since publication

Date Text affected
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Contents
0 Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations 1
4 Design responsibilities 2
5 Effective anchorages of timber floors to walls for buildings of
Consequence Class 2a 2
6 Assignment of timbers to BS EN 338 strength classes
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 3.2] 3
7 Horizontally glued laminated hardwood members
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 3.3] 3
8 Factor, kc,90, for compression perpendicular to grain
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 6.1.5] 4
9 Effective lengths of compression members [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
6.3.2] 5
10 Limits on notches and circular holes in joists and studs for which no
calculations are required 6
11 Design of beams with circular holes 6
12 Characteristic properties of fasteners 7
13 Yield moment of annular ring-shanked nails
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.3.1.1(4)] 7
14 Diameters for evaluating lateral load-carrying capacities of screws
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.1] 8
15 Axially loaded screws [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.2] 8
16 Connections made with punched metal plate fasteners
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.8.1] 9
17 Misalignment tolerances in punched metal plate fastener joints
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.8.5.1] 9
18 Contact pressure between timber members in punched metal plate
fastener joints under compression [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
8.8.5.1(3)] 9
19 Trusses with punched metal plate fasteners [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
9.2.2] 10
20 Masonry shielding to wall diaphragms 11
21 Simplified analysis of wall diaphragms [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
9.2.4.3] 11
22 Contribution of plasterboard to racking resistance 22
23 Evaluation of design racking resistance of plasterboard-clad timber frame
walls 23
24 Bracing to trussed rafter roofs [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.5.3] 23
25 Lateral load-carrying capacity of glued lap joints
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 10.3] 23
Annexes
Annex A (normative) Exchange of information between building designer and
component designer(s) 25
Annex B (informative) Effective anchorage of floors to timber frame wall
buildings of Consequence Class 2a 26
Annex C (informative) Actions and combinations of actions that may be
considered in the design of trussed rafters 28
Annex D (informative) Masonry shielding to timber frame wall diaphragms 31
Annex E (normative) Bracing of trussed rafter roofs 32
Annex F (informative) Optional recommendations for the support of water tanks
in trussed rafter roofs 57
Bibliography 59

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List of figures
Figure 1 – Division of racking wall into wall diaphragms 13
Figure 2 – Forces transmitted into underlying construction by bottom rail of wall
diaphragm 16
Figure 3 – Calculation of design stabilizing and destabilizing moments 18
Figure 4 – Division of wall diaphragms into wall panels 21
Figure B.1 – Details of effective anchorage of floors to timber frame walls in
buildings of Consequence Class 2a 27
Figure D.1 – Area of brickwork providing wind shield to timber frame
structure 32
Figure E.1 – Procedure for the design of roof bracing at rafter level 34
Figure E.2 – Procedure for the design of roof bracing at ceiling level 35
Figure E.3 – Standard bracing for rafter and web members of duopitch trussed
rafters 36
Figure E.4 – Standard bracing for rafter and web members of mono-pitch
trussed rafters 39
Figure E.5 – Limiting spans for standard bracing of trussed rafter roofs 42
Figure E.6 – Basic wind zones for buildings at site altitudes ≤150 m 45
Figure E.7 – Basic wind zones for buildings at site altitudes between 150 m and
300 m 46
Figure E.8 – Wall plate splice joint 49
Figure E.9 – Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C1 and D1 50
Figure E.10 – Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C2 and D2 51
Figure E.11 – Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C3 53
Figure E.12 – Standard bracing for rafter members: detail D3 splice connection
and D4 crossing connection 55
Figure F.1 – Supports for water tanks 57
List of tables
Table 1 – Assignment of temperate hardwoods to BS EN 338 strength classes 3
Table 2 – Modification factors klam for characteristic strengths, stiffnesses and
densities of hardwood glued laminated timber applicable for service classes 1
and 2 4
Table 3 – Examples of hardwoods suitable for glue laminating 4
Table 4 – Effective lengths of compression members 5
Table 5 – Effective lengths of compression members in trussed rafters 5
Table 6 – Maximum lengths of chord and internal members 10
Table 7 – Modification factor, Ke, to account for loading eccentricities in girder
trusses 11
Table 8 – Values of sheathing combination factor, Kcomb 17
Table 9 – Total design shear capacities per unit length of the perimeter fasteners
for various specifications of plasterboard 23
Table C.1 – Summary of actions for duo-pitch and mono-pitch trussed rafters 28
Table C.2 – Summary of action combinations for duo-pitch and mono-pitch
trussed rafters 29
Table E.1 – Thickness and fixing of sarking materials 33
Table E.2 – Maximum truss spans for Figure E.5 43
Table E.3 – Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressures (kN/m2) on
windward and leeward gable walls for roofs constructed using the details of
Figure E.10 47
Table E.4 – Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressures (kN/m2) on
windward and leeward gable walls for roofs constructed using the details of
Figure E.11 and E.12 47
Table E.5 – Maximum design horizontal wind force (kN/m) at bottom chord level
on 12.5 mm thick plasterboard ceiling diaphragms 48

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Table E.6 – Maximum design horizontal wind force (kN/m) at bottom chord level
on 15 mm thick plasterboard ceiling diaphragms 48
Table F.1 – Sizes for support members for water tanks 58

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 60, an inside back cover and a back cover.

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Foreword
This Published Document is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence
from The British Standards Institution and came into effect on 31 October 2012.
It was prepared by Subcommittee B/525/5, Structural use of timber, under the
authority of Technical Committee B/525, Building and civil engineering structure.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.

Use of this document

As a guide, this Published Document takes the form of guidance and
recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification or a code
of practice and claims of compliance cannot be made to it.

Presentational conventions
The guidance in this standard is presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Any
recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary
verb is “should”.
Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in
smaller italic type, and does not constitute a normative element.

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a Published Document cannot confer immunity from legal
obligations.

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0 Introduction
When there is a need for guidance on a subject that is not covered by the
Eurocode, a country can choose to publish documents that contain
non-contradictory complementary information that supports the Eurocode. This
Published Document, which has been prepared by BSI Subcommittee B/525/5,
Structural use of timber, provides just such information and has been cited as a
reference in the UK National Annex to BS EN 1995-1-1.

1 Scope
This Published Document gives non-contradictory complementary information
for use with BS EN 1995-1-1 and NA to BS EN 1995-1-1.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of
this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
BS 8103-1, Structural design of low-rise buildings – Part 1: Code of practice for
stability, site investigation, foundations, precast concrete floors and ground floor
slabs for housing
BS 8212, Code of practice for dry lining and partitioning using gypsum
plasterboard
BS EN 301, Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for loading bearing timber
structures – Classification and performance requirements
BS EN 338:2009, Structural timber – Strength classes
BS EN 520, Gypsum plasterboards – Definitions, requirements and test methods
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures –
Part 1-1: General – Common rules and rules for buildings
BS EN 13986, Wood-based panels for use in construction – Characteristics,
evaluation of conformity and marking
BS EN 14592, Timber structures – Dowel-type fasteners – Requirements
BS EN 15425, Adhesives – One component polyurethane for load bearing timber
structures – Classification and performance requirements

3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations

3.1 Terms and definitions [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 1.5]
For the purposes of this Published Document, the terms and definitions given in
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008 and the following apply.

3.1.1 attic truss

trussed rafter that is designed to allow a habitable room within the roof space

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3.1.2 chord member

member of the external profile of the truss (e.g. a rafter or a ceiling tie)

3.1.3 girder truss

multiple trussed rafter that:
a) supports a width of roof greater than 2,5 times the normal truss spacing
within the roof or greater than 1,5 m whichever is the lesser; or
b) directly supports other trusses; or
c) supports another girder

3.1.4 racking discontinuity

door opening or other large opening (e.g. window), the dimensions of which
exceed stipulated limits

3.1.5 trussed rafter

structural assemblage of timber members of the same thickness, fastened
together in one plane by punched metal plate fasteners

3.1.6 wind girder

structural element set in the plane of the chords of a roof truss construction to
transmit external wind forces to the supporting structure and to the foundations

3.2 Abbreviations
For the purposes of this Published Document, the following abbreviations apply.

LVL Laminated veneer lumber

OSB Oriented strand board
UDL Uniformly distributed load

4 Design responsibilities
On every project it is essential that one person assumes overall responsibility as
building designer and is clearly defined as such. The building designer should be
responsible for ensuring the integration of the design of the various building
components including the detailing of suitable connections between the
building components and their support structure. The building designer should
be responsible for ensuring adequate provision is made for the stability of the
building as a whole, as distinct from, and in addition to, the stability of
individual components, including the detailing of all elements of bracing
required in the building. The building designer should ensure that necessary
information, including the information listed, for example, in Annex A is
provided to all parties involved in the design of the building.

5 Effective anchorages of timber floors to walls for

buildings of Consequence Class 2a
For timber-frame walls, the guidance for the effective anchorages of timber
floors in buildings of Consequence Class 2a given in Annex B may be followed.
For timber floors supported on masonry walls, Figure 1 to Figure 13 in
PD 6697:2010 may be used for the effective anchorages for buildings of
Consequence Class 2a.
NOTE This guidance is in accordance with the NA to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006, NA.2.43.

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6 Assignment of timbers to BS EN 338 strength

classes [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 3.2]
6.1 Assignment of temperate hardwoods
The assignment of temperate hardwoods to BS EN 338 strength classes should
be in accordance with Table 1.

Table 1 Assignment of temperate hardwoods to BS EN 338 strength classes

Strength class Grade (in Species Source Botanical

accordance with commercial name identification
BS 5756)
D30 TH1 Oak UK Quercus spp.
D24 TH2 Oak UK Quercus spp.
A)
D40 THA Oak UK Quercus spp.
A)
D30 THB Oak UK Quercus spp.
D24 TH1 Sweet chestnut UK Castanea sativa
A)
Grades THA and THB are only obtainable in cross-section sizes with no dimensions less than 100 mm and
cross-sectional areas greater than 20 000 mm2.

6.2 Assignment of large cross-section British grown Douglas fir

For sizes where the cross-sectional area exceeds 20 000 mm2 and both
cross-sectional dimensions are at least 100 mm, British grown Douglas fir, of SS
grade in accordance with BS 4978, may be allocated to strength class C24.

7 Horizontally glued laminated hardwood members

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 3.3]
For horizontally glued laminated hardwood members having four or more
laminations and produced in accordance with BS EN 386, the characteristic
strengths, stiffnesses and densities should be taken as the products of the
modification factors from Table 2 and the strength class data given in BS EN 338
for the relevant grade and species. The effect of member size on bending
strength or tension strength should be taken into account in accordance with
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 3.3 (3). Table 3 gives examples of hardwoods that
are suitable for glue laminating.
NOTE Further information on hardwood species is given in the TRADA publication,
Wood information sheet WIS 1–17 [1].

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Table 2 Modification factors klam for characteristic strengths, stiffnesses and densities of
hardwood glued laminated timber applicable for service classes 1 and 2

Strength property Modification factor klam

Bending strength 1,25
Tension strength 1,25
Compression strength parallel to grain 1,10
A)
Compression strength perpendicular to grain 1,50
Shear strength 1,50
Mean modulus of elasticity 1,07
Fifth percentile modulus of elasticity 1,07
Mean density 1,0
Fifth percentile density 1,05
A)
Compression perpendicular to grain value is based on the assumption that the
laminations contain no wane.

