GCP 9-7 : 1999

GUYANA STANDARD

Building Code -
Section 7 : Use of Guyanese hardwood in construction

Prepared by
GUYANA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Approved by
NATIONAL STANDARDS COUNCIL
 GCP 9-7 : 1999

PUBLISHED BY THE GUYANA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS,

FLAT 15, SOPHIA EXHIBITION COMPLEX,
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA.
COPYRIGHT © GUYANA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, 1999.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION

MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM, IN AN ELECTRONIC
RETRIEVAL SYSTEM OR OTHERWISE, WITHOUT THE PRIOR
PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.
 GCP 9-7 : 1999

Contents
Page

Foreword ii

Standard

1. Scope 1
2. Definitions 1
3. General 2
4. Design considerations 5
5. Minimum design standards and typical details for low rise buildings 10
6. Compression members 17
7. Connections 19
8. Heavy engineered timber structures 22
9. Trusses and trussed rafters 25

Appendix 1 - Preferred nominal sizes for structural lumber 27

Appendix 2 - Anchorage of floor beams 28
Appendix 3 - Anchorage of floor joists 29
Appendix 4 - Notching of beams and joists 30
Appendix 5 - Minimum spacing, edge and end distances for nailed joists 31
Appendix 6 - Minimum spacing, edge and end distances for bolted joists 32
Appendix 7 - Typical base connections for columns 33
Appendix 8 - Trusses and trussed rafters 34
Appendix 9 - Single chord truss - Typical details 35
Appendix 10 - Double cord truss (Bolted joists) 36

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Foreword

This Guyana Standard was developed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards in 1999, after
the draft was finalised by the Technical Committee - Civil engineering and approved by the
National Standards Council.

This standard was developed to provide guidance on the use of Guyanese hardwood for
construction purposes.

This standard is intended to be made mandatory.

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Members of the Technical Committee

Name Affiliation

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Building Code -
Section 7 : Use of Guyanese hardwood in construction

1 Scope
This Code provides guidance on the use of Guyanese timber species for construction
purposes. It includes recommendations on quality, engineering properties and the various
design considerations and principles for simple members, build-up components, composite
structures and sub-structures incorporating other materials. Requirements and
recommendations for sound construction and typical details for residential construction are
also included. Further, recommendations for the design of heavy engineered structures,
nailed, screwed, and bolted joints are also presented.

2 Definitions
For the purpose of this Code the following definitions shall apply:

2.1 dry stress: Stress applicable to solid timber exposed in conditions which would result in it
having a specified maximum moisture content. For the purpose of this Code the moisture
content for dry stress shall not exceed 18% in service.

2.2 grade: The classification of timber based on visual characterisation of the strength reducing
features.

2.3 grade stress: Stress which can safely be permanently sustained by timber of a specified
specie, grade, strength class and section size.

2.4 green timber: Timber, freshly felled or still containing original free moisture in its cell
cavities and cell walls.

2.5 loading sharing system: Assembly of members which are constrained to act together to
support a common load.

2.6 member: Structural component which may either be an element of solid timber or built up
from pieces of timber, plywood etc. (for example, floor joist, plywood beam, truss members
etc.).

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2.7 nominal size: The actual size of a surfaced piece of timber including allowance for
tolerances.

2.8 permissible stress: Stress that can be permanently sustained by timber under a particular
condition, and represents the grade stress modified for size, service and loading.

2.9 strength class: Classification of various species of timber based on similarity of engineering
properties such as modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity (stiffness), density etc.

2.10 structural unit: Assembly of members forming the whole or part of sub-component of
framework (for example, building skeleton or a complete structure).

2.11 wet stress: Stress applicable to solid timber exposed in conditions which would result in it
exceeding a moisture content of 18%.

3 General
3.1 Materials and species

This Code is based on Guyanese timber species visually graded to the Guyana Timber
Grading Rules for Hardwoods and other tropical hardwood timbers complying to the British
Standards, BS 4978 : 1996, “Specification for visual strength grading of softwood” and
BS 5756 : 1997, “Specification for visual strength grading of hardwood”. Tropical
hardwood timber complying with these standards are conforming to this Code.

The Guyanese timber species which are considered suitable for construction purposes and to
which the provisions of this Code are applicable as listed in Table 1.

3.2 Durability

The heartwood of many local timber species is naturally durable. However, the sapwood of
all species is susceptible to biodeterioration. The durability characteristics of the primary
local species are given in the Guyana Timber Grading Rules for Hardwoods. Structural
members in contact with the ground shall be of species that are highly durable naturally or
preservative-treated.

