Bs 5268 Part 6 Sec 6.2
Bs 5268 Part 6 Sec 6.2
Bs 5268 Part 6 Sec 6.2
Structural use of
timber
Part 6: Code of practice for timber
frame walls
Section 6.2: Buildings other than
dwellings not exceeding four storeys
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Incorporating
Corrigendum No. 1
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Amd No.
Date
Comments
13630
31 January 2002
Indicated by a sideline
Corrigendum No. 1
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Contents
Committees responsible
Foreword
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Page
Inside front cover
ii
Scope
Normative references
Terms and definitions
Materials
Loading
Design of timber frame walls
Workmanship
Bibliography
Table 1 Modification factor, K200
Table 2 Basic racking resistances for a range of materials and
combinations of materials
Table 3 Contribution of masonry cladding to racking resistance
1
1
2
3
4
7
17
19
6
8
16
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Foreword
This section of BS 5268 has been prepared by Subcommittee B/525/5, Structural
use of timber.
BS 5268 is published in the following parts and sections:
Part 2: Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and
workmanship;
Part 3: Code of practice for trussed rafter roofs;
Part 4: Fire resistance of timber structures;
Section 4.1: Recommendations for calculating fire resistance of timber
members;
Section 4.2: Recommendations for calculating fire resistance of timber stud
walls and joisted floor constructions;
Part 5: Code of practice for the preservative treatment of structural timber;
Part 6: Code of practice for timber frame walls;
Section 6.1: Dwellings not exceeding four storeys;
Section 6.2: Buildings other than dwellings not exceeding four storeys;
Part 7: Recommendations for the calculation basis for span tables;
Section 7.1: Domestic floor joists;
Section 7.2: Joists for flat roofs;
Section 7.3: Ceiling joists;
Section 7.4: Ceiling binders;
Section 7.5: Domestic rafters;
Section 7.6: Purlins supporting rafters;
Section 7.7: Purlins supporting sheeting or decking.
BS 5268-6.1 was first published in 1988 (with subsequent revisions) and covers
the design of timber frame walls in dwellings up to four storeys in height.
In recent years the demand for timber frame structures for building other than
dwellings has developed rapidly and it has been estimated that around 50 % of
the output of the timber frame manufacturing industry is produced for
non-domestic buildings.
This section of BS 5268 follows a similar methodology to BS 5268-6.1, but because
of the demand for greater storey heights in non-domestic buildings, it is based
upon an extensive range of tall wall panel racking tests carried out on wall panels
up to 4.8 m in height. It is essentially written for buildings other than dwellings,
but some of the information in respect of the performance of wall panels over
2.7 m in height may also be appropriate for use in the design of tall wall panels
in dwellings.
As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and
recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and
particular care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not
misleading.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 18, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.
ii
BS 5268-6.2:2001
1 Scope
This section of BS 5268 gives recommendations for the design, testing, fabrication and erection of timber
frame walls for buildings other than dwellings not exceeding four storeys in height and where the following
conditions apply.
a) The maximum overall height of any building is 15 m.
b) The maximum panel height in a single storey building is 6.2 m.
c) The maximum panel height in buildings of more than one storey is 4.8 m.
This section of BS 5268-6 gives recommendations for timber frame walls, with studs continuous in length
throughout the panel height, not exceeding 610 mm centre to centre and one or both faces of the studs being
partly or wholly connected to sheathing or lining. The design information contained in this section of
BS 5268 is principally intended to cover storey height panel construction. Much of the information is also
relevant to other forms of panel construction, for example, where studs are continuous through two or more
storeys.
All structural materials are assumed to be subject only to service classes 1 and 2, as defined in
BS 5268-2:1996.
The design information on the racking performance of tall wall panels (over 2.7 m in height), contained in
this section of BS 5268-6, may also be relevant to the design of tall wall panels in dwellings. The design
method described in this section of BS 5268-6 may be used in validating the racking performance of wall
panels over 2.7 m in height for use in dwellings in combination with designs in accordance with the
recommendations of BS 5268-6.1.
This section of BS 5268 covers only the structural design of timber frame walls. The following
constructional features may significantly affect the basis of the design, and they are drawn to the attention
of the designer:
a) susceptibility to weathering;
b) condensation control;
c) thermal insulation;
d) fire resistance;
e) sound insulation;
f) durability.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this part of this British Standard. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. For undated references, the latest edition of the
publication applies.
BS 187, Specification for calcium silicate (sandlime and flintstone) bricks.