Table 3 Examples of hardwoods suitable for glue laminating

Common name Botanical identification

Kapur Dryobalanops aromatica, Dryobalanops
oblongifolia
American white oak Quercus alba
Keruing Dipterocarpus spp.
Opepe Nauclea diderrichii
American red oak Quercus rubra
Iroko Milicia excelsa, Milicia regia
Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata
American white ash Fraxinus americana
Beech Fagus sylvatica
European ash Fraxinus excelsior
European oak Quercus spp.
Sweet chestnut Castanea sativa

8 Factor, kc,90, for compression perpendicular to

grain [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 6.1.5]
In addition to the values for factor, kc,90, given in BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
6.1.5, the following values for kc,90 may be applied.
a) For members on discrete supports supporting a uniformly distributed load,
the value of kc,90 may be taken as:
1) kc,90 = 1,5 for solid softwood timber;
2) kc,90 = 1,75 for glued laminated softwood timber.
b) For bottom chords of trusses reinforced with punched metal plate fasteners
over a support, the value of kc,90 may be taken as:
kc,90 = 1,5 for solid softwood timber.

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9 Effective lengths of compression members

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 6.3.2]
9.1 The effective length of a compression member should be either:
a) in accordance with Table 4 for the particular end conditions; or
b) derived from the deflected form of the compression member as affected by
any restraint and/or fixing moment(s), the effective length being the
distance between adjacent points of zero bending between which the
member is in single curvature.

Table 4 Effective lengths of compression members

End condition Ratio of effective

length to actual
length
Restrained at both ends in position and in direction 0,7
Restrained at both ends in position and at one end in 0,85
direction
Restrained at both ends in position but not in direction 1,0
Restrained at one end in position and in direction and at 1,5
the other end in direction but not in position
Restrained at one end in position and in direction and free 2,0
at the other end

9.2 The effective lengths of compression members in trussed rafters should be in

accordance with Table 5.

Table 5 Effective lengths of compression members in trussed rafters

Type of truss member Direction of Effective length

buckling
Internal member In plane 0,9 × Member length measured on its centreline
Internal member Out-of-plane 0,9 × Member length measured on its centreline
Chord member In plane At joint nodes:

min { distance between adjacentt points of contraflexure

max of adjacent bay lengths

In bays:

min { bay le
ength
distance between adjacent points of contraflexure

Chord member Out-of-plane At joint nodes:

Check not required where longitudinal binders are fixed
and suitably restrained
In bays:
Distance between tiling battens, sheeting rails or other
suitable restraint points

9.3 In the absence of a more detailed calculation, the out-of-plane slenderness

ratio for a member of a multiple-ply truss may be based on an effective
thickness of krnb where:
n is the number of truss plies;
b is the thickness of each truss ply;
k = 0,9 – 0,1n.
r

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9.4 The effective length of storey height wall studs sheathed on one or both
sides should be taken as 0,85 times the length of the stud when considering
buckling out of the plane of the wall. Timber wall studs sheathed on one or
both sides may be assumed to be fully laterally restrained in the plane of the
wall.

10 Limits on notches and circular holes in joists and

studs for which no calculations are required
10.1 For simply supported joists of solid timber, glued laminated timber or LVL
of depth, h, less than 250 mm and at centres not exceeding 610 mm with a
notch of depth, hnotch, the effect of notches need not be calculated where:
a) hnotch ≤ 0,125h ; and
b) the notch is located at the top edge of the joist between 0,07 and 0,25 of
the span from the nearest support.

10.2 For simply supported joists of solid timber, glued laminated timber or LVL
of depth, h, less than 250 mm and at centres not exceeding 610 mm with a hole
of diameter, dhole, the effect of holes need not be calculated where all of the
following apply:
a) dhole ≤ 0.25h
b) the hole centre is equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the joist;
c) the hole is located within 0,25 and 0,4 of the span from the nearest joist
support;
d) centres of adjacent holes are at least 3dhole apart. Where adjacent holes are
not of the same diameter, the maximum diameter should be used for dhole.

10.3 The distance between the edge of a notch conforming to 10.1 and the
edge of the nearest hole, conforming to 10.2 should be at least 200 mm.

10.4 For studs of solid timber, glued laminated timber or LVL of depth, h, less
than 250 mm and at centres not exceeding 610 mm, having a hole diameter,
dhole, the effect of holes need not be calculated where all of the following
apply:
a) dhole ≤ 0.25h;
b) the hole is central in the depth of the member;
c) the distance between the end of the member and the closest hole is not less
than the maximum of 150 mm and 0.05 times the length of the member
between supports;
d) the spacing between the holes is not less than 3dhole.

11 Design of beams with circular holes

11.1 For beams of solid timber of a minimum strength class C24 in accordance
with BS EN 338, glued laminated timber or LVL of width, b, and depth, h, with a
circular hole of diameter dhole, where all of the following apply.
a) The beam has a rectangular cross-section and the grain runs essentially
parallel to the length of the member.
b) The axis of the hole runs parallel to the width of the beam.
c) dhole ≤ 0,4h
d) The hole centre is equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the beam.

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(If the hole centre is not equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the
beam, then the calculation should be based on a larger hole whose centre is
equidistant from the top and bottom edges of the beam and within which
the actual hole is entirely contained.)
e) The distance from the hole centre to the nearest end of the beam is a
minimum of 4dhole or h.
f) The distance from the hole centre to an adjacent hole centre is a minimum
of 4dhole or h.

11.2 It should be verified that:

σt,90,d ≤ ft,90,d
where:
σt,90,d is the design tensile stress perpendicular to the grain at the
hole location;
ft,90,d is the design tensile strength perpendicular to grain.

11.3 The design tensile stress perpendicular to the grain at the hole location,
σt,90,d should be calculated as:
1,8Vhole,ddhole + 0,07Mhole,d
σt,90,d=
bh2 (1)
where:
Vhole,d is the design shear force acting on the beam at the hole
centre, in N;
Mhole,d is the design moment acting on the beam at the hole
centre, in N·mm;
b, h, and dhole are taken in mm.

11.4 The verification of the bending strength of a beam which contains a hole
should be based on the properties of the residual cross-section at the hole
position.

12 Characteristic properties of fasteners

BS EN 14592 enables manufacturers of timber fasteners to declare characteristic
properties for their products which may be used as an alternative to the default
values derived from the expressions given in BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008.

13 Yield moment of annular ring-shanked nails

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.3.1.1(4)]
For annular ring-shanked nails produced from wire having a minimum tensile
strength of 600 N/mm2, the following characteristic value for yield moment
should be used:
MyRk 5 0,3fud2,6 (2)
where:
fu is the tensile strength of the wire, in N/mm2;
d is the nail diameter, being the minimum outer cross-sectional
diameter of the unprofiled part, mm

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NOTE Annular ring-shanked nails are not grooved nails as referred to in

BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.3.1.1(4).

14 Diameters for evaluating lateral load-carrying

capacities of screws
[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.1]
14.1 Screws should conform to BS EN 14592.
NOTE The current publication of BS EN 14592 requires that screws have a nominal
diameter, d, equal to the outer thread diameter and may be:
a) screws which have their threaded part turned down from the original rod
diameter such that the outer thread diameter is equal to the smooth shank
diameter; or
b) screws produced by rolling or forging such that the outer thread diameter is
greater than the smooth shank diameter.

14.2 For full-threaded and part-threaded screws the rules in

BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.2, should be applied using an effective diameter
def instead of d in the Johansen expressions.

14.3 Where the smooth shank extends 4def either side of the shear plane, def
should be taken as the smooth shank diameter.

14.4 Where the threaded length extends 4def either side of the shear plane, def
should be taken as 1,1 times the thread root diameter.

14.5 In all other cases, def should be taken as the lower of the smooth shank
diameter or 1,1 times the thread root diameter.

14.6 The embedment strength fh,k and the yield moment My,k should be
calculated using def.

14.7 For screws with an effective diameter def >6 mm, the rules in
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.5.1, should be applied except for spacing and
edge distances, see 14.9.

14.8 For screws with an effective diameter def ≤6 mm, the rules in
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.3.1, should be applied.

14.9 For screws of all diameters, the spacing, edge and end distances should be
calculated using d and BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, Table 8.2.

15 Axially loaded screws

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.2]
15.1 For connections with screws in accordance with BS EN 14592, with d<6 mm
and 0,6 ≤ d1/d ≥0,75, the characteristic withdrawal capacity in solid timber may
be calculated in accordance with expression 8.38 in
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.2, using the following values for fax,k and kd:
fax,k = 0,032 ρk
kd = 1,0
where:
fax,k is the characteristic withdrawal strength perpendicular to grain,
in N/mm2;

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ρk is the characteristic timber density, in kg/m3;

d is outer thread diameter of screw, in mm;
d1 is inner thread diameter (thread root diameter) of screw, in mm.

15.2 For connections with screws in accordance with BS EN 14592, with

d < 12 mm and dh/d ≤ 2,5, the characteristic head pull-through capacity in solid
timber may be calculated in accordance with the expression 8.40b) in
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.7.2, using the following value for fhead,k:
fhead,k 5 12(ρk ⁄ 350)0,8 (3)
where:

is the characteristic head pull-through strength perpendicular to the

fhead,k
grain, in N/mm2;

ρk is the characteristic timber density, in kg/m3;

d is the outer thread diameter of the screw, in mm;
dh is the head diameter of the screw, in mm.

16 Connections made with punched metal plate

fasteners [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 8.8.1]
16.1 Unless the anchorage strength of punched metal plate fasteners, when
placed directly over finger joints, has been determined in accordance with
BS EN 1075, finger-jointed timber may not be used in trussed rafters.

16.2 Where ksys is used for the member design of a truss made with punched
metal plate fasteners, ksys may also be used for the anchorage design, but not
for the steel plate design of the punched metal plate fastener connections.

17 Misalignment tolerances in punched metal plate

fastener joints [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
8.8.5.1]
The joint design should allow for a minimum misalignment of the punched
metal plate fastener of 5 mm simultaneously in two directions parallel to the
edges of the plate.

18 Contact pressure between timber members in

punched metal plate fastener joints under
compression [BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
8.8.5.1(3)]
Contact pressure between timber members may be taken into account to reduce
the value of FED in compression, provided that the gap between the members
has an average value, which is not greater than 1,5 mm, and a maximum value
of 3 mm. In the design of such connections in compression the component of FED
perpendicular to the contact surfaces should be divided by two.

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19 Trusses with punched metal plate fasteners

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.2]
19.1 The actions and combinations of actions that may be considered in the
design of trussed rafters are given in Annex C.
NOTE Recommendations for the support of water tanks in trussed rafter roofs are
given in Annex F.

19.2 To take account of practical factors such as handling, the size of members
and span should be restricted in accordance with the following limits.
a) Spans of trussed rafters manufactured in timber of target thickness between
35 mm and 47 mm should conform to the following:
Span ≤ t × 345
where:
t is the target thickness of timber.
NOTE 1 The use of mechanical handling equipment is particularly important
for trussed rafters of more than 47 mm in thickness during their manufacture,
loading, offloading and erection in order to prevent damage.
NOTE 2 Where a 2-ply truss is fixed together in the factory and mechanical
handling equipment is utilized the member thickness t can be taken as two
times the individual ply thickness.
b) The maximum bay length of any top chord or bottom chord member, when
measured on plan on the lower-edge position, should not exceed the
appropriate value given in Table 6. These limits may be increased by 50%
when applied to top chord extensions such as overhangs or hip rafters.
c) The overall length of any internal member should not exceed the
appropriate value given in Table 6. The overall length is the actual cut
length as measured on the centre-line of the member.

