2015 NDS Examples – Beams, Columns, and

Beam-Columns (DES220)
John “Buddy”
y Showalter,, PE
Vice President, Technology
Transfer
American Wood Council
Lori Koch,, PE
Manager, Educational
Outreach
American Wood Council
Copyright Materials

This presentation is protected by US and International

Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use
of the presentation without written permission of AWC is
prohibited.

© American Wood Council 2016

2
• The American Wood Council is a • This course is registered with AIA CES
Registered Provider with The American for continuing professional education.
I tit t off A
Institute Architects
hit t C Continuing
ti i A such,
As h it does
d nott include
i l d content
t t
Education Systems (AIA/CES), that may be deemed or construed to
Provider # 50111237. be an approval or endorsement by the
AIA of any material of construction or
any method or manner of
• Credit(s) earned on completion of this handling, using, distributing, or
course will be reported to AIA CES for dealing in any material or product.
AIA members. Certificates of
• Questions
Q ti related
l t d to
t specific
ifi materials,
t i l
Completion for both AIA members and
methods, and services will be
non-AIA members are available upon
addressed at the conclusion of this
request.
presentation.
Description

• For those seeking practical application of the

provisions of the National Design Specification®
(NDS®) for Wood Construction (ANSI/AWC NDS-
2015) which is referenced in the 2015 International
Building Code, this presentation provides several
design examples including beams, columns, and
structural elements under combined bending and
axial loading. Design provisions and equations from
the 2015 NDS and reference design values from the
2015 NDS Supplement will be used to calculate
capacities for these elements under various loading
conditions. Each example will include discussion of
design value adjustment factors and load
combinations.
Learning Objectives

1. Understand application of NDS design provisions for beams,

columns and structural elements under combined bending
columns,
and axial loading.
2. Be familiar with reference design values from the NDS
Supplement.
3. Be familiar with design value adjustment factors from the
NDS and NDS Supplement
pp .
4. Be familiar with the impact of combinations of loads of
different durations on design of structural wood members.
Polling Question
What is your profession?
a) Architect
b) Engineer
c) Code Official
Code Official
d) Building Designer
e) Other

6
General Notes

• Example Problems completed in MATHCAD

• Small green lines under some variables have no impact
on our problems, these are a MATHCAD feature
• PDF of MATHCAD problems has been provided, MATHCAD
sheets are not available for distribution
• Free Design Example Publication planned for 2017
• 1991 NDS Commentary
• http://www.awc.org/codes-
standards/publications/nds 1991 1997
standards/publications/nds-1991-1997
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 29

Table 4.3.1 Applicability of Adjustment Factors for Sawn Lumber

ASD LRFD
ASD and LRFD
only only

Format Conversion Factor

Repetitive Member Factor

Resistance Factor
Buckling Stiffness Factor
Column Stability Factor
Beam Stability Factor
Load Duration Factor

Bearing Area Factor

Temperature Factor
Wet Service Factor

Time Effect Factor

Flat Use Factor

Incising Factor
Size Factor
4
KF I

SAWN LUMBER
Fb' = Fb x CD CM Ct CL CF Cfu Ci Cr - - - 2.54 0.85 O

Ft' = Ft x CD CM Ct - CF - Ci - - - - 2.70 0.80 O

Fv' = Fv x CD CM Ct - - - Ci - - - - 2.88 0.75 O

Fc' = Fc x CD CM Ct - CF - Ci - CP - - 2.40 0.90 O

FcA' = FcA x - CM Ct - - - Ci - - - Cb 1.67 0.90 -

E' = E x - CM Ct - - - Ci - - - - - - -

Emin' = Emin x - CM Ct - - - Ci - - CT - 1.76 0.85 -

4.3.5 Beam Stability Factor, CL tor shall be determined in accordance with 4.3.6.2 on
the basis of an equivalent conventionally loaded square
Reference bending design values, Fb, shall be mul- beam of the same cross-sectional area.
tiplied by the beam stability factor, CL, specified in 4.3.6.4 Reference bending design values for all
3.3.3. species of 2" thick or 3" thick Decking, except Red-
wood, shall be multiplied by the size factors specified
4.3.6 Size Factor, CF in Table 4E.

4.3.6.1 Reference bending, tension, and compres- 4.3.7 Flat Use Factor, Cfu
sion parallel to grain design values for visually graded
dimension lumber 2" to 4" thick shall be multiplied by When sawn lumber 2" to 4" thick is loaded on the
the size factors specified in Tables 4A and 4B. wide face, multiplying the reference bending design
4.3.6.2 Where the depth of a rectangular sawn lum- value, Fb, by the flat use factors, Cfu, specified in Tables
ber bending member 5" or thicker exceeds 12", the ref- 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4F, shall be permitted.
erence bending design values, Fb, in Table 4D shall be
multiplied by the following size factor: 4.3.8 Incising Factor, Ci
CF (12 / d)1 9 d 1.0 (4.3-1) Reference design values shall be multiplied by the
4.3.6.3 For beams of circular cross section with a following incising factor, Ci, when dimension lumber is
diameter greater than 13.5", or for 12" or larger square incised parallel to grain a maximum depth of 0.4", a
beams loaded in the plane of the diagonal, the size fac- maximum length of 3/8", and density of incisions up to

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

Simply Supported Beam Capacity Check Example (ASD)
A Select Structural Douglas Fir-Larch 4X16 beam on a 20 ft span supports a hoist located at the center of the
span. Determine the maximum allowable load on the hoist (including its weight) based on bending. Assume
normal load duration. The beam is supported on a 2x4 top plate. Lateral support is provided only at the ends of
the member and the ends are considered pinned.

Check beams capacity to resist shear stress from maximum (moment controlled) load; determine deflection
from maximum load and check bearing capacity.

Notes:
Load cases used in this example have been simplified for clarity. Refer to NDS Section 1.4.4 for requirements
on load combinations.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for 4x16 Select Structural DF-L (size adjusted 4x12 values)

Fb  1500 psi E  1900000  psi Emin  690000 psi (Table 4A)

Fc⊥  625  psi Fv  180  psi

CD  1.0 CM  1.0 Ct  1.0

Cfu  1.0 Cr  1.0 Ci  1.0
CT  1.0 CF  1.0 (Table 4A 14" and wider)

E'  E CM  Ct Ci E'min  Emin CM  Ct Ci CT

E'  1900000 psi E'min  690000 psi

Member length and properties

l  20 ft b  3.5 in d  15.25  in wbearing  3.5 in
3
2 b d
b d I 
Ag  b  d S  12
6
2 3 4
Ag  53.38  in S  135.66 in I  1034 in

Beam Stability Factor

F' b*  Fb  CD CM  Ct CF Ci Cr F'b * is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors except the beam stability factor CL and flat use factor
F' b*  1500 psi
Cfu applied. The following calculations determine the beam
stabilty factor CL :

in
lu  12 l lu  240  in laterally unsupported length
ft
lu
 15.7 lu /d >7 (Table 3.3.3)
d

le  1.37 lu  3  d le  375  in (Table 3.3.3)

 l e d
RB  RB  21.6 slenderness ratio for bending (3.3-5)
2
b

1.20 E'min
FbE  FbE  1776 psi critical bucking design value for bending (3.7.1)
2
RB

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 F' b*
   F'b*     F'b* 
CL    
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.876


F' b  F' b* Cfu CL 
F' b  1313 psi F'b is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors.

