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P L Y W O O D D E S I G N S P E C I F I C A T I O N

S U P P L E M E N T 5

Design And Fabrication Of

All-Plywood Beams
September 1995

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A P A
T h e E n g i n e e r e d Wo o d A s s o c i a t i o n
H815,PDS5.0 3/27/00 4:25 PM Page b

A P A
©1995 APA – THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. • ANY COPYING, MODIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR OTHER USE OF THIS PUBLICATION OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY APA IS PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS.

T h e E n g i n e e r e d Wo o d A s s o c i a t i o n

DO THE RIGHT THING RIGHT™

Wood is good. It is the earth’s natural, energy efficient and renewable

building material.
Engineered wood is a better use of wood. It uses less wood to make
more wood products.
That’s why using APA trademarked I-joists, glued laminated timbers, laminated
veneer lumber, plywood and oriented strand board is the right thing to do.

A few facts about wood.

■ We’re not running out of trees. One-third of the United States land base –
731 million acres – is covered by forests. About two-thirds of that 731 million acres is
suitable for repeated planting and harvesting of timber. But only about half of the land
suitable for growing timber is open to logging. Most of that harvestable acreage also is
open to other uses, such as camping, hiking, hunting, etc.
■ We’re growing more wood every day. American landowners plant more than
two billion trees every year. In addition, millions of trees seed naturally. The forest
products industry, which comprises about 15 percent of forestland ownership, is
responsible for 41 percent of replanted forest acreage. That works out to more than one
billion trees a year, or about three million trees planted every day. This high rate of
replanting accounts for the fact that each year, 27 percent more timber is grown
than is harvested.
■ Manufacturing wood products is
Percent of Percent of
energy efficient. Wood products made Material Production Energy Use
up 47 percent of all industrial raw
Wood 47 4
materials manufactured in the United
Steel 23 48
States, yet consumed only 4 percent of
the energy needed to manufacture all Aluminum 2 8
industrial raw materials, according
to a 1987 study.
■ Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown, a young forest
produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide.
Wood. It’s the right product for the environment.

NOTICE:
The recommendations in

A PA
this report apply only to
panels that bear the APA
RED
GINEE TION trademark. Only panels
THE EN
A S S O C IA
WOOD bearing the APA trademark
ING are subject to the
SHEATH CH
RATED 1 5 /3 2 IN Association’s quality
32/1D6FOR SPACING auditing program.
SIZE RE 1
EXPOSU
000 PRP-10
8
C-D
PS 1-95
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F O R E W O R D

This publication formerly was issued and criteria for conducting and A Word on Components
as Research Report 124-A, Form D410. evaluating structural load tests on Plywood components are major
It presents recommended methods for assemblies such as all-plywood beams. structural members which depend on
the design and fabrication of staple- the glued joints to integrate the
The product use recommendations in
glued all-plywood beams. Allowable separate pieces into an efficient unit
this publication are based on APA –
stresses and other design criteria are capable of carrying high stresses.
The Engineered Wood Association’s
given in Part 1, and in APA’s Materials in these components may be
continuing programs of laboratory
PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICA- stressed to an appreciably higher level
testing, product research, and
TION (PDS). References are also made than in conventional construction.
comprehensive field experience.
to the NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFI-
However, because the Association Since improperly designed or fabri-
CATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUC-
has no control over quality of work- cated components could constitute a
TION (NDS), published by the
manship or the conditions under hazard to life and property, it is
American Forest and Paper Associa-
which engineered wood products are strongly recommended that compo-
tion. Part 2 of this publication covers
used, it cannot accept responsibility nents be designed by qualified
beam fabrication.
for product performance or designs as architects or engineers, using recog-
Beam design and fabrication recom- actually constructed. nized design and fabrication methods,
mendations are based on tests and that adequate quality control be
All-plywood beams designed and
conducted by APA, as described in maintained during manufacture.
fabricated with these recommenda-
Research Report 124, “All-Plywood
tions have been widely used in To be sure that such quality control
Beams for Mobile Homes.” The tests
manufactured homes. Check with has been carefully maintained, we
showed that such beams comply with
model building code regulatory recommend the services of an inde-
the structural load test criteria in the
agencies for acceptance of these pendent testing agency. A requirement
Federal Manufactured Home
methods for construction of that each unit bear the trademark of
Construction and Safety Standards.
components to be used in other code- an approved agency will assure
These standards and subsequent
complying structural applications. adequate independent inspection.
amendments are published in the
FEDERAL REGISTER by the U.S. Technical Services Division
Department of Housing and Urban APA – The Engineered Wood
Development, and include procedures Association

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C O N T E N T S – D E S I G N A N D F A B R I C AT I O N O F
A L L - P LY W O O D B E A M S

Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Part 1 – Design of All-Plywood Beams................................................................................................................ 3

General .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Web and Flange Bending Stress.................................................................... 4

Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Web Shear Stress .......................................................................................... 5

Determine Total Load Based on Allowable Flange-Web Shear Stress ............................................................................... 6

Determine Final Total Allowable Load ............................................................................................................................ 6

Calculate Deflection at Allowable Load........................................................................................................................... 6