Table 6 Maximum lengths of chord and internal members

Member 35 mm thick timbers 47 mm thick timbers

width
mm Top Bottom Internal Top Bottom Internal
chord chord member chord chord member
60 — — 2 400 — — 3 500
72 1 900 2 500 3 600 3 300 3 300 5 200
84 2 090 2 740 4 030 3 440 3 780 5 580
97 2 300 3 000 4 500 3 600 4 300 6 000
120 2 600 3 400 — 3 900 5 000 —
145 2 800 3 700 — 4 100 5 300 —

19.3 To account for loading eccentricities in girder trusses, the design shear force
Fv,Ed perpendicular to grain at a joint should be multiplied by the modification
factor, Ke, given in Table 7. Additionally, any joint in a girder truss which is
subject to a tension force perpendicular to grain should have a minimum
fastener bite in any chord member not less than 0,5 times the member depth.

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Table 7 Modification factor, Ke, to account for loading eccentricities in girder trusses

Number of plies in girder truss Modification factor, Ke

2 1,33
3 2,00
4 3,00

19.4 For trusses made with punched metal plate fasteners and supporting a floor
imposed load ≥ 1,5 kN/m2, all joints, except chord splices, should be designed
using axial forces 50% greater than the axial forces utilized for the member
design. Additionally, the minimum fastener bite on to chord members should be
0,5 times the member depth.

19.5 In splice joints the minimum length of the connector plate should be
0,8h + 80 where h is the depth of the timber member, in mm.

20 Masonry shielding to wall diaphragms

Where timber frame walls are clad by masonry veneer, the external wind
loading transferred to the timber structure may be determined using the
information given in Annex D.

21 Simplified analysis of wall diaphragms

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.4.3]
COMMENTARY ON CLAUSE 21
Clause 21 gives a simplified method of analysis for wall diaphragms of platform
framed timber buildings consisting of timber framing connected on one or both
faces to a wood-based sheathing. The method applies to wall diaphragms that are
connected to the underlying timber construction or foundations either by bottom
rail connections or by a combination of bottom rail connections and tiedowns.

21.1 Construction of wall diaphragms

21.1.1 Timber frame
21.1.1.1 The timber frame consists of timber studs, not exceeding 610 mm centre
to centre, between horizontal top and bottom timber rails. The timber framing
members should be a minimum thickness of 38 mm, a minimum depth of 72 mm
and a minimum strength class of C16, in accordance with BS EN 338.

21.1.1.2 The connection between horizontal rails and studs should comprise a
minimum of two ring-shanked nails of diameter ≥3,1 mm and having a
penetration into the stud ≥45 mm, or equivalent.

21.1.2 Wood-based panel sheathing

21.1.2.1 The sheathing should conform to BS EN 13986.
NOTE For plasterboard see 22 and 23.

21.1.2.2 Shear buckling of the sheathing sheets may be disregarded, provided

that:
bnet/t ≤100
where:
bnet is the clear distance between studs;
t is the thickness of the sheathing.

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21.1.3 Fasteners connecting sheathing to timber framing

21.1.3.1 The diameter of the fasteners connecting the sheathing to timber
framing should be no greater than 0,09 times the stud thickness. Additionally,
where two sheathing sheets are connected to the same stud, the fastener edge
distance for both the stud and sheathing sheet should be a minimum of three
times the fastener diameter.

21.1.3.2 The fasteners fixing the sheathing to the framing should be equally
spaced around the perimeter of each sheathing sheet at a maximum distance of
150 mm. Fasteners fixing the sheathing to the framing within the perimeter of a
sheathing sheet should be equally spaced at a distance not more than twice the
perimeter fastener spacing.
NOTE For further details on the construction of timber frame wall diaphragms refer
to the TRADA publication, Timber frame construction [2].

21.2 General arrangements of wall diaphragms

21.2.1 A racking wall is a sheathed timber-frame wall, usually located in a
direction parallel to the wind load, and often extending between return walls.
A racking wall may comprise a single wall diaphragm or, if it contains racking
discontinuities, it may comprise more than one wall diaphragm (see Figure 1).

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Figure 1 Division of racking wall into wall diaphragms

PUBLISHED DOCUMENT

Key 5 Wall diaphragm 3

1 Wall diaphragm 1 6 Framed window within limits of 21.2.2
2 Racking discontinuity from door 7 Racking wall
3 Wall diaphragm 2 8 Framed window within limits of 21.2.2
4 Racking discontinuity from window outside limits of 21.2.2

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21.2.2 Racking discontinuities are door openings or large openings such as

windows that exceed any of the following limits.
a) The vertical dimension of the opening is greater than 0,65 times the wall
diaphragm height.
b) The height to the underside of the opening is less than 0,25 times the wall
diaphragm height.

21.2.3 A wall diaphragm may contain framed openings of dimensions within the
limits given in 21.2.2a) and 21.2.2b), provided that their effects on racking
strength and stiffness are taken into account (see 21.5.2.8).

21.2.4 Small openings within a length of wall diaphragm comprising only full
height sheathing sheets may be allowed without reducing racking resistance if
all of the following conditions are met.
a) The opening does not exceed 300 mm in both length and height where the
opening is framed.
b) The opening does not exceed 150 mm in both length and height or 200 mm
in diameter where the opening is unframed.
c) The edge distance from the opening to any edge of a sheathing sheet is at
least the maximum dimension of the opening.
d) Only one such opening is allowed in a sheathing sheet and the spacing
between such openings is at least 1 200 mm.

21.2.5 No more than two sheathing sheets of a length less than 600 mm should
be used consecutively along the length of wall diaphragm.

21.2.6 A wall diaphragm with a framed opening of dimensions within the limits
given in 21.2.2a) and 21.2.2b) may be designed to resist racking (see 21.5.2)
provided that the following conditions are met.
a) Each full height sheathing sheet either side of the opening should have a
minimum length of 0,25 times the width of the opening or one-eighth of
the wall height, whichever is the larger. Alternatively, there should be a full
width sheathing sheet (nominally 1 200 mm) within a distance of one-eighth
of the wall height from the vertical edge of the opening.
b) The connection between the edge stud of the panel below the opening and
the cripple stud immediately adjacent to the opening should have a design
shear capacity per unit length of no less than fp,d,t (see 21.5.2.2).

21.3 Distribution of horizontal wind loads between wall

diaphragms
For each orthogonal direction of wind load and at each floor level of the
building, the following recommendations should be applied.
a) The wall diaphragms should be identified on the building plan.
b) Each wall diaphragm should be situated directly above an underlying
load-bearing wall or alternatively a load transfer system of adequate
strength and stiffness should be designed such that the loads are
transferred to the nearby load-bearing walls in the underlying storey.
c) Where the provisions of Annex E or BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.3,
have been met, it may be assumed that the overlying roof or floor
diaphragm is capable of distributing wind load to each wall diaphragm in
proportion to its racking strength.
d) Where there is eccentricity between the centroids of the wind load and

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aggregated wall racking resistance, the forces resulting from the torsional
moment on the floor diaphragm should be applied to orthogonal racking
walls.

21.4 Design requirements for wall diaphragms under wind load

21.4.1 For each wall diaphragm, adequate racking, overturning and sliding
resistance should be provided to resist the wind load determined in accordance
with 21.3.
NOTE In accordance with the note under Table NA.A1.2(A) of the NA to
BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005, as the verification of overturning equilibrium involves the
racking resistance of the wall diaphragm, a combined verification uses the following
partial factors for permanent load:
γG,sup = 1,35
γG,inf = 1,00

21.4.2 Sliding resistance may be provided by friction under design permanent

load (reduced by any vertical component of design wind load) in conjunction
with mechanical fasteners. The coefficient of friction between timber members
or for the interface between the damp-proof course and the soleplate may be
taken as 0,4 when calculating the design sliding resistance.

21.4.3 At each floor level, the overturning resistance of each wall diaphragm
should be provided by ensuring that the design withdrawal capacity of its
bottom rail-to-floor connection, fw,d, see 20.5.2.5, can be mobilized by the
underlying construction (including at foundation level).
NOTE Calculation of design racking strength in accordance with 21.5 ensures the
overturning stability of the wall diaphragm (including taking into account the effects
of design permanent load).

21.4.4 For both overturning and racking calculations, additional permanent load
may be utilized from the following sources.
a) Return walls, provided that the connection between the return wall and the
wall diaphragm is designed to transfer the additional permanent load
mobilized.
b) The weight of the underlying construction, mobilized via holding-down
straps or tension fixings from the bottom rail of the wall diaphragm.

21.4.5 The design racking strength of wall diaphragms should be calculated in

accordance with the method given in 21.5.

21.5 Calculation of design racking strength

21.5.1 Design racking strength of racking walls
For a racking wall made up of more than one wall diaphragm, the design
racking strength of the racking wall, Fv,Rd, should be calculated from:
Fv,Rd 5 Fi,vRd (4)
where:

is the design racking strength of each wall diaphragm in

Fi,v,Rd
accordance with 21.5.2.

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21.5.2 Design racking strength of wall diaphragms

21.5.2.1 The design racking strength of a wall diaphragm Fi,v,Rd should be
calculated as follows:
Fi,vR, d 5 KopeningKi,wfp,dt, L (5)
where:

L is the length of the wall diaphragm, in m;

fp,d, is the summation, in accordance with 21.5.2.2, of the design shear

capacities per of unit length the perimeter sheathing fasteners, in
kN/m;
Ki,w is a modification factor taking into account wall length, vertical
load and holding-down arrangements, see Figure 2 and 21.5. 2.5;
Kopening is a modification factor, taking into account the effect of framed
openings, see 21.5.2.8.

Figure 2 Forces transmitted into underlying construction by bottom rail of wall diaphragm

Key
1 Design horizontal wind load
2 Sheathing-bottom rail fasteners providing uplift resistance per unit length of µfp,d,t (=fw,d)
3 Sheathing-bottom rail fasteners providing horizontal shear resistance per unit length, fp,d,t
4 Uplift resistance required from underlying construction (including at foundation level) of
(1 - Ki,w)fw,dL
5 Racking resistance transmitted to underlying construction of Ki,wfp,d,tL

21.5.2.2 The total design shear capacity per unit length of perimeter sheathing
fasteners should be calculated as follows:
fp,dt, 5 fp,d1, + kcombfp,d2, (6)
with:

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fp,d,2 ≤ fp,d,1
where:

is the design shear capacity per unit length of perimeter

fp,d,1
sheathing fasteners of the first or only sheathing layer,
calculated in accordance with 21.5.2.4, in kN/m;
fp,d,2 is the design shear capacity per unit length of perimeter
sheathing fasteners of the second sheathing layer, calculated in
accordance with 21.5.2.4, in kN/m;
Kcomb is the sheathing combination factor having the values in
Table 8.

Table 8 Values of sheathing combination factor, Kcomb

Details of second sheathing Kcomb

None 0
On opposite side of framing to first sheathing layer but 0,75
having sheathing sheets and fasteners of the same type,
dimensions and spacing
On opposite side of framing to first sheathing layer but 0,5
having sheathing sheets and fasteners of the differing type,
dimensions and spacing
On same side of framing to first sheathing layer 0,5

21.5.2.3 In order to limit racking deflection, the following condition should be

applied:
Ki,w fp,d,t ≤ 8(1+Kcomb)(L/H)
where:

is the height of the sheathed area of the wall diaphragm, in m,

H
see Figure 4.

