Welcome to NBS |

Timber building systems/frame

Architects' Journal|

Framed original, the Waldie house. AJ 21/31.8.88|

Finnish frames. AJ 10.7.85|

Building with timber. AJ 14.07.93|

Shell suits museum. AJ 17.9.98
Outlines how a timber grid shell, complex to engineer but simple to erect, will be used to provide more space for the Weald and Downland Museum in Sussex.

Theatre in the frame. Theatre at Bedales School. AJ 15.2.96|

Building a timber frame. AJ 25.3.92|

Shakespearian re-enactment. AJ 13.1.93|

Construction Study: Design and build - by an architect. Family house. AJ 25.8.94|

Architects' Journal Technical and Practice Wooden performance. AJ 09.09.2004
Looks at timber construction which is experiencing another revival. Includes case study.

Architects' Journal Technical Next steps in timber. AJ 17.4.97
If timber is to continue to be regarded as a green [environmentally friendly and energy saving] material, its engineering possibilities must be explored. Briefly mentions some UK examples and given details of the gym of Rockridge school, Canada which uses timber Vierendeel trusses and glulam.

Architects' Journal Technical The dating game. AJ 23.03.2000
First of three articles on how to estimate the date of buildings. Looks at the history of building in masonry and in timber

Architects' Journal Technical Timber building US-style. AJ 27.02.97
A recent tour of the USA showed the potential for timber-based frames, components, and building systems

Architects' Journal Technical Update on timber. AJ 02.09.1999
Looks at the increasing use of timber for structural applications and the wide range of ready-made products which are now available. These include glulam sections, facade cladding systems including rainscreen and grid shells. 'Timber briefing' lists useful publications on the subject.

Architects' Journal Technical Homes out of the wood. AJ 03.9.98
Five architects have designed innovative timber houses focusing on either production techniques, sustainability or structures, components and materials. The Timber Dwelling Project is aimed at innovation in timber housing design and construction. Illustrates the five designs.

Architects' Journal Art of Construction Timber external walls. AJ 29.7.81

Architects' Journal Building Study Help yourself. Self build project in Somerset. AJ 10.01.2002
Describes the design and construction of a self-build house scheme in Somerset, England with comments from the client, the architect and the timber-frame contractor

Architects' Journal Building Study Fruits of the forest. Edward Cullinan Architects' Downland gridshell. AJ 04.07.2002
RIBA Award-winning Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in Sussex, England. Has a timber gridshell made of green oak laths, clad externally in red cedar boarding and clear polycarbonate sheets. Working detail of the gridshell with its propped timber roof. Sections on the engineering and the carpentry aspects of the structure. Gives a costs breakdown. Architects: Edward Cullinan Architects. Structural and systems engineers: Buro Happold. Carpenters: Green Oak Carpentry Company

Architects' Journal Building Study Simply does it. Feilden Clegg Bradley's visitor centre at Painshill Park, Cobham, Surrey. AJ 05.09.2002
A timber frame building with sheathed timber walls and a stressed skin roof. Gives cost details and working details of the covered walkway and oak screen supported by oak columns and beams.

Architects' Journal Building Study First among equals. Cedar House in Perthshire by Walker Architecture. AJ 25.10.2001
A timber-framed house with a translucent screen

Architects' Journal Building Study Getting personal. Barnhouse by Sutherland Hussey in Highgate, London. AJ 28.11.2003
The Barnhouse, a private home in Highgate, north London, England. Winner of this year's AJ First Building Prize. Working details of the internal ramp bridge and the conservatory. Architects: Sutherland Hussey. Structural engineers: Techniker. Services engineers: EnConsult.

Architects' Journal Building Feature Timber pavilion, swimming pool, Hampstead. AJ 7.6.89

Architects' Journal Building Feature Into the woods. AJ 5.6.91

Architects' Journal Building Feature Timber frame renews the city: timber frame housing. AJ 14.10.92

Architects' Journal Timber in Construction Walls and partitions. AJ 7.8.91

Architects' Journal Working Details Ecological conclusion. A timber-frame structure with louvre screen and rooflights. AJ 13.04.2000
Office building designed to fit with the 'green agenda' of the Bodmin regional offices of the Environment Agency. The building has many environmentally friendly features. Gives working details of a timber frame structure with louvre screen and rooflights. Architects: Form Design Group.

Architects' Journal Working Details Timber cruck frame structure. AJ 15.7.04
Looks at the timber cruck frame structure of the conference centre at Alec French Partnership's Kindersley Centre at Sheepdrove Organic Farm, which is designed on environmentally responsible principles.

Architects' Journal Working Details In tune with nature. AJ 17.9.98
Outlines how reclaimed Green Oak timber has been used to construct the frame of a music studio in Bath

Architects' Journal Working Details Structure and roof: heritage centre. AJ 23.10.91

Architects' Journal Working Details A skill centre built by its users. AJ 17.2.93

Engineered Wood Association|

American plywood for timber frame construction
This publication summarises plywood application recommendations for timber frame construction, including floors, wall sheathing, cladding, and roof sheathing.

Substitution of glulam beams for steel or solid-sawn lumber
Glued laminated timber (glulam) beams of equal or greater strength and stiffness can often be substituted for sawn lumber or steel beams. This American Wood Systems publication provides tables for equivalent glulam beams.