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3.3 Preservative-treated timber

Timber that have high natural durability may be used for structural members without
preservative treatment provided that sapwood content is excluded or minimised. Species that
have low natural durability shall be treated with preservative as recommended in the Guyana
Timber Grading Rules for Hardwoods for use in construction.

3.4 Dimensions and preferred sizes

The sizes, dimensions and tolerances of members presented in this Code are stated in metric
units. The preferred sizes for constructional purposes are presented in Appendix 1. These
indicate nominal sizes and tolerances based on Industry Standards. Recommended nominal
sizes for hardwoods are also presented in BS 5450 : 1995.

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Table 1
Guyanese timber species for structural application

Standard name Botanical name Approximate density

(kg/m3) at 18%moisture
content
Aromata Clathrotropis bachpetala 1000

Asepoko Pouteria guianensis 950

Baromalli Catostemma altsonii 490

Bulletwood Manilkara bidentata 900

Black kakaralli Eschweilera subglandulosa 1000

Crabwood Carapa guianensis 610

Determa Ocotea rubra 620

Dukali Parahancornia fasciculata 490

Hububalli Loxopterygium sagotii 800

Greenheart Chlorocardium rodiei 1030

Kabukalli Goupia glabra 830

Kurokai Protium decandrum 700

Locust Hymenaea courbaril 910

Manni Symphonia globulifera 780

Manniballi Moronobea coccinea 860

Mora Mora excelsa 910

Morabukea Mora gonggrijpii 1010

Purple heart Peltogyne pubescens 860

Red cedar Cedrela odorata 490

Silverballi Ocotea spp. 600

Simarupa Simaruba amara 430

Shibadan Aspidosperma album 850

Tatabu Diplotropis purpurea 935

Tauroniro Humira balsamifera 900

Wallaba Eperua falcata 950

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Wamara Swartzia leicocalycina 120

4 Design considerations
4.1 Methods of design

This Code specifies design requirements for two general categories of structures:

(a) light-frame domestic buildings and other similar structures requiring minimal
engineering design inputs; and

(b) heavy structures, including industrial, commercial, institutional and other public
buildings, and other major engineering structures requiring significant engineering
design inputs.

4.1.1 The methods of design available for the design of timber structures can be generalised as:

(a) Working stress design

This is an elastic design method and involves the application of standard engineering
principles and design standards for proportioning structural members such that stresses
or deformations induced by all relevant conditions of loading do not exceed the
permissible stresses or deformation limits for the material or the service conditions
determined in accordance with the relevant Code (for example, British Standard, BS
5268 - Parts 1-5 : 1985, “Structural use of timber and Australian Standard AS
1720 : 1982”). All structures in 4.1 (a) and (b) may be designed using this method.

(b) Limit state design

This method is based on the application of limit state and reliability theories for timber,
and ultimate stresses and partial factors of safety to ensure that various limit stated (that
is, ultimate and serviceability) are not exceeded.

(c) Simplified design methods

These are required to satisfy minimum design standards and are based on load-span
tables, design monograph and other design aids. Such methods may be applied in the
design of all structures in 4.1 (a) and some in 4.1 (b) to ensure robust and stable
structures.

Clause 5 presents requirements for simplified designs based on load-span tables and
minimum construction details sufficient for design of structures in 4.1 (a) to ensure a
robust and stable structure.

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Clause 8 gives general recommendations for the utilisation of Guyanese timbers in the
design of structures in 4.1 (b) by the application of engineering design principles with
the relevant design codes (for example, BS 5268 Parts 1-5 : 1985, “Structural use of
timber” and AS 1720 : 1982).

4.1.2 To ensure robust and stable designs for all methods of design it is necessary for the designer
to:

(a) consider the structural form of the building or structure;

(b) ensure that any required interaction and connections between timber load-bearing
elements and between such elements and other parts of the structure; and

(c) provide suitable bracing or diaphragm effect in planes parallel to the direction of lateral
forces acting on the whole structure.

4.2 Grades

In the absence of machine grading, timber for structural applications shall be visually graded
in accordance with the specifications set out in the Guyana timber grading rules for
hardwoods and BS 5756 : 1980, “Tropical hardwoods graded for structural use”.

4.2.1 For timber graded to the Guyana timber grading rules for hardwoods, two grades are
applicable to the requirements of this Code:

(a) select Grade - SG; and

(b) merchantable Grade - MG.