21.5.2.4 The design shear capacity per unit length of the perimeter fasteners to
a sheathing sheet, fp,d, should be calculated from:
df1,15+sg / s
fp,d 5 Ff,R(7)
where:

is the design lateral capacity of an individual fastener, in kN;

Ff,Rd
s is the sheathing perimeter fastener spacing, in m.

21.5.2.5 The modification factor Ki,w should be calculated from equation (9).
Where equation (9) gives a value of Ki,w > 1, Ki,w should be taken as 1,0. Where
equation (9) gives a value of Ki,w < 0, Ki,w should be taken as 0.
Ki,w 5 minf1 + (H ⁄ µL兲2 + (2Md,stb,n ⁄ µfp,d,tL2)]0.5 − (H ⁄ µL兲 (8)
where:
Md,stb,n 5 Md,stb 2 Md,dst,top (9)
1,0
hfw, d
µ 5 min
fp,dt, (10)
and where:

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fw,d is the design withdrawal capacity of bottom rail-to-floor

connection per unit length, in kN/m;
Md,stb is the design stabilizing moment, in kN·m, about the leeward
end of the wall diaphragm (see Figure 3) from design
permanent load (see note under 21.4.1), reduced by any
vertical component of design wind load;
Md,dst,top is the design destabilizing moment, in kN·m, about the top of
the wall diaphragm from design wind load (see Figure 3).

Figure 3 Calculation of design stabilizing and destabilizing moments

Key
1 Design point load, V1 H1 Height of wall
diaphragm 1
2 Design UDL, w1 H2 Height of wall
diaphragm 2
3 Wall diaphragm 1 H3 Height of wall
diaphragm 3

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Figure 3 Calculation of design stabilizing and destabilizing moments

4 Design point load, V2 Hf Depth of floor

construction
5 Design UDL, w2 R1, R2, R3 Design horizontal
windloads
6 Wall diaphragm 2 V1, V2, V3 are design point loads
(usually load from return
wall)
7 Design point load, V3
8 Design UDL, w3
9 Wall diaphragm 3 A), B)
A)
Net design stabilizing moment (Md,stb,n) for the calculation of the design racking strength of wall diaphragm 3
(see 20.5.2.5).
(11)
M d,stb,n 5 M d,stb 2 M d,dst,top

where:
Md,stb 5 0.5w1L2+0.5w2L2+0.5w3L2+V3L (12)
(13)
M d,dst,top 5 R1sH1 1 H f 1 H2 1 H f d 1 R2sH2 1 H f d

B)
Leeward compression calculations (see 21.5.2.10) for wall diaphragm 3:
(14)
Wv,td, 5 w1L 1 V1 1 w2L 1 V2 1 w3L 1 V3

(15)
M d,stb 5 0.5w1L2 1 V1L 1 0.5w2L2 1 V2L0.5w3L2 1 V3L

(16)
M d,dst,base 5 R1sH1 1 H f 1 H2 1 H f 1 H3d 1 R2sH2 1 H f 1 H3d 1 R3H3

21.5.2.6 A check should be made that fw,d does not exceed the permanent load
per unit length of the underlying construction. In particular, if the permanent
load of the underlying wall storeys is being mobilized, it should be checked that
the withdrawal capacity, fw,d, can be achieved across all the horizontal interfaces
present in the floor constructions.

21.5.2.7 For a wall diaphragm comprising only of full height sheathing sheets
(see also 21.2.5), or containing only small openings in accordance with 21.2.4,
Kopening should be taken as 1,0.

21.5.2.8 For a wall diaphragm with a framed opening, or openings, of

dimensions within the limits given in 21.2.2 and meeting the provisions of
21.2.6, Kopening should be taken as:
Kopening 5 1 − 1,9p (17)
where:
A
p5
HL (18)
and:

is the aggregate area of openings in wall diaphragm, in m2.

A
Where the vertical dimension of an opening is less than half its
horizontal dimension (Lopen), the area of the opening is to be
taken as 0.5(Lopen)2.

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21.5.2.9 Where the wall diaphragm is made up of more than one wall panel (see
Figure 4), the design shear capacity per unit length of the wall panel-to-wall
panel connection should be greater than or equal to fp,d,t.

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Figure 4 Division of wall diaphragms into wall panels

PUBLISHED DOCUMENT

Key
1 Wall diaphragm 4 Wall panel-to-wall panel connection having design shear capacity ≥fp,d,t
2 Wall panel 5 Sheathing sheet

© The British Standards Institution 2012

3 Wall panel 6 Panel height, H

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21.5.2.10 Unless a special analysis is made to check that the compressive force at
the leeward end of a wall diaphragm, Fc,d,leewd, does not cause either buckling of
the wall studs or excessive bearing stresses on the horizontal framing members,
the following condition should be observed:
Fc,dl,eewd≤FcR,d
where:
Fc,dl,eewd 5 0,8Wv,td, f(Md,dst,base ⁄ Md,stb兲 1 共0,6 ⁄ L兲g (19)

and:

is the summation of the design compressive capacities of the

FcR,d
studs in kN within 0,1L of the leeward end of the wall
diaphragm. The design compressive capacity of each stud
should be taken as the lesser of either its design buckling
strength calculated in accordance with
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 6.3.2, or its design bearing
capacity on the horizontal framing members calculated in
accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 6.1.5;
Wv,t,d is the total design vertical load acting on the wall
diaphragm, in kN;
Md,stb is the design stabilizing moment, in kN·m, about the leeward
end of the wall diaphragm (see Figure 3) from the design
vertical load;
Md,dst,base is the design destabilizing moment, in kN·m, about the base
of the wall diaphragm from design wind load (see Figure 3);
L is the length of the wall diaphragm, in m.
NOTE 1 The maximum design compressive force at the leeward end of a wall
diaphragm is likely to occur under a combination of design permanent and design
variable (i.e. floor imposed, snow) loads (refer to NA to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005,
Table NA.A1.2(A), for details of design values of actions).
NOTE 2 For a wall diaphragm with a minimum of two studs within 0,1L of its
leeward end in a dwelling of two or less storeys, the check on compressive force at
the leeward end may be disregarded.
Where a return wall is located at the leeward end of a wall diaphragm,
provided that the construction within the depth of the floor zone (hf in
Figure 3) and the connection between the wall diaphragm and return wall are
designed to transfer the load, up to 50% of the design compressive force at the
leeward end of the wall diaphragm, Fc,d,leewd, may be re-distributed to studs in
the return wall a maximum of 1 m from the wall diaphragm.

22 Contribution of plasterboard to racking resistance

22.1 With the exception of separating walls comprising two or more built-up
layers of plasterboard having a minimum thickness of 30 mm, plasterboard
should provide not more than one-third of the total racking resistance.

22.2 In the case of separating walls comprising two or more built-up layers of
plasterboard having a minimum thickness of 30 mm, plasterboard alone may be
used to provide the racking resistance of a building.

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22.3 Where plasterboard is combined with a wood-based sheathing on the same

wall diaphragm, only the contribution of the wood-based sheathing should be
taken into account in calculating the racking strength of the wall diaphragm in
accordance with Clause 21.

23 Evaluation of design racking resistance of

plasterboard-clad timber frame walls
The design racking resistance of plasterboard-clad timber frame wall
diaphragms, having timber framing conforming to 21.1.1.1, may be calculated
using the procedures of 21.5.2.1, 21.5.2.5, 21.5.2.7 and 21.5.2.8 and the
appropriate value of total design shear capacity per unit length of the perimeter
fasteners, fp,d,t, given in Table 9.

Table 9 Total design shear capacities per unit length of the perimeter fasteners for various
specifications of plasterboard

Plasterboard specification fp,d,t

kN/m
12,5 mm plasterboard fixed to one side of timber framing using plasterboard 1,27
screws of 3,5 mm shank diameter at 30 mm spacing and penetrating at least 25
mm into timber framing.
15 mm plasterboard fixed to one side of timber framing using plasterboard screws 1,42
of 3,5 mm shank diameter at 300 mm spacing and penetrating at least 25 mm into
timber framing.
12,5 mm plasterboard fixed to both sides of timber framing using plasterboard 2,19
screws of 3,5mm shank diameter at 300 mm spacing and penetrating at least 25
mm into timber framing.
15 mm plasterboard fixed to both sides of timber framing using plasterboard 2,49
screws of 3,5 mm shank diameter at 300 mm spacing and penetrating at least 25
mm into timber framing.
Separating wall of minimum 30 mm plasterboard (in two or more layers) with each 2,19
layer individually fixed with plasterboard screws of 3,5 mm shank diameter at 300
mm spacing. The screws for each layer should penetrate at least 25 mm into
timber framing.

24 Bracing to trussed rafter roofs

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.5.3]
Standard bracing details, suitable for fulfilling the functions of both roof and
wall stability for spans up to 17 m should conform to Annex E. Provided that
they conform to the design criteria and conditions of use, no further calculations
are required.
NOTE E.3 describes principles and procedures by which bracing systems may be
designed for trussed rafter roofs for which no standard bracing solution is available.

25 Lateral load-carrying capacity of glued lap joints

[BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 10.3]
25.1 Clause 25 applies to lap joints in shear made from separate pieces of timber
or other wood-based materials glued together and manufactured in accordance
with BS 6446. Eccentricity in lap joints that induces tensile stress perpendicular
to the glueline should not be permitted.

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25.2 The following members may be bonded together:

a) softwood, of thickness measured normal to the plane of the glueline of up
to 50 mm;
NOTE It is inadvisable to use excessively resinous pieces of softwood.
b) glued laminated timber, of thickness measured normal to the plane of the
glueline of up to 50 mm;
c) plywood, OSB or particleboard, whose thickness only when it is connected
to softwood or glued laminated timber, does not exceed 29 mm;
d) tempered hardboard conforming to BS EN 622-2 of not more than 8 mm
thickness may be bonded to timber and glued laminated timber.

25.3 The following adhesives may be used:

1) phenolic and aminoplastic adhesives conforming to BS EN 301;
2) one-component polyurethane adhesives conforming to BS EN 15425.

25.4 It should be verified that:

τd ≤ Kpress fr,d
where:

is the design shear stress on the glueline;

τd
fr,d is the lowest design planar (rolling) shear strength of the
connected members;
Kpress is 0,9 when the close contact pressure on the glueline is
generated by mechanical fasteners, otherwise 1,0 where
pressure is applied in accordance with BS 6446.

25.5 For connected softwood members, the design planar (rolling) shear
strength for the glueline should be calculated as follows:
fr,d 5 fv,d共1 − 0,67sinα兲 (20)
where:

is the design shear strength parallel to grain of the softwood;

fv.d
α is the angle between the direction of load and the grain of the
member.

25.6 When metal fasteners are present in the glued joint, they should not be
considered as contributing to the strength of the joint.
NOTE It is advisable to consider the possibility of differential movements, distortion
and stress concentrations at glued joints.