Product and application guide : Glulams
This publication describes APA EWS trademarked glulams, addresses important design considerations, and includes a guide of recommended specifications. It also highlights just a few of the many applications where glulams are being used today in construction.

Glued laminated beam design tables
Glued laminated beams (glulams) are used in a wide range of applications in both commercial and residential construction. The tables in this Engineered Wood Systems Data File provide recommended preliminary design loads for two of the most common glulam beam applications: roofs and floors. The tables included in this data file include values for section properties and capacities, and allowable loads for simple span and cantilevered beams.

Glulams in residential construction
This publication describes APA EWS trademarked glulams and highlights just some of the ways they can be used in residential construction.

House building basics
This brochure from APA is designed as a elementary guide to wood-frame construction. It illustrates the basic steps to completing the structural shell of a typical single-storey house - from the foundation to the roof.

Wood structural panels over metal framing
In roof, floor, and wall applications, wood structural panels are often applied directly to metal framing or decking. This brochure describes typical assemblies for wood structural panels attached to metal framing in floor, wall, and roof construction.

Diaphragms
A diaphragm is a flat structural unit acting like a deep, thin beam. The term "diaphragm" is usually applied to roofs and floors. A shear wall, however, is a vertical, cantilevered diaphragm. A diaphragm structure results when a series of such diaphragms are properly tied together to form a structural unit. When diaphragms and shear walls are used in the lateral design of a building, the structural system is termed a "box system".

Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels are high-quality engineered construction products that combine several important components into a building system. Sometimes referred to as 'sandwich panels' or 'foam core panels', structural insulated panels (SIPs) are composed of a thick plastic foam layer sandwiched between two structural wood panel faces. The rigid plastic foam provides high insulation values while the structural panel faces contribute to the system's overall stiffness, strength and dimensional stability. Structural insulated panels are used in residential and low-rise commercial construction. They are used most often as roof or wall panels, but also can be used in floor construction and for other components such as dormers and window bays. They can be custom manufactured to match specific building plans. This publication from APA - The Engineered Wood Association describes the composition and features of structural insulated panels and provides examples of the types of construction applications where they can be used.

Fire-rated systems
This publication is designed to bring the reader up to date with what are considered today among the most cost-effective fire-rated construction systems that can be designed or built - wood and wood structural panel systems. It provides hard facts about what's available, what's acceptable, and what's best practice.

Performance standards and policies for structural-use panels
This publication is divided into six main sections; manufacturing and performance standard for APA rated Sturd-I-Floor panels; manufacturing and performance standard for APA rated sheathing panels; manufacturing and performance standard for APA rated siding panels; APA qualification policy for trademarking privileges for structural-use panels; APA quality assurance policy for structural-use panels and; manual of APA test methods for structural-use panels.

British Board of Agrement|

Certificate 92/2813 Trus Joist MacMillan - Limited Partnership. Parallam PSL (parallel strand lumber). Third issue
Wood-based material for use in structural members (e.g. beams, ties, struts) or structural framing and also for the fabrication of built-up components such as trusses and panels.

Certificate 97/3369 Trus Joist. Timberstrand LSL. Second issue
A wood-based material for use in structural members (e.g. beams, ties, struts) or structural framing and also for the fabrication of built-up components such as trusses and panels.

Certificate 99/3620 Boise Cascade Sales Ltd. BCI joists
Joists fabricated from reconstituted timber for use as structural members such as floor or roof joists, beams, rafters and wall studs.

Certificate 99/3633 James Jones and Sons Ltd. JJI-Joists
Jousts fabricated from solid and reconstituted timber for use as structural members. Includes detail sheet - (2) Solid timber or laminated veneer lumber flanges and oriented strand board webs

Certificate 00/3717 Finnforest Corporation. Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber)
A wood based material for use in structural members or structural framing and also for the fabrication of built up components such as trusses and panels.

Certificate 02/3950 Second nature (UK) Ltd. Thermafleece
Relates to Thermafleece, thermal insulation batts, designed to be used in dwellings and buildings with similar temperature and humidity conditions. The batts can be used in loft applications between joists in ventilated and unventilated lofts under pitched roofs and between rafters for tiled or slated pitched roofs designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant clauses of BS 5534-1: 1997. They are also for use in timber-frame wall applications between studding with a weather-resistant cladding and a ventilated and drained cavity. Detail sheets cover: (2) Loft insulation, (3) Sarking and (4) Timber frame.

Certificate 02/3966 Hunton Fiber (UK) Ltd. Hunton bitroc and Hunton bitvent
Relates to Hunton bitroc and Hunton bitvent, bitumen-impregnated insulation board. This product is designed to be used as a structural sheathing on timber frame dwellings.

Information Sheet 6 Assessment of factory-made structural timber products

MOAT 26 Assessment of structural sheathing for wall panels for timber-framed dwellings

BRE Certification|

Certificate 038/96 MiTek M20 punched metal plate timber fasteners (March 2005 reissue)
Document History - Previous edition issued by WIMLAS.
MiTek M20 punched metal plate timber fasteners have been assessed to confirm their suitability for use as mechanical fastenings for joints in factory-manufactured timber structural components in which all members lie in one plane. The fasteners are galvanised steel plates with integral nails that are fully pressed into the adjoining timber members.