Determine Maximum Moment Allowed on Beam

Maximum total moment is the adjusted bending design value F' b times the section modulus S
S
M max  F' b  M max  14849  ft·lbf
in
12
ft

Determine Maximum Hoist Load P

Maximum hoist load P is determined from subtracting moment due to beam weight from the maximum total moment
allowed on the beam and solving for hoist load P. Load P creates a moment on beam length L of PL/4. Assume
density of beam material is 34.2 lbs/ft 3 (110% of tabulated of the specific gravity G for DF-L).

lbf b d
ρ  34.2 wbeamweight  ρ  wbeamweight  12.677 plf
3 in in
ft 12 12
ft ft
2
wbeamweight  ( l)
M beamweight  M beamweight  634  ft·lbf
8

M allow  M max  M beamweight M allow  14215  ft·lbf

M allow
P  4
l

Result:
The total allowable concentrated moment-limited midspan load (hoist plus payload) is P  2843 lbf
Check Beam's Capacity to Resist Shear from Maximum (bending controlled) Load
P
V  V  1421 lbf
2
3 V
fv  fv  40 psi
2 b d
F' v  Fv  CD CM  Ct Ci F' v  180 psi fv<F'v okay

Check Compressive Stress at Bearing Points

V
fc⊥  fc⊥  116 psi
b  wbearing

F' c⊥  Fc⊥ CM  Ct Ci F' c⊥  625 psi fc⊥< F' c⊥ okay

Note: NDS Section 4.3.12 allows Fc⊥ to be increased by Cb as specified in Section 3.10.4. That increase was

not used in this example.

Check Deflection
Total deflection is the combination of deflection from beam weight and deflection from the applied crane load.
Deflection from beam weight is considered long term deflection. Deflection from crane load may be considered
short-term.
wbeamweight ft 4
   l 12  Δbeam_weight  0.023  in
5 in
Δbeam_weight  
384  E I 12 in  ft
3
P 
  l 12 
in
Δcrane_load  Δcrane_load  0.417  in
48 E I  ft 
Δtotal  Δbeam_weight  Δcrane_load Δtotal  0.44 in

Calculate Span/Deflection Ratio

in
12 l
ft
 546 L/Δtotal
Δtotal
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 15

3.2 Bending Members – General

3.2.1 Span of Bending Members 3.2.3 Notches

For simple, continuous and cantilevered bending
members, the span shall be taken as the distance from
face to face of supports, plus ½ the required bearing
length at each end.
3.2.2 Lateral Distribution of Concentrated
Load
3.2.3.1 Bending members shall not be notched ex-
cept as permitted by 4.4.3, 5.4.5, 7.4.4, and 8.4.1. A
gradual taper cut from the reduced depth of the member
to the full depth of the member in lieu of a square- 3
cornered notch reduces stress concentrations.
3.2.3.2 The stiffness of a bending member, as de-
termined from its cross section, is practically unaffected

DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

by a notch with the following dimensions:
Lateral distribution of concentrated loads from a notch depth d (1/6) (beam depth)
critically loaded bending member to adjacent parallel notch length d (1/3) (beam depth)
bending members by flooring or other cross members 3.2.3.3 See 3.4.3 for effect of notches on shear
shall be permitted to be calculated when determining strength.
design bending moment and vertical shear force (see
15.1).

3.3 Bending Members – Flexure

3.3.1 Strength in Bending 3.3.3 Beam Stability Factor, CL

The actual bending stress or moment shall not ex- 3.3.3.1 When the depth of a bending member does
ceed the adjusted bending design value. not exceed its breadth, d d b, no lateral support is re-
quired and CL = 1.0.
3.3.2 Flexural Design Equations 3.3.3.2 When rectangular sawn lumber bending
members are laterally supported in accordance with
3.3.2.1 The actual bending stress induced by a 4.4.1, CL = 1.0.
bending moment, M, is calculated as follows: 3.3.3.3 When the compression edge of a bending
member is supported throughout its length to prevent
Mc M (3.3-1)
fb lateral displacement, and the ends at points of bearing
I S have lateral support to prevent rotation, CL = 1.0.
For a rectangular bending member of breadth, b, 3.3.3.4 Where the depth of a bending member ex-
and depth, d, this becomes: ceeds its breadth, d > b, lateral support shall be provid-
ed at points of bearing to prevent rotation. When such
M 6M (3.3-2)
fb lateral support is provided at points of bearing, but no
S bd2 additional lateral support is provided throughout the
3.3.2.2 For solid rectangular bending members with length of the bending member, the unsupported length,
the neutral axis perpendicular to depth at center: u, is the distance between such points of end bearing,
or the length of a cantilever. When a bending member
bd3 (3.3-3)
I moment of inertia, in.4 is provided with lateral support to prevent rotation at
12 intermediate points as well as at the ends, the unsup-
I bd2 (3.3-4) ported length, u, is the distance between such points of
S section modulus, in.3
c 6 intermediate lateral support.
3.3.3.5 The effective span length, e, for single span
or cantilever bending members shall be determined in
accordance with Table 3.3.3.

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

16 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

Table 3.3.3 Effective Length, e, for Bending Members

Cantilever1 where u/d <7 where uG•

Uniformly distributed load e=1.33 u e=0.90 u + 3d

Concentrated load at unsupported end e=1.87 u e=1.44 u + 3d

Single Span Beam1,2 where u/d <7 where uG•

Uniformly distributed load e=2.06 u e=1.63 u + 3d

Concentrated load at center with no inter- e=1.80 u e=1.37 u + 3d
mediate lateral support
Concentrated load at center with lateral e=1.11 u
support at center
Two equal concentrated loads at 1/3 points e=1.68 u
with lateral support at 1/3 points
Three equal concentrated loads at 1/4 points e=1.54 u
with lateral support at 1/4 points
Four equal concentrated loads at 1/5 points e=1.68 u
with lateral support at 1/5 points
Five equal concentrated loads at 1/6 points e=1.73 u
with lateral support at 1/6 points
Six equal concentrated loads at 1/7 points e=1.78 u
with lateral support at 1/7 points
Seven or more equal concentrated loads, e=1.84 u
evenly spaced, with lateral support at points
of load application
Equal end moments e=1.84 u

)RUVLQJOHVSDQRUFDQWLOHYHUEHQGLQJPHPEHUVZLWKORDGLQJFRQGLWLRQVQRWVSHFLILHGLQ7DEOH
H
  X ZKHUH XG
H
  XG ZKHUHd XGd
H
  X ZKHUH XG!
0XOWLSOHVSDQDSSOLFDWLRQVVKDOOEHEDVHGRQWDEOHYDOXHVRUHQJLQHHULQJDQDO\VLV

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 17

3.3.3.6 The slenderness ratio, RB, for bending where:

members shall be calculated as follows:
Fb* = reference bending design value multiplied by
d all applicable adjustment factors except Cfu,
RB e
2
(3.3-5) CV, and CL (see 2.3), psi
b
3.3.3.7 The slenderness ratio for bending members, 1.20 Eminc
RB, shall not exceed 50. FbE
RB2
3.3.3.8 The beam stability factor shall be calculated 3
as follows:
3.3.3.9 See Appendix D for background infor-
1  FbE Fb*  ª 1  FbE Fb*  º
2
mation concerning beam stability calculations and Ap-
F F*

DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

CL  « »  bE b (3.3-6) pendix F for information concerning coefficient of vari-
1.9 «¬ 1.9 »¼ 0.95
ation in modulus of elasticity (COVE).
3.3.3.10 Members subjected to flexure about both
principal axes (biaxial bending) shall be designed in
accordance with 3.9.2.