Beam Support and Connection Details........................................................................................................................... 7

Part 2 – Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams....................................................................................................... 9

Scope ............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

Materials......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Fabrication ..................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Test Samples................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Identification .................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Literature Cited ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Appendix A – Design Example for All-Plywood Beams................................................................................ 14

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PA R T 1 – D E S I G N O F A L L - P LY W O O D B E A M S

1. General 1.2 Plywood Layup tions. For some designs, it may be

This method is applicable to beams Typical plywood layups are shown in advantageous to specify STRUC-
fabricated in accordance with Part 2, Table 1. Design should be based on TURAL I grades or panels with all
Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams. the value in boldface for each plies of Group 1 species. Check
combination of thickness and Span availability before specifying.
1.1 Plywood Grade
Rating, unless another layup is 1.4 Effective Thickness
Applicable grades include APA RATED specified and available.
SHEATHING EXP 1, APA RATED Table 1 gives values of effective
SHEATHING EXT, APA STRUC- 1.3 Species Group thickness of parallel plies (tb ) for
TURAL I RATED SHEATHING EXP 1, Section properties are presented below calculating bending stress and
and APA STRUCTURAL I RATED both for plywood having all plies of bending deflection. Also listed is the
SHEATHING EXT. Panels must be Group 1 species, and for plywood effective thickness (ts ) for calculating
marked PS 1.(1) made with other species combina- shear stress and shear deflection.

TABLE 1. Effective Thickness for Typical Unsanded PS 1 Plywood Constructions ( l)(2)

Nominal No. Thickness for Bending Stress Thickness for Shear Stress
Plywood of and Bending Deflection, tb and Shear Deflection, ts
Thickness Plies Nominal Face (in.) (in.)
(in.) ———— Veneer Thickness All plies Group 1 All plies Group 1
and No. of (in.) (including All (including All
Span Rating Layers STRUCTURAL I) Other STRUCTURAL I) Other
3/8" 1/8 .216 .170 .371 .280
3/3
24/0 1/10 .185 .136 .371 .278
15/32" 3/3 1/6 .302(3) .220 .395(3) .295(3)
or 1/2" 4/3 1/8 .227 .167 .535 .400
32/16 5/5 1/10 .272 .182 .676 .500
1/6
19/32" 4/3 .270(3) .207 .567(3) .421
1/6, 1/8
or 5/8"
40/20 1/8 .347 .236 .707 .518
5/5
1/10 .289 .246 .715 .561
1/6
4/3 .320(3) .256 .598(3) .441
3/16
1/6 .407 .281 .739 .532
1/8
23/32"
1/8, 1/7
or 3/4" 5/5 .352 .254 .739 .539
48/24 1/7
1/8, 1/6
1/10 .373 .293 .746 .573
6/5 1/8 .352 .299 .879 .694
7/7 1/10 .373 .290 1.020 .784
(1) Use value in boldface for combination of plywood thickness and Span Rating unless another layup is specified and available. Check availability of panel layup
and species group before specifying.
(2) Values do not apply to plywood panels marked “Butt-Jointed Center.”
(3) Not available in STRUCTURAL I grade.

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1.5 Allowable Stresses stresses in combination with the containing a web or flange
Design shall be based on allowable section properties listed under the joint (in.4). See Section 2.1.
stresses, modulus of elasticity, and heading “All Other.” These values have
c = Distance to extreme fiber in
shear modulus as listed in Table 3 of been adjusted to compensate for
bending (in.). For symmetrical
the PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICA- allowable variations in panel makeup,
beam cross-sections, this dis-
TION (PDS) (2) for Group 1 face ply, to simplify the design procedure.
tance is half the beam depth.
except that: 1.5.1 Modulus of Elasticity in
L = Clear span of the beam, mea-
(a) Allowable bending stress (Fb) shall Pure Bending (E)
sured between supports (ft).
be 3300 psi for plywood with When calculating the bending
minimum 5-ply, 5-layer panel deflection of beams separately from 2.1 Net Moment of Inertia (In )
construction; and 2800 psi for 3-, 4- shear deflection, it is customary to use For all-plywood beams it will usually
or 5-ply, 3-layer plywood. These the modulus of elasticity of the mate- be necessary to check more than one
allowable Fb stresses are for use in all- rials in pure bending. For plywood, cross section, depending on location
plywood beam design. They are not the “bending E” is 10% higher than of web and flange joints. Sometimes
applicable to other uses. the effective E values listed in Table 3 visual comparison of the sections will
of the PDS. quickly show which will be critical.
(b) Allowable stress in shear through
The net moment of inertia about the
the thickness (Fv) shall be 190 psi.
2. Determine Total Load neutral axis of all continuous parallel
When beams consist of two or more
Based on Allowable Web and plies can be calculated by adding
web laminations, or when flanges are
Flange Bending Stress applicable values from the
glued to the top and bottom of the
following formulas:
plywood beam, Fv may be 225 psi For single-span beams under uniform
load, the total uniform load, wb, based Σtbw hw3
(increased 19% in accordance with Iw (web) = _______
PDS Section 3.8.1). Because of the on allowable bending stress in the web 12
limited effectiveness of splice plates and flanges, can be calculated from Σtbs hs3
the following formula: Iws (web splice plates) = ______
and stiffeners as edge reinforcement, 12
the 1/3 increase in PDS Section 3.8.1 (See Note)
8 FbIn
for full perimeter framing may not wb = _______
12c L2 Σtbf [hw3 – (hw – 2d)3]
be taken. If (flanges) = __________________
12
Note: Fv may be 250 psi for beams with or without where
flanges when plywood panels are regraded to limit wb = Total uniform load, based on where
core gap width and placement in accordance with
PDS Section 3.8.1. allowable bending stress (lb/ft). tb = Total thickness of all parallel plies
per lamination (in.). Use tb from
The above stresses may be increased Fb = Allowable plywood bending
Table 1.
for duration of load in accordance stress (psi) from Section 1.5.
with the PDS. d, hw , hs = Depth, or “height” of
In = Net moment of inertia about
flanges, web and web splice plate (in.).
For plywood which is not specified as the neutral axis of all contin-
Note: Consider splice plate only if directly glued to
STRUCTURAL I or all Group 1, the uous parallel-grain material the web containing the butt joint.
designer should still use Group 1 at the minimum section

