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NSection 2/3 Sheet 57 Subject: Panels, Structural August 2005

CI/SfBRi4+j1+j7

Uniclass L6617 + L6618UDC 694.1

Specifying wood-basedpanels for structural useSince June 2002 it has been mandatory formanufacturers/suppliers of wood-based pan-els intended for ‘incorporation in a perma-nent manner in construction works’ to beable to demonstrate that their products, andtherefore the structures they are built into,will comply with the Construction ProductsDirective (CPD). The CPD in the UK is imple-mented through the Construction ProductsRegulations 1991. The most straightforwardroute to achieving this is by complying withthe so-called ‘harmonised Standard’ forwood-based panels, EN 13986, published inthe UK as BS EN 13986: 2004 Wood-basedpanels for use in construction. Characteris-tics, evaluation of conformity and marking.

In all EU member states, apart from the UK,Ireland and Sweden, the only way to showcompliance with the CPD is by CE marking.Although not compulsory in the UK, mostwood-based panels intended for structuraluse are internationally traded and hence arelikely to carry the CE mark. CE marking isdescribed in more detail in the TRADA WoodInformation Sheet 2/3-56 CE marking:Implications for timber products.

One of the reasons that the UK Governmenthas not made CE marking mandatory is thatit believes that there should be freedom tofind alternative means of demonstratingcompliance with the CPD. These alternativesare listed in The Building Regulations 1991Approved Document to support regulation 7 –Clause 1.2. One of the options is an inde-pendent assessment and certification of fit-ness for purpose for a specific end use. Insuch cases specifiers should check that theirintended use is within the scope of the certi-fication for the product and should rememberthat substitution of the material specifiedwith a similar material may not comply withthe CPD.

Products outside the scope of BS EN 13986may be CE marked through a EuropeanTechnical Approval (ETA) using a EuropeanTechnical Approval Guideline (ETAG) or a

900348

Examples of CE marks for structural panels

Common Understanding of AssessmentProcedures (CUAP).

Note: For products covered by BS EN13986, but not within the scope of thesupporting product standards, eg becausethey have much higher properties, themanufacturer can apply the CE mark anddeclare his own specification valuesaccording to Table 14 of BS EN 13986.

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BS EN 13986 refers to a series of BS EN productstandards for specifications and requirements foreach panel type. These set out minimum propertiesand quality control procedures for different gradesof panel, defined by:

purpose: eg load-bearing or heavy duty load-bearingservice class conditions in which they are suit-able for use: dry, humid or exterior.

The Technical Classes of panel suitable for use inappropriate structural (load-bearing) applicationsaccording to BS EN 13986 are shown in Table 1.

Under BS EN 13986, manufacturers are required tohave available a Declaration of Conformity andtechnical information on their product. These willinclude information on relevant characteristics asoutlined below. Specifiers/purchasers shouldalways obtain this information to ensure that thematerial being offered meets their requirements.

Performance characteristicsThe required performance characteristics (proper-ties) for panels in various applications are set out inBS EN 13986, although not all of the applicationsare structural. Structural components are listedunder the following categories

internal use as structural components in dryconditionsinternal use as structural components inhumid conditionsexternal use as structural componentsinternal use as structural floor and roof deckingon joists and structural wall sheathing on studs.

The performance characteristics may have beentested by the manufacturer and maintainedthrough the production quality control process, orin some cases, standard values may be used.

Properties that must be assessed:bending strength and stiffness (quality controltests)bond quality/internal bond (quality controltests)durability - moisture resistance, thicknessswelling (quality control tests)formaldehyde – a constituent of some adhe-sives, particularly aminoplastic resins (certaintypes of panel may not require testing if noformaldehyde-containing materials are addedduring, or post-production). For more detailssee BS EN 13986 Annex Bpentachlorophenol (only if materials used con-tain more than 5 ppm PCP). For more detailssee BS EN 13986 Clause 5.18.