Certificate 108/03 Beamlock structural framing system
Document History - See also building certificates published by WIMLAS.
For use in single storey construction, and comprises factory produced proprietary timber and metal components assembled on site to form loadbearing elements of a construction.

BRE|

Defect Action Sheet 75 External walls: brick cladding to timber frame - the need to design for differential movement

Defect Action Sheet 76 External walls: brick cladding to timber frame - how to allow for movement

Digest 416 Specifying structural timber
Timber which is used to sustain loads in buildings is said to be 'structural'. It includes joists which support ceilings, floors and flat roofs, and the rafters and purlins of traditionally built pitched roofs. If timber is correctly specified at the design stage, it is more likely to be supplied and fitted without trouble and will give better service throughout the life of the building. This Digest discusses those aspects which should be considered in a specification for structural timber and provides a guide to the fuller information contained in relevant British Standards, European CEN Standards, and other documents, listed in the digest.

Digest 423 Structural use of wood-based panels: a commentary on the changes ahead with European standardisation
This Digest discusses available approaches to structural design with wood-based panels. UK practice is currently regulated by British Standards but European standards will come into force by January 2004. This Digest explains the differences between the European and the UK approach, and the impact that the adoption of European standards will have on UK standards and practice. It gives timescales for the phases of change and information on options available to the designer at each stage. Designers will be able to determine how structural design will be affected by the adoption of European standards and codes.

Digest 445 Advances in timber grading
BRE has played a leading role in the development and implementation of methods for the grading of structural timber by visual and mechanical means. This digest reviews current developments and presents new information in the grading of structural timbers in accordance with BS 5268: Part 2. It also presents the grade stresses for sweet chestnut, for larger-section Douglas fir and for Trussed Rafter grades TR26/TR20, together with a review of the density values for British grown Sitka spruce.

Digest 470 Life cycle impacts of timber: a review of the environmental impacts of wood products in construction
The environmental performance of construction is of increasing importance. Building impacts arise mainly from operation, but also from environmental impacts ‘embodied’ in the fabric of the building. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), environmental impacts of construction products can be compared and the impacts of extraction, manufacture, use and disposal can be measured. Using BRE’s industry-agreed approach, an LCA of timber products shows that in many applications timber has a low environmental impact. Contains guidance to help construction professionals take advantage of the excellent performance of timber products.

Digest 479 Timber piles and foundations
Gives information on the design and installation of timber piling, its history and background, suitable timber species and preservative treatment.

Digest 496 Timber frame buildings. A guide to the construction process
Follows the procurement and construction process, then describes the various elements of a timber frame and the main types of TF construction (platform frame, floor-to-floor panel frame, vertical panel frame, volumetric). Three case studies describe the benefits experienced from using timber frame compared with traditional methods.

Good Building Guide 11 Supplementary guidance for assessment of timber-framed houses: Part 1 examination
This two-part guide supplements existing inspection procedures for timber-framed houses. Part 1 includes guidance on visual re-examination of the building exterior and interior and then considers how to examine the wall cavity and frame if a deficiency related to structural stability, durability or fire protection is suspected.

Good Building Guide 12 Supplementary guidance for assessment of timber-framed houses: Part 2 interpretation
With timber-framed houses, site findings and observations require careful interpretation during the preparation of a condition report. This Guide shows how to assess the significance of key observations and readings which may have been taken during an earlier survey or supplementary inspection. This guide includes new advice for assessing building condition, and identifying any need for remedial work. Although intended for use with conventional timber frame design, the guidance has general applicability to less common timber frame systems.

Information Paper 28/80 Relations between the moduli of elasticity of structural timber in bending

Information Paper 1/81 Vapour diffusion through timber-framed walls

Information Paper 7/81 Machine grading British-grown Corsican pine

Information Paper 4/82 Developments in stress grading

Information Paper 21/82 Moisture relations in timber-framed walls

Information Paper 1/83 Depth factor adjustments in the determination of characteristic bending stresses for visually stress graded timber

Information Paper 12/84 Assessing the performance of timber frame wall panels subject to racking loads

Information Paper 1/85 Surveying the moisture contents of cavity-filled timber-framed dwellings

Information Paper 18/85 Design stresses for timber - background to BS 5268: part 2

Information Paper 7/88 Design and manufacture of ply-web beams
The design, manufacture and installation of ply-web beams require specialised knowledge and adequate control over all operations is necessary to achieve satisfactory performance. Examination of ply-web beam performance in service suggests that there are some areas of design and manufacture which require particular care. This Information Paper identifies these key areas and offers guidance for designers and manufacturers on how to ensure satisfactory beam performance.

Information Paper 8/96 Moisture resistance of laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
This paper describes assessments of establishing the suitability of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) for use in moisture-hazardous environments. The lap-shear and associated pre-conditioning methods in European Standard prEN 314-1 have been identified as offering the best method for determining glue bond performance of LVL. They showed that LVL made from Finnish Norway spruce, British Sitka spruce and British poplar has considerable resistance to moisture and even to quite severe wetting.

Information Paper 19/00 Five storey timber frame hall of residence: a reconstruction case study
describes the design and construction challenges for a replacement student hall of residence on the esplanade at Aberystwyth. The case study focuses on key features of the project with special attention given to the 5 storey timber frame structure.