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Annex A Exchange of information between building

(normative)
designer and component designer(s)
A.1 Exchange of information between building designer and
trussed rafter designer
The building designer should provide the trussed rafter designer with the
following information, preferably in the form of detailed technical drawings.
a) The height, orography and location of the building with reference to any
unusual wind conditions.
b) The span and profile of the trussed rafter.
c) The spacing of the trussed rafters.
d) The pitch or pitches of the roof.
e) The method of support and position of load-bearing supports.
f) The type or weights of roof tiles or covering, including sarking, insulation
and ceiling materials.
g) The size and position of water tanks or other ancillary equipment or loads
(e.g. hoist tracks, mechanical and electrical equipment, dormer
construction).
h) The overhang of rafters at eaves and other eaves details.
i) The positions and dimensions of hatches, chimneys and other openings.
j) The service use of the building with reference to any unusual environmental
conditions.
k) Details of any special timber sizes where these are required to match
existing construction.
l) The site snow load.
The trussed rafter designer should provide the building designer with the
following information, preferably in the form of detailed technical drawings.
1) The sizes and strength classes of members.
2) The type, size and positions of all punched metal plate fasteners.
3) The positions and sizes of all bearings.
4) The position and spacing of all trussed rafters.
5) The loadings and other conditions for which the trussed rafters are
designed.
6) The positions, fixings and sizes of any lateral supports necessary to prevent
buckling of compression members of the trussed rafters.
7) The location and method of support for tanks or ancillary equipment.
8) The range of reactions (including for wind uplift) to be accommodated at
the support positions.
9) Any special precautions for handling, storage or erection.
The building designer should use the information supplied by the trussed rafter
designer to check that the trussed rafters supplied are suitable for their
intended use.
NOTE Further details on the information to be provided to site by the trussed
rafter designer relating to transport, handling, storage, erection, positioning and
fixing of multiple members together can be found in BS EN 14250:2010, 6.2.

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A.2 Exchange of information between building designer and floor designer

The building designer should provide the floor designer with the following
information, preferably in the form of detailed technical drawings.
a) The spans of the joists and beams.
b) The positions and types (i.e. built-in or on hangers) of all load bearing
supports, including bearing lengths.
c) The design dead load or the type and weight of all floor and ceiling
coverings.
d) Confirmation of the building occupancy and design imposed loads.
e) The position and weight of all internal non-load bearing walls.
f) The size of any additional loads (e.g. hoist tracks, dormer construction).
g) Details of rims for timber-frame construction.
h) Location and size of any services to be passed through the floor void.
i) Location and size of floor openings.
j) Any special features relating to floor construction.
The floor designer should provide the building designer with the following
information, preferably in the form of detailed technical drawings.
1) The size and specification of all structural members.
2) The positions of all supports used in the design, including minimum
required bearing lengths.
3) The loadings and other conditions for which the joists have been designed.
4) The positions and spacing of all the floor components.
5) The reactions at the support positions.
6) The design and specification for all joist to joist, and joist to timber beam,
connections.
7) The design and specification for all joist and timber beam to masonry
connections.
8) Details of where additional restraint may be required to the compression
flange of the joists (e.g. near internal support of continuous joist where no
ceiling is directly attached to the joist bottom flange).
9) Any special precautions for handling, storage or erection.
The building designer should use the information provided by the floor designer
to check that the floor components supplied are suitable for their intended use.

Annex B Effective anchorage of floors to timber frame

(informative)
wall buildings of Consequence Class 2a
Effective anchorage of floors to timber frame walls in buildings of Consequence
Class 2a (see BS EN 1991-1-7:2006) may be provided as shown in Figure B.1
provided that all of the conditions below are adhered to.
a) Floor joists to be at a maximum of 610 mm centres.
b) Structural deck is to be of minimum thickness 15 mm unless particleboard in
which case minimum thickness to be 18 mm. Structural deck to extend
across top surface of rim beam.
c) Minimum fixing specification for all horizontal interfaces is 3.1 mm diameter
nails (minimum pointside penetration of 37mm) at 300 mm centres.

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d) For ceilings supported via resilient bars, blockings (of depth > 0.75 joist
depth) are required between joists at a maximum of 2 000 mm centres.
Blockings to be fixed at each end by a minimum of 2 no. 75 mm long
x 3.1 mm diameter nails.

Figure B.1 Details of effective anchorage of floors to timber frame walls in buildings of Consequence
Class 2a

a) Floor joists perpendicular to timber frame wall b) Floor joists parallel to timber frame wall

Key
1 Wall panel 5 Rim beam
2 Bottom rail 6 Head binder
3 Sole plate 7 Floor joists
4 Structural deck 8 Top rail
9 Blocking in end bay when ceiling supported via resilient
bars

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Annex C Actions and combinations of actions that may be

(informative)
considered in the design of trussed rafters
C.1 General
The actions that might be relevant to the design of trussed rafters that do not
contain a habitable room are summarized in Table C.1.

C.2 Floor imposed loading for attic truss configuration

Trussed rafters having an attic truss configuration should, over the room area
(even it is not intended that the room be habitable), be designed for at least
Category A imposed loading, as given in the UK NA to BS EN 1991-1-1,
Table NA.3, together with an allowance for partitions.

C.3 Action combinations

NOTE The action combinations given in BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005, 6.4.3.2, can be
considered for strength verification and BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 2.2.3,
expression (2.2) can be considered for serviceability verification.
For all duo-pitch or mono-pitch trussed rafters that do not contain a habitable
room, the action combinations that may be considered in design as a minimum
are summarized in Table C.2.

Table C.1 Summary of actions for duo-pitch and mono-pitch trussed rafters

Load type Symbol Characteristic load Position on Load duration/ Ψ0

trussed rafter class

Truss Gk,1 As appropriate Full length of Permanent n.a.

self-weight external and
internal members
Tiles and Gk,2 In absence of more Full length of top Permanent n.a.
battens specific information, chord
Gk,2,sup =
0,66 kN/m2
Ceiling and Gk,3 In absence of more Full length of Permanent n.a.
insulation specific information, bottom chord
Gk,3,sup = 0,25 kN/m2
Water tank Qk,1 For tanks of capacity For tanks Long term ψ 0,1 = 1,0
≤300 l, Qk,1 = supported as
2 x 0,45 kN shown in Figure
F.1, at two bottom
For tanks of capacity
chord nodes
≤450 l, Qk,1 =
nearest water tank
2 x 0,675 kN
Plant and Qk,2 As appropriate As appropriate Long term ψ 0,2 = 1,0
services
Storage load Qk,3 0,25 kN/m2 Full length of Long term ψ 0,3 = 1,0
bottom chord
Snow Qk,4 As appropriate Full length of top Short term ψ 0,4 = 0,5
chord
Snow Qk,5 As appropriate Asymmetrically Short term ψ 0,5 = 0,5
(asymmetrical) distributed to
either top chord

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Table C.1 Summary of actions for duo-pitch and mono-pitch trussed rafters

Man load on Qk,6 0,9 kN, only Centre and each Short term ψ 0,6 = 1,0
top chord applicable for roof end of any top
pitches ≤ 30° chord bay and
300 mm from end
of unsupported
overhangs
> 600 mm
Top chord Qk,7 Pitch < 30°, Full length of top Short term ψ 0,7 = 0,7
imposed load 0,6 kN/m2 chord
in accordance 30°≤Pitch<60°,
with Table
NA.7 of UK NA 0,6[(60-Pitch)/30]
to kN/m2
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Pitch > 60°,
0 kN/m2
Man load, Qk,8 0,9 kN Centre and each Short term ψ 0,8 = 1,0
bottom chord end of any bottom
chord bay where
clearance
>1,2 m
Wind Qk,9 As appropriate Full length of Instantaneous ψ 0,9 = 0,5
chord including
end vertical
members which
are exposed to
wind

Table C.2 Summary of action combinations for duo-pitch and mono-pitch trussed rafters

Action Combination of actions Load duration

combination
no.
AC01 Description Permanent actions Permanent
Equation ΣγGGk,j = γGGk,1 + γGGk,2 + γGGk,3
AC02 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage Long term
Equation ΣγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3
AC03 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Short term
snow (undrifted) + man (BC)
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,4 + γQQk,8
AC04 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Short term
service load + man (BC)
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,7 + γQQk,8
AC05 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Short term
snow (drifted left) + man (BC)
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,5 + γQQk,8
AC06 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Short term
snow (drifted right) + man (BC)
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,5 + γQQk,8
AC07 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Short term
man (TC)

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Table C.2 Summary of action combinations for duo-pitch and mono-pitch trussed rafters

Equation ΣγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,6

AC08 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Instantaneous
wind left + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,9
AC09 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Instantaneous
wind right + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,9
AC10 Description Permanent + water tank + plant + storage + snow Instantaneous
(left) + wind (right) + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,5 + ψ
0,9γQQk,9

AC11 Description Permanent + water tank + plant + storage + snow Instantaneous

(left) + wind (right) + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + ψ 0,5γQQk,5 +
γQQk,9
AC12 Description Permanent + water tank + plant + storage + snow Instantaneous
(right) + wind (left) + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,5 + ψ
0,9γQQk,9

AC13 Description Permanent + water tank + plant + storage + snow Instantaneous

(right) + wind (left) + internal suction
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + ψ 0,5γQQk,5 +
γQQk,9
AC14 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Instantaneous
wind left + internal pressure
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,9
AC15 Description Permanent actions + water tank + plant + storage + Instantaneous
wind right + internal pressure
Equation ΣξγGGk,j + γQQk,1 + γQQk,2 + γQQk,3 + γQQk,9
AC16 Description Permanent actions + wind along ridge + internal Instantaneous
pressure
Equation ΣγG,infGk,j + γQQk,9
NOTE 1 γG = 1,35; γG,inf = 1,0; γQ = 1,5; ξ = 0,925
NOTE 2 ψ0 has only been included in the equations if the value for the associated variable load is less than 1,0.
NOTE 3 Combination of actions including a man load have many sub-combination cases (i.e. man load positioned
at centre and end of each bay).
NOTE 4 All of the above action combinations use expression 6.10b with the exception of AC07 and AC16 which use
6.10a

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Annex D Masonry shielding to timber frame wall

(informative)
diaphragms
For buildings up to three storeys high, it may be assumed that the shaded area
of brickwork in Figure D.1 would shield the timber frame structure behind it
from the wind pressure or wind suction exerted on that area of the gable,
where the following statements are applicable.
a) The length, L, in m, is the shortest length of the following:
1) 1,3;
2) 1,3 A;
3) the distance from the corner of the wall to any windows or movement
joints;
4) for walls under wind pressure, where A < 0,28H,
(A2 + ∑Bi2)/(0,56H – 2A);
5) for walls under wind suction, (A2 + ∑Bi2)/0,46H.
b) The number of walls, Bi, which might be considered to resist wind load on
the gable, are limited by any movement joints. In addition, it is important
that any wall, Bi, which is used to resist the wind load on one gable is not
simultaneously used to resist wind load on the opposite gable.
c) The unfactored wind pressure/suction on the face (the peak velocity
pressure multiplied by the external pressure coefficient on that face, both
determined in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4) does not exceed 0,6 kN/m²
or 0,5 kN/m² in pressure and suction respectively.
d) The brickwork is fully bonded at the corner and laterally tied back to the
timber frame in accordance with BS EN 1996-1-1.
e) The wall is a minimum of 100 mm thick and constructed with Group 1 clay
masonry units of Category 2 and Class 2 execution control, having a density
of 18 kN/m³, water absorption of 7%–12%, and a normalized mean
compressive strength of 15 N/mm², in accordance with BS EN 771-1:2011 and
BS EN 772-7:1998.
f) The wall is constructed with a prescribed masonry mortar Class M4, in
accordance with BS EN 998-2: 2010.
g) Notwithstanding a) to f), the brickwork designer is still responsible for the
full design of the brickwork, including checking the brickwork for resistance
to the local external pressure coefficients while taking account of the
pressures within the cavity.
h) The timber frame designer advises the brickwork designer of the
assumptions which have been made in calculating the wind loads on the
timber frame and therefore the loads which the brickwork is assumed to
carry.
i) The timber frame designer checks that the timber frame is able to
torsionally restrain the L x A angled section of brickwork (see Figure D.1).