BS 1230-1, Gypsum plasterboard Part 1: Specification for plasterboard excluding materials submitted to
secondary operations.
BS 3921, Specification for clay bricks.
BS 4551:1980, Methods of testing mortars, screeds and plasters.
BS 4729, Specification for dimensions of bricks of special shapes and sizes.
BS 5268-2:1996, Structural use of timber Part 2: Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials
and workmanship.
BS 5268-3:1998, Structural use of timber Part 3: Code of practice for trussed rafter roofs.
BS 5268-5:1989, Structural use of timber Part 5: Code of practice for the preservative treatment of
structural timber.
BS 5268-6, Structural use of timber Part 6: Code of practice for timber frame walls.
BS 5268-6.1:1996, Structural use of timber Part 6: Code of practice for timber frame walls
Section 6.1: Dwellings not exceeding four storeys.
BS 5268-6.2:2001
BS 5268-6.2:2001
3.4
stud
vertical member in a framed partition or wall
3.5
timber frame wall
wall constructed of timber framing members, bracing and/or wall sheathing
3.6
wall lining
manufactured sheet or board used to line a wall or partition
3.7
wall panel
component that forms part of a timber frame wall
3.8
wall sheathing
sheet or board used as a bracing
4 Materials
4.1 General
The materials used should conform to the appropriate British Standards.
Reference should be made to BS 5268-5 for information on methods of wood preservation.
All sheathing and lining materials should be of a thickness and robustness so that damage during
manufacture, transport and erection is avoided.
4.2 Species of timber
All structural timber should be strength graded in accordance with the recommendations of BS 5268-2.
NOTE Any of the species of timber listed in BS 5268-2 may be used.
BS 5268-6.2:2001
4.6 Fasteners
Structural fasteners should be corrosion resistant and should be compatible with any preservative
treatments used and any other metalwork with which they are in contact.
In the construction of panels and for fixing sheathing mild steel or stainless steel nails should be used, of
round head or D-head configuration, and the size to be used should be given in the design.
4.7 Masonry cladding
Where masonry cladding to be used for shielding the timber frame or to contribute to the racking resistance
of a timber frame wall it should be designed in accordance with the appropriate part of BS 5628 or BS 5390
for stone masonry and should be at least 100 mm thick and have a minimum density of 750 kg/m3.
5 Loading
5.1 General
Timber frame walls should be designed to carry the appropriate dead, imposed and wind loads given
in BS 6399-1, -2 and -3 and to transfer such loads to the foundation without undue distortion and
movement.
5.2 Wind loading
5.2.1 Distribution of wind load
Wind acting on a building induces external and internal pressures on the roof and walls, as described in
BS 6399-2. Both horizontal and vertical loads thus developed should be considered in the design of timber
frame walls.
NOTE The wind load is resisted primarily by transfer directly to the ground at the base of the wall and by the racking resistance of
timber frame supporting walls, the load having been transferred via the floor and ceiling diaphragms. Other non-specific factors
assisting in the resistance to wind loads are taken into account in the interaction factor given in 5.2.3.
BS 5268-6.2:2001
BS 5268-6.2:2001
K200
Percentage of
wall occupied
by openingsa
<6 m
>6 m and
<9 m
Height of
building to
eaves
>9 m and
<12 m
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
>70
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
>70
Percentage of
wall occupied
by openingsa
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
>70
0.45
0.50
0.56
0.61
0.66
0.71
0.77
0.82
1.00
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
1.00
For masonry walls with
buttresses or returns not
less than 950 mm and not
greater than 9 m centre to
centreb
0.60
0.64
0.69
0.73
0.77
0.81
0.86
0.90
1.00
0.60
0.64
0.68
0.72
0.76
0.80
0.84
0.88
1.00
0.68
0.71
0.74
0.78
0.81
0.84
0.87
0.91
1.00
0.75
0.78
0.80
0.83
0.85
0.88
0.90
0.93
1.00
0.85
0.87
0.88
0.90
0.92
0.93
0.94
0.96
1.00
0.74
0.77
0.80
0.83
0.86
0.89
0.92
0.95
1.00
0.88
0.89
0.91
0.93
0.95
0.96
0.98
1.00
1.00
NOTE 1 Values for intermediate percentages of wall occupied by openings may be obtained by linear interpolation.
NOTE 2 The K200 factors and support conditions (where relevant) should be selected on the basis of the maximum height of the
wall under consideration and be applied to the whole wall.