Information Paper 9/03 Best practice of timber waste management
Presents the practical issues that affect timber waste in UK construction. Describes timber sources, composition, use and waste, and markets for recycling and disposal together with the plant and machinery necessary to exploit this resource. It proposes a timber waste classification. The various types of equipment for processing waste timber are listed; legislation covering the disposal of waste timber is briefly mentioned. This material is then drawn together to provide the best practicable environmental option for timber waste, and a model is tested to provide two examples of what could be achieved.

Report 41 Timber-framed housing - a technical appraisal
Timber-frame construction in the context of the Review is that in which all the external walls are of load bearing timber work, but some of its comments will also be appropriate to load bearing timber infill to cross-wall construction. The Review is concerned with those parts of timber-framed dwellings which differ from conventional dwellings. It considers foundations, for example, to the extent that they differ from those used in conventional construction. In the main, the Review is concerned with the load bearing timber structure and the measures required to achieve and maintain a satisfactory performance for an acceptably long life.

Report 90 Moisture conditions in the walls of timber frame houses - the effects of holes in vapour barriers
The effects of holes in vapour barriers on the moisture content of the sheathing in timber frame walls have been studied in trials in the laboratory and using a test building. Panels of 'conventional' construction with various sheathing materials have been evaluated. This report presents the findings and discusses their implications.

Report 228 Moisture conditions in the walls of timber-framed housing
Document History - Included in BRE Report 469 - Non traditional houses.
This report gives the results of moisture monitoring. It describes the housing sample by location, construction type and technical variety, and presents the moisture content data and data from associated microbiological and physical examinations of the timber structure. From these data, the risk of decay and other moisture-induced degrade in the houses is assessed, together with the implications for design and materials specification.

Report 282 Timber frame housing 1920-1975: inspection and assessment
Document History - Included in BRE Report 469 - Non traditional houses.
This report gives guidance on how to inspect and assess the condition of timber frame dwellings built in the public sector between 1920 and 1975. It also identifies those parts of timber frame dwellings which require particular attention during an inspection: special emphasis is given to areas of the building where the timber might be vulnerable to wetting and decay.

Report 283 Timber frame housing systems built in the UK 1920-1965
Document History - Included in BRE Report 469 - Non traditional houses.
This reports has three main objectives: i. to record the form of construction of timber frame dwellings built between 1920 and 1965, ii. to identify which parts of these dwellings have suffered deterioration, and. iii. to highlight the areas to which surveyors should pay particular attention when carrying out inspections.

Report 284 Timber frame housing systems built in the UK 1966-1975
Document History - Included in BRE Report 469 - Non traditional houses.
System-built timber framed dwellings were gradually introduced into the United Kingdom from the early 1920s. Although masonry construction was the norm for housing before 1945, by the end of the Second World War about 2,000 timber framed dwellings had been built in the UK. The external walls of the early systems were typically of heavy framed or virtually solid timber planking, directly clad with timber boarding. This report has three main objectives: i. to record the form of construction of timber frame dwellings built between 1966 and 1975, ii. to identify which parts of these dwellings have suffered deterioration, and. iii. to highlight the areas to which surveyors should pay particular attention when carrying out inspections.

Report 454 Multi storey timber framed buildings: a design guide
Document History - Can be read in conjunction with TRADA publication - Timber Frame Construction.
Focuses on aspects specific to multi-storey buildings of platform frame type construction. Design and best practice guidance is provided on: Structural stability and robustness, Fire safety, Differential movement, Construction benchmarking, and Construction process and building tolerances. Should be of interest to all building professionals responsible for the design and construction of multi-storey timber frame buildings. Building control, local authorities and insurance companies will also benefit from the normative guidance provided for timber frame buildings

Special Digest 2 Timber frame dwellings. Conservation of fuel and power: AD L1A guidelines
Document History - Supersedes 2002 edition.
Provides guidance on the relevant regulations for new timber frame dwellings, showing various approaches to compliance, together with four worked examples involving timber frame build solutions. Seventeen examples of timber frame wall, roof and floor constructions show how suitable U-values may be achieved for a variety of timber frame constructions. Intended for the timber frame industry, designers, architects and builders who may be considering using timber frame, and for enforcers assessing applications.

British Standards Institution|

BS 4978:1996 Visual strength grading of softwood (AMD 9434)
Document History - Supersedes BS 4978:1988
Specifies two grades for structural use. Covers softwoods graded in the UK and abroad under the supervision of a certification body approved by the UK Timber Grading Committee.

BS 5268-2:1996 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and workmanship (AMD 9451) (No longer current but cited in Building Regulations)
Document History - This standard is no longer current but is cited in Building Regulations. Superseded by BS 5268-2:2002. Supersedes BS 5268-2:1991.
Provides guidance on the structural use of timber, glued laminated timber and wood based panels. Includes quality grade stresses, modification factors, joint design, testing procedures, workmanship, inspection and maintenance.

BS 5268-2:2002 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and workmanship
Document History - Supersedes BS 5268-2:1996. This standard incorporates some of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards on materials to ease the specification and supply of materials during the period of coexistence of BS 5268 and Eurocode 5.
Guidance and recommendations are given for structural use of timber in load-bearing members. Subjects covered include a method of test, design criteria, information on quality and grade stresses, workmanship and treatments which can be applied.