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3. Determine Total Load L = Clear span of beam, measured to the web stiffener over the support,
Based on Allowable Web between supports (ft). A value or at hw from the support. For beams
Shear Stress of L′ = L – 2hw may be used with multiple-layer webs, the
For single-span beams under uniform if desired. maximum horizontal shear stress will
load, the total uniform load, wv, based occur at a web joint located nearest
3.1 Total Moment of Inertia (It)
on allowable horizontal shear stress at to the support.
For symmetrical beams, the total
the neutral axis of the web, can be moment of inertia about the neutral 3.3 Statical Moment of Area of
calculated from the following formula: axis of all parallel plies in the Parallel Plies (Q)
2FvItΣts plywood web and flanges can be The statical moment of the area of
wv = ______
QL calculated by adding applicable values parallel plies in the web and flanges,
from the following formulas. Joints in above or below the neutral axis, can
where
webs and flanges, and web stiffeners be calculated from the general formula
wv = Total uniform load, based on
or splice plates, are not considered in Q = A y, where A = Area of parallel
allowable horizontal shear
calculating It. plies above or below the neutral axis,
stress (lb/ft).
and y = Distance from the neutral
Σtb hw3
Fv = Allowable plywood shear I (web) = _______ axis to the centroid of the area of the
12
stress (psi) from Section 1.5. parallel plies above or below the neu-
Σt 3 3
b [hw – (hw – 2d) ]
_________________ tral axis. For a symmetrical beam, Q
It = Total moment of inertia about I (flanges) =
12 can be calculated by adding applicable
the neutral axis of all parallel-
grain material in the web and 3.2 Effective Total Web Shear values from the following formulas:
flanges, regardless of joints Thickness (ts ) h Σt h 2
__ h
__ _______
As is true for bending, a number of Qw (web) = Σt b w w = b w
(in.4). Disregard stiffeners or 2 4 8
web splice plates. See cross sections must be considered,
(hw – d)
______
Section 3.1. depending on location of joints in Qf (flanges) = Σt bd
2
webs and flanges.
ts = Effective shear thickness of
3.4 Web Splices
continuous webs (and/or web The proximity of these sections to end
Butt joints in single-layer webs shall be
splice plates and stiffeners, if or interior supports must be consid-
spliced with plywood web splice
applicable) at the neutral axis ered, because shear forces are higher
plates per Section 3.5 of Part 2 of this
of the section (in.). Use ts near the supports. Web joints in
Specification. When web splice plates
from Table 1. single-web beams should be located
are specified for beams with multiple-
24" or more from supports. (See
Q = Statical moment about the layer web laminations, the splice plate
Part 2, Fabrication of All-Plywood
neutral axis of the area of all shall be glued directly to the web
Beams.) Also, in calculating shear, all
parallel-grain material in the lamination containing the butt joint.
loads may be ignored that fall within a
web and flanges regardless of In accordance with Section 5.6.3.2 of
distance from the support equal to the
joints, lying above (or below) the PDS, the web splice plate grade
beam depth. Therefore, the maximum
the neutral axis (in.3). and thickness shall be equal to the
shear stress for beams with single-layer
Disregard stiffeners or web web lamination, and its length shall be
webs will occur either at an unrein-
splice plates. See Section 3.3. at least twelve times its nominal
forced web section, located adjacent
thickness, t. The splice plate shall be