3.4 Bending Members – Shear

3.4.1 Strength in Shear Parallel to Grain
(Horizontal Shear)
3.4.1.1 The actual shear stress parallel to grain or
shear force at any cross section of the bending member
shall not exceed the adjusted shear design value. A
check of the strength of wood bending members in
shear perpendicular to grain is not required.
3.4.1.2 The shear design procedures specified here-
in for calculating fv at or near points of vertical support
are limited to solid flexural members such as sawn
lumber, structural glued laminated timber, structural
composite lumber, or mechanically laminated timber
beams. Shear design at supports for built-up compo-
nents containing load-bearing connections at or near
points of support, such as between the web and chord of
a truss, shall be based on test or other techniques.
3.4.3 Shear Design
3.4.3.1 When calculating the shear force, V, in
bending members:
(a) For beams supported by full bearing on one
surface and loads applied to the opposite sur-
face, uniformly distributed loads within a dis-
tance from supports equal to the depth of the
bending member, d, shall be permitted to be ig-
nored. For beams supported by full bearing on
one surface and loads applied to the opposite
surface, concentrated loads within a distance, d,
from supports shall be permitted to be multi-
plied by x/d where x is the distance from the
beam support face to the load (see Figure 3C).
Figure 3C Shear at Supports

3.4.2 Shear Design Equations

The actual shear stress parallel to grain induced in a

sawn lumber, structural glued laminated timber, struc-
tural composite lumber, or timber pole or pile bending
member shall be calculated as follows:
VQ
fv (3.4-1)
Ib
For a rectangular bending member of breadth, b,
and depth, d, this becomes:
3V
fv (3.4-2)
2bd
Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
18 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS
(b) The largest single moving load shall be placed
at a distance from the support equal to the
depth of the bending member, keeping other
loads in their normal relation and neglecting
any load within a distance from a support equal
to the depth of the bending member. This con-
dition shall be checked at each support.
(c) With two or more moving loads of about equal
weight and in proximity, loads shall be placed
in the position that produces the highest shear
force, V, neglecting any load within a distance
from a support equal to the depth of the bend-
ing member.
3.4.3.2 For notched bending members, shear force,
V, shall be determined by principles of engineering me-
chanics (except those given in 3.4.3.1).
(a) For bending members with rectangular cross
section and notched on the tension face (see
3.2.3), the adjusted design shear, Vr', shall be
calculated as follows:
2
ª 2 c º ª dn º
Vrc «¬ 3 Fv bdn »¼ «¬ d »¼ (3.4-3)
where:
d = depth of unnotched bending member, in.
dn = depth of member remaining at a notch
measured perpendicular to length of mem-
ber, in.
Fv' = adjusted shear design value parallel to grain,
psi
(b) For bending members with circular cross sec-
tion and notched on the tension face (see 3.2.3),
the adjusted design shear, Vr', shall be calculat-
ed as follows:
2 3.4.3.3 When connections in bending members are
ª 2 c º ª dn º
Vrc «¬ 3 Fv An »¼ «¬ d »¼ (3.4-4)
where:
An = cross-sectional area of notched member, in2
(c) For bending members with other than rectangu-
lar or circular cross section and notched on the
tension face (see 3.2.3), the adjusted design
shear, Vr', shall be based on conventional engi-
neering analysis of stress concentrations at
notches.
(d) A gradual change in cross section compared
with a square notch decreases the actual shear
Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
stress parallel to grain nearly to that computed
for an unnotched bending member with a depth
of dn.
(e) When a bending member is notched on the
compression face at the end as shown in Figure
3D, the adjusted design shear, Vr', shall be cal-
culated as follows:
2 c ª § d  dn · º
Vrc Fv b «d  ¨ ¸ e» (3.4-5)
3 ¬ © dn ¹ ¼
where:
e = the distance the notch extends from the inner
edge of the support and must be less than or
equal to the depth remaining at the notch, e
d dn. If e > dn, dn shall be used to calculate fv
using Equation 3.4-2, in.
dn = depth of member remaining at a notch meet-
ing the provisions of 3.2.3, measured per-
pendicular to length of member. If the end of
the beam is beveled, as shown by the dashed
line in Figure 3D, dn is measured from the in-
ner edge of the support, in.
Figure 3D Bending Member End-Notched on
Compression Face
fastened with split ring connectors, shear plate connect-
ors, bolts, or lag screws (including beams supported by
such fasteners or other cases as shown in Figures 3E
and 3I) the shear force, V, shall be determined by prin-
ciples of engineering mechanics (except those given in
3.4.3.1).
(a) Where the connection is less than five times the
depth, 5d, of the member from its end, the ad-
justed design shear, Vr', shall be calculated as
follows:
2
ª 2 c º ª de º
Vrc «¬ 3 Fv bde »¼ «¬ d »¼ (3.4-6)
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 19

where: (b) Where the connection is at least five times the

depth, 5d, of the member from its end, the ad-
for split ring or shear plate connections:
justed design shear, Vr', shall be calculated as
de = depth of member, less the distance from the follows:
unloaded edge of the member to the nearest
2 c
edge of the nearest split ring or shear plate Vrc Fv bde (3.4-7)
3
connector (see Figure 3E), in.
for bolt or lag screw connections:
(c) Where concealed hangers are used, the adjusted
design shear, Vr', shall be calculated based on
3
de = depth of member, less the distance from the the provisions in 3.4.3.2 for notched bending
unloaded edge of the member to the center members.

DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

of the nearest bolt or lag screw (see Figure
3E), in.

Figure 3E Effective Depth, de, of Members at Connections

3.5 Bending Members – Deflection

3.5.1 Deflection Calculations
If deflection is a factor in design, it shall be calcu-
lated by standard methods of engineering mechanics
considering bending deflections and, when applicable,
shear deflections. Consideration for shear deflection is
required when the reference modulus of elasticity has
not been adjusted to include the effects of shear deflec-
tion (see Appendix F).
3.5.2 Long-Term Loading
Where total deflection under long-term loading
must be limited, increasing member size is one way to
Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
provide extra stiffness to allow for this time dependent
deformation (see Appendix F). Total deflection, 'T,
shall be calculated as follows:
'T = Kcr 'LT + 'ST (3.5-1)
where:
Kcr = time dependent deformation (creep) factor
= 1.5 for seasoned lumber, structural glued
laminated timber, prefabricated wood I-joists,
or structural composite lumber used in dry
service conditions as defined in 4.1.4, 5.1.4,
7.1.4, and 8.1.4, respectively.
20 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

= 2.0 for structural glued laminated timber = 2.0 for cross-laminated timber used in dry
used in wet service conditions as defined in service conditions as defined in 10.1.5.
5.1.4.
'LT = immediate deflection due to the long-term
= 2.0 for wood structural panels used in dry component of the design load, in.
service conditions as defined in 9.1.4.
'ST = deflection due to the short-term or normal
= 2.0 for unseasoned lumber or for seasoned component of the design load, in.
lumber used in wet service conditions as de-
fined in 4.1.4.

3.6 Compression Members – General

3.6.1 Terminology
For purposes of this Specification, the term “col-
umn” refers to all types of compression members, in-
cluding members forming part of trusses or other struc-
tural components.
compression design value parallel to grain multiplied
by all applicable adjustment factors except the column
stability factor, CP.
Figure 3F Simple Solid Column

3.6.2 Column Classifications

3.6.2.1 Simple Solid Wood Columns. Simple col-

umns consist of a single piece or of pieces properly
glued together to form a single member (see Figure 3F).
3.6.2.2 Spaced Columns, Connector Joined. Spaced
columns are formed of two or more individual members
with their longitudinal axes parallel, separated at the
ends and middle points of their length by blocking and
joined at the ends by split ring or shear plate connectors
capable of developing the required shear resistance (see
15.2).
3.6.2.3 Built-Up Columns. Individual laminations
of mechanically laminated built-up columns shall be
designed in accordance with 3.6.3 and 3.7, except that
nailed or bolted built-up columns shall be designed in
accordance with 15.3.