BS 5268-4.1:1978 Code of practice for the structural use of timber. Fire resistance of timber structures. Method of calculating fire resistance of timber members (AMD 2947) (AMD 6192)
Document History - Confirmed April 2002
Methods of assessing the fire resistance of flexural tension and compression members of solid or glued laminated timber and their joints.

BS 5268-6.1:1996 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for timber framed walls. Dwellings not exceeding four storeys (AMD 9256)
Document History - Supersedes BS 5268-6.1:1988
This standard has been updated to take account of experience with this type of construction and the issue of relevant European standards. The scope has been extended from 3 storeys to 4 storeys.

BS 5268-6.2:2001 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for timber framed walls. Buildings other than dwellings not exceeding four storeys (AMD Corrigendum 13630)
Document History - Amendment 13630 is Corrigendum No.1

BS 6446:1997 Manufacture of glued structural components of timber and wood based panels
Specifies manufacturing requirements for structural components (e.g. box beams, stressed skin panels, glued gussets, etc.) made from separate pieces of timber, plywood or tempered hardboard that are glued together.

BS EN 386:2001 Glued laminated timber - Performance requirements and minimum production requirements
Document History - Supersedes BS EN 386:1995.

BS EN 518:1995 Structural timber - grading - requirements for visual strength grading standards (Superseded but remains current)
Document History - Superseded by BS EN 14081-2:2005 but remains current

BS EN 519:1995 Structural timber - grading - requirements for machine strength graded timber and grading machines (Superseded but remains current)
Document History - Partially supersedes BS 4978:1988. Superseded by BS EN 14081-2:2005 but remains current

BS EN 1995-1.1:2004 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures. General - Common rules and rules for buildings (AMD Corrigendum 16499)
Document History - Supersedes DD ENV 1995-1.1:1994. Amendment 16499 is Corrigendum No.1 dated July 2006.
Can be applied to the design of buildings and civil engineering works in timber (solid timber, sawn, planed or in pole form, glued laminated timber or wood-based structural products, e.g. LVL) or wood-based panels jointed together with adhesives or mechanical fasteners

BS EN 1995-1.2:2004 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures. General - Structural fire design (AMD Corrigendum 16498)
Document History - Supersedes DD ENV 1995-1.2:2000. Amendment 16498 is Corrigendum No.1 dated July 2006. To enable EN 1995-1-2 to be used in the UK, the NDPs will be published in a National Annex, which will be made available by BSI in due course, after public consultation has taken place.
Can be applied to the design of buildings and civil engineering works in timber (solid timber, sawn, planed or in pole form, glued laminated timber or wood-based structural products, e.g. LVL) or wood-based panels jointed together with adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

BS EN 1995-2:2004 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures. Bridges
Can be applied to the design of buildings and civil engineering works in timber (solid timber, sawn, planed or in pole form, glued laminated timber or wood-based structural products, e.g. LVL) or wood-based panels jointed together with adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

BS EN 14081-1:2005 Timber structures - Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section. General requirements
Document History - Supersedes BS EN 518:1995 and BS EN 519:1995. This is a candidate harmonized European Standard and fully takes into account the requirements of the European Commission mandate M 112, Structural timber products and ancillaries
Specifies the requirements for visual and machine graded structural timber with rectangular cross-sections shaped by sawing, planing or other methods.

BS EN 14081-2:2005 Timber structures - Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section. Machine grading, additional requirements for initial type testing
Document History - Supersedes BS EN 518:1995 and BS EN 519:1995 which remains current. This is a candidate "harmonized" European Standard under the EU Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC), and intended to lead to CE marking.
For initial type testing of machine graded structural timber with rectangular cross-sections shaped by sawing, planing or other methods

BS EN 14081-3:2005 Timber structures - Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section. Machine grading, additional requirements for factory production control
Document History - Supersedes BS EN 518:1995 and BS EN 519:1995 which remains current. This is a candidate "harmonized" European Standard under the EU Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC), and intended to lead to CE marking.
For factory production control of machine graded structural timber with rectangular cross-sections shaped by sawing, planing or other methods

NA to BS EN 1995-2:2004 UK National Annex to Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures. Bridges
Gives the UK decisions for the Nationally Determined Parameters described in clauses 2.3.1.2(1), 2.4.1, 7.2 and 7.3.1(2) of BS EN 1995-2:2004.

Building Services Research and Information Association|

Interface Engineering Publication 5/2004 Services in structural framed timber buildings
Provides comprehensive advice on the interface issues of mechanical and electrical services with timber structures. Presents key design issues of structural timber frame, design issues for services and fire engineering. Includes case studies on Norwich Cathedral Refectory and Sheffield Winter Gardens.

Interface Engineering Publication 6/2005 Services in timber framed construction. Guidance to a defect-free interface
Document History - Jointly researched, edited and produced by BSRIA and TRADA. Part-funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Intended to encourage best practice for the installation of mechanical and electrical building services in timber framed construction. Also provides a clients' guide to timber framed construction in terms of key issues, notching and drilling, and fixing to timber-framed walls.