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centered over the joint. The beam web d = Depth of flange (in.). where
joint design for vertical shear capacity w = Total allowable load (lb/ft).
Qf = Statical moment about the
shall be based on the allowable rolling See Section 5.
neutral axis of the area of all
shear stress, reduced 50% for stress
parallel-grain material in the top L = Clear span measured between
concentration at the web joint in
or bottom flange, regardless of supports (ft).
accordance with Section 3.8.2 of the
joints (in.3). See Section 3.3.
PDS. Shear capacity shall be reduced E = Modulus of elasticity of
proportionately for shorter splice L = Clear span of beam, measured plywood in pure bending (psi).
plate lengths. between supports (ft). A value See Section 1.5.1.
of L′ = L – 2hw may be used
It = Total moment of inertia about
4. Determine Total Load if desired.
the neutral axis of all parallel-
Based on Allowable grain material in the web and
Flange-Web Shear Stress 5. Determine Final Total flanges, regardless of joints (in.4).
Allowable Load (w)
For uniformly loaded, single-span Disregard web stiffeners and
beams with plywood flanges, the maxi- The final allowable load will be the splice plates. See Section 3.1.
mum flange-web shear stress will occur smallest of those controlled by
6.2 Shear Deflection (∆s)
at the supports, where shear forces are bending, horizontal shear, or
The shear deflection for a single-span
highest. The total uniform load (ws ) rolling shear.
beam under uniform load is given in
based on allowable shear stress
the following formula:
between the web and flange can be 6. Calculate Deflection at
calculated from the following formula: Allowable Load K w L2
∆ s = _______
8 As G
2FsItd The total deflection may be deter-
ws = _____ mined by separately calculating and where
Qf L
where adding the bending deflection and K = A factor determined by the ratio
ws = Total uniform load, based shear deflection of the beam. (Para- of the beam dimensions and
on allowable rolling shear graph 3280.305 (d) of the Federal the ratio of the shear modulus
stress (lb/ft). Manufactured Home Construction (G) of the web and flange.
and Safety Standards requires that See Section 6.2.1.
Fs = Allowable plywood rolling-
deflection be less than l/180 at design
shear stress (psi). See PDS As = Total effective shear area in the
live load. All-plywood beams are
Table 3. Note: This stress must web and flanges, regardless
usually stiffer.)
be reduced 50% for stress of joints.
concentration at the edge 6.1 Bending Deflection (∆ b )
G = Shear modulus of the
of the panel. For single-span beams under uniform plywood web and flanges
load, the maximum bending deflec- (see PDS Table 3).
It = Total moment of inertia about
tion may be calculated by the Note: For derivation of shear-deflection equations,
the neutral axis of all parallel-
following formula: and for other loading conditions or beam
grain material in the web and configurations, see latest issue of Forest Service
Research Note FPL-0210(3). Information in this
flanges, regardless of joints 5 w L4 x 1728
∆ b = ____________ publication should allow the engineer to handle non-
(in.4). Disregard web 384 E It uniform loads, multiple spans, non-symmetrical
beams, and beams whose webs and flanges have
stiffeners or splice plates. different shear or elastic moduli.
See Section 3.1.

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6.2.1 Shear Deflection Constant (K) Asw (web) = Σ (ts hw ) 7.1

For symmetrical beams with webs and Asf (flanges) = Σ (ts d) The compression edges of the beam
flanges having equal shear modulus, shall be positively restrained from
G, and equal modulus of elasticity, E, lateral buckling. This can usually be
7. Beam Support and
values for K are determined accomplished by structural panel roof
Connection Details
from Figure 1. sheathing, trussed rafters spaced not
As final steps in the overall design,
Σt further than 24 inches o.c., and/or by
For use in Figure 1, r = ___s determine the structural adequacy of
b ceiling material.
beam supports and connections for
where beam half-sections at end or interior 7.2
ts = Total effective shear thickness of bearing walls, and connection details Details for connecting ridge beam half-
webs, regardless of joints (in.). for attaching trussed rafters to beam sections at the site shall be in accor-
(See Table 1.) Disregard web half-sections, in accordance with dance with manufacturer’s installation
splice plates or stiffeners. recognized engineering practice. instructions approved by the regula-
b = Total effective shear thickness of Designs should be based on allowable tory agency responsible for design
webs and flanges, regardless of stresses listed in NATIONAL DESIGN approval or inspection. Fasteners shall
joints (in.). (See Table 1.) SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD not be used in tension areas where
CONSTRUCTION (NDS) (4) or on bending stresses exceed one-half of
6.2.2 Effective Shear Area (As)
stresses supported by adequate test the allowable bending stress (See
The effective shear area in the webs data which are approved by regulatory Section 1.5). For further information
and flanges can be calculated by agencies responsible for design on lag screws or bolts for connecting
adding applicable values from the approval or inspection. ridge beam half-sections, see APA
following formulas: Technical Note M320(7).

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FIGURE 1. Shear Deflection Constant ( K ) for Symmetrical

Beams with Equal Shear Moduli for Web and Flange
2.0

r = .33

1.9 ts hw

1.8 Beam Half Section

Σ ts
____
r =
b

1.7

K 1.6

r = .50

1.5

1.4

r = .67

1.3

r = 1.00
1.2

1.15
0 .2 .4 .6 .8 1.0
hw – 2d
_______
hw

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PA R T 2 – F A B R I C AT I O N O F A L L - P LY W O O D B E A M S

