Influence of test procedure on timber wall racking performance

Abstract

In the UK, the design procedure for calculating the racking strength of timber-framed walls is based on the rules in Eurocode 5 and given in PD 6693-1. Currently, the PD method does not include a procedure for calculating racking strength using the results from wall panel racking tests to BS EN 594. Under the Building Regulations (England and Wales), BS 5268-6.1:1996, which was superseded by Eurocode 5, can still be used and this standard includes a calculation method using test results from BS EN 594:1996. As BS EN 594:2011 uses a revised test procedure, it has been found that the results are no longer compatible with the BS 5268-6.1 design procedure. This paper describes an extensive experimental programme investigating the compatibility and suitability of the test method in BS EN 594:2011 with the racking design method in BS 5268-6.1:1996. The test results have been analysed and compared, and appropriate recommendations are made.