British Woodworking Federation|

Structural timberwork and what it can do for you
This publication looks at the benefits of structural timberwork and the types of engineered components available and their applications.

Guide 6 CDM and timber frame construction. 1998 revision
Document History - First published - 1997
Review of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 with respect to works carried out by BWF members.

Chartered Institute of Building|

Construction Papers 22 Developments in timber technology

Council of Forest Industries|

Timber frame house construction : check it out
As a further aid in achieving a defect free construction, Check It Out is provided as a checklist for site supervisors and inspectors. It relates specifically to the platform frame method of timber frame construction employing factory pre-fabricated wall components although this does not preclude the use of site constructed (stick-built) components employing the same basic principles.

CLS Kiln dried spruce-pine-fir
Gives dimensions, grades, stresses and spans for kiln-dried CLS Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF).

Timber frame building. Guide to platform frame construction
This guide provides information and guidance on the correct application of the techniques and practices necessary to achieve a high degree of success in timber frame building.

Canadian wood-frame house construction
This publication explains in detail how a wood-frame house is put together in Canada. It presents the most commonly employed construction methods and provides suggestions for the selection of suitable materials.

Defence Estates|

Historic Buildings Factsheet T 2.01 Structure - timber: timber frames and roofs
Document History - This set was formerly known as - Design and maintenance guides for historic buildings.
Identifies frame types and recent developments. Emphasises understanding structure, analysis, alterations and repair.

National House Building Council|

Standards Extra 33 NHBC Technical newsletter - September 2005
Includes articles on: main changes to concrete specifications and BRE Special Digest 1, a review of Robust Details' first year of operations and findings so far, guidance to ensure timber frame systems are properly certified, and current requirements on electrical safety according to Building Regulations Part P and their impact on building control procedures.

Nordic Timber Council|

Swedish and Finnish whitewood and redwood stress graded to BS 4978: 1988
This publication explains the requirements of the standard as it relates to Swedish and Finnish whitewood and redwood.

How to specify Swedish and Finnish redwood and whitewood
This booklet is intended to be a guide for architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, designers, manufacturers, builders and buyers when specifying Swedish and Finnish Redwood and Whitewood for end uses.

Swedish and Finnish redwood and whitewood performance in fire
This publication sets out in sequence all necessary information for an architect or designer to specify Redwood and Whitewood for structural use in fire conditions.

Principles of timber framed construction
This booklet has been generally confined to the construction of timber framed houses built by the 'platform frame' method although most of the information is equally relevant to other types of construction. The information contained in this publication relates to houses and flats having no more than three storeys.

Advisory Notes 1 Timber framed houses: extensions and conversions
These notes cover; qualified help, external walls, internal walls, and floors and roofs.

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings|

Information Sheet 3 Surface treatment of timber-framed houses
Looks at the treatment of exposed framing.

Technical Pamphlet 11 Panel infillings to timber-framed buildings
This pamphlet deals with infill panels that form the walling between structural members in timber-framed building.

Technical Pamphlet 12 Repair of timber frames and roofs
This pamphlet is intended to provide architects, builders and surveyors with some simple information about the type of repairs which the Society believes should be used when working on the repair of timber framed buildings and roofs.

TRADA Technology|

Hardwoods in construction
Document History - Document reference number: TBL 62
This book concentrates on the technical aspects of the wide range of hardwoods commercially available and considers their properties in terms of simple classification schemes. It introduces aspects of wood technology which need to be understood before timber can be used successfully in construction.

Timber pole construction: an introduction. 2nd edition
This document gives a general introduction to timber poles as a construction material, and covers the processes of harvesting and protecting the poles through to specific applications in the construction of domestic and industrial buildings.

Resin repairs to timber structures. Volume 1 - Guidance and selection
Document History - Should be read in conjunction with - TRADA Resin repairs to timber structures. Volume 2
This guide provides a basis for the selection and execution of resin repairs to timber structures. It is intended to be a concentrated and concise guide to the specific topic of resin-bonded repair systems, principally those carried out using epoxy resins, together with metal rods, plates and similar forms of connectors and reinforcements.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 2 - Foundations. (3 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 3 - Ground floors. (4 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 4 - Walls. (5 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 5 - Party walls. (6 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 6 - Intermediate floors. (7 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 7 - Party floors. (8 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 8 - Roofs. (9 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 9 - Cladding. (10 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 10 - Services. (11 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 11 - Advertisement section. (12 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 12 - Appendices. (13 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 13 - References and index. (14 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 0 - Contents and introduction. (1 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame construction. 3rd edition | Part 1 - Timber Frame Construction: an overview. (2 of 14)
Document History - This document is part of a larger document, Timber Frame Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book covers all aspects of timber frame construction from foundations, ground floors and walls through to roofs, cladding and services. The book also gives details about materials data and supervisors checklists.

Timber frame housing: UK structural recommendations
Document History - Supersedes the 1989 edition.
Covers well-established principles and methods for the structural design, strength and stability checking of timber frame buildings. Worked examples, including calculations for a complete house, are included. Guidance is based on the recommendations in BS 5268-2 and BS 5268-6 and also includes procedures now widely used in the design of timber frame houses from outside of these codes.

