BRE DG517 PDF

INTRODUCTION

Timber is a capable and widely used construction material, but is vulnerable to degradation when exposed to moisture. Neglect, together with poor building practices in the past and later modifications, may result in unsatisfactory structural conditions.

This Digest may be read in conjunction with the Institution of Structural Engineers publication Appraisal of Existing Structures (Institution of Structural Engineers, 1996), BRE report BR 256 Remedial Treatment of Wood Rot and Insect Attack in Buildings (Berry, 1994), and the BRE publication Recognising Wood Rot and Insect Damage in Buildings (Bravery et al, 2003). Timber structures can also be analysed with reference to BS 5268-2:2002 Structural Use of Timber. Code of Practice for Permissible Stress Design, Materials and Workmanship (now withdrawn) or BS EN 1995-1-1:2004 Eurocode 5 Design of Timber Structures. General – Common Rules and Rules for Buildings, together with related documents. The NHBC Standards are a useful guide to the requirements for modern construction (NHBC, 2008).