Panel type Complying with: Standard Technical classCement bondedparticleboard

BS EN 634-2 Cement-bonded particleboards - Specification -Requirements for OPC bonded particleboards for use in dry,humid and exterior conditions

Modulus of elasticity class 1 or 2

Fibreboards: BS EN 622-2 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements forhardboards

HB.LA Load-bearing, dryHB.HLA1 load-bearing, humidHB.HLA2 heavy duty load-bearing, humid

BS EN 622-3 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements formedium boards

MBH.LA1 load-bearing, dryMBH.LA2 heavy duty load-bearing, dryMBH.HLS1 load-bearing, humid *MBH.HLS2 heavy duty load-bearing, humid *

BS EN 622-4 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements forsoftboards

SB.LS load-bearing, dry *SB.HLS load-bearing, humid *

BS EN 622-5 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements fordry process boards (MDF)

MDF.LA load-bearing, dryMDF.HLS load-bearing, humid *

OSB BS EN 300 Oriented strand boards (OSB). Definitions,classification and specifications

OSB/2 load-bearing, dry OSB/3 load-bearing, humidOSB/4 heavy duty load-bearing, humid

Particleboard(resin bonded)

BS EN 312 Particleboards. Specifications P4 load-bearing, dryP5 load-bearing, humidP6 heavy duty load-bearing, dryP7 heavy duty load-bearing, humid

Plywood BS EN 636 Plywood. Specifications EN 636-1 S structural, dryEN 636-2 S structural, humidEN 636-3 S structural, exterior

Solid woodpanels

BS EN 13353 Solid wood panels (SWP) – Requirements SWP/1 dry conditionsSWP/2 humid conditionsSWP/3 exterior conditions

* Fibreboards suitable only for structural applications where there are instantaneous or short-term loads only. This is indicatedby the “S” in the type classification.

Table 1 Technical classes of panel listed in BS EN 13986 as suitable for structural applications

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Properties where standard values may be used:reaction to fire (values for certain productsmounted without an air gap are given in BS EN13986)water vapour permeability (values for certainproducts are given in BS EN 13986)airborne sound insulation and sound absorp-tion (values for certain products are given in BSEN 13986)thermal conductivity (values for certain prod-ucts are given in BS EN 13986)characteristic values of strength and stiffness(values in BS EN 12369, see Design considera-tions, below)mechanical durability – creep and duration ofload (modification factors are given in BS EN1995-1-1)biological durability (guidance is given in BSEN 335).

Properties required for a particular end use:Depending upon the end use, additional criteriaalso need to be defined:

floor and roof deckingBS EN 13986 requires soft body impact andconcentrated load tests to be carried out, asdescribed in BS EN 12871 Wood-based panels –

Performance specifications and requirementsfor load bearing boards for use in walls, floorsand roofs. Products that meet the requirementsshould be marked “FLOORING” or “ROOFING”as appropriate. wall sheathing BS EN 13986 requires a soft body impact test(to BS EN 596) to be carried out against therequirements of BS EN 12871. Products com-plying with this should be marked “WALLSHEATHING”.

These performance-based tests for floors, walls androofs are carried out on small sections of compo-nents and the results are only relevant to the con-struction tested (eg panel type and thickness, joistspacings). Such data must now be provided by themanufacturer. Part of the BS EN 12871 testing is forimpact which is a pass or fail test, the other part isa point load test which will give the load category.

Note: BS 7916: 1998 Code of practice for the selec-tion and application of particleboard, orientedstrand board (OSB), cement bonded particleboardand wood fibreboards for specific purposes, whichused to give thickness/span data for various paneltypes in floors and roofs, has been withdrawn andshould not be used.

Design considerationsStructural design calculations require designstresses and performance based values in the caseof floor and roof decking and wall sheathing.Designs may be carried out in accordance with BS5268-2: 2002 Structural use of timber. Code of prac-tice for permissible stress design, materials andworkmanship or BS EN 1995-1-1: 2004 Eurocode5:Design of timber structures. General rules andrules for buildings.

BS 5268-2: 2002 gives grade stresses for a range ofplywoods from Scandinavia and North America.These materials must now also demonstrate com-pliance with the CPD, by compliance with BS EN13986 or some other means. For other materials,characteristic values (from BS EN 12369 or via theBS EN 789/BS EN 1058 route, see below) may beused and conversion factors are given in BS 5268-2to modify these into grade stresses.

For designs to Eurocode 5, characteristic values aregiven in BS EN 12369 Wood-based panels.Characteristic values for structural design, pub-lished in two parts: Part 1 includes the oriented strandboards, OSB/2,

OSB/3, OSB/4, particleboards EN312-4, EN312-5, EN312-6, EN312-7, and fibreboardsHB.HLA2, MBH.LA2, MDF.LA, MDF.HLS.

Part 2 gives characteristic values of mechanicalproperties for plywood in bending, based on aseries of strength classes and modulus classes.It includes advice on determining characteris-tic values in tension and compression by acombination of testing and calculation.Conservative values for shear are included.