Resin repairs to timber structures. Volume 2 - Design examples to Eurocode 5. Design examples R1-R3
Document History - Should be read in conjunction with - TRADA Resin repairs to timber structures. Volume 1
Volume 2 includes calculated and annotated Design Examples for three typical repair types; tension members, beam end repairs and eaves joint repair.

Site guidance: timber frame houses
This information sheet is confined to on-site guidance and does not include manufacture, design or contract information, nor site information, but includes a diagram for building sequence.

Energy efficient housing: a timber frame approach
Document History - Document reference number: TBL 61
Covers the principles of energy efficient design and planning, the building envelope, ventilation and infiltration, fuels and services, solar heating and condensation control.

Timber in construction | Chapter 0 - Contents and introduction. (1 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 2 - Panel products. (3 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 5 - Historic development of timber structures. (6 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 6 - Development of modern timber structures. (7 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 7 - Timber frame construction. (8 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 8 - Domestic carpentry. (9 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 12 - Timber, decorative and practical. (13 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 13 - Timber today and tomorrow. (14 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Timber in construction | Chapter 14 - Appendix and references. (15 of 15)
Document History - This is the 1987 reprint. This document is part of a larger document, Timber in Construction, which has been split into parts for ease of use.
This book has been prepared by the Timber Research and Development Association as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. There has long been a need for an authoritative reference book on the use of timbers in construction for architects and specifiers and for students in these fields. This book, with each chapter written by a specialist in the subject, is intended to fill that gap.

Eurocode design guidance - introduction 1998|

Design Aid 1 Design examples to BS 5268: part 2 1984
The objective of this publication is to illustrate the use of BS 5268 Part 2: 1984 by means of worked examples which act as pointers to the different tables and clauses from which design figures are obtained.

Design Aid 4 Load tables for nailed ply-box beams to BS 5268
This report complements TRADA publication DA 5/84 ' Load tables for glued ply-box beams', which provides for beams of glued construction in similar types of timber and plywood. Both publications give load tables for beams having flanges of strength classes SC2 to SC5, catering mainly for softwoods stress graded to the GS and SS grades of BS 4978: 1973, and for beams having keruing flanges stress graded to the HS grade of BS 5756: 1980.

Design Aid 5 Load tables for glued ply-box beams to BS 5268
This report complements TRADA publication DA 4/84 ' Load tables for nailed ply-box beams', which provides for beams of nailed construction in similar types of timber and plywood. Both publications give load tables for beams having flanges of strength classes SC2 to SC5, catering mainly for softwoods stress graded to the GS and SS grades of BS 4978: 1973, and for beams having keruing flanges stress graded to the HS grade of BS 5756: 1980.

Design Aid 8 Design of a solid timber portal with nailed plywood gussets
The ply-gusseted portal is the basis of a simple and economical method for the construction of public halls, schools, factories, warehouses and agricultural buildings, in which fairly large open floor area is required. This design aid provides assistance in the design of such buildings to engineers, designers and architects.

Design Guide 1 Structural timber composites
This publication covers; structural timber composites; the materials; and designing with structural timber composites.

Eurocode 5 Guidance Document 1 Introduction to Eurocode 5: design of timber structures
This guidance document outlines the purpose, nature and contents of the new European structural timber design code; Eurocode 5, BS DD-ENV-1995 Part 1.1 1994. It summarizes the likely advantages and disadvantages of using Eurocode 5 instead of BS 5268 Part 2, and describes the help that will be provided for those who decide to use the new code during its trial period.

Eurocode 5 Guidance Document 2 How to calculate design values for loads using Eurocode 5
This paper explains how to calculate the design values of loads for both ultimate and serviceability limit states.

Eurocode 5 Guidance Document 3 How to calculate design values of material properties using Eurocode 5
This guidance document explains how to calculate the design values of material properties for solid timber, glulam, wood-based panel products and metal fasteners.

Guidance Document GD 2 How to calculate the design values of loads using Eurocodes. 2nd Edition
Explains how to calculate the design values of loads and addresses both ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states. For timber structures, the most relevant parts of the structural Eurocode programme are Eurocodes 0, 1 and 5.

Guidance Document GD 5 How to calculate deformations in timber structures using Eurocodes. 2nd Edition
Document History - Supersedes TRADA Guidance Documents GD4 How to calculate deformations using Eurocode 5 and GD5 How to calculate deformations in timber structures using Eurocode 1
Describes the principles and application of serviceability limit state (SLS) design to structural timber members, assemblies and built-up components, as set out in Eurocode 0, BS EN 1990:2002 Eurocode - Basis of structural design. Explains the timber-specific rules relating to creep, joint slip and deflection limits as detailed in BS EN 1995-1-1: 2004 Eurocode 5. Design of timber structures. General. Common rules and rules for buildings.

Guidance Document GD 7 Multiple fastener timber joints: guidance on BS 5268-2 and Eurocode 5. (January 2003 revision)
Document History - Revised January 2003
Document explains the factors which affect the strength of multiple fastener joints and describes relevant research in this field. Provides new design recommendations for both BS 5268-2 and Eurocode 5.

Report 1/99 Medium rise timber frame: a best practice benchmarking guide
Defines benchmarks for current practice in medium-rise timber frame construction, sets 'stretch targets' and includes details of the performance levels achieved in the construction of TF 2000 - a demonstration 6 storey timber frame building.