Basic stresses for selected Guyanese timber species for the wet and dry exposure conditions
are presented in Tables 2 and 3 respectively. Grade stresses for the SG and MG Grades are
presented in Tables 4 and 5.

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Table 2
Wet basic stresses for selected Guyanese species

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

name parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

Greenheart 33.4 20.1 22.0 6.69 3.19 19100 16000

Purpleheart 20.4 12.2 15.0 4.08 3.43 16800 11200

Wallaba 24.3 14.6 19.0 4.86 - 18000 14900

Mora 22.0 13.8 15.3 4.59 2.87 17800 14900

Table 3
Dry basic stresses for selected Guyanese species

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

name parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

Greenheart 39.1 23.4 27.1 7.81 3.83 22700 19000

Purpleheart 23.3 14.0 18.5 4.65 3.86 18500 12400

Wallaba 29.7 17.8 23.1 5.93 - 17800 14900

Mora 31.4 18.8 21.9 6.27 3.67 20400 17100

Table 3
Wet grade stresses for selected Guyanese species (SS Grade)

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

name parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

Greenheart 22.3 13.4 19.2 5.02 2.14 18100 15200

Purpleheart 13.6 8.16 13.1 3.06 2.30 16000 10600

Wallaba 16.2 9.73 16.7 3.65 - 17100 14100

Mora 15.3 9.18 13.4 3.44 1.92 16900 14100

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Table 5
Dry grade stresses for selected Guyanese species (SS Grade)

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

name parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

Greenheart 26.1 15.6 23.7 5.86 2.57 21600 18000

Purpleheart 15.5 9.31 16.2 5.49 2.61 17600 11800

Wallaba 19.8 11.9 20.2 4.45 - 16900 14100

Mora 20.9 12.6 19.2 4.70 2.46 19400 16200

4.3 Strength group

For the purpose of this Code, a strength grouping system is proposed for Guyanese structural
species. The basic criteria for assigning species to the various strength groups are the
modulus of rapture (MOR). However, where the data on this characteristic was not available
grouping was based on density.

Five strength groups are defined, namely, F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. Thus, F1 is the weakest
group and F5 the strongest. The species in the various strength groups are presented in
Table 6, and grade stresses for the strength groups are presented in Table 7 and 8 for the wet
and dry exposure conditions, respectively.

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Table 6
Strength groups for Guyanese structural timbers

Strength group Species Approximate density

(kg/m2)
F1 Baromalli 400 - 550
Duka
Dukali
Futui
Maho
Red cedar
Simarupa
Suya
White cedar
F2 Crabwood 551 - 700
Determa
Fukadi
Kurokai
K. silverballi
Maporokon
F3 Hububalli 701 - 900
Kabukalli
Manni
Purpleheart
Shibadan
Tatabu
Wallaba
F4 Aromata 901 - 1000
Bulletwood
Locust
Maniballi
Mora
Tauromiro
F5 Greenheart 1001 - 1200
Black kakaralli
Morabukea
Wamara

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Yururu

Table 7
Wet grade stresses for strength groups (SS Grade)

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

group parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

F1 10.5 7.18 12.0 2.52 1.65 16000 13000

F2 13.6 8.16 13.1 3.06 1.92 16900 14000

F3 15.3 9.18 13.4 3.44 2.14 17100 14100

F4 16.2 9.73 16.7 3.65 2.30 18100 15200

F5 22.3 13.4 19.2 5.02 2.50 19600 16600

Table 8
Dry grade stresses for strength groups (SS Grade)

Standard Bending Tension Compression Compression Shear Modulus of elasticity

group parallel to parallel to perpendicular perpendicular parallel to (N/mm2)
grain grain to grain to grain grain
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) (N/mm2) Mean Minimum

F1 14.5 8.25 14.2 3.01 1.95 15600 10600

F2 15.5 9.31 16.2 3.49 2.30 16900 11800

F3 19.8 11.9 19.2 4.45 2.46 17600 14100

F4 20.9 12.6 20.2 4.70 2.57 19400 16200

F5 26.1 15.6 23.7 5.86 2.61 21600 18000

5 Minimum design standards and typical details for low rise buildings
5.1 General

5.1.1 The recommendations and requirements presented in the clause of the Code are applicable to
light-framed domestic buildings and other minor structures which do not require significant
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engineering design inputs.

5.1.2 The sizes of timber framing members of typical construction details described in this clause
are based on:

(a) experience of constructing with local species for providing acceptable resistance
against loading conditions applicable to Guyana; and

(b) standard engineering formulae for bending moment and deflection using the strength
properties for Strength Classes F1 - F5 as presented in Tables 7 and 8.