For other products, characteristic values must bedetermined by testing in accordance with BS EN 789: 1996 Timber structures. Test methods.Determination of mechanical properties of wood-based panels and calculation in accordance withBS EN 1058: 1996 Wood-based panels.Determination of characteristic values of mechani-cal properties and density.

Whether they are grade stresses or characteristicvalues, the properties listed include bending, ten-sion, compression and shear. In the case of floorsand roofs, this enables the behaviour under uni-form loads to be assessed but there is no agreedmethod of calculating behaviour under concentrat-ed loads or impact. These criteria must be tested asdescribed above, and the data provided by themanufacturer.

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Like all wood-based products, panels are affectedby the duration of the load applied, both in relationto deflection (creep) and to failure. Both Eurocode 5and BS 5268-2 give factors to account for theseeffects.

The above refers principally to design for structuralcriteria but other factors such as fire, acoustics anddurability may also need to be taken into accountin the design.

Correct specificationThe simplest and most effective way of specifyinga panel product for structural use is to require com-pliance with BS EN 13986. The specification shouldinclude the following factors as a minimum:

the panel type – this may be generic, eg ply-wood, or a more specific technical class suchas BS EN 300 OSB/3. Alternatively this may beleft to the supplier if the performance criteriaspecified below are adequatethe panel should be a load-bearing type com-plying with BS EN 13986. Reference shouldalso be made to the appropriate product stan-dard eg BS EN 312the Service Class for which the panel should besuitable, eg Service Class 2 requires a panelsuitable for use in humid conditionsminimum strength and stiffness properties –either by characteristic values or permissiblestresses depending on whether Eurocode 5 orBS 5268 is being used as the design basisthicknessfire performance rating durability requirement – In BS EN 13986 dura-bility relates to thickness swelling and mois-ture resistance. If high moisture contents areanticipated panels may also require preserva-tive treatment (see BS EN 335 for guidance)formaldehyde class.

In the case of floor and roof decking, the soft bodyimpact test has to demonstrate that the require-ments of BS EN 12871 can be met. The concentrat-ed load test results are used to check the capacityof the panel against the design concentrated load,which in the UK is specified in BS 6399. These cal-culations may be carried out in accordance with BS5268–2 or Eurocode 5. Design checks may alsoneed to be carried out for any uniform load speci-fied. Additional criteria, such as acoustics, mayalso need consideration in the specification.

In wall sheathing, design for racking resistancecan be carried out using basic racking resistancevalues given in BS 5268-6 or by test in accordancewith BS EN 594. Design to EC5 can be carried outon the basis of characteristic density and a knowl-edge of the fastener performance of the panels.

Note: If a specific brand of product has been foundto be suitable and to comply with the CPD, then itmay be specified directly. However, specifiers andsuppliers should remember that substitution with asimilar material will not automatically ensure com-pliance with the CPD.

Maintaining fitness for purposeCompliance with the CPD and CE marking requiresthat anyone who handles or distributes a panelmust be in a position to demonstrate its ‘fitness forpurpose’. Under the terms of the CPD, distributorsand merchants now have a legal obligation to sup-ply a product that is suitable for the communicatedintended end-use.

Fitness for purpose can also be affected by the waythat panels are handled, transported and stored atall stages through the supply chain, including con-struction sites. As a natural material, wood ishygroscopic; it can take up and release moisturefrom the atmosphere and its physical and mechan-

ical properties can change as a result. Wood-basedpanels behave in a similar way to solid wood,swelling if they absorb moisture and shrinking ifmoisture is lost. Panels should be installed into abuilding at a moisture content as close as possibleto that which it will achieve in service. Correct stor-age, transportation, handling and conditioning arealso vital to the correct performance of the panel inthe finished building.

Guidance is given in the Panel Guide and in DDENV 12872 Wood-based panels. Guidance on theuse of load-bearing boards in floors, walls and roofs.

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Example specificationsThese examples illustrate the specification of typical structural components incorporating wood-basedpanels. Note: They are included for demonstration purposes only. ‘Real life’ specifications will varydepending on the governing factors of a particular design, and must be considered on a case by case basis.

Note: “x” denotes a value or grade which must be determined by the designer/specifier and included in the specification

BS ENs are the official English language version of European Standards ENs. Other versions may be designated, for exampleNF EN, France; SS EN, Sweden; DIN EN, Germany. These may appear in documentation and CE marks on panelsmanufactured outside the UK and, providing the EN number is the same, are equally acceptable.