NOTE 3 For walls longer than 9 m, the values of K200 given in column 3 may be used provided additional buttresses or returns are
added to the masonry wall at a maximum centre to centre spacing of 9 m.
a
b
c
d
In calculating the percentage of wall occupied by openings, the height of the wall should be taken as the height to the eaves.
Values of K200 to be used where a masonry wall is supported at both ends by adequate masonry buttresses or returns.
Values of K200 to be used where a wall, which otherwise has adequate buttresses or returns, incorporates a vertical movement
joint (i.e. the wall has the required buttress or return at one end, but is not adequately supported at the other).
Values of K200 to be used where a wall has no masonry returns or buttresses or has inadequate supports at its ends.
BS 5268-6.2:2001
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Table 2 Basic racking resistances for a range of materials and combinations of materials
Primary board material
Fixing
Racking
resistance
Additional contribution of
secondary board on timber
frame wall
Category 2 or 3
materials
Category 1
material
kN/m
kN/m
kN/m
Category 1 materials:
9.5 mm plywood;
9.0 mm medium board;
12.0 mm chipboard
(type P5 or P7);
6.0 mm tempered
hardboarda;
9.0 mm OSB (type OSB/3).
Category 2 materials:
12.5 mm bitumen
impregnated insulation
board.
Category 3 materials:
12.5 mm plasterboard.
1.68
0.28
0.84
0.90
0.45
1.06
0.90
0.45
1.06
NOTE 1 Timber members in external and internal wall panels should be not less than 38 mm thick with a minimum width of
72 mm or 0.026 times the panel height in millimetres (mm), whichever is the greater. All members to be rectangular section with
linings fixed to the narrower face, with ends cut square and assembled in accordance with the relevant recommendations of
clause 7.
NOTE 2 In the specific case of internal wall panels, smaller timber members may be used but in this case should be not less than
38 mm thick with a minimum width of 63 mm or 0.023 times the panel height in millimetres (mm) whichever is the greater, and in
such cases all values for basic racking resistance given in this table should be reduced by 15 %.
NOTE 3 Studs should be spaced at centres not exceeding 610 mm.
NOTE 4 Board edges should be backed by, and nailed to timber framing.
NOTE 5 Studs should be of species and stress grade satisfying strength class C16 or better (as defined in BS 5268-2:1996).
NOTE 6 The additional contribution from a secondary layer of category 1, 2 or 3 materials should only be included once in the
determination of basic racking resistance, no matter how many additional layers may be fixed to the wall panel.
NOTE 7 The values given in Table 2 together with the modification factors in 6.8 and 6.9 assume that the wall under consideration
is adequately fixed to ensure resistance to sliding and overturning.
NOTE 8 Where a secondary board is fixed on the same side of a wall as the primary sheathing then the nail lengths given in the
table should be increased to take account of the additional thickness.
a
For wall panels in excess of 2.7 m in height the thickness of tempered hardboard should be increased to 9 mm.
BS 5268-6.2:2001
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Kw
b) Load testing
Square panels (2.4 m 2.4 m) should be tested in accordance with BS EN 594 and the results
interpreted in accordance with BS 5268-6.1:1996, clause 5 to find the basic test racking resistance
of a particular combination of materials and construction. In all respects the panel should be
representative of the construction to be used in the design.
The basic test racking resistance values derived from load testing should be substituted for the
values given in Table 2 and modified by the wall modification factors described in 6.9.
As load testing refers to a specific combination of materials and their fixings, the material
modification factors given in 6.8 (i.e. K201, K202 and K203) should not be applied to basic test
racking resistance. The racking resistance of a wall should be calculated as:
RbLKw
where
Rb is the basic test racking resistance (as derived from load testing) in kilonewtons per
metre (kN/m);
L
is the wall length in metres (m);
Kw is the product of the wall modification factors, K204K205K206K207.
The additional contribution values of a secondary layer of category 1, 2 or 3 material (see Table 2)
should only be used where the basic test racking resistance of the primary board material does not
exceed 2.1 kN/m. In all other cases the additional contribution should be quantified by load testing
the primary board material.
10
BS 5268-6.2:2001
c)
11
BS 5268-6.2:2001
The use of Table 2 materials or test evidence of basic racking resistance should not be taken to imply that
a particular material is fit for the purpose for which it is intended. Designers should assure themselves of
the required durability for the intended use of materials.