3.6.3 Strength in Compression Parallel to

Grain
The actual compression stress or force parallel to
grain shall not exceed the adjusted compression design
value. Calculations of fc shall be based on the net sec-
tion area (see 3.1.2) where the reduced section occurs in
the critical part of the column length that is most sub-
ject to potential buckling. Where the reduced section
does not occur in the critical part of the column length
that is most subject to potential buckling, calculations
of fc shall be based on gross section area. In addition, fc
based on net section area shall not exceed the reference
Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
3.6.4 Compression Members Bearing End to
End
For end grain bearing of wood on wood, and on
metal plates or strips see 3.10.
3.6.5 Eccentric Loading or Combined
Stresses
For compression members subject to eccentric
loading or combined flexure and axial loading, see 3.9
and 15.4.
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 23

and Effective column lengths, e1 and e2, shall be de-

2 termined in accordance with 3.7.1.2. Fc', FcE1, and FcE2
fc § fb1 · (3.9-4) shall be determined in accordance with 2.3 and 3.7. Fb1',
 ¨ ¸  1.0
FcE2 © FbE ¹ Fb2', and FbE shall be determined in accordance with 2.3
and 3.3.3.
where:
3.9.3 Eccentric Compression Loading
0.822 Eminc for either uniaxial
fc  FcE1
( e1 / d1 )2 edgewise bending or See 15.4 for members subjected to combined bend-
3
biaxial bending ing and axial compression due to eccentric loading, or
and eccentric loading in combination with other loads.

DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

0.822 Eminc for uniaxial flatwise Figure 3H Combined Bending and Axial
fc  FcE2
( e2 / d2 )2 bending or biaxial Compression
bending
and

1.20 Eminc
fb1  FbE for biaxial bending
(RB )2
fb1 = actual edgewise bending stress (bending load
applied to narrow face of member) , psi

fb2 = actual flatwise bending stress (bending load

applied to wide face of member) , psi
d1 = wide face dimension (see Figure 3H), in.

d2 = narrow face dimension (see Figure 3H), in.

3.10 Design for Bearing

3.10.1 Bearing Parallel to Grain
3.10.1.1 The actual compressive bearing stress par-
allel to grain shall be based on the net bearing area and
shall not exceed the reference compression design value
parallel to grain multiplied by all applicable adjustment
factors except the column stability factor, CP.
3.10.1.2 Fc*, the reference compression design val-
ues parallel to grain multiplied by all applicable ad-
justment factors except the column stability factor, ap-
plies to end-to-end bearing of compression members
provided there is adequate lateral support and the end
cuts are accurately squared and parallel.
3.10.1.3 When fc > (0.75)(Fc*) bearing shall be on a
metal plate or strap, or on other equivalently durable,
rigid, homogeneous material with sufficient stiffness to
distribute the applied load. Where a rigid insert is re-
quired for end-to-end bearing of compression members,
it shall be equivalent to 20-gage metal plate or better,
inserted with a snug fit between abutting ends.
3.10.2 Bearing Perpendicular to Grain
The actual compression stress perpendicular to
grain shall be based on the net bearing area and shall
not exceed the adjusted compression design value per-
pendicular to grain, fcA d FcA'. When calculating bearing
area at the ends of bending members, no allowance
shall be made for the fact that as the member bends,
pressure upon the inner edge of the bearing is greater
than at the member end.

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

24 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

3.10.3 Bearing at an Angle to Grain Equation 3.10-2 gives the following bearing area
factors, Cb, for the indicated bearing length on such
The adjusted bearing design value at an angle to small areas as plates and washers:
grain (see Figure 3I and Appendix J) shall be calculated
as follows:
Table 3.10.4 Bearing Area Factors, Cb
F Fc Ac
*
FTc c (3.10-1)
0.5" 1" 1.5" 2" 3" 4" 6" or more
Fc* sin2 T  Fc Ac cos2 T b
Cb 1.75 1.38 1.25 1.19 1.13 1.10 1.00
where:
T = angle between direction of load and direction For round bearing areas such as washers, the bear-
of grain (longitudinal axis of member), de- ing length, b, shall be equal to the diameter.
grees
Figure 3 Bearing at an Angle to Grain
3.10.4 Bearing Area Factor, Cb

Reference compression design values perpendicular

to grain, FcA, apply to bearings of any length at the ends
of a member, and to all bearings 6" or more in length at
any other location. For bearings less than 6" in length
and not nearer than 3" to the end of a member, the ref-
erence compression design value perpendicular to
grain, FcA, shall be permitted to be multiplied by the
following bearing area factor, Cb:

b  0.37
0.375
Cb (3.10-2)
b

where:
b = bearing length measured parallel to grain, in.

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 37

Table 5.3.1 Applicability of Adjustment Factors for Structural Glued

Laminated Timber

ASD ASD and LRFD LRFD

only only

Format Conversion Factor

Resistance Factor
Stress Interaction Factor

Column Stability Factor

Shear Reduction Factor
Beam Stability Factor 1
Load Duration Factor

Bearing Area Factor

Temperature Factor
Wet Service Factor

Time Effect Factor

Curvature Factor
Volume Factor 1

Flat Use Factor

KF I
'
5
Fb = Fb x CD CM Ct CL CV Cfu Cc CI - - - 2.54 0.85 O
'
Ft = Ft x CD CM Ct - - - - - - - - 2.70 0.80 O

STRUCTURAL GLUED LAMINATED TIMBER

Fv' = Fv x CD CM Ct - - - - - Cvr - - 2.88 0.75 O
Frt' = Frt x CD CM Ct - - - - - - - - 2.88 0.75 O
Fc' = Fc x CD CM Ct - - - - - - CP - 2.40 0.90 O
FcA' = FcA x - CM Ct - - - - - - - Cb 1.67 0.90 -
E' = E x - CM Ct - - - - - - - - - - -
Emin' = Emin x - CM Ct - - - - - - - - 1.76 0.85 -
 7KHEHDPVWDELOLW\IDFWRU&/VKDOOQRWDSSO\VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ZLWKWKHYROXPHIDFWRU&9IRUVWUXFWXUDOJOXHGODPLQDWHGWLPEHUEHQG
LQJPHPEHUVVHH7KHUHIRUHWKHOHVVHURIWKHVHDGMXVWPHQWIDFWRUVVKDOODSSO\


5.3.4 Temperature Factor, Ct 5.3.6 Volume Factor, CV

When structural members will experience sus- When structural glued laminated timber members
tained exposure to elevated temperatures up to 150qF are loaded in bending about the x-x axis, the reference
(see Appendix C), reference design values shall be bending design values, Fbx+, and Fbx-, shall be multi-
multiplied by the temperature factors, Ct, specified in plied by the following volume factor:
2.3.3. [ [ [
§  · §  · §  · (5.3-1)
&9   ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ ¨ ¸ d 
5.3.5 Beam Stability Factor, CL © / ¹ © G ¹ © E ¹

where:
Reference bending design values, Fb, shall be mul-  / OHQJWKRIEHQGLQJPHPEHUEHWZHHQSRLQWV
tiplied by the beam stability factor, CL, specified in RI]HURPRPHQWIW
3.3.3. The beam stability factor, CL, shall not apply
simultaneously with the volume factor, CV, for struc-  G GHSWKRIEHQGLQJPHPEHULQ
tural glued laminated timber bending members (see  E ZLGWKEUHDGWKRIEHQGLQJPHPEHU
5.3.6). Therefore, the lesser of these adjustment factors )RUPXOWLSOHSLHFHZLGWKOD\XSVE ZLGWKRI
shall apply. ZLGHVWSLHFHXVHGLQWKHOD\XS
7KXVEd
 [ IRU6RXWKHUQ3LQH
 [ IRUDOORWKHUVSHFLHV

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

Glulam Beam Design Example (ASD) - Bending, Shear, Bearing, and Deflection
Design a simple roof supporting beam spanning 32 ft, with 5000 lb loads (1000 lb DL + 4000 lb SL) applied by
purlins at 8 ft on center (at 1/4 points plus he ends). Member has lateral supports at the ends and
compression edge supports at the purlins locations. Beam supports are 6 inches long. Assume dry service
conditions. Temperature is less than 100o degreees but occasionally may reach 150o . Use 24F-1.8E
structural glued laminated Southern Pine timber.