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Figure D.1 Area of brickwork providing wind shield to timber frame structure

Key
1 Shaded area may be assumed to be fully shielded from wind load in
direction shown
2 Direction of applied wind load (±)

Annex E Bracing of trussed rafter roofs

(normative)
E.1 General
Standard bracing arrangements should be selected in accordance with the flow
diagrams in Figure E.1 and Figure E.2.
NOTE 1 A standard method for providing roof and wall stability has been evolved
for spans up to 17 m from industry experience in the use of trussed rafters for
domestic scale roofs.
NOTE 2 Figure E.1 enables the selection of suitable bracing details at rafter level
for adequate roof stability at this level. Figure E.2 enables the plasterboard
diaphragm at ceiling level to be appraised as a suitable means of maintaining wall
stability at this level.
In addition to the bracing at rafter and ceiling level defined in Annex E,
additional bracing may be required to stabilize the gable walls at intermediate
levels. The building designer should be responsible for designing this additional
bracing and verifying the overall stability of the masonry wall.
The standard bracing details derived in accordance with Annex E may be used
without further calculation. If no standard bracing solution is available, then a
specific bracing system should be designed by the building designer following
the principles given in E.3.

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Hipped ends on a trussed rafter roof may provide a satisfactory alternative to

the bracing shown in Figure E.3 for the area contained by the hip end. Where
the length of roof between the hip ends exceeds 1.8 m, this section should be
braced, as shown in Figure E.3.

E.2 Sarking materials

NOTE 1 For the purposes of Annex E, sarking is defined as structural boarding used
for the purposes of bracing the roof.
Where certain sarking materials are directly fixed to the top face of the rafter
members, it is permissible to omit the rafter diagonal bracing, chevron bracing
and longitudinal bracing at rafter level. This omission is acceptable where the
sarking material is moisture resistant and provides an equivalent level of
restraint to out-of-plane instability and wind forces.
NOTE 2 The minimum thicknesses of some sarking materials that are required to
meet the bracing requirements only are given in Table E.1. Greater thicknesses might
be necessary to meet imposed loading and durability requirements.
Sarking materials should be nailed to the rafters with an allowance being made
for moisture related movement between boards. Joints between square-edged
boards should be supported on timber noggings. Cantilevering or splicing of
boards between rafters is not recommended.
NOTE 3 It is important that the stability, verticality and straightness of the truss
rafters is maintained during erection throughout the period of fixing of the sarking
material.

Table E.1 Thickness and fixing of sarking materials

Material Minimum Fixing

thickness
mm
Plywood 9 A) 3,0 mm diameter 50 mm long
Oriented strand board (OSB) 9 A) galvanized round wire nails fixed
Chipboard 12 A) at 200 mm centres to every
trussed rafter
Timber boarding (no more 16 Two 3,0 mm diameter 50 mm
than one board in four may long galvanized round wire nails
be jointed on any one rafter per board fixed to every trussed
member) rafter
A)
Suitable only where roof coverings (e.g. slates and tiles) are independently supported
on battens, secured to counter battens. In all other cases, roof coverings may be
attached directly to the board.

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Figure E.1 Procedure for the design of roof bracing at rafter level

A)
For monopitch roofs, use a span which is twice the actual span, Ls.
B)
The wallplate anchorage detail should be designed to transfer the forces stated for the rafter diagonal braces
in Figure E.9, Figure E.10 and Figure E.11 into the supporting structure.

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Figure E.2 Procedure for the design of roof bracing at ceiling level

A)
For monopitch roofs, use a span which is twice the actual span, Ls.
B)
The diaphragm span and depth should be defined from any unbroken area of plasterboard bounded on each
edge by timber wallplates, head plates or trusses which can be deemed to act as flanges to the diaphragm.
C)
The wallplate anchorage detail should be designed to transfer the forces stated for the rafter diagonal braces
given in Figure E.9 and Figure E.10.

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Figure E.3 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of duopitch trussed rafters

b) Plan of rafter diagonal bracing layout for

a) Plan of roof narrow fronted detached roofs (rafter
braces cross)

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Figure E.3 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of duopitch trussed rafters

c) Section A–A using WW truss (upper figure) and d) Plan of rafter diagonal bracing layout for
using fan truss (lower figure) wider-fronted detached roofs (rafter braces
do not need to cross)
Key to Figure E.3
1 Rafter diagonal bracing nailed to wall plate 9 Ridge
2 Roof pitch, α 10 Frontage, F
3 Chevron bracing to webs 11 Alternative direction of chevron brace
4 Span of trussed rafter, Ls 12 Longitudinal brace
5 Gable end 13 Maximum of two trusses between chevron
braces
6 Alternative direction of rafter diagonal 14 For spans in excess of 11 m, additional
bracing chevron bracing is required
7 Party wall C) For details on view C [see Figure E.3a)], see
Figure E.9, Figure E.10, Figure E.11 and Figure
E.12
8 Chevron brace to be at approximately 45° D) For details on view D [see Figure E.3b)], and
and nailed to at least 3 trusses refer to Figure E.9, detail D1 and Figure E.12,
detail D4

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Figure E.3 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of duopitch trussed rafters

Specification notes to Figure E.3

a) The maximum trussed rafter spacing is 600 mm.
b) Horizontal lateral connections between masonry walls and the roof structure are in accordance
with the recommendations given in BS 8103-1 and are fixed at both rafter and ceiling tie level.
c) The ceiling is of plasterboard throughout (plasterboard conforming to BS EN 520 and that is of a
minimum thickness of 12.5 mm and installed in accordance with BS 8212), or of similar rigid
material fixed either directly to the bottom chords of the trussed rafters or to continuous counter
battens which are fixed directly to the bottom chords of the trussed rafters. Where the ceiling is
less rigid than plasterboard or is omitted, extra bracing will normally be required at ceiling level.
d) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3.35 mm diameter
galvanized wire nails with a minimum length equal to the bracing thickness plus 32 mm. In all
details 3.1 mm × 90 mm long, mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3.35 mm × 65
mm long wire nails.
e) At least four rafter diagonal braces as shown in Figure E.3 (lap jointed, as required) are fixed to
the undersides of the rafter members ideally at 45° to the rafters but not less than 35° or greater
than 55° measured normal to the roof slope.
f) Longitudinal bracing members (lap jointed, if required) extend over the whole length of the roof
and tightly abut the face of every gable and party wall.
g) A longitudinal bracing member is located at the apex and either:
1) located at all other nodes (excluding support points); or
2) where intermediate longitudinal bracing members are omitted, the resultant spacing
between longitudinal braced nodes does not exceed 4.2 m measured along each rafter
and 3.7 m measured along each ceiling tie, and temporary battens are installed to assist
in the correct erection and alignment of the trussed rafters.
h) Internal compression members are provided with lateral restraint, where required by the trussed
rafter designer.
i) On trussed rafter roofs with spans in excess of 8 m for duopitch roofs, chevron bracing as shown
in Figure E.3 is required. For spans in excess of 11 m, additional chevron bracing is required.
j) Rafter diagonal bracing and chevron bracing members extend over the whole length of the roof
except that this bracing may be omitted from no more than two trussed rafters between sets of
bracing and single trussed rafters adjacent to the faces of gable and party walls.
NOTE 1 Chevron bracing shown is not required on internal members of trusses with spans
of 8 m or less.

NOTE 2 denotes longitudinal bracing not required when the criteria described in specification
note g)2) are met.

NOTE 3 For the purposes of Annex E, a building may be defined as narrow fronted when the frontage is: F ⬍
/
1+(Ls 1.4cosα)

E.3 Non-standard roof bracing

Where no standard bracing solution is available, a bracing system should be
designed in accordance with BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.5.3. The bracing
system, which may consist of a combination of elements (such as those given in
Annex E or other suitable structural systems), should be capable of restraining
all out-of-plane forces on the roof without excessive deflection (whether
induced by external wind forces acting on the walls or by internal compression
instability forces in the truss members themselves).
The bracing forces should be determined on the basis of the most unfavourable
combinations of geometrical or structural imperfections and induced deflections
under load.

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NOTE For detailed information about calculating the compression induced

out-of-plane instability force to be resisted by the bracing system, see
BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, 9.2.5.3[1]), and NA to BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008,
NA 2.11.
Where the bracing system is also required to serve the purpose of wall stability,
out-of-plane wind forces should be combined with the appropriate compression
induced instability force.
Whether the bracing system is either a purpose designed bracing system at
rafter or ceiling level, or a prefabricated wind girder or ring beam, the bracing
system chosen should be capable of resisting the imposed loads (wind and/or
instability) and of limiting the horizontal deflection. The deflection limit should
be agreed with the building designer; the values below may be used as
guidance.
Limit on horizontal deflection = min 10 mm / l/500.

Figure E.4 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of mono-pitch trussed rafters

a) Section through roof d) Chevron bracing on vertical end

e) Chevron bracing on diagonal web

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Figure E.4 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of mono-pitch trussed rafters

b) Plan of roof f) Plan of rafter diagonal bracing layout

for narrow-fronted detached roofs
(rafter braces cross)

c) Section on roof (using alternative mono trusses) g) Plan of rafter diagonal bracing layout
for wider fronted detached roofs (rafter
braces do not need to cross)
Key to Figure E.4
1 Rafter diagonal bracing nailed to wall 9 Alternative direction of chevron bracing
2 Roof pitch, α 10 Longitudinal bracing
3 Chevron bracing to webs 11 Web diagonal bracing
4 Span of trussed rafter, Ls 12 For spans in excess of 8,0 m, additional
5 Gable end bracing is required
6 Alternative direction of rafter diagonal 13 Frontage F
7 Maximum of two trusses between chevron C) For details on view C [see Figure E.4.a),
braces section A–A)] see Figure E.9, Figure E.10,
Figure E.11 and Figure E.12
8 Chevron brace to be approximately 45° and D) For details on view D [see Figure E.4.f)], see
nailed to at least three trusses Figure E.9, detail D1 and Figure E.12,
detail 4

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Figure E.4 Standard bracing for rafter and web members of mono-pitch trussed rafters

Specification notes to Figure E.4

a) The maximum trussed rafter spacing is 600 mm.
b) Horizontal lateral connections between masonry walls and the roof structure are in accordance
with the recommendations given in BS 8103-1 and fixed at both rafter and ceiling tie level.
c) The ceiling is of plasterboard throughout (plasterboard which conforms to BS EN 520 and which
is of a minimum thickness of 12.5 mm and installed in accordance with BS 8212), or of similar
rigid material fixed either directly to the bottom chords of the trussed rafters or to continuous
counter battens which are fixed directly to the bottom chords of the trussed rafters. Where the
ceiling is less rigid than plasterboard or is omitted, extra bracing will normally be required at
ceiling level.
d) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3.35 mm diameter
galvanized wire nails with a minimum length equal to the bracing thickness plus 32 mm. In all
details 3.1 mm × 90 mm long mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3.35 mm ×
65 mm long wire nails.
e) At least two rafter diagonal braces, as shown in Figure E.4, (lap jointed, as required) are fixed to
the undersides of the rafter members ideally at 45° to the rafters but not less than 35° or greater
than 55° measured normal to the roof slope.
f) Longitudinal bracing members (lap jointed, if required) extend over the whole length of the roof
and tightly abut the face of every gable and party wall.
g) A longitudinal bracing member is located at the apex and either:
1) is located at all other nodes (excluding support points); or
2) where intermediate longitudinal bracing members are omitted, the resultant spacing
between longitudinal braced nodes does not exceed 4.2 m measured along each rafter
and 3.7 m measured along each ceiling tie, and temporary battens are installed to assist
in the correct erection and alignment of the trussed rafters.
h) Internal compression members are provided with lateral restraint where required by the trussed
rafter designer.
i) On trussed rafter roofs with spans in excess of 5 m for monopitch roofs, chevron bracing as
shown in Figure E.4 is required. For spans in excess of 8 m additional chevron bracing is required.
j) Rafter diagonal bracing and chevron bracing members extend over the whole length of the roof
except that this bracing may be omitted from no more than two trussed rafters between sets of
bracing and single trussed rafters adjacent to the faces of gable and party walls.
k) Monopitch trussed rafters also require diagonal bracing fixed to the inside face of the end
vertical if this member is not laterally restrained at its top or bottom by connection to a wall,
beam or by being clad in plywood or similar rigid sheet material adequately fixed to the truss.
NOTE 1 Chevron bracing shown is not required on internal members of trusses having spans of
5 m or less.

