Updated guidance has been published on the structural design of timber buildings within the UK. The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), along with the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) have co-published a second edition of the Manual for the design of timber building structures to Eurocode 5.

The revised Manual was launched at an event on 27 November, held at TRADA’s Better Buildings Conference.

The Manual for the design of timber building structures to Eurocode 5 (the Manual) gives guidance on timber structures within the UK from single-storey to medium-rise multi-storey buildings. It covers the structural design of timber buildings to BS EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5), as well as supporting codes and standards.

Timber engineering in the UK has expanded significantly since the first edition of the Manual was launched in 2007. The revised second edition incorporates changes to Eurocode on material properties, bearing capacities, connections, glulam, racking, and fire. New sections reference cross-laminated timber and the new product standard, while other amendments were made based on feedback from consultees, including practicing engineers.

A specialist task group oversaw the refresh, with revisions authored by Dr Keerthi Ranasinghem. Jacquie Shanahan, Publications Manager at TRADA said “A revision by an author of this calibre ensures the longevity of a widely used resource.”

Dr Ranasinghem said: 

“‘It was vital that we updated the manual considering all the amendments that were implemented in not just Eurocode 5, but all the supporting standards as well since 2004. By far the leading resource for timber engineering, the new edition ensures that it will continue to be the must-have reference for engineers and specifiers who are keen to work to Eurocode 5.”

Lee Baldwin, Head of Publishing at IStructE said:  

“The first edition has served the profession brilliantly for more than a decade, but it’s great that we’ve been able to work closely with Keerthi, the expert steering group, and our co-publisher TRADA to bring such a valuable technical resource up to date.”

The Manual can be purchased from IStructE and TRADA.