1. Scope 2. Materials the plywood shall be accompanied

1.1 2.1 Plywood by written confirmation from the
plywood manufacturer certifying
This specification covers the fabrication Plywood shall conform with the latest
that it was manufactured with the
of all-plywood beams. The design and edition of U.S. Product Standard PS 1
specified layup, subject to PS 1
fabrication of these beams is based on for Construction and Industrial
manufacturing tolerances.
the results of tests which demonstrate Plywood. All plywood shall bear the
compliance with the structural perfor- APA trademark of APA – The 2.1.4
mance requirements of the Federal Engineered Wood Association. Plywood pieces cut 4-1/2 inches or
Manufactured Housing Construction less in width for flanges shall be visu-
2.1.1
and Safety Standards as published by ally inspected after cutting for size of
If required by the regulatory agency
the U.S. Department of Housing and knots. Pieces containing knots in face
responsible for design approval or
Urban Development (HUD)(5). or back plies larger than two-thirds of
inspection, plywood cut for webs or
1.2 the flange width shall not be used in
flanges shall be accompanied by
fabricating flanges for ridge beams.
The beams should be designed in written confirmation from the cutter
Note: Knot size is determined by (1) a difference in
accordance with the method sug- certifying that the original plywood color of limbwood and surrounding trunkwood;
gested in Part 1, Design of All-Plywood panel was of the specified type and (2) an abrupt change in growth ring width between
the knot and bordering trunkwood; and (3) the
Beams. The latest edition of APA’s grade, and was stamped with the diameter of circular or oval shape described by points
where checks on the face of a knot that extend
PLYWOOD DESIGN SPECIFICA- trademark of APA.
radially from its center to its side experience an
TION (PDS) should be used where abrupt change in direction.
2.1.2
indicated. Other design methods may
The recommended plywood grades 2.1.5
be employed, provided they are
are APA RATED SHEATHING EXP 1, Surfaces of plywood to be glued shall
supported by adequate test data.
APA RATED SHEATHING EXT, APA be dry, clean, and free from oil, dust,
1.3 STRUCTURAL I RATED SHEATHING paper tape or other materials which
The product use recommendations in EXP 1, and APA STRUCTURAL I would be detrimental to satisfactory
this publication are based on APA – RATED SHEATHING EXT. Panels gluing. At the time of gluing, the
The Engineered Wood Association’s must be marked PS 1. plywood moisture content shall be
continuing programs of laboratory Note: In some instances, plywood of grades other 15% or less.
than STRUCTURAL I may have all plies of Group 1
testing, product research, and compre- or other species group. If specified by design, the 2.2 Glue
hensive field experience. However, plywood shall be accompanied by written confir-
mation from the plywood manufacturer certifying Adhesives conforming to State of
because the Association has no that all plies are of the required species group.
California Specification CA 25-4(6)
control over quality of workmanship
2.1.3 are suggested for laminating plywood
or the conditions under which engi-
For some designs, a specific plywood webs, flanges, splice plates and
neered wood products are used, it
layup may be required to satisfy span stiffeners. Other structural adhesives
cannot accept responsibility for
or load conditions. In these instances, (for example, adhesives meeting
product performance or designs as
actually constructed.

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ASTM Specifications D4689 or D2559) 3.2 Web and Flange End Joints 3.3.3
may be required by regulatory 3.2.1 Unless otherwise specified by the
agencies responsible for design End joints in plywood webs and adhesive manufacturer, an adhesive
approval or inspection. flanges shall be located as specified in spread rate of approximately
2.3 Staples the design. Joints in any web or flange 1.7 gallons per 100 square feet of
lamination shall be spaced at least glued area is suggested.
Staples shall be 16 gage x minimum
7/16-inch crown, made from galva- 24 inches from the nearest joint in 3.3.4
nized steel wire. Staple length shall be any other lamination.
When web or flange laminations are
approximately 1/8 inch less than the 3.2.2 glued under pressure, such pressure
total thickness of the materials joined. Butt joints at ends of plywood web or shall be applied by clamping or other
flange pieces shall be trimmed mechanical means. Pressure shall be
3. Fabrication square and tightly butted sufficient to provide adequate contact
3.1 General (maximum gap 1/32 inch). and insure good glue bonds (100
Plywood beams shall be fabricated to 150 psi is suggested, unless
3.2.3
with glue and staples. otherwise specified by the adhesive
In single-web beams, joints in webs manufacturer). Movement of the
3.1.1 shall be located at least 24 inches from members shall be prevented until the
Plywood face grain for webs, flanges, any end or interior support. adhesive develops sufficient handling
web splice plates and stiffeners shall 3.3 Adhesive Application strength, as recommended by the
be oriented parallel to the span 3.3.1 adhesive manufacturer.
(i.e., horizontally).
Mixing of the adhesive (if applicable), 3.3.5
3.1.2 spreading, storage-, pot-, and In any case, it shall be the responsi-
D-grade backs of plywood shall be working-life, and assembly time and bility of the fabricator to produce a
glued together, or to C-grade faces, temperature shall be in accordance glue bond which meets or exceeds
when laminating beam webs and/or with the adhesive manufacturer’s applicable specifications.
flanges. Beams shall be fabricated so recommendations.
3.4 Staple Installation
that C-grade faces are oriented on the 3.3.2
visible surfaces of web and flange lami- 3.4.1
Adhesive shall be spread uniformly Staples shall be installed with their
nations. In single-web ridge beams,
over the full contact area of mating crowns parallel to the plywood face-
the C-grade face shall be oriented on
web and/or flange surfaces. Applica- grain direction. Staple spacing shall be
the side opposite the rafter.
tion by roller, notched trowel or spray as shown in Figure 2.
3.1.3 equipment is recommended to insure
Dimensions and tolerances shall be as complete adhesive coverage. The 3.4.2
specified in the design. adhesive may be spread on one or Hand pressure may be needed during
both mating surfaces. stapling to flatten plywood webs and
flanges, to insure uniform contact
between mating glued surfaces.