NOTE 2 denotes longitudinal bracing not required when the criteria described in specification
note g)2) are met.

NOTE 3 For the purposes of this annex, a building may be defined as narrow fronted when the frontage is:
F ⬍ 1+(Ls 1.4 cos α) .
/

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A)
Figure E.5 Limiting spans for standard bracing of trussed rafter roofs

a) Single storey duo-pitch b) Single storey mono-pitch

c) Two-storey duo-pitch d) Two-storey mono-pitch

e) Three-storey duo-pitch f) Three-storey mono-pitch

Key
1 Underside of ceiling tie
2 Ground level
3 Truss span Ls
A)
For maximum truss spans, see Table E.2.

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Table E.2 Maximum truss spans for Figure E.5

Building profile Maximum truss span, Ls

A)
(see Figure E.5) Roof pitch Zone A Zone B A) Zone C A)
Zone D A)

° m m m m

Single storey duo-pitch

22,5 12,0 12,0 12,0 12,0
25,0 12,0 12,0 12,0 11,3
27,5 12,0 12,0 11,4 10,2
30,0 12,0 11,6 10,3 9,1
32,5 12,0 10,5 9,3 8,0
35,0 11,3 9,4 8,7 7,7
37,5 10,2 8,9 7,8 6,7
40,0 9,2 7,9 6,8 6,3
42,5 8,1 7,6 6,5 5,4
45,0 7,7 6,6 5,6 5,2
Single-storey mono-pitch
22,5 9,6 8,4 7,2 6,5
25,0 8,5 7,2 6,5 5,8
27,5 7,7 6,5 5,8 5,2
30,0 6,9 5,9 5,2 4,5
32,5 6,3 5,3 4,6 4,0
35,0 5,7 5,0 4,4 3,8
37,5 5,2 4,5 3,9 3,4
40,0 4,6 4,0 3,4 3,2
42,5 4,4 3,8 3,2 2,8
45,0 3,9 3,3 2,8 2,7
Two-storey duo-pitch
22,5 12,0 12,0 12,0 10,7
25,0 12,0 12,0 10,7 9,3
27,5 12,0 11,4 9,4 8,8
30,0 11,6 10,2 8,9 7,8
32,5 10,5 9,1 7,9 6,8
35,0 9,3 8,1 6,9 6,4
37,5 8,9 7,7 6,6 5,5
40,0 7,9 6,7 5,6 5,2
42,5 7,5 6,4 5,3 4,4
45,0 6,6 5,5 5,1 4,2
Two-storey mono-pitch
22,5 8,3 7,1 6,3 5,6
25,0 7,2 6,4 5,7 5,0
27,5 6,5 5,7 5,1 4,5
30,0 5,9 5,2 4,5 3,9
32,5 5,3 4,5 4,0 3,4
35,0 5,0 4,0 3,7 3,2
37,5 4,5 3,8 3,3 2,8
40,0 3,9 3,4 3,1 2,7
42,5 3,7 3,2 2,7 2,7
45,0 3,3 2,8 2,7 2,7

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Table E.2 Maximum truss spans for Figure E.5

Building profile Maximum truss span, Ls

A)
(see Figure E.5) Roof pitch Zone A Zone B A) Zone C A)
Zone D A)

° m m m m

Three-storey duo-pitch
22,5 12,0 12,0 10,7 9,3
25,0 12,0 11,4 9,3 8,1
27,5 11,6 10,2 8,9 7,7
30,0 10,5 9,1 7,8 6,7
32,5 9,3 8,0 6,8 6,3
35,0 8,9 7,6 6,4 5,4
37,5 7,9 6,7 5,5 5,2
40,0 6,9 6,3 5,2 4,3
42,5 6,6 5,4 4,4 4,1
45,0 5,6 5,2 4,2 3,9
Three-storey mono-pitch
22,5 7,6 6,4 5,6 4,6
25,0 6,6 5,7 5,0 4,0
27,5 5,9 5,1 4,5 3,8
30,0 5,3 4,5 3,9 3,3
32,5 5,0 4,0 3,4 3,1
35,0 4,5 3,8 3,2 2,7
37,5 3,9 3,3 2,8 2,7
40,0 3,7 3,2 2,7 2,7
42,5 3,3 2,7 2,7 2,7
45,0 3,1 2,7 2,7 2,7
A)
Wind zones are shown in Figure E.6 and Figure E.7.

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Figure E.6 Basic wind zones for buildings at site altitudes ≤150 m

NOTE 1 This map is intended for sites in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands only.

NOTE 2 The isopleths in the Irish Republic are shown for purposes of interpolation only.

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Figure E.7 Basic wind zones for buildings at site altitudes between 150 m and 300 m

NOTE 1 This map is intended for sites in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands only.

NOTE 2 The isopleths in the Irish Republic are shown for purposes of interpolation only.

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Table E.3 Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressures (kN/m2) on windward and leeward
gable walls for roofs constructed using the details of Figure E.10

Roof Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressure (kN/m2)on windward and leeward gable
pitch (°) walls for roof of span (m)

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

22,5 S.B. A) S.B. A) S.B. A) 3,26 2,60 2,09 1,76 1,43

25,0 S.B. A) S.B. A) 3,69 2,93 2,36 1,91 1,55 1,31
27,5 S.B. A) 4,17 3,27 2,66 2,13 1,73 1,41 1,16
30,0 4,94 3,78 2,97 2,36 1,95 1,58 1,29 1,07
32,5 4,49 3,45 2,70 2,15 1,74 1,41 1,19 0,98
35,0 4,08 3,14 2,46 1,97 1,59 1,29 1,05 0,86
37,5 3,68 2,82 2,21 1,80 1,46 1,19 0,96 0,80
40,0 3,36 2,58 2,03 1,61 1,29 1,05 0,86 N.A
42,5 3,08 2,36 1,85 1,47 1,19 0,96 N.A N.A
45,0 2,78 2,12 1,65 1,31 1,05 N.A N.A N.A
NOTE Intermediate values may be obtained by linear interpolation.
A)
S.B. refers to minimum standard bracing. See Figure E.3 or Figure E.4 together with Figure E.9.

Table E.4 Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressures (kN/m2) on windward and leeward
gable walls for roofs constructed using the details of Figure E.11 and E.12

Roof Maximum design cumulative surface wind pressure (kN/m2)on windward and leeward gable
pitch (°) walls for roof of span (m)

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

22.5 S.B. A) 4,98 4,05 3,33 2,82 2,36 1,97 1,65

25.0 5,55 4,47 3,65 3,00 2,49 2,13 1,79 1,50
27.5 4,94 4,04 3,29 2,72 2,27 1,89 1,64 1,38
30.0 4,47 3,60 2,99 2,48 2,06 1,73 1,46 1,23
32.5 4,07 3,27 2,67 2,21 1,88 1,58 1,34 1,13
35.0 3,71 2,99 2,45 2,03 1,68 1,41 1,22 1,04
37.5 3,35 2,73 2,24 1,85 1,55 1,29 N.A N.A
40.0 3,06 2,46 2,01 1,67 1,38 N.A N.A N.A
42.5 2,79 2,25 1,83 1,52 N.A N.A N.A N.A
45.0 2,52 2,03 1,65 N.A N.A N.A N.A N.A
NOTE Intermediate values may be obtained by linear interpolation.
A)
S.B. refers to minimum standard bracing. See Figure E.3 or Figure E.4 together with Figure E.9.

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Table E.5 Maximum design horizontal wind force (kN/m) at bottom chord level on 12.5 mm thick
plasterboard ceiling diaphragms

Diaphragm span A) B)
m
Diaphragm 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
depth
m
6 2,12 1,91 1,73 1,58 1,47 1,37 1,26 1,19 1,11
7 2,46 2,22 2,01 1,85 1,70 1,59 1,49 1,38 1,31
8 2,82 2,54 2,30 2,12 1,95 1,80 1,68 1,58 1,50
9 3,17 2,85 2,60 2,37 2,16 2,04 1,91 1,77 1,67
10 3,51 3,17 2,88 2,64 2,43 2,25 2,12 1,98 1,86
11 3,87 3,48 3,17 2,90 2,69 2,49 2,31 2,18 2,06
12 4,22 3,80 3,45 3,17 2,91 2,72 2,54 2,37 2,22
13 4,58 4,11 3,74 3,42 3,17 2,94 2,75 2,57 2,42
14 4,94 4,43 4,04 3,69 3,41 3,17 2,96 2,76 2,58
15 5,28 4,76 4,32 3,96 3,65 3,39 3,17 2,96 2,81
16 5,63 5,07 4,61 4,22 3,90 3,62 3,38 3,17 2,97
17 6,14 5,39 4,91 4,49 4,13 3,84 3,68 3,36 3,17
A)
Intermediate values may be obtained by linear interpolation.
B)
For plasterboard ceiling diaphragms, wallplates should be spliced in accordance with Figure E.8 or using an
alternative splice detail capable of resisting a design instantaneous axial action of 4,9 kN.

Table E.6 Maximum design horizontal wind force (kN/m) at bottom chord level on 15 mm thick
plasterboard ceiling diaphragms
A) B)
Diaphragm Diaphragm span
depth
m
m 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

6 2,37 2,13 1,94 1,77 1,65 1,53 1,41 1,32 1,25

7 2,76 2,49 2,25 2,07 1,91 1,79 1,67 1,55 1,46
8 3,17 2,84 2,57 2,37 2,19 2,01 1,88 1,77 1,68
9 3,54 3,20 2,91 2,66 2,42 2,28 2,13 1,98 1,86
10 3,93 3,54 3,23 2,96 2,72 2,52 2,37 2,22 2,09
11 4,34 3,90 3,54 3,24 3,00 2,79 2,58 2,43 2,30
12 4,73 4,25 3,87 3,54 3,26 3,05 2,84 2,66 2,49
13 5,13 4,61 4,19 3,83 3,54 3,30 3,08 2,87 2,70
14 5,52 4,95 4,52 4,14 3,81 3,54 3,32 3,09 2,90
15 5,91 5,33 4,83 4,44 4,08 3,80 3,54 3,32 3,14
16 6,30 5,69 5,16 4,73 4,37 4,05 3,78 3,54 3,33
17 6,87 6,03 5,49 5,03 4,62 4,31 4,11 3,77 3,54
A)
Intermediate values may be obtained by linear interpolation.
B)
For plasterboard ceiling diaphragms, wallplates should be spliced in accordance with Figure E.8 or using an
alternative splice detail capable of resisting a design instantaneous axial action of 4,9 kN.