Notes:
Load cases used in this example have been simplified for clarity. Refer to NDS Section 1.4.4 for requirements
on load combinations.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for 24F-1.8E structural glued laminated softwood timber

Fbx+  2400 psi Fbx-  1450 psi (Table 5A)

Fc⊥x  650  psi Fvx  265  psi
Ft  1100 psi Fc  1600 psi
Ex  1800000  psi Exmin  950000 psi
CD  1.15 CM  1.0 Ct  1.0 T> 150 only occasionally (Table 5.3.1)
Cfu  1.0 Cc  1.0 Cb  1.0 CI  1.0 Cvr  1.0

E'x  Ex  CM  Ct E'xmin  Exmin CM  Ct

E'x  1800000 psi E'xmin  950000 psi

Member length and properties

l  32 ft b  5  in d  30.25  in initial iteration

Note: Beam length designated as lower case l instead of upper case L used in the Specification nomenclature
2 3
b d b d
Ag  b  d Sxx  Ixx  lsupport  6  in
6 12
2 3 4
Ag  151.3  in Sxx  762.6  in Ixx  11534  in

Beam Stability Factor

Fbx+*  Fbx+ CD CM  Ct Cc CI F'b * is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors except the beam stability factor CL flat use factor Cfu
Fbx+*  2760 psi
and volume factor CV applied.

in
lu  12  8  ft lu  96 in laterally unsupported length
ft
le  1.54 lu le  148  in (Table 3.3.3)

l e d
RB  RB  13.375 slenderness ratio for bending (3.3-5)
2
b
 1.20 E'xmin
FbE  FbE  6373 psi critical bucking design value for bending (3.7.1)
2
RB

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 Fbx+*
    Fbx+*     Fbx+* 
CL   
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.965

Volume Factor

x  20 Southern Pine

 1 
 
1 1 1
CV  min 
 21 ft  x  12 in  x  5.125  in  x 
      
 l   d   b  
CV  0.936 CL and Cv shall not apply simulatenously (5.3.5). CV is
less than CL . CV controls
Adjusted Bending Design Value

   CL   
F' b  Fbx+* min  C
   CV   fu
F' b  2584 psi F'b is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors.

Assume Beam Weight and Determine Section Modulus Required to Resist Bending

Maximum total moment is the adjusted bending design value F' b times the section modulus S
lbf
wbeamweight  40 P  5000 lbf
ft

 wbeamweight  l 
2
l in
M est   P    12 ft M est  1021440  in·lbf
 2 8 
M est
Sreqd  3
F' b Sreqd  395  in
Try a 5 X 22 member

b 2  5  in d 2  22 in Beam dimension for trial section. Subscripts used denote

second iteration
2
b2 d2 3
Ag2  b 2  d 2 Sxx2  b2 d2
6 Ixx2 
12
2 3 4
Ag2  110  in Sxx2  403.3  in Ixx2  4437 in

l e d 2
RB2  RB2  11.406 slenderness ratio for bending (3.3-5)
2
b2
1.20 E'xmin
FbE2  FbE2  8763 psi critical bucking design value for bending (3.7.1)
2
RB2

2
 FbE2    FbE2    FbE2 
1  1   F 
 Fbx+*
   Fbx+*     bx+* 
CL2    
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL2  0.978

 1 
 1 1 1

CV2  min 
 21 ft  x  12 in  x  5.125  in  x 
 l    d    b  
   2   2  
CV2  0.951 CL and Cv shall not apply simulatenously (5.3.5). CV is
less than CL . CV controls

Adjusted Bending Design Value

   CL2   
F' b2  Fbx+* min  C
   CV2   fu
F' b2  2625 psi F'b2 is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors for the trial section considered.
lbf
wbeamweight2  30
ft beamweight for 5 X 22 beam

 wbeamweight2 l 
2
l in
M 2   P    12
 2 8  ft

M 2  1006080  in·lbf
 M2
Sreqd2 
F' b2
3
Sreqd2  383  in 383 in3 < 403 in3
Okay

Shear Parallel to Grain

The two 5000 pound purlin loads at the ends of the beam are within "d" of the supports and can be ignored for shear
(3.4.3.1(a)). Shear determined from remaining purlin loads

3 P
Vpurlins 
2

Vpurlins  7500 lbf

Vbeamweight2  wbeamweight2    d 2   lsupport

l 1
2  2 
Vbeamweight2  417.5 lbf

Vtotal  Vpurlins  Vbeamweight2

Vtotal  7918 lbf

Allowable Shear Parallel to Grain fv

Cvr  1.0 (5.3.10)

F' v  Fvx CD CM  Ct Cvr

F' v  305 psi

3 Vtotal
fv  
2 b2 d2
fv  108 psi fv < F'v Applied stress parallel to grain less than allowable Ok
Compression Perpindicular to Grain

At Bearing Ends
The bearing ends of the beam transmit all the purling loads so the two 5000 pound purlin loads at the ends of the
beam are included in the bearing load calculations
1
Rpurlins   5  P
2
Rpurlins  12500 lbf

1   lsupport 
Rbeamweight2   wbeamweight2 l  2  
2   2 
Rbeamweight2  487.5 lbf

Rtotal  Rpurlins  Rbeamweight2

Rtotal  12988 lbf

F' c⊥x  Fc⊥x  CM  Ct

F' c⊥x  650 psi

Rtotal
fc⊥ 
b 2  lsupport

fc⊥  433 psi

Applied compressive stress is less than compression design
value. OK

At Purlins
Purlins are supported by saddle style hangers that transfer commpressive loads to the top of the beam.
Deternine the area of the hangers required to support each purlin without creating compressive stresses greater
than the compression perpindicular to grain design value
P
Ahanger 
F' c⊥x
2
Ahanger  7.69 in

Assuming that 50% of the beam width (2-1/4 in) is available to support the purlin hanger, the width of the hanger can
be calculated as follows:

Ahanger
whanger 
0.50 b 2

whanger  3.08 in
A 3-1/8 wide purlin hanger that extends 50% (2-1/2 inches) across the beam is adequate. Note: The compressive
design value F'cp can be increased by the bearing area factor Cb (5.3.12). For 3 inch bearing the factor is:

lb  0.375  in
lb  3  in Cb  Cb  1.125
lb
1
 whanger  2.735  in
Cb

Using the bearing factor Cb confirms that a 3 inch wide hanger that extends 2-1/2 inches across the beam would
be adequate.

At this stage of the calculations, the span of the beam can be reviewed. The 32 foot span was based on the
center to center distance between supports. The length of the span used in design is the face to face distance
plus 1/2 of the required bearing length at the ends (3.2.1).

In example, the face to face distance is 32 ft minus 6 inches or 31.5 feet. At the end of the beam. the required
bearing distance is 12,998 lbs/(5 inches * 650 psi) or 4 inches. At the interior end,half the purlin load is assumed
to be transferred to the beam end. Required length in bearing is (2500 lbs + 7500 lbs + 488 lbs)/5 inches * 650
psi) or 3.25 inches. The two required bearing lengths and the face to face distance produces a span of 31.5 ft +
1/2 (4.00/12) + 1/2 (3.25/12) or 31.8 feet which 99.4% of the center to center span. The shorter span reduces
moments and bending stresses by 1.25%. The reduction is considered insufficient to allow the uses of the next
smaller beam.

Deflection
The specification does not include specific deflection limits for roofs. The IBC limits deflection to L/180. In some
applications, deflections may be critical and the designed may wish to limit deflections.