6.8.2 Modification factors for variation in fixing and thickness of the materials described
in Table 2
6.8.2.1 Variation in nail diameter
For variations in nail diameter between 2.25 mm and 3.75 mm the values for basic racking resistance given
in Table 2 should be multiplied by K201:
Dn
K 201 = ------3
where
Dn
NOTE The recommended size of nail for fixing plasterboard is 2.65 mm diameter. No enhancement of basic racking resistance
is permitted for the use of any other size of nail.
is given by Sp/sp;
Sp
sp
K202 should not be used to modify the basic racking resistance given in Table 2 for plasterboard.
Plasterboard nailed at centres greater than prescribed in Table 2 should not be considered to contribute to
racking resistance.
Where plasterboard is combined with other sheathing on the same wall, the combined basic racking
resistance value as given in Table 2 should not be increased by increasing the nail density.
NOTE The sheathing acting alone may provide a greater basic racking resistance under these circumstances and may be substituted
for the combined value.
12
BS 5268-6.2:2001
where
B
is given by Tb/tb;
Tb
tb
13
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Or, in the specific case where openings are no closer to panel edges than 1 200 mm as:
K 205 = ( 1 p )
is given by Aa/At;
Aa
At
All edges other than the bases of door openings should be supported by members having a thickness not
less than the thickness of the studs.
A means should be provided of transferring horizontal forces in the plane of the panel above and below
openings. Where no such provision is made, the wall lengths on either side of the opening should be
designed as separate parts.
Where an opening is less than 300 mm from the corner of a building and the depth of opening is greater
than half the panel height, then the length of that part of the wall, up to and including the opening, should
be disregarded when determining the total length of wall (see 6.9.1).
When K205 is taken as (1 1.3p)2 and two framed openings are separated by less than 300 mm and the
heights of both openings are greater than half the panel height, then the area of opening should be taken
as that of the rectangle that encloses both openings.
When K205 is taken as (1 p)2 and two framed openings are separated by less than 600 mm and the heights
of both openings are greater than half the panel height, then the area of opening should be taken as that
of the rectangle that encloses both openings.
NOTE This method of assessing the effect of wall openings takes account of the worst case of openings in a timber frame wall. Where
higher values of racking resistance can be obtained by considering a wall as a number of shorter lengths then this approach is
acceptable.
14
BS 5268-6.2:2001
2
2.4 0.4
K 206 = 1 + 0.09F 0.0015F --------
where
F
L
is the uniformly distributed vertical load in kilonewtons per metre (kN/m) (limited to a
maximum of 10.5 kN/m for the purpose of this calculation);
is the length of wall in metres (m).
It is assumed that in applying K206 any uplift forces or overturning moments have been taken into account
and any necessary holding down fixing designed, therefore the vertical load should not be considered to be
less than zero. For the purposes of calculating K206 concentrated vertical loads should be converted into an
equivalent vertical uniformly distributed load:
2aF p
F = ------------2
L
where
F
Fp
is the equivalent uniformly distributed vertical load in kilonewtons per metre (kN/m);
is the concentrated load in kilonewtons (kN);
is the distance from Fp to the leeward end of the wall panel under consideration in metres (m);
NOTE A concentrated load can also be assumed to be developed by connections directly between the wall panel studs and the
substructure, or in the case of a corner or internal wall, the wall at right angles.
6.9.5 Interaction
In calculating the permissible racking resistance of walls, the basic racking resistance should be multiplied
by the modification factor K207, which has the value 1.1.
NOTE The basic racking resistance values given in Table 2 or as derived from test and modified as appropriate, by modification
factors K201 to K206, give reasonably true assessments of the racking resistance of plain walls when subjected to test racking loads.
When walls form part of completed buildings, experience shows that the method of assessment underestimates the permissible
racking resistance since it does not take into account factors such as the stiffening effect of corners and the interaction of walls and
floors through multiple fixings.
15
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Under no circumstances should the contribution to permissible racking resistance provided only by the
masonry cladding exceed 25 % of the permissible racking resistance provided by the timber frame wall to
which it is fastened, when considering wind forces in any one direction.
NOTE Attention is drawn to 6.13.1.
Under no circumstances should the modification factors given in 6.9 be applied to the values given in
Table 3.
Table 3 gives ranges of wall tie density and the appropriate levels of racking resistance contribution that
may be assumed. The use of Table 3 values in no way implies that the density of ties required for a racking
resistance contribution is necessarily adequate to resist wind forces on the masonry wall. Designers should
check the actual density of ties required based upon an assessment of the relevant wind loads, shielding
factors etc.
Table 3 Contribution of masonry cladding to racking resistance
Tie density
Racking resistance
ties/m2
kN/m
0.4
0.5
3.7 ties/m2 is typified by ties spaced at 600 mm horizontally and 450 mm vertically.