5.2 Floor structure and framing

5.2.1 Beams and bearers

(a) Spans: Tables for floor beams and bearers for various strength groups are presented in
Table 9 for single span.

(b) Sizes: The sizes in Table 9 are based on maximum dead loads of 0.8 kN/m2. The size
of floor beams shall be as specified in Table 9 and shall have a minimum thickness of
100 mm.

(c) Bearing: Floor beams shall not have less than 100 mm bearing on timber wall plates or
columns.

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Table 9
Floor beams - Single span

Maximum imposed load = 2.0 kN/m2

Beam size Spacing Maximum span (m)

(width x depth) (m)
(mm) Greenheart F3 F4 F5

100 x 150 2.0 3.3 2.7 3.0 3.3

100 x 200 4.2 3.6 3.9 4.2
100 x 250 5.5 4.6 5.0 5.5
100 x 300 6.1 5.4 5.8 6.1
100 x 150 3.0 2.7 2.0 2.4 2.7
100 x 200 3.6 2.7 3.1 3.6
100 x 250 4.5 3.6 4.0 4.5
100 x 300 5.4 4.5 5.0 5.4
100 x 150 4.0 2.5 1.8 2.2 2.5
100 x 200 3.2 2.2 2.8 3.2
100 x 250 4.0 3.0 3.6 4.0
100 x 300 5.0 3.8 4.3 5.0

(c) Support and anchorage

(i) Beams may be supported directly on concrete walls or on timber wall plates. In
either case the minimum bearing length shall be 100 mm.

(ii) Shims may be used to ensure leveling of the top edges of beams in a floor
framing.

(iii) Beams bearing on wall plates may be anchored by toe-nailing, as set out in
Table 14. Alternatively , metal brackets may be used to achieve anchorage.

(iv) In post-and-beam construction bolted beam-to-column connections may be

used to provide support and anchorage.

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(d) Notching

Beams may be notched on either the bottom or top edge to achieve support. The
following rules shall apply:

(i) the notch shall be square and true to ensure effective bearing and verticality;

(ii) the depth of a notch shall not exceed one-third the depth of the beam; and

(iii) beams shall be notched on the bottom edge within the middle _ of the span.

5.3 Floor joists

The span tables for floor joists for various spacing are presented in Table 10 for one and two
spans respectively.

(a) Size: The size of floor beams shall be as specified in Table 9 and shall have a
minimum thickness of 50 mm.

(b) Bearing: Floor joists shall not have less than 75 mm bearing on timber plates or beams.

(c) Notching: The recommendations of 5.2.1 (d) also apply to joists.

(d) Anchorage and support: Joists may be anchored to top faces of floor beams by:

(i) toe-nailing;

(ii) by a combination of notching and toe-nailing; or

(iii) the use of metal angle brackets.

Alternatively, joists may be supported by metal joists hangers connected to the faces
of beams where the top edges of beams and joists are required to be at the same level.

(e) Splicing of joists: Floor joists shall not be spliced between points of support except
in special cases where a properly designed and connected splice is provided by a
qualified engineer.

(f) Bridging and bracing: Joists 250 mm or more in depth shall be provided with
bridging or X-bracing at not more than 2 m intervals to ensure lateral stability.

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(g) Cantilevers: Floor joists of 50 x 200 mm or more may be cantilevered to 15% of

their span to a maximum of 2 m in a one or two storey building.

Table 10
Floor joists - Single span
Maximum dead load = 0.8 kN/m2
Live load = 2.0 kN/m2

Joist size Spacing Maximum span (m)

(width x depth) (mm)
(mm) Greenheart F3 F4 F5

50 x 100 450 2.5 1.8 2.0 2.5

50 x 150 3.7 2.0 2.5 3.7
50 x 200 5.0 2.5 3.7 5.0
50 x 250 6.2 3.7 5.0 6.2
50 x 300 7.5 5.0 6.2 7.5
50 x 100 610 2.2 1.5 1.8 2.2
50 x 150 3.4 1.8 2.2 3.4
50 x 200 4.5 2.2 3.0 4.5
50 x 250 5.6 3.5 4.7 5.6
50 x 300 6.7 4.0 5.5 6.7
50 x 100 750 2.0 1.2 1.5 2.0
50 x 150 3.1 1.5 1.8 3.1
50 x 200 4.2 1.8 2.4 4.2
50 x 250 5.2 2.4 4.0 5.2
50 x 300 6.3 4.5 5.2 6.3

5.4 Roof structure and framing

5.4.1 General

The roof structure for timber buildings may be in the form of roof trusses or trussed rafters or
constructed or individual framing members in the form of rafters, ceiling joists and purlins.