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Figure E.8 Wall plate splice joint

a) Heel detail at bearing

b) Elevation of wall plate splice

Key
1 Wall plate
2 Steel strap fixed using 6 no. 3,75 mm × 30 mm square twist nails into each member
3 100 mm long half lap joint with no. 2 nail fixings

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Figure E.9 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C1 and D1

a) Detail C1: Eaves and lap connection – view on b) Detail D1: Crossing connection for narrow
slope on topside of rafters (see arrow C section fronted buildings (see arrow D on plan view of
A-A on Figure E.3 or Figure E.4) narrow fronted roof rafter diagonal bracing in
Figure E.3 or E.4)

Key
1 Ideally 45° but not less than 35° or greater
than 55°
2 Nail to wall plate
3 Rafter diagonal brace lap jointed, where
required
4 Wall plate
5 600 mm long timber splice plate the same size as bracing timbers
Timber splice plate should be fixed using minimum of 4 no. 3,35 diameter galvanized nails each side ×
minimum nail length equal to bracing thickness + 32 mm. Protruding nails should be clenched over as
required.
a) All bracing members are of minimum width 89 mm and minimum depth 22 mm and free from
major strength reducing defects. Additionally the cross-sectional area should not be less than
2 134 mm2. Provided these conditions are met, no further strength grading is necessary for
bracing members.
b) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3,35 mm diameter
wire nails with a minimum length equal to the bracing thickness plus 32 mm.
c) In all details 3,1 mm × 90 mm long mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3,35
mm × 65 mm long wire nails.
d) Where bracing members are provided in two pieces, they are lap jointed over at least two trussed
rafters and are nailed as described in b) or c).
e) Where nails exceed the thickness of bracing members they should either be clenched, or a
packing piece added behind the joint.
f) For the purpose of designing a suitable wallplate anchorage detail a design instantaneous axial
action of 4,9 kN should be assumed to exist in the rafter diagonal braces.

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Figure E.10 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C2 and D2

a) Plan view at wallplate b) Detail C2:Eaves connection – view on slope

on topside of rafters [see C, Figure E.3 or
Figure E.4]

c) Detail D2: Splice connection – view on slope on

underside of rafters A)

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Figure E.10 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C2 and D2

d) Rafter diagonal bracing splice

A)
Cross-over of diagonal rafter braces in the slope of the roof is not permitted. The bracing system depicted in
Figure E.10 is only applicable to wide-fronted buildings.
Key
1 Trussed rafters at ≤ 600 mm centres
2 Wall plate
3 47 mm × 100 mm × 250 mm long timber blocks to be fixed hard against each side of truss and
nailed to wallplate using 4 no. 4 diameter × 90 mm long nails
4 Trussed rafters at ≤ 600 mm centres
5 1 mm thick steel bracket fixed to both rafter and timber shelf using minimum of 10 no. 3,35 mm
diameter × 30 mm long square twist nails
6 22 mm × 97 mm diagonal rafter brace fixed to 47 mm × 220 mm timber shelf (minimum grade
C16) using 8 no. 3,35 mm diameter × 65 mm long nails
7 22 mm × 97 mm rafter brace
8 Timber splice plate (22 mm × 97 mm × 1 200 mm) fixed to each diagonal rafter brace using 10
no. 3,35 mm diameter × 65 mm long nails
9 Rafter
10 Rafter braces butt-jointed over a truss
11 Ideally 45° but not less than 35° or greater than 55°

a) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3,35 mm diameter
wire nails with a minimum length equal to the bracing thickness plus 32 mm.
b) In all details 3,1 mm × 90 mm long mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3,35
mm × 65 mm long wire nails.
c) Where nails exceed the thickness of bracing members, they should either be clenched or a
packing piece added behind the joint.
d) Other connection details may be used as alternative to those shown provided they are designed
to provide equivalent stiffness and can resist a design instantaneous axial action in the rafter
brace of 8.3 kN in the case of details shown in Figure E.10.

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Figure E.11 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C3

a) Plan view at wall plate

b) Detail C3: Eaves connection: view on slope on topside of rafters [see C, Figure E.3c) or Figure E.4a)]
Key
1 Trussed rafters at ≤ 600 mm centres
2 Wall plate

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Figure E.11 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail C3

3 47 mm × 100 mm × 250 mm long timber blocks to be fixed hard against each side of
truss and nailed to wallplate using 4 no. 4 mm diameter × 90 mm long nails
4 1 mm thick steel bracket fixed to both rafter and timber shelf using minimum of 10 no.
3,75 mm diameter × 30 mm long square twist nails
5 35 mm × 120 mm diagonal rafter brace (minimum grade C16) fixed to 47 mm × 220 mm
timber shelf (minimum grade C16) using 15 no. 3,35 mm diameter × 75 mm long nails
6 Ideally 45° but not less than 35° or greater than 55°

a) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3,35 mm diameter
wire nails with a minimum length equal to the bracing thickness plus 32 mm.
b) In all details 3,1 mm × 90 mm long mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3,35 mm
× 75 mm long wire nails.
c) Where nails exceed the thickness of bracing members, they should either be clenched or a
packing piece added behind the joint.
d) Other connection details may be used as alternative to those shown provided they are designed
to provide equivalent stiffness and can resist a design instantaneous axial action in the rafter
brace of 14,5 kN in the case of details shown in Figure E.11.

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Figure E.12 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail D3 splice connection and D4 crossing connection
PUBLISHED DOCUMENT

a) Detail D3: Splice connection: view on slope on underside of rafters d) Detail D4: Crossing connection for narrow fronted buildings [see
D, Figure E.3b) or Figure E.4f)]
Key

© The British Standards Institution 2012

•
1 35 mm × 120 mm rafter brace 3 Rafter
PD 6693-1:2012

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56
Figure E.12 Standard bracing for rafter members: detail D3 splice connection and D4 crossing connection

•
2 Timber splice plate (35 mm × 120 mm) fixed to each diagonal 4 Rafter braces butt-jointed over a truss
rafter brace using 15 no 3,35 mm diameter × 75 mm long nails
a) All bracing members are nailed to every trussed rafter they cross with two 3,35 mm diameter wire nails with a minimum length equal to the
bracing thickness plus 32 mm.
PD 6693-1:2012

b) In all details 3,1 mm × 90 mm long mechanically driven gun nails may be substituted for 3,35 mm × 75 mm long wire nails.
c) Where nails exceed the thickness of bracing members they should either be clenched or a packing piece added behind the joint.
d) Other connection details may be used as alternatives to those shown provided they are designed to provide equivalent stiffness and can resist
a design instantaneous axial action in the rafter brace of 14,5 kN in the case of details shown in Figure E.12.

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Annex F Optional recommendations for the support of

(informative)
water tanks in trussed rafter roofs
Water tanks may be supported as shown in Figure F.1, using the timber sizes
given in Table F.1. The platform at the base of the cold water storage tank
should fully support the tank over at least its entire plan area. The platform
material should be a minimum of 18 mm thick timber boarding or
moisture-resistant wood based material.

Figure F.1 Supports for water tanks

a) Section through roof

b) Plan view of tank: detail A c) Plan view of tank: detail B:

Key
1 Node point A Bay size
2 Tank placed centrally B Trussed rafter span, Ls
3 Offset bracing to clear tank bearers S Trussed rafter spacing
4 Bearer “A” placed as close to the node
point as possible
5 Tank

NOTE See Table F.1 for minimum sizes and strength class for support members.

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A)
Table F.1 Sizes for support members for water tanks

Tank capacity Minimum member sizes Maximum Maximum bay

to marked trussed rafter size for other
waterline span for Fink configuration
configuration
m
m
a b c
mm mm mm
Detail A 47 × 72 2 × 35 × 145 47 × 120 6,5 2,2
Not more than
or
450 L
supported on 1 × 47 × 169
four trussed 47 × 72 2 × 35 × 169 47 × 120 9,0 2,8
rafters 47 × 72 2 × 47 × 169 47 × 120 12,0 3,8
Detail A 47 × 72 2 × 35 × 97 47 × 72 6,5 2,2
Not more than or
300 L
supported on 1 × 47 × 120
four trussed 47 × 72 47 × 72 9,0 2,8
2 × 35 × 120
rafters
or
1 × 47 × 145
47 × 72 2 × 35 × 145 47 × 72 12,0 3,8
Detail B 47 × 72 1 × 47 × 97 47 × 72 6,5 2,2
Not more than 47 × 72 2 × 35 × 97 47 × 72 9,0 2,8
230 L
supported on or

three trussed 1× 47 × 120

47 × 72 47 × 72 12,0 3,8
rafters 2 × 35 × 120
or
1 × 47 × 145
A)
Support members of minimum strength class C16, in accordance with BS EN 338:2009.

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Bibliography
Standards publications
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the
latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
BS 4978, Visual strength grading of softwood – Specification
BS 5756, Visual strength grading of hardwood – Specification
BS 6446, Specification for manufacture of glued structural components of timber
and wood based panels
BS EN 386, Glued laminated timber – Performance requirements and minimum
production requirements
BS EN 622-2, Fibreboards – Specifications – Part 2: Requirements for hardboards
BS EN 771-1:2011, Specification for masonry units – Part 1: Clay masonry units
BS EN 772-7:1998, Methods of test for masonry units – Part 7: Determination of
water absorption of clay masonry damp proof course units by boiling in water
BS EN 998-2:2010, Specification for mortar for masonry – Part 2: Masonry mortar
BS EN 1075, Timber structures – Test methods – Joints made with punched metal
plate fasteners
BS EN 1991-1-1:2002, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1-1: General
actions – Densities, self-weight, imposed loads for buildings
BS EN 1991-1-4, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1-4: General actions –
Wind actions
BS EN 1991-1-7:2006, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1-7: General
actions – Accidental actions
BS EN 1996-1-1, Eurocode 6 – Design of masonry structures – Part 1-1: General
rules for reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures
BS EN 14250:2010, Timber structures – Product requirements for prefabricated
structural members assembled with punched metal plate fasteners
NA to BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005, UK National Annex for Eurocode – Basis of
structural design
NA to BS EN 1991-1-7:2006, UK National Annex to Eurocode 1: Actions on
structures – Part 1-7: Accidental actions
NA to BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A1:2008, UK National Annex to Eurocode 5: Design
of timber structures – Part 1-1: General – Common rules and rules for buildings
PD 6697:2010, Recommendations for the design of masonry structures to
BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2
Other publications
[1] TIMBER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. Wood information
sheet WIS 1-17. High Wycombe: TRADA Technology Ltd., December 2010.
[2] Lancashire, R., Taylor, L. Timber frame construction. 5th edition. High
Wycombe: TRADA Technology Ltd., October 2011.

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