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3.4.3 a length as specified in the design but 5. Identification

Installation of staples may start at any in no case less than 10 inches, and 5.1 General
point, but shall progress to the end or shall have its face-grain direction
If required, beams shall be identified
ends of each piece. parallel with that of the web. The end
as specified by the regulatory agency
or ends of the stiffener shall extend at
3.5 Web Splices responsible for design approval
least 6 inches beyond the edge of the
Splices at butt joints in webs shall be or inspection.
support at the end and any interior
as specified in the design. Butt joints 5.2 Unsymmetrical Beams
supports. Best performance will be
shall be spliced with a plywood plate If the beam is designed such that it
obtained if the stiffener actually
centered over the joint. The splice must be installed with a specific
contacts the inner edges of the
plate shall be glued over its full orientation, the top edge shall be
plywood flanges.
contact area and stapled to the web in clearly marked so that the proper
accordance with Figure 2. The plate 3.6.3
orientation can be verified during in-
shall extend to at least 1/4 inch of Cutouts for openings in plywood
plant inspection of the construction.
each flange (if applicable), shall be webs may be provided at locations
equal in thickness to the web, of a shown in the design. Single-layer webs
length as specified in the design or in shall be reinforced at cutouts with a
the PDS, and shall have its face-grain plywood web stiffener.
direction parallel with that of the web.
In multiple-layer webs, the splice plate 4. Test Samples
shall be directly glued to the web 4.1 General
containing the butt joint. Quality control and testing of beams
3.6 Web Stiffeners shall be in accordance with the
3.6.1 requirements of the regulatory agency
Stiffeners for single-layer webs shall be responsible for design approval
located as shown in the design, but in and inspection.
any case, they shall be placed at end
supports and at interior concentrated-
load points.

3.6.2
The stiffeners shall consist of a
plywood plate glued over its full
contact area and stapled to the web in
accordance with Figure 2. The plate
shall extend to at least 1/4 inch of
each flange (if applicable), shall be at
least equal in thickness to the web, of

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FIGURE 2. Staple Spacing for Plywood Webs, Flanges, Splice Plates and Stiffeners( a )

Web (field) Web (joint)

16 ga. staples (crown 16 ga. staples (crown
parallel to face grain) parallel to face grain)

6" o.c.
3" o.c.

1" (typical) 3" o.c. 1" (typical)

Face grain (typical) 6" o.c. 12"

Web (splice) Web (stiffener)

16 ga. staples (crown 16 ga. staples (crown
parallel to face grain) parallel to face grain)

3" o.c.

4" o.c. 4" o.c.

1/4" (maximum) 1/4" (maximum)

3" o.c. 1" (typical) 6" (minimum)

End or interior
10" wall support
(minimum)

Flange 16 ga. staples (crown

parallel to face grain)

1" (typical)

6" o.c.

(a) Staple location tolerances shall be ± 1" for field spacings and ± 1/2" for edge distances, unless otherwise specified in the design.

12
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Literature Cited (4) AMERICAN FOREST AND (6) STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

(1) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PAPER ASSOCIATION. Standard for the Evaluation of
STANDARDS AND National Design Specification for Adhesives for Structural Use in the
TECHNOLOGY. Wood Construction. American Manufacture of Mobile Homes and
Construction and Industrial Forest and Paper Association, Commercial Coaches. State of
Plywood. U.S. Product Standard Washington, D.C. California Specification CA25-4.
PS 1-83. APA – The Engineered State of California, Department of
(5) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
Wood Association, Tacoma, Housing and Community
HOUSING AND URBAN
Washington. Development, Sacramento,
DEVELOPMENT.
California.
(2) APA – The Engineered Wood Federal Manufactured Home
Association. Construction and Safety Standards. (7) APA – The Engineered Wood
Plywood Design Specification. APA – U.S. Department of Housing Association.
The Engineered Wood Association, and Urban Development, Fastener Loads for Plywood Ridge
Tacoma, Washington. Washington, D.C. Beam Connections. Technical Note
M320. APA – The Engineered Wood
(3) OROSZ, IVAN. Association, Tacoma, Washington.
Simplified Method for Calculating
Shear Deflection of Beams. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service Research Note FPL-0210.
Forest Products Laboratory,
Madison, Wisconsin.