Wall panel with OSB wall sheathing - Service Class 2 - Eurocode 5 and BS 5268designs

Component Specification Purchasing Notes

Sheathing Oriented strand board compliant withEN 13986 for load bearingapplications in humid conditions, ieOSB/3 compliant with EN 300, withadditional impact testing carried outto EN 596 for wall sheathing.

Look for a CE mark which includesEN 13986 and states that the panelis OSB/3 (a structural panel will alsoshow the notified body number, thedirective (CPD) and themanufacturer’s number). The markwill also include “Wall Sheathing” ifthe EN 596 test has been carriedout. This may also be stated on thecertificate of conformity.

For a material to be CEmarked for load bearinghumid conditions it has tocomply with EN 300requirements. OSB/3 is a loadbearing board for use inhumid conditions (ServiceClass 2). The EN 596 test is apass/ fail test.

For designs to Eurocode 5: minimumcharacteristic density of x kg/m3. Manufacturer’s technical information

should state this.

Required to achieve thecorrect racking resistanceaccording to Eurocode 5.

Thickness: x mm. Required to achieve therequired racking resistance.

Formaldehyde Class: Ex. The CE mark will state whether theboard is E1 or E2.

A formaldehyde class has tobe stated.

Substrate Softwood studs at x centres, fixed totop and bottom rail, of strength classx (BS EN 338), or species x ofstrength grade x to BS 4978 or BSEN 519, with dimensions of x mm byx mm by x mm long (Note:harmonised standard EN 14081 canbe used when available), suitablytreated for hazard class 2environments as per BS 8417.

Timber shall be stamped with astrength class and/or strength grademark certified by a third partyapproved by the UK Timber GradingCommittee.

These elements carry load.The strength class and/orspecies and strength grade isimportant. Never purchase alower grade or differentdimensions.

Fixing type x mm diameter by x mm galvanisedto ISO 2081 annular ring shank nailscompliant with BS 1202-1. (Note:harmonised standard EN 14592 canbe used when available).

Nails shall be of the correct size andcompliant with BS 1202-1 and ISO2081.

To achieve the requiredracking resistance andcorrosion resistance the nailsmust be of a certain standard.

Setting out Lay edges vertical and centred onsupports.

N/A

Required to achieve therequired racking resistance.

Expansion gap between adjacentboards (unless otherwiserecommended by manufacturer): x mm.

The panels will change shapeslightly with varying moisturecontents; the gap is to reducethe risk of warping caused bythe edges touching.

Fixingcentres

x mm maximum around board edges.x mm along intermediate supports.

Check that fixing centres are equalto or closer than those in themanufacturer’s BS EN 596 test andthat they provide adequate rackingresistance in accordance with BS5268-2 or Eurocode 5.

Required to achieve therequired racking resistance.Fixing

distancefrom edges

x mm from bottom edge and x mmfrom all other edges. (Guidance inENV 12872).

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Plywood Floor - Service Class 1 - Eurocode 5 design (Note consideration should be given to design and specification to Service Class 2, depending uponthe risk of wetting during construction)

Component Specification Purchasing NotesFlooring Plywood compliant with BS EN

13986, suitable for internal use asstructural floor decking on joists, iecompliant with BS EN 636 grade EN636-1 S, (or grade EN 636-2 S) withadditional performance testing toconform to load category x on x mmspan as per Eurocode 1 or BS 6399.Characteristic strength and stiffnessvalues as follows…

Look for a CE mark which includes BSEN 13986 and states that the panel isEN 636-1 S (or EN 636-2 S). Astructural panel will show the notifiedbody number, the directive (CPD) andthe manufacturer’s number. The markwill also include “Flooring” to indicatethat BS EN 12871 point load andimpact tests have been carried out.The load category for a specific spancan be found from the manufacturer orit may be stated on the CE mark.Characteristic strength and stiffnessvalues can be obtained from themanufacturer or agent – they may bebased on BS EN 12369-2 or derivedfrom test data to BS EN 789.This information should also be statedon the certificate of conformity.

For a plywood to be CEmarked for Service Class1 conditions it mustcomply with BS EN 636grade EN 636-1 S. ForService Class 2 conditionsit must comply with gradeEN 636-2 S.To be used as flooring theboard must be categorisedas load bearing withadditional BS EN 12871performance testingcarried out.

Thickness: x mm. Required to meet designrequirements.