Dead load deflection is usually calculated to determine the desired camber of the beam. The recommended camber is
usually 150% of the dead load deflection. Deflection for the 5000 lb concentrated loads and the beam weight is:
4
 wbeamweight2   in 
3  5   l  12  
19 P  12 l
in 
  12
in
 ft 

Δpurlin 
 ft 
Δbeamweight 
 ft 
384  E'x  Ixx2 384E'  I x xx2
Δpurlin  1.754  in Δbeamweight  0.089  in

Δtotal  Δpurlin  Δbeamweight

Δtotal  1.843  in

Length/Deflection Ratio

in
l 12
ft
 208 L/Δ >180. The length deflection ratio satisfies IBC criteria
Δtotal
Polling Question
The NDS provides restrictions on allowable deflection 
limits. 
a) True
b)) False

8
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION
3.6.6 Column Bracing
Column bracing shall be installed where necessary
to resist wind or other lateral forces (see Appendix A).
3.7 Solid Columns
3.7.1 Column Stability Factor, CP
3.7.1.1 When a compression member is supported
throughout its length to prevent lateral displacement in
all directions, CP = 1.0.
3.7.1.2 The effective column length, e, for a solid
column shall be determined in accordance with princi-
ples of engineering mechanics. One method for deter-
mining effective column length, when end-fixity condi-
tions are known, is to multiply actual column length by
the appropriate effective length factor specified in Ap-
pendix G, e = (Ke)( ).
3.7.1.3 For solid columns with rectangular cross
section, the slenderness ratio, e/d, shall be taken as the
larger of the ratios e1/d1 or e2/d2 (see Figure 3F) where
each ratio has been adjusted by the appropriate buck-
ling length coefficient, Ke, from Appendix G.
3.7.1.4 The slenderness ratio for solid columns,
e/d, shall not exceed 50, except that during construc-
tion e/d shall not exceed 75.
3.7.1.5 The column stability factor shall be calcu-
lated as follows:
21
3.6.7 Lateral Support of Arches, Studs, and
Compression Chords of Trusses
Guidelines for providing lateral support and deter-
mining e/d in arches, studs, and compression chords of
trusses are specified in Appendix A.11.
3
DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS
3.7.1.6 For especially severe service conditions
and/or extraordinary hazard, use of lower adjusted de-
sign values may be necessary. See Appendix H for
background information concerning column stability
calculations and Appendix F for information concern-
ing coefficient of variation in modulus of elasticity
(COVE).
3.7.2 Tapered Columns
For design of a column with rectangular cross sec-
tion, tapered at one or both ends, the representative di-
mension, d, for each face of the column shall be derived
as follows:
ª § d ·º
d dmin  (dmax  dmin ) «a  0.15 ¨ 1  min ¸ » (3.7-2)
dmax
¬ © ¹¼
where:
d = representative dimension for tapered column,
in.
dmin = the minimum dimension for that face of the
1  FcE Fc*  ª 1  FcE Fc*  º
2
F F* (3.7-1) column, in.
CP  « »  cE c
2c «¬ 2c »¼ c
dmax = the maximum dimension for that face of the
column, in.
where:
Support Conditions
Fc* = reference compression design value parallel
Large end fixed, small end unsupported a = 0.70
to grain multiplied by all applicable adjust-
or simply supported
ment factors except CP (see 2.3), psi
Small end fixed, large end unsupported a = 0.30
or simply supported
0.822 Eminc
FcE Both ends simply supported:
 / d
2
e Tapered toward one end a = 0.50
c = 0.8 for sawn lumber Tapered toward both ends a = 0.70
For all other support conditions:
c = 0.85 for round timber poles and piles
d dmin  (dmax  dmin )(1 / 3) (3.7-3)
c = 0.9 for structural glued laminated timber,
structural composite lumber, and cross-
laminated timber

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

22 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

Calculations of fc and CP shall be based on the rep- 3.7.3 Round Columns

resentative dimension, d. In addition, fc at any cross
section in the tapered column shall not exceed the ref-
erence compression design value parallel to grain mul-
tiplied by all applicable adjustment factors except the
column stability factor, CP.
The design of a column of round cross section shall
be based on the design calculations for a square column
of the same cross-sectional area and having the same
degree of taper. Reference design values and special
design provisions for round timber poles and piles are
provided in Chapter 6.

3.8 Tension Members

3.8.1 Tension Parallel to Grain 3.8.2 Tension Perpendicular to Grain

The actual tension stress or force parallel to grain
shall be based on the net section area (see 3.1.2) and
shall not exceed the adjusted tension design value.
Designs that induce tension stress perpendicular to
grain shall be avoided whenever possible (see Refer-
ences 16 and 19). When tension stress perpendicular to
grain cannot be avoided, mechanical reinforcement suf-
ficient to resist all such stresses shall be considered (see
References 52 and 53 for additional information).

3.9 Combined Bending and Axial Loading

3.9.1 Bending and Axial Tension Figure 3G Combined Bending and Axial
Tension
Members subjected to a combination of bending
and axial tension (see Figure 3G) shall be so propor-
tioned that:
ft fb
 d 1.0 (3.9-1)
Ft c Fb*

and
fb  ft
d 1.0 (3.9-2)
Fb**
3.9.2 Bending and Axial Compression
where:
Members subjected to a combination of bending
Fb* = reference bending design value multiplied by about one or both principal axes and axial compression
all applicable adjustment factors except CL, (see Figure 3H) shall be so proportioned that:
psi 2
ªf º fb1
Fb** = reference bending design value multiplied by « c» 
all applicable adjustment factors except CV, «¬ Fcc »¼ Fb1c ¬ª1   fc FcE1  ¼º
psi fb2
 d 1.0 (3.9-3)
Fb2 1   fc FcE2    fb1 FbE 
c ª º
2

¬ ¼

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

Compression Member Analysis Example (ASD)
A No 2 Spruce Pine Fir 2X6 interior bearing stud, 91.5 inches long, sheathed on both sides with gypsum board,
carries dead load and snow load from the roof. Determine CP and the allowable compressive stress Fc' for the
stud. Assume studs are placed 16" on center and top and bottom plates are of same grade and species.
Determine axial loads controlled by buckling and allowed by bearing.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for No. 2 SPF 2x6

Fb  875  psi Emin  510000 psi (Table 4A)

Fc  1150 psi Fc⊥  335  psi

CD  1.15 CM  1.0 Ct  1.0 CF  1.1 Ci  1.0 CT  1.0

E'min  Emin CM  Ct Ci CT E'min  510000 psi

F' c⊥  Fc⊥ CM  Ct Ci F' c⊥  335 psi

Member length and properties

L  91.5 in b  1.5 in d  5.5 in

Column Stability Factor

Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci Fc* is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors except the column stability factor CP ,
Fc*  1455 psi

le2  0 le1  L Effective lengths of compression member in planes of lateral

support. Strong axis buckling controls
le2 le1
0  16.636 <50 OK (3.7.1.4)
b d
0.822  E'min
FcE  FcE  1515 psi critical bucking design value for compression
2 members (3.7.1.5)
 le1 
 
 d 
c  0.8 sawn lumber (3.7.1.5)

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
    Fc*    c* 
CP   2 c   Column Stability Factor (3.7-1)
2 c   c

CP  0.705


F' c  Fc* CP 
F' c  1025 psi F'c is adjusted compression design value with all adjustment
factors.
Determine Axial Loads Controlled by Buckling and
Bearing
PBuckling  b  d  F' c PBuckling  8458 lbf
PBearing  b  d  F' c⊥ PBearing  2764 lbf