Technology Report 1/2000 Acoustic performance of party floors and walls in timber framed buildings
Document History - Alternative series title Research Report 1/2000
This report includes detail designs, specification and test results for 11 floors which met an enhanced target level and 6 floors which met enhanced + level.

Technology Report 2/2000 Timber frame: re-engineering for affordable housing
Document History - Alternative series title Research Report 2/2000
This document is aimed at affordable housing providers whether in the social and/or the private sector.

Technology Report 2/2003 UK timber supply chain: improving management and reducing environmental impact
Demonstrates how the environmental impact of the storage and distribution of wood products can be minimised through better supply chain management.

Wood Information Sheet 0/ 1 Timber in swimming pool hall construction
This WIS provides guidance of the design of swimming pool halls using timber, with regard to minimising the risk of damage from water and/or condensation.

Wood Information Sheet 0/ 3 Introduction to timber framed construction
Document History - Revises 1999 edition
This publication covers method of construction, external and internal walls, party walls, other structural elements, services and preservative treatment.

Wood Information Sheet 0/ 5 Timber frame building: materials specification (May 2006 revision)
Document History - Supersedes 2003 edition.
Outlines the materials normally specified for typical timber frame building, although some variation will occur according to the structural design and detailing requirements of specific projects. Many components, such as cladding materials and joinery, are not specific to timber frame and are therefore not covered in detail here.

Wood Information Sheet 0/ 8 Timber frame construction - site control
Document History - Supersedes 2001 edition
Concentrates on the most important aspects of assembly of the frame and the ancillary operations involved in completing the superstructure. Does not include timber frame design and detailing. Covers concrete base and foundation walls, sole plates, delivery of components, erecting timber frame, site work on wall panels, and external cladding.

Wood Information Sheet 0/10 Surveys of timber framed houses (April 2006 revision)
Document History - Supersedes 1992 edition.
Offers guidance for building surveyors and professionals in the construction industry who may need to survey timber framed houses. It is not concerned with surveying traditional large-section timber framed structures; it concentrates on details where timber frame construction differs enough from masonry to suggest specific checks.

Wood Information Sheet 0/11 Improving the thermal performance of existing timber frame buildings
This document covers; wall insulation; upgrading windows; draught sealing; floor insulation and; increasing roof insulation;

Wood Information Sheet 1/ 6 Glued laminated timber (January 2003 edition)
Aesthetically attractive structural timber components of large sizes and complex shapes can be fabricated from smaller sawn sections (laminates) by the process of glued lamination, known as glulam.

Wood Information Sheet 1/17 Structural use of hardwoods (February 2003 revision)
Document History - Revised February 2003
This document covers; the types of hardwoods available; strength grading and strength classes; design to BS 5268 Pt 2 and; design to Eurocode 5.

Wood Information Sheet 1/34 Assessment and repair of structural timber
This document covers; the need for repair; survey and assessment; the survey; the assessment and; repair methods.

Wood Information Sheet 1/37 Eurocode 5: an introduction (June 2006 revision)
Document History - Supersedes the 2000 revision.
Provides a general introduction to EC5-1.1 and outlines the major differences between it and BS 5268-2.

Wood Information Sheet 1/46 Decorative timber flooring
Gives guidance to designers and specifiers on aspects which must be considered when choosing a timber floor. It deals mainly with decorative floors in dwellings, offices and institutional buildings and does not specifically address the detailed requirements of gymnasia, sports halls, dance floors or other special floors.

Wood Information Sheet 2.3/31 Adhesively-bonded timber connections - adhesives and timber construction (June 2003 revision)
Document History - Supersedes 1992 version
This information sheet is concerned only with the use of adhesives in structural joints.

Wood Information Sheet 2.3/36 Design of structural timber connections
Document History - This document is the May 2003 revision
Joints are an essential part of any structure and in timber structures they are often the most critical parts in design. It is not uncommon for the timber sections sizes in a structure to be determined by the joints, rather than their load carrying capacity. Therefore the design of joints is an important section of any design code, and particularly so for timber.

Wood Information Sheet 4/15 Condensation control in dwellings
This information sheet looks at why condensation occurs and ways of reducing it.

Wood Information Sheet 4/22 Resin-bonded repair systems for structural timber
Document History - Supersedes 1995 edition
Provides an overview of the ways in which epoxy resins are currently used in repair work and gives surveyors, designers and owners or keepers of structures some guidance as to the suitability of resin repair techniques. Covers uses, conditions of use, applications, structural action and typical repair situations.

Wood Information Sheet 4/23 Non-destructive testing of timber (2004 revision)
Provides an introduction to non-destructive testing of timber in buildings and other structures for architects, engineers, surveyors and building inspectors. The various NDT techniques are discussed, together with their capabilities and limitations. Potential future developments are outlined.

Wood Information Sheet 4/24 Serviceability limit states for timber in buildings (February 2000 revision)
This information sheet explains the fundamentals of serviceability limit states design in timber structures, providing and defining a number of essential terms and concepts.

Wood Information Sheet 4/29 Dry-graded structural softwood
Considers importance of dry-graded softwood and discusses standards governing strength grading. Covers visual grading, sizes and processing, quality assurance and certification, how strength-graded timber is used, factors affecting strength, and availability.

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