4.4 ties/m2 is typified by ties spaced at 600 mm horizontally and 375 mm vertically.
6.11 Racking resistance for walls braced by other than sheet materials
Racking resistance for walls braced by other means than with sheathing should be determined either by
calculation or by load testing in accordance with BS EN 594 and the results interpreted in accordance with
BS 5268-6.1:1996, clause 5.
Inclined bracing in the form of short pieces of blocking, each fitted between adjacent studs, should not be
used unless they are connected to lining, sheathing or gussets.
6.12 Joints
6.12.1 Mechanical joints
Except where justified by load testing or where permissible values are taken from this British Standard,
joints should be designed in accordance with BS 5268-2.
6.12.2 Glued joints
Glued joints should be designed in accordance with BS 5268-2 and manufactured in accordance with
BS 6446.
6.13 Other design considerations
6.13.1 Masonry cladding
Masonry cladding should be connected to the timber frame with wall ties that have sufficient strength and
stiffness to transfer wind forces to the timber frame wall. The wall ties and tying pattern should also ensure
adequate stability and robustness of the masonry cladding. Special care should be taken to ensure that
adequate connections are provided for small free-standing piers of masonry.
At vertical interruptions to masonry cladding, such as at windows and door reveals, movement joints and
sloping verges to gable walls, additional wall ties should be provided to ensure stability of the masonry
cladding.
6.13.2 Connections to accommodate differential movement
Wall ties between timber frame and masonry cladding should have sufficient vertical flexibility to permit
vertical downward movement of the timber frame in relation to the masonry cladding. In the absence of
more detailed information, the differential movement should be taken as 6 mm per storey height. Attention
should also be given to the movement characteristics of masonry.
Similar provision should be made for connections to other parts of the building where differential
movement may occur, such as connections between the timber frame and non-timber staircases, lift shafts
or other structures.
16
BS 5268-6.2:2001
7 Workmanship
7.1 Fabrication
7.1.1 General
Drawings should be available showing the sizes of the wall panels and openings, and details of the framing,
sheathing, connections, cutting and notching, and specifications of all relevant materials.
Fabrication should be in accordance with the specifications and drawings.
A system of identification of pre-fabricated timber frame wall panels should be agreed between the
purchaser and the supplier and such identification should be clearly marked to ensure correct positioning
on-site in accordance with the detailed drawings.
7.1.2 Inspection
Fabricators of timber frame wall panels should provide purchasers and their authorized representatives
with the necessary facilities for inspection during fabrication and, by arrangement, should permit access
at all reasonable times to all places where relevant work is being carried out.
7.1.3 Moisture content
The moisture content of wall panels at the time of fabrication should be in accordance with the relevant
recommendations of BS 5268-2.
7.1.4 Timber tolerances
Timber used in the fabrication of wall panels should be within the tolerances for sawing and machining
specified in BS EN 336.
7.1.5 Assembly
Pre-fabricated timber frame wall panels should be assembled so as to ensure dimensional accuracy and
flatness.
All members should be accurately cut to ensure firm contact along the abutting faces, and should be
accurately cut to length to within a tolerance of 1 mm. No gaps over 2 mm between abutting faces of
timber should be permitted unless allowed for in the design.
Timber frame wall panels should be fabricated so that horizontal and vertical dimensions are
within 05 mm of the size specified by the designer and no diagonal should exceed the square root of the
sum of the square of specified dimensions for opposite and adjacent edges of the panel.
All mechanical fasteners should be of the type and sizes specified and should be located so that the specified
packing, end and edge distances are maintained. Nails or screws should be fully driven home without
undue damage to the surface of the materials being joined.
Glued assemblies should conform to BS 6446.
7.1.6 Finger jointing
Glued finger joints in structural softwood should conform to BS EN 385.
17
BS 5268-6.2:2001
18
BS 5268-6.2:2001
Bibliography
Standards publications
BS 5268-4.1:1978, Structural use of timber Part 4: Fire resistance of timber structures
Section 4.1: Recommendations for calculating fire resistance of timber members.
BS 5268-4.2:1990, Structural use of timber Part 4: Fire resistance of timber structures
Section 4.2: Recommendations for calculating fire resistance of timber stud walls and joisted floor
constructions.
BS 5268-7, Structural use of timber Part 7: Recommendations for the calculation basis for span tables.
DD 140-2, Wall ties Part 2: Recommendations for design of wall ties.
19
BS 5268-6.2:2001
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