This Clause sets out the requirements for construction utilising rafters, ceiling joists and
purlins. Trusses and trussed rafters are addressed at Clause 9 of this Code.

5.4.2 Rafters and ceiling joists

(a) Size: The minimum size of rafters and ceiling joists where a plastered ceiling is

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directly supported on the bottom of such members shall not be less than 38 mm
nominal width.

(b) Spacing: The maximum spacing of rafters and ceiling joists shall be as follows:

(i) rafters where close-boarded ceiling is used - 900 mm;

(ii) rafters where purlins are used - 1200mm;

(iii) ceiling joists supporting plastered ceiling - 400 mm centres; and

(iv) ceiling joists supporting other forms of lightweight ceiling, such as fibreboard,
plywood or tempered hardboard - 600 mm.

(c) Bearing: Rafters and ceiling joists shall have not less than 75 mm bearing on timber
plates.

(d) Anchorage: Roof members shall be effectively anchored to satisfy uplift

requirements.

(i) In areas where relatively high wind loads resulting in uplift pressures are not
normally expected each individual rafter may be notched over and nailed to tie
beams, plates etc, on which it beams.

(ii) At a ridge, the rafters shall also be effectively nailed.

(iii) Where relatively high wind loads and uplift pressures are normally expected,
each rafter shall be anchored to the tie beam, plate or truss on which it beams
with steel straps or equivalent metal fastener.

(iv) Ceiling joists shall be nailed to the bearing plates, to each other where they lap.

(e) Ridges, hip and valley rafters

Ridge boards, hip and valley rafters shall have sizes not less than the largest rafter
framing thereto.

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Table 11
Rafters and ceiling joists

Span Spacing Maximum dimensions

(m) (mm) (mm x mm)
F3 F4 F5

Rafters 450 38 x 100 38 x 100 38 x 100

600 38 x 150 38 x 125 38 x 125
2.4 900 38 x 175 38 x 150 38 x 150
2.8 450 50 x 125 50 x 100 50 x 100
600 50 x 150 50 x 125 50 x 125
900 50 x 175 50 x 150 50 x 125
3.2 450 50 x 150 50 x 125 50 x 125
600 50 x 175 50 x 150 50 x 150
900 50 x 175 50 x 175 50 x 175
3.7 450 50 x 150 50 x 150 50 x 150
600 50 x 200 50 x 175 50 x 150
900 50 x 200 50 x 200 50 x 200
4.5 450 50 x 200 50 x 175 50 x 150
600 50 x 225 50 x 200 50 x 175
900 50 x 250 50 x 225 50 x 200

Ceiling joists
1.8 600 50 x 100 38 x 100 38 x 100
2.1 50 x 125 38 x 125 38 x 100
2.7 50 x 150 50 x 125 38 x 125
3.3 50 x 150 50 x 125 38 x 125

5.4.3 Purlins

Purlins shall be provided to support metal roof sheeting and shall be effectively; fixed to
withstand uplift forces.

(a) Size: Is dictated by the type of sheeting and spacing of the rafters. These shall have
a minimum dimension of 50 mm thickness and a depth of 75 mm. The
recommended sizes and spacing for purlins supporting metal sheeting are given in
Table 12.
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(b) Anchorage: Purlins shall be effectively anchored to the supporting rafters by metal
hangers or brackets or by nailing.

(c) Splicing: Purlins shall not be spliced between points of support. Where splicing
between supports are necessary such splicing shall be properly designed by a
qualified engineer.

Purlins are not required where close boarding is attached to rafters as support for roof
sheeting.

Table 12
Minimum sizes of purlins

Purlin Rafter Maximum dimensions

spacing spacing (mm x mm)
(m) (mm)
F3 F4 F5

0.61 450 50 x 100 50 x 100 50 x 100

600 50 x 125 50 x 125 50 x 100
900 50 x 150 50 x 125 50 x 125
0.90 450 50 x 150 50 x 125 50 x 100
600 50 x 150 50 x 150 50 x 125
900 50 x 175 50 x 150 50 x 150
1.22 450 50 x 150 50 x 150 50 x 125
600 50 x 200 50 x 175 50 x 150
900 50 x 225 50 x 200 50 x 175

6 Compression members
6.1 General

This Clause presents recommendations on compression members such as solid and built-up
columns, posts and wall studs. Compression members in trusses and other triangulated
frameworks are not covered by these recommendations.