13
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A P P E N D I X A – D E S I G N E X A M P L E F O R
A L L - P LY W O O D B E A M S

Problem: A1.3 Species Group edge of the panel, but may be

Given the 24-ft-span, 23-7/8-inch Design is based on plywood having all increased by 15% for snow-load
deep all-plywood ridge beam shown plies of Species Group 1. duration.
below. Determine the allowable total A1.4 Effective Thickness Fs = 75 x 0.5 x 1.15 = 43.1 psi
load and deflection. Beam to be
From Table 1, minimum tb = 0.289"; Modulus of Elasticity in Pure
fabricated in accordance with Part 2,
ts = 0.707" for 19/32", 5-layer Bending (E)
Fabrication of All-Plywood Beams.
plywood.
From PDS Table 3, the Modulus of
cL
A1.5 Allowable Stresses Elasticity for plywood having face plies
3.75" Bending Stress (Fb ) of Group 1 species is 1,800,000 psi.
This value may be increased 10% to
19/32" APA RATED From Part 1, Paragraph 1.5, the basic
SHEATHING (C-D) obtain E in pure bending when shear
40/20 Exposure 1, bending stress for 5-layer plywood is
marked PS 1 (5-layer 15.875" 23.875"
deflection is considered separately
plywood; all plies (hs ) (hw ) 3300 psi. This may be increased by
Group 1 species, face
grain horizontal) 15% for snow-load duration. E = 1,800,000 x 1.10
= 1,980,000 psi.
3.75" Fb = 3300 x 1.15 = 3800 psi
Beam Half-Section Shear Modulus (G)
Shear in Plane Perpendicular to
Design is based on single-span Plies (Fv ) From PDS Table 3, G = 90,000 psi
condition, where deflection and for plywood having face plies of
From Part 1, Paragraph 1.5, the
bending stress are greatest. Shear Group 1 species.
allowable stress for shear in plane
stresses for multiple-span conditions perpendicular to plies for beams with
may be as much as 25% greater than flanges top and bottom is 225 psi. A2. Determine Total Load
stresses for single-span conditions. This may be increased by 15% for Based on Allowable Web and
snow-load duration. Flange Bending Stress
A1. Plywood Design A2.1 Net Moment of Inertia (In )
Fv = 225 x 1.15 = 260 psi
Information For this design example, the following
Rolling-Shear Stress (Fs ) beam cross-sections are possible at
A1.1 Plywood Grade
Design is based on APA RATED From PDS Table 3, the basic rolling- web or flange joint locations:
SHEATHING Exposure 1 (panels shear stress is 53 psi for APA RATED
marked PS 1). SHEATHING Exposure 1.

A1.2 Plywood Layup Since this plywood has been specified

or
Design is based on 5-layer, 19/32" as having all plies of Group 1 species,
plywood. To avoid further restriction however, it is eligible for a basic stress
on availability, thickness of plies is of 75 psi. This stress must be reduced
not specified. 50% in accordance with PDS Section
Case I Case II
3.8.2 for stress concentration at the (web joint) (flange joint)

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A visual comparison of the three A3.2 Effective Total Web Shear A3.3 Statical Moment of Area of
possible cross-sections reveals that Thickness (ts ) Parallel Plies (Q)
the minimum section for bending For this design example, the effective Σtb hw2
Qw (web) = ________
stress calculations occurs at a web web thickness (ts ) for shear calcula- 8
joint (Case 1). tions is shown on the following 0.289 x 23.8752
________________
= = 20.6 in.3
cross-sections which may occur 8
Iws (web splice plate) =
Σt 3 0.289 x 15.8753 along the beam: Σtb d (hw – d)
b hs
_____
=
______________ Qf (flanges) = ___________
12 12 2
= 96 in.4 2 x 0.289 x 3.75 x (23.875 – 3.75)
= ___________________________
2
Σtb [hw3 – (hw – 2d)3] ts ts 2ts
If = __________________
(flanges) = 21.8 in. 3
12
2 x 0.289 (23.875 – 16.3753)
3 Q = Qw + Qf = 20.6 + 21.8
= ________________________
12 = 42.4 in.3
= 444 in.4
A3.4 Calculate Total Load Based on
Case I Case II Case III
In = Iws + If = 96 + 444 = 540 in.4 (continuous web) (web joint) (web stiffener) Allowable Web Shear Stress (wv )
A2.2 Calculate Total Load Based on 2 FvItΣts
A visual comparison of the three wv = _______
Allowable Web and Flange Bending QL′
possible cross sections reveals that the
2 x 260 x 772 x 0.707
Stress (wb ) minimum thickness for horizontal = __________________
8 Fb In 8 x 3800 x 540 42.4 x 20
wb = _____ = ______________ shear calculations occurs at either a
= 335 lb/ft
23.875
12c L2 12 x _______ x 242 continuous (unreinforced) web
2 (Case I), or at a web joint (Case II). If
Note: If a higher total load were required, the length
of the web stiffener could be extended until the
= 199 lb/ft the beam is detailed so that web joints horizontal shear stress in the unreinforced web was
within allowable limits.
are kept out of high-shear areas, then
A3. Determine Total Load the controlling location will be in the A3.5 Calculate Total Load Based
Based on Allowable Web unreinforced web, at the edge of the on Allowable Web Splice Plate
Shear Stress bearing stiffeners, near the end Shear Stress (wsw )
A3.1 Total Moment of Inertia (It ) support. Total ts, therefore, equals 2 FsA
_____
wsw =
Iw (web) = 0.707 inches (Case I). The design L′
0.289 x 23.8753 method permits ignoring all loads =_____________________________
2 x 43.1 x 0.594 x 12 x 0.5 x 15.875
Σtb hw3 = ________________ 20
12 within a distance from either support
= 328 in.4 equal to hw. Since clear span is given = 244 lb/ft
as 24 ft, the effective length for Note: This calculation assumes that web butt joints are
If (flanges) = 444 in.4 (from A2.1) located 24 inches from end supports (minimum
calculating wv is 24 ft, less 2 ft at each distance per Section 3.2 in Part 1 of this Specification);
It = Iw + If = 328 + 444 = 772 in.4 end, or 20 ft. and splice plate length is twelve times nominal
thickness of web.