Note: Bearing area factor (Cb) can be used to increase the bearing controlled load on interior studs. The bearing
factor for the 1-1/2 bearing length measured parallel to grain is 1.25 (Equation 3.10-2 and Table 3.10.4)
Cb  1.25
PBearingIncreased  b  d  F' c⊥ Cb PBearingIncreased  3455 lbf
Compression Members and Column Stability Calculation (ASD)

Compare the bearing strengths of a 4x4 and 6x6 post being used for an interior column (only
carrying gravity loads - D+L). Both members are No. 2 Southern Pine and have a length of 10
feet. Both ends are assumed to be pinned (Ke =1.0 - NDS 3.7.1.2). Assume all members are
loaded concentrically.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values - 4x4

Post
Fc  1450psi
(NDS Supplement Table
E  1400000psi
4B)
Emin  510000psi

CF  1.0 Size factor (NDS Supplement Table 4B)

CM  1.0 Moisture factor (NDS Supplement Table 4B)

Ct  1.0 Temperature factor (NDS Table
2.3.3)
Ci  1.0
Incising factor (NDS Table
4.3.8)
CT  1.0 Buckling Stiffness factor (NDS
4.4.2)
CD  1.0 Load Duration factor (NDS Table
2.3.2)
6
E'  E CM  Ct Ci E'  1.4  10  psi
5
E'min  Emin CM  Ci Ct CT E'min  5.1  10  psi

d  3.5in Actual member dimensions = 3.5" x 3.5"

2
Area  12.25in

Ke  1.0

Length  120in

Le  Ke Length

Le  120  in
Le
 34.286 Needs to be less than 50 (NDS
d 3.7.1.3)

Column Stability Factor Calculation

( 0.822  E'min)
FcE  FcE  356.628  psi (NDS 3.7.1)
2
 Le 
 
d

3
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci Fc*  1.45  10  psi

csawn  0.8
(NDS
3.7.1)

2
 FcE   FcE    FcE 
1     1     
CP 
 Fc*
   Fc* 
   Fc* 
2c  2c  csawn
sawn  sawn 

CP  0.232

Axial Capacity
F' c  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci CP

F' c  336.316  psi

P  F' c Area

P  4119.867 lbf
 Reference and Adjusted Design Values - 6x6 Post
Note: "2" subscript indicates 6x6;
differentiates between 6x6 and
Fc2  525psi 4x4 properties and calculations
(NDS Supplement Table 4D)
E2  1200000psi

Emin2  440000psi

CF2  1.0 Size factor (NDS Supplement Table

4D)
CM2  1.0 Moisture factor (NDS Supplement Table 4D)

Ct2  1.0 Temperature factor (NDS Table 2.3.3)

Ci2  1.0 Incising factor (NDS Table 4.3.8)

CT2  1.0 Buckling Stiffness factor (NDS 4.4.2)

CD2  1.0 Load Duration factor (NDS Table 2.3.2)

6
E'2  E2  CM2 Ct2 Ci2 E'2  1.2  10  psi
5
E'min2  Emin2 CM2 Ci2 Ct2 CT2 E'min2  4.4  10  psi

d 2  5.5in
Actual member dimensions = 5.5" x 5.5"
2
Area2  30.25in

Ke2  1.0

Length2  120in

Le2  Ke2 Length2

Le2  120  in

Le2
 21.818
d2 Needs to be less than 50 (NDS 3.7.1.3)
 Column Stability Factor Calculation

0.822  E'min2
FcE2  FcE2  759.779  psi (NDS 3.7.1)
2
 Le2 
 
 d2 

Fc2*  Fc2 CD2 CM2 Ct2 CF2 Ci2 Fc2*  525  psi

(NDS
csawn23.7.1)
 0.8

2
 FcE2   FcE2    FcE2 
1   1    
 Fc2* 
   Fc2* 
   Fc2* 
CP2   2c 
2csawn2 csawn2
 sawn2 

CP2  0.801

Axial Capacity

F' c2  Fc2 CD2 CM2 Ct2 CF2 Ci2 CP2

F' c2  420.648  psi

P2  F' c2 Area2

P2  12724.605  lbf

4x4 Post Capacity = 4120 lbs

6x6 Post Capacity = 12725 lbs

Note: for eccentrically loaded columns, see NDS Chapter 15

Polling Question
The Column Stability Factor (CP) equation is the same 
for solid sawn and glulam members. 
a) True
b)) False

9
22 DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

Calculations of fc and CP shall be based on the rep- 3.7.3 Round Columns

resentative dimension, d. In addition, fc at any cross
section in the tapered column shall not exceed the ref-
erence compression design value parallel to grain mul-
tiplied by all applicable adjustment factors except the
column stability factor, CP.
The design of a column of round cross section shall
be based on the design calculations for a square column
of the same cross-sectional area and having the same
degree of taper. Reference design values and special
design provisions for round timber poles and piles are
provided in Chapter 6.

3.8 Tension Members

3.8.1 Tension Parallel to Grain 3.8.2 Tension Perpendicular to Grain

The actual tension stress or force parallel to grain
shall be based on the net section area (see 3.1.2) and
shall not exceed the adjusted tension design value.
Designs that induce tension stress perpendicular to
grain shall be avoided whenever possible (see Refer-
ences 16 and 19). When tension stress perpendicular to
grain cannot be avoided, mechanical reinforcement suf-
ficient to resist all such stresses shall be considered (see
References 52 and 53 for additional information).

3.9 Combined Bending and Axial Loading

3.9.1 Bending and Axial Tension Figure 3G Combined Bending and Axial
Tension
Members subjected to a combination of bending
and axial tension (see Figure 3G) shall be so propor-
tioned that:
ft fb
 d 1.0 (3.9-1)
Ft c Fb*

and
fb  ft
d 1.0 (3.9-2)
Fb**
3.9.2 Bending and Axial Compression
where:
Members subjected to a combination of bending
Fb* = reference bending design value multiplied by about one or both principal axes and axial compression
all applicable adjustment factors except CL, (see Figure 3H) shall be so proportioned that:
psi 2
ªf º fb1
Fb** = reference bending design value multiplied by « c» 
all applicable adjustment factors except CV, «¬ Fcc »¼ Fb1c ¬ª1   fc FcE1  ¼º
psi fb2
 d 1.0 (3.9-3)
Fb2 1   fc FcE2    fb1 FbE 
c ª º
2

¬ ¼

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 23

and Effective column lengths, e1 and e2, shall be de-

2 termined in accordance with 3.7.1.2. Fc', FcE1, and FcE2
fc § fb1 · (3.9-4) shall be determined in accordance with 2.3 and 3.7. Fb1',
 ¨ ¸  1.0
FcE2 © FbE ¹ Fb2', and FbE shall be determined in accordance with 2.3
and 3.3.3.
where:
3.9.3 Eccentric Compression Loading
0.822 Eminc for either uniaxial
fc  FcE1
( e1 / d1 )2 edgewise bending or See 15.4 for members subjected to combined bend-
3
biaxial bending ing and axial compression due to eccentric loading, or
and eccentric loading in combination with other loads.

DESIGN PROVISIONS AND EQUATIONS

0.822 Eminc for uniaxial flatwise Figure 3H Combined Bending and Axial
fc  FcE2
( e2 / d2 )2 bending or biaxial Compression
bending
and

1.20 Eminc
fb1  FbE for biaxial bending
(RB )2
fb1 = actual edgewise bending stress (bending load
applied to narrow face of member) , psi

fb2 = actual flatwise bending stress (bending load

applied to wide face of member) , psi
d1 = wide face dimension (see Figure 3H), in.

d2 = narrow face dimension (see Figure 3H), in.