6.2 Solid columns

6.2.1 All columns or posts shall be squared to true end bearing and shall be securely anchored
against lateral and vertical forces.

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6.2.2 All columns at ground level shall be raised on plinths or concrete pedestals at least 200 mm
above the ground or have the bottom end protected by an effective moisture barrier.

(a) Slicing: Splicing of columns shall only be done at locations where adequate support
about both axes is provided.

(b) Notching: Notching of columns of cross sectional dimension smaller than 150 x 150
mm shall not be permitted.

For larger columns, notching may be permitted provided that the area at the notched
section is not reduced by more than 10%.

(c) Size and height: The size of columns is influenced by the clear height and the
loading.

Table 13 gives recommendations on the height and size of columns for varying areas
of supported domestic floors.

Table 13
Columns supporting floors in domestic buildings

Column Maximum area of floor supported

(m2)
Height Size Greenheart F3 F4 F5
(m) (mm x mm)
2.5 100 x 100 16.0 9.3 14.4 16.0
2.5 150 x 150 20.2 7.5 60.0 20.2
3.0 150 x 150 25.0 9.3 20.2 25.0
3.0 200 x 200 30.2 12.5 25.0 30.2
4.0 200 x 200 36.0 13.4 30.2 36.0
4.5 250 x 250 42.2 18.2 36.0 42.2

6.3 Stud walls

6.3.1 Placement of studs: Studs in exterior and load bearing walls shall be placed with the longest
dimension perpendicular to the wall.

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6.3.2 Double studs: Stud walls shall:

(a) be squared to corners using double studs and battens; and

(b) have double studs at the sides of all doors, windows or other openings in bearing
walls, and openings wider than 1.50 m in non-load bearing walls.

6.3.4 Bracing: Bracing shall be provided for all load-bearing stud walls.

6.3.5 Studs joining masonry: Studs in walls or partitions which join masonry walls shall be
secured against lateral movement by nailing, bolting or similar stud connections to the
masonry.

6.4 Plates

6.4.1 Top plates in load-bearing walls

These shall:

(a) be doubled for the entire length of exterior walls;

(b) be doubled or lapped at each intersection with walls and partitions; and

(c) have joints in upper or lower member of top plate lapped not less than 1.2 m.

6.4.2 Plates on masonry or concrete

Plates or sills in stud-bearing walls resting on masonry or concrete shall not be less than:

(a) 75 x 150 mm, bolted to the masonry or concrete at the corners and at spacings not
more than 1.2 m with 12 mm bolts embedded 175 mm into the masonry; and.

(b) stud walls resting on masonry shall have base plates or sills of timber treated with a
suitable preservative.

6.4.3 Base plates concrete

Base plates or stud walls resting on concrete slab floors shall have a suitable damp-proof
course under the plate. In no circumstance shall base plates be embedded in concrete or
mortar.

7 Connections
7.1 This Clause presents general requirements for nailed and bolted joints in light-framed
timber structures. For the designs of joints in heavy engineered structures the principles set
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out in various design standards, such as BS 5268 : 1985, “Structural use of timber” may be
utilised.

Timber joints with stud-type connections, such as nails and bolts, may be classified as:

7.1.1 Laterally loaded joints: Nails or bolts penetrating the side faces of members and
perpendicular to the grain direction.

7.1.2 End-loaded or withdrawal joints: Nail joints with nails driven through the face of one
member and into the end and parallel to the grain direction of the connected member.

7.1.3 Toe-nailed joints: Nail driven at an angle through the side face and close to the end of one
member and penetrating the face of the connected member.

7.2 Nailed joints

7.2.1 The minimum requirements for various types of nailed joints are given in Table 14.

(a) Number of nails: The number of nails required for connecting members in various
types of joints are presented in Table 14.

(b) Nail spacing: Timber joints shall have a minimum of two nails. The spacing
requirements for laterally nailed joints are given in Table 15 and shown in Appendix
5.

(c) Nail penetration: In general, the point side penetration of nails is laterally loaded
joints shall not be less than the thickness of the head side member.