Formaldehyde Class: Ex. The CE mark will state whether theboard is E1 or E2.

A formaldehyde class hasto be stated.

Substrate x mm by x mm softwood joists ofstrength class x (BS EN 338), or ofspecies x strength graded to xaccording to BS 4978 or BS EN 519(Note: harmonised standard EN14081 can be used when available),with dimensions of x mm by x mm byx mm long.

Timber shall be stamped with astrength class and/or strength grademark certified by a third partyapproved by the UK Timber GradingCommittee.

These elements carryload. The strength classand/or species andstrength grade isimportant. Never purchasea lower grade or thickness.

Joist spacing: x mm. If BS EN 12871 performance tests forthe particular joist spacing are notavailable, only purchase panels thathave been tested with a larger spanthan required.

Required for the floor toperform as designed.

Setting outof panels

Direction of long edges with respectto joists in accordance with themanufacturer’s specifications. Alledges supported by a t&g profile oron noggings. End joints central overjoists and staggered.

The manufacturer’s technicalinformation should indicate how thetesting was carried out.

The panel must be used inthe same configuration asthe BS EN 12871 test set-up to achieve theperformance stated by themanufacturer.

Expansionprovision

Clear expansion gap of x mm aroundfloor perimeter and at any upstands.Intermediate expansion/ movementjoints x mm.Expansion gap of x mm around theedge of each individual board.

Based on manufacturer’s informationregarding moisture movement.Seek manufacturer’s advice.

To avoid unwanted stressto the structure of thebuilding or floor.

Fixing tojoists

Fasteners: Type x, size x andcorrosion resistance x.Fixing centres (maximum) x mmaround floor perimeter and alongshort edges of each board x mm.Along intermediate supports x mm.

The manufacturer’s technicalinformation should indicate how thetesting was carried out.

The panel must be used inthe same configuration asthe BS EN 12871 test set-up to achieve theperformance stated by themanufacturer.

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Plywood floor Service Class 1 – BS 5268 design. (Note consideration should be given to design and specification to Service Class 2, depending uponthe risk of wetting during construction)

Component Specification Purchasing Notes

Flooring Plywood compliant with BS EN13986 and suitable for internal useas structural floor decking on joists,ie compliant with BS EN 636 gradeEN 636-1 S (or grade EN 636-2 S).Type x.Grade x.Nominal thickness x.Number of plies x.Performance tests required forspecified joist spacing.

Look for a CE mark which includesBS EN 13986 and states that thepanel is EN 636-1 S (or EN 636-2S) A structural panel will show thenotified body number, the directive(CPD) and the manufacturer’snumber. The mark will also include“Flooring” to indicate that BS EN12871 point load and impact testshave been carried out. The panelshould be either one of those listedin BS 5268-2: 2002 (look for agrade mark as per this standard) orthe manufacturer should providecharacteristic values for design.This information may also be statedon the certificate of conformity.

For a plywood to be CEmarked for Service Class 1conditions it must complywith BS EN 636-1 S. ForService Class 2 conditions itmust comply with BS EN636-2 S.To be used as flooring theboard must be categorisedas load bearing, withadditional BS EN 12871performance testing carriedout.

Formaldehyde Class: Ex. The CE mark will state whether theboard is E1 or E2.

A formaldehyde class has tobe stated.

Substrate x mm by x mm softwood joists ofstrength class x (BS EN 338), or ofspecies x strength graded to xaccording to BS 4978 or BS EN 519(Note: harmonised standard EN14081 can be used when available),with dimensions of x mm by x mmby x mm long.

Timber shall be stamped with astrength class and/or strengthgrade mark certified by a third partyapproved by the UK TimberGrading Committee.

These elements carry load.The strength class and/orspecies and strength grade isimportant. Never purchase alower grade or thickness.

Joist spacing: x mm. If the BS EN 12871 performancetests for a particular joist spacingare not available, only buy panelsthat have been tested with a largerspan than required.

Required for the floor toperform as designed.

Setting out Direction of long edges with respectto joists in accordance with themanufacturer’s specifications. Alledges supported by a t&g profile oron noggings. End joints central overjoists and staggered.

The manufacturer’s technicalinformation should indicate how thetesting was carried out.

The panel must be used inthe same configuration as theBS EN 12871 test set-up togain the performance statedby the manufacturer.

Expansionprovision

Clear expansion gap x mm aroundfloor perimeter and any upstands.Intermediate expansion / movementjoints x mm.Expansion gap of x mm around theedge of each individual board.