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A4. Calculate Total Load A6. Calculate Deflection at A6.2.2 Effective Shear Area (As )
Based on Allowable Flange- Total Allowable Load As = Asw + Asf
Web Shear Stress (wsf ) A6.1 Bending Deflection (∆b ) = Σtshw + Σtsd
2 FsIt d 5 w L4 x 1728 = 0.707 x 23.875 +
______
wsf = ∆b = ___________ 2 x 2 x 0.707 x 3.75
QfL′ 384 E It
2 x 43.1 x 772 x 3.75 5 x 199 x 244 x 1728 As = 27.5 in.2
= _________________ = 572 lb/ft = _________________
21.8 x 20 384 x 1,980,000 x 772 A6.2.3 Calculate ∆s
= 0.972 in.
where K w L2
_______
∆s =
It = 772 in.4 from A3.1 A6.2 Shear Deflection (∆s ) 8 As G
1.70 x 199 x 242 x 12
Qf = 21.8 in.3 from A3.3 A6.2.1 Shear Deflection Constant, K = __________________
8 x 27.5 x 90,000
Σt 0.707
r = ___s = ________ = 0.33 = 0.118 in.
A5. Determine Final Total b 3 x 0.707
Allowable Load (w) h w – 2d = 23.875
______ – 2 x 3.75
______________ A6.3 Calculate Total Deflection (∆)
= 0.69
Stress Total Load
hw 23.875 ∆ = ∆b + ∆s
Criterion (lb/ft)
From Figure 1, page 8: = 0.972 + 0.118 = 1.090 in.
Bending wb = 199 (see A2) = L/265 @ w = 199 lb/ft
(web and flange) hw – 2d
Horizontal shear wv = 335 (see A3)
For r = 0.33 and ______
hw
(web)
= 0.69, K = 1.70
Rolling shear wsw = 244 (see A3)
(web splice)
Rolling shear wsf = 572 (see A4)
(web-flange)

Therefore, the uniform-load capacity

for the beam used in this design
example is limited by the bending
stress. The total allowable load for
design is 199 lb/ft.

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APA RESEARCH AND TESTING

APA – The Engineered Wood Association’s 37,000-square-foot Research

Center in Tacoma, Washington is the most sophisticated facility for basic

panel research and testing in the world. The center is staffed with an

experienced corps of engineers, wood scientists, and wood product techni-

cians. Their research and development assignments directly or indirectly

benefit all specifiers and users of engineered wood products.

© 1995 APA - The Engineered Wood Association

H815,PDS5.0 3/27/00 4:27 PM Page ib2

We have field representatives in most

major U.S. cities and in Canada who can
help answer questions involving APA
trademarked products. For additional
assistance in specifying APA engineered
wood products, get in touch with your
nearest APA regional office. Call or write:

WESTERN REGION
7011 So. 19th St. ■ P.O. Box 11700
Tacoma, Washington 98411-0700
(253) 565-6600 ■ Fax: (253) 565-7265

EASTERN REGION
2130 Barrett Park Drive, Suite 102
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144-3681
(770) 427-9371 ■ Fax: (770) 423-1703

U.S. HEADQUARTERS
AND INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING DIVISION
7011 So. 19th St. ■ P.O. Box 11700
Tacoma, Washington 98411-0700
(253) 565-6600 ■ Fax: (253) 565-7265

Addres
eb s
W
@
:

www.apawood.org

PRODUCT SUPPORT HELP DESK

(253) 620-7400
E-mail Address: [email protected]

(Offices: Antwerp, Belgium; Bournemouth,

United Kingdom; Hamburg, Germany;
Mexico City, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan.) For
Caribbean/Latin America, contact
headquarters in Tacoma.

The product use recommendations in this

publication are based on APA – The
Engineered Wood Association’s continuing
programs of laboratory testing, product
research, and comprehensive field experi-
ence. However, because the Association has
no control over quality of workmanship or
the conditions under which engineered wood
products are used, it cannot accept responsi-
bility for product performance or designs as
actually constructed. Because engineered
wood product performance requirements
vary geographically, consult your local archi-
tect, engineer or design professional to
assure compliance with code, construction,
and performance requirements.

Form No. H815E

Revised September 1995/0300

A P A
T h e E n g i n e e r e d Wo o d A s s o c i a t i o n
© 1995 APA - The Engineered Wood Association