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Table 14
Nailing requirements for common timber joints

Type of joint Nailing requirements Connection

(Wire nails)
Number type Length
Joist-to-beam 2 - 16d 75 Toe nailed
Bridging-to-joint 2 - 8d 65 Toe nailed
Plate-to-joist or blocking 2 - 16d 75 4000 mm crs
Stud-to-plate 2 - 16d 75 End nailed
or

2 - 16d 65 End nailed

Top plates, spiked together 2 - 16d 65 Face nailed
Plate to stud 2 - 16d 65 End nailed

Ceiling joist to top plate 2 - 16d 65 Toe nailed

Rafters to plate 4 - 16d 65 Toe nailed
Parallel rafters 2 - 16d 65 Face nailed
Purlins to rafters 2 - 16d 65 Toe nailed

Cladding to studs:
-Boards 100 mm wide 2 - 16d 65 Face nailed
-Boards 150 mm wide 3 - 16d 65 Face nailed
-Boards 200 mm wide 4 - 16d 65 Face nailed

Roof close - Boarding to rafters:

-Boards 100 mm wide 2 - 16d 65 face nailed
-Boards 150 mm wide 3 - 16d 65 Face nailed
-Boards 200 mm wide 4 - 16d 65 Face nailed

Floor boards to joists:

-Boards 75 mm wide 2 - 16d 65 Face nailed
-Boards 100 mm wide 3 - 16d 65 Face nailed

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Table 15
Nail spacing for laterally loaded joints without pre-boring

Spacing
Type of joints End distance Edge distance
Along the Across the (diameter) (diameter
grain grain
(diameter) (diameter)
Timber-to-timber 20 10 20 5

10 10 20 5

Plywood-to- 10 5 10 5
timber

Metal-to-timber

7.3 Bolted joints

7.3.1 Joint construction

(a) Spacing, edge and end distances

The minimum spacing, edge and end distances for bolted joints for loads acting parallel
and perpendicular to the grain are given in Appendix 6. For loads acting at an angle of
_ to the grain, the value for the loads acting parallel to the grain may be used when _ <
200, and the value given for loads acting perpendicular to the grain when _ > 200.

8 Heavy engineered timber structures - Minimum design requirements

and construction details
8.1 General

8.1.1 For the purpose of this Code heavy engineered timber structures include all structures
incorporating large timber members and specially designed connections for supporting
relatively heavy loads. These include public, commercial, industrial and institutional
buildings, sports facilities, grandstand, pavilions, bridges, wharves and other marine
construction.

8.1.2 Such structures shall be designed by competent qualified engineers in accordance with the
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requirements set out in appropriate design Code and Standards (for example, BS 5268 :
1985, “Structural use of timber” and AS 1720 : 1982).

8.1.3 For use with these Codes, the strength classes and grade stresses set out in Clause 4 of this
Code shall be applied.

8.1.4 This Clause of the Code presents general guidelines on the design and construction of
elements in such members.

8.2 Flexural members

Flexural members are generally designed from solid timber, built-up, composite or glued-
laminated timber. Because of the difficulty of glue-laminating, Guyanese and other tropical
hardwoods, sold and build-up timbers are the predominant structural form.

8.2.1 Joists and girders

(a) Floor framing

(i) Joists, beams and girders for floor structure applications shall not be less than
150 mm nominal depth.

(ii) Lattice girders or trusses supporting floor loads shall have members of nominal
depth or less than 50 mm.

(b) Roof framing

(i) Roof joists, beams and rafters shall not be less than 50 mm nominal and depth
not less than 100 mm nominal.

(ii) Roof trusses shall have members of depth or width not less than 50 mm
nominal and depth not less than 100 mm nominal.

8.2.2 Flooring and roof decks

(a) flooring may be square edged plank, splined, or tongue and grooved, of not less than 38
mm nominal thickness.

(b) Planks shall:

(i) have joints staggered such that a continuous line of joints will not occur, except
at points of supports; and

(ii) have gaps not less than 10 mm to the wall to provide an expansion joint, which
shall be covered at top and bottom.
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(c) Roof decks may be:

(i) square edge planks, spline, or tongue and grooved, and shall have a thickness
not less than 38 mm nominal dimension;

(ii) of double thickness, of nominal 25 mm planks or tongue and grooved boards

with staggered joints; or

(iii) Nail - laminated decking of nominal thickness not less than 50 mm.

8.3 Columns

Timber columns may be solid, spaced or built-up and shall not be less than 200 mm nominal
depth when supporting roof or floor locals.

8.3.1 Solid columns

(a) Solid columns shall be:

(i) continuous or directly superimposed one above the other with no girders or
bolsters between columns, throughout all storeys by means of metal caps with
brackets; and

(ii) connected by properly designed steel or iron caps with pintles and base plates,
or by timber splice plates affixed to the columns by means of metal
connections housed within the contact faces, or other suitable methods.