Based on manufacturer’sinformation regarding moisturemovement.Seek manufacturers advice.

To avoid unwanted stress tothe structure of the buildingor floor.

Fixing tojoists

Fasteners: Type x, size x andcorrosion resistance x.Fixing centres (maximum ) x mmaround floor perimeter and alongshort edges of each board x mm.Along intermediate supports x mm.

The manufacturer’s technicalinformation should indicate how thetesting was carried out.

The panel must be used inthe same configuration as theBS EN 12871 test set-up togain the performance statedby the manufacturer.

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Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the advice given, the company cannot accept liability for loss ordamage arising from the use of the information supplied. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in anyform, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of thecopyright owners.

© TRADA Technology Ltd 2005

TRADA Technology LtdStocking Lane, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4ND, UKTel: +44 (0)1494 569600 Fax: +44 (0)1494 565487 email: information@trada.co.uk

www.trada.co.uk

ReferencesStandardsBS 5268-2: 2002 Structural use of timber. Code of

practice for permissible stress design,materials and workmanship.

BS 5268-6.1: 1996 Structural use of timber. Code ofpractice for timber frame walls. Dwellings notexceeding four storeys.

BS 5268-6.2: 2001 Structural use of timber. Code ofpractice for timber frame walls. Buildings otherthan dwellings not exceeding four storeys.

BS 6399-1: 1996 Loading for buildings. Code ofpractice for dead and imposed loads.

BS 6399-2: 1997 Loading for buildings. Code ofpractice for wind loads.

BS EN 300: 1997 Oriented strand boards (OSB).Definitions, classification and specifications.

BS EN 312: 2003 Particleboards. Specifications.BS EN 594: 1996 Timber structures. Test methods.

Racking strength and stiffness of timber framewall panels.

BS EN 596: 1995 Timber structures. Test methods.Soft body impact test of timber framed walls.

BS EN 622-2: 1997 Fibreboards. Specifications.Requirements for hardboards.

BS EN 622 -3: 2004 Fibreboards. Specifications.Requirements for medium boards.

BS EN 622-4: 1997 Fibreboards. Specifications.Requirements for softboards.

BS EN 634-2: 1997 Cement-bonded particleboards– Specifications - Requirements for OPCbonded particleboards for use in dry, humidand exterior conditions.

BS EN 636: 2003 Plywood. Specifications.BS EN 789: 1996 Timber structures. Test methods.

Determination of mechanical properties ofwood-based panels.

BS EN 1058: 1996 Wood-based panels.Determination of characteristic values ofmechanical properties and density.

BS EN 1995-1-1: 2004 Eurocode 5:Design of timberstructures. General rules and rules forbuildings.

BS EN 12369-1: 2001 Wood-based panels.Characteristic values for structural design.OSB, particleboards and fibreboards.

BS EN 12369-2: 2004 Wood-based panels.Characteristic values for structural design.Plywood.

BS EN 12871: 2001 Wood-based panels –Performance specifications and requirementsfor load bearing boards for use in walls, floorsand roofs.

BS EN 13353: 2003 Solid wood panels (SWP) –Requirements.

BS EN 13986: 2002 Wood-based panels for use inconstruction. Characteristics, evaluation ofconformity and marking.

DD ENV 12872: 2000 Wood-based panels.Guidance on the use of load-bearing boards infloors, walls and roofs.

EN 14081-1 Timber structures - Strength gradedstructural timber with rectangular crosssection - General requirements. In preparation.

EN 14081-2 Timber structures - Strength gradedstructural timber with rectangular cross sec-tion - Machine grading; additional require-ments for initial type testing. In preparation.

EN 14081-3 Timber structures - Strength gradedstructural timber with rectangular crosssection - Machine grading; additionalrequirements for factory production control. Inpreparation.

EN 14081-4 Timber structures - Strength gradedstructural timber with rectangular crosssection - Machine Grading - Grading machinesettings for machine controlled systems. Inpreparation.

EN 14592 Timber structures - Fasteners –Requirements. In preparation.

Other documents.DTLR The Building Regulations 1991. Materials

and workmanship. Approved Document tosupport regulation 7: 1999 edition, amended2000. The Stationery Office.

Panel Guide. Panel Guide Partnership. 2004. View free of charge on the askTRADA website, Technical Information Library atwww.trada.co.uk.

TRADA Wood Information Sheet 2/3 - 56 CE marking: Implications for timber products.