3.10 Design for Bearing

3.10.1 Bearing Parallel to Grain
3.10.1.1 The actual compressive bearing stress par-
allel to grain shall be based on the net bearing area and
shall not exceed the reference compression design value
parallel to grain multiplied by all applicable adjustment
factors except the column stability factor, CP.
3.10.1.2 Fc*, the reference compression design val-
ues parallel to grain multiplied by all applicable ad-
justment factors except the column stability factor, ap-
plies to end-to-end bearing of compression members
provided there is adequate lateral support and the end
cuts are accurately squared and parallel.
3.10.1.3 When fc > (0.75)(Fc*) bearing shall be on a
metal plate or strap, or on other equivalently durable,
rigid, homogeneous material with sufficient stiffness to
distribute the applied load. Where a rigid insert is re-
quired for end-to-end bearing of compression members,
it shall be equivalent to 20-gage metal plate or better,
inserted with a snug fit between abutting ends.
3.10.2 Bearing Perpendicular to Grain
The actual compression stress perpendicular to
grain shall be based on the net bearing area and shall
not exceed the adjusted compression design value per-
pendicular to grain, fcA d FcA'. When calculating bearing
area at the ends of bending members, no allowance
shall be made for the fact that as the member bends,
pressure upon the inner edge of the bearing is greater
than at the member end.

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

Combined Bending and Axial Loading of a Truss Chord Member (ASD)
A No. 2 Hem-Fir 2x8 is considered for use as the bottom chord of a 24-ft roof truss (12 ft between panel points).
The chord will be subject to a uniform dead load of 8 psf as well as tension forces (assuming pinned
connections) of 880 lb from roof wind loads (WL), 880 lb from roof live (RLL) and 1420 lb from dead loads (DL).
Trusses are to be spaced 4 ft. Framing will have a 19% (max) moisture content. Check the adequacy of the
bottom chord member for bending and tension for the appropriate load cases.

Note: Load cases used in this example have been simplified for clarity. Refer to NDS Section 1.4.4 for
requirements on load combinations.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for No. 2 Hem-Fir 2x8

Fb  850 psi E  1200000psi

 Emin  440000psi
 (Table 4A)

Ft  525 psi CM  1.0 Ct  1.0 CF  1.0 (Table 4.3.1)

Cfu  1.0 Ci  1.0 Cr  1.0

CV  1.0 CT  1.0

E'  E CM Ct Ci E'min  Emin CM Ct Ci CT

E'  1200000psi E'min  440000psi

Member length and properties

l  12 ft b  1.5 in d  7.25 in
2
b d
Ag  b  d S 
6
2 3
Ag  10.875in
 S  13.141in


Applied Loads
lbf
wD  8 wtrib  4 ft Twind  880 lbf TLive  880 lbf TDead  1420 lbf
2
ft
Load Case 1: DL + RLL + WL
CD  1.6 Appendix B Section B.2 (non-mandatory)

Tension
Ft'  Ft CD CM  Ct CF Ci Adjusted tensile design value for tensile stresses for short
duration loads (2.3.1, and 4.3.1)
Ft'  840  psi
T1  Twind  TLive  TDead Subscripts refer to Load Case

T1  3180 lbf

T1
ft1  Tensile stress in bottom chord
Ag

ft1  292  psi Ft'  840  psi Actual tensile stress is less than adjusted tensile design
value. OK (3.8.1)

Bending
F'b * is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
F' b*  Fb  CD CM  Ct CF Ci Cr factors except the beam stability factor CL ,flat use factor Cfu
and volume factor CV applied. The following calculations
F' b*  1360 psi
determine the beam stabilty factor CL :

Determine Beam Stability Factor CL (3.3.3)

in
lu  12 l lu  144  in laterally unsupported length
ft
lu
 19.9 lu /d >7 (Table 3.3.3)
d

le  1.63 lu  3  d le  256.5  in (Table 3.3.3)

l e d
RB  RB  28.75 RB < 50 OK (3.3.3.7)
2
b

1.20 E'min
FbE  FbE  639 psi (3.3.3.6)
2
RB

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 F' b*
   F'b*     F'b* 
CL     (3.3-6)
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.451 Resulting beam stability factor CL .

F' b  F' b* CL CV Cfu F'b is the fully adjusted bending design value with all
adjustment factors including the beam stability factor CL
F' b  614 psi
and flat use factor applied
1
F'b**   F' b F'b ** is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
CV
factors except the volume factor CV applied.
F'b**  614 psi
in
wD wtrib l  12 ft
2
Bending resulting from dead load
M max 
8

M max  6912 in·lbf

M max
fb  fb  526 psi
S

fb  526  psi F' b  614  psi Ok. Actual bending stress fb does not exceed adjusted
bending design value F'b

Combined Bending and Axial Tension

ft1 fb
  0.73 <1.0. Ok (3.9-1)
Ft' F' b*
fb  ft1
 0.381 <1.0 ok (3.9-2)
F'b**
Load Case 2: DL+RLL
CD  1.25
Appendix B Section B.2 (non-mandatory). Roof Live Load is
a construction load.
Tension
Ft'  Ft CD CM  Ct CF Ci
Adjusted tensile design value for tensile stresses for short
Ft'  656.25 psi duration loads (2.3.1, and 4.3.1)

T2  TLive  TDead

T2  2300 lbf

T2
ft2 
Ag

ft2  211  psi Ft'  656  psi

F' b*  Fb  CD CM  Ct CF Ci Cr

F' b*  1063 psi

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 F' b*
   F'b*     F'b* 
CL    
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.565

F' b  F' b* CL CV Cfu

F' b  600  psi

1
F'b**   F' b
CV
F'b**  600 psi

fb  526  psi F' b  600  psi

Combined Bending and Axial Tension

ft2 fb
  0.82 <1.0. ok
Ft' F' b*
fb  ft2
 0.52 <1.0 ok
F'b**
Load Case 3: DL only
CD  0.9

Tension
Ft'  Ft CD CF CM  Ci Ct
Ft'  472.5  psi
T3  TDead
T3  1420 lbf

T3
ft3 
Ag

ft3  131  psi Ft'  472.5  psi

Bending

F' b*  Fb  CD CM  Ct CF Ci Cr

F' b*  765 psi

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 F' b*
   F'b*     F'b* 
CL    
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.734

F' b  F' b* CL CV Cfu

F' b  561  psi

1
F'b**   F' b
CV
F'b**  561 psi
fb  526  psi F' b  561  psi

Combined Bending and Axial Tension

ft3 fb
  0.96 <1.0. ok
Ft' F' b*
fb  ft3
 0.7 <1.0 ok
F'b**
Results: No 2 Southern Pine 2 x 8 satifies NDS Criteria for combined bending and axial tension.
Polling Question
When calculating Fb*, the reference bending design 
value is multiplied by all applicable adjustment 
factors except which of the following?
a) Load duration, CD
b) Wet service, CM
c) Temperature, Ct
d) Beam stability, CL
e)) None of the above

10
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION
4.4 Special Design Considerations
4.4.1 Stability of Bending Members
4.4.1.1 Sawn lumber bending members shall be de-
signed in accordance with the lateral stability calcula-
tions in 3.3.3 or shall meet the lateral support require-
ments in 4.4.1.2 and 4.4.1.3.
4.4.1.2 As an alternative to 4.4.1.1, rectangular
sawn lumber beams, rafters, joists, or other bending
members, shall be designed in accordance with the fol-
lowing provisions to provide restraint against rotation
or lateral displacement. If the depth to breadth, d/b,
based on nominal dimensions is:
(a) d/b d2; no lateral support shall be required.
(b) 2 < d/b d 4; the ends shall be held in position,
as by full depth solid blocking, bridging, hang-
ers, nailing, or bolting to other framing mem-
bers, or other acceptable means.
(c) 4 < d/b d 5; the compression edge of the mem-
ber shall be held in line for its entire length to
prevent lateral displacement, as by adequate
sheathing or subflooring, and ends at point of