8.3.2 Spaced columns

(a) Each leaf of space columns shall have a nominal thickness not less than 50 mm.

(b) The leaves of spaced columns shall be separated by spacer blocks of nominal size
50 mm x 100 mm x column depth of centres not greater than _ x clear column height

8.4 Joints

8.4.1 The joints in heavy timber structures may be of the following:

(a) Nailed joints

(i) Timber-to-timber.

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(ii) Timber with plywood gussets.

(iii) Timber with metal nail plates gussets.

(b) Bolted joints

(i) Without gussets.

(ii) Gusseted - plywood.

(iii) Gusseted - metal gussets.

(c) Connector joints

(i) Shear plate connections and bolt.

(ii) Split-ring connectors and bolts.

The minimum spacings given in Clause 5 of this Code shall be used with nailed and
bolted joints in heavy; timber structures.

9 Trusses and trussed rafters

9.1 General

This Clause covers trusses used in roof construction for engineered and non-engineered
residential buildings. The latter type of trusses are generally classified as trussed rafters.

9.2 Design and general construction requirements

Trusses are designed as pin-jointed, plane frame structures. Construction requirements shall
ensure that this structural form and behaviour are achieved. This implies that symmetry in
the plane of the structure shall be achieved in practice. Lack of planar symmetry would
affect the stability of the structure and could result in undesirable out-of-plane deflections
and distortions which would be detrimental to the stability of the entire roof structure.

9.3 Typical configurations

Typical configurations for trusses and trussed rafters are shown in Appendix 8. In general,
the top and bottom chords may be form with single or double members. Internal members
are usually single members.

9.4 Minimum member sizes

9.4.1 For single chord construction, the minimum size of the top and bottom chords is 38 mm x 75
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mm.

9.4.2 For duo-chord construction, the minimum size of the top and bottom chords is 32 mm x 75
mm.
9.4.3 The minimum size of internal members is 38 mm x 75 mm.

9.5 Joints

joints in trusses and trussed rafters shall be arranged such that secondary moments are
minimised. This is assured if the centre lines of all members meeting at the joint coincide.
This is easy to achieve with gusseted joints. With timber-to-timber joints this could be
achieved by using double chords (that is, duo-chord truss).

9.5.1 Nailed joints

Nailed joints in trusses shall be formed with gussets or nail plates. For plywood gussets the
minimum recommended thickness is 12 mm. The minimum recommended thickness for nail
plates is 8 mm. Typical nailed joints for trusses are shown in Appendix 9.

9.5.2 Bolted joints

Bolted joints in trusses may be formed with bolts only or with plywood or metal gusset
plates. All bolts shall have washers on both faces of the joint. For plywood gussets, the
minimum recommended thickness is 12 mm. The minimum recommended thickness for nail
plates is 8 mm. Typical nailed joints for trusses are shown in Appendix 10.

9.6 Support and anchorage

Trusses shall be supported and adequate bearing on timber wall plates or roof beams.
Effective anchorage shall be provided by the use of metal brackets designed to achieve
pinned supports and prevent uplift.

9.7 Bracing

Trussed roof systems shall be provided with adequate bracing against lateral forces due to
wind loads.

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Appendix 1
Preferred nominal sizes for structural lumber

Thickness Width
(mm) (mm)
50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 275 300 350 400 450 500

12 x x x

16 x x x

19 x x x x

25 x x x x x x x x

32 x x x x x x x x

38 x x x x x x x x

44 x x x x x x x x

50 x x x x x x x x x x x

62 x x x x x x x x x x

75 x x x x x x x x x

100 x x x x x x x x x

125 x x x x x x x x x x

150 x x x x x x x x x

175 x x x x x x x x

200 x x x x x x x x x

225 x x x x x x x x

250 x x x x x x x

300 x x x x

350 x x x

400 x x

450 x
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Appendix 2
Anchorage of floor beams

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Appendix 3
Anchorage of floor joist

Appendix 4
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Notching of beams and joists

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Appendix 5
Minimum spacing, edge and end distances for nailed joints

Appendix 6
Minimum spacing, edge and end distances for bolted joints
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Appendix 7
Typical base connections for columns

Appendix 8
Trusses and trussed rafters
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Appendix 9
Single cord truss - Typical details

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Appendix 10
Double chord truss (Bolted joints)

37