What is BS EN 15497 - Structural finger-jointed solid timbers about?
BS EN 15497 sets out provisions regarding the performance characteristics for structural finger jointed timber with rectangular cross-sections for use in buildings and bridges.
The use of structural finger jointed timber may be limited to certain service classes in some member states.
BS EN 15497 is applicable to structural finger jointed timber made of coniferous timber species listed in it or poplar.
BS EN 15497 is only applicable to finger joints between timber sections of the same species.
BS EN 15497 covers structural finger jointed timber untreated or treated against biological attack.
Note1: It may be possible to produce structural finger jointed timber made from specific broadleaf species based on some provisions of BS EN 15497, but BS EN 15497 is not applicable to these products.
Note2: BS EN 15497 does not cover impressed (die-formed) finger joints.
Note3: Structural finger jointed timber treated with fire retardants is not covered in BS EN 15497.
Who is BS EN 15497 - Structural finger-jointed solid timbers for?
BS EN 15497 on structural finger-jointed solid timber is useful for:
- Timber corporations
- Manufacturers and suppliers of structural timber
- Architects
- Civil engineers
- Testing and inspection personnel
Why should you use BS EN 15497 - Structural finger-jointed solid timbers?
Structural finger jointed solid timber is used in construction or building projects. They offer stability and strength superior to the original pieces of timber. To ensure the reliability of these timber structures they need to meet certain production requirements and their performance needs to be verified.
BS EN 15497 provides guidance on performance characteristics for structural finger jointed timber such as mechanical resistance, bonding strength and durability of bonding strength, resistance to fire, reaction to fire and many more. BS EN 15497 provides references to documents that will help you verify these characteristics. BS EN 15497 also lays down minimum production provisions and procedures for assessment and verification of constancy of performance for structural finger jointed timber.
Overall, the guidance of BS EN 15497 helps you to produce structural finger-jointed solid timbers that fulfil the necessary performance requirements and the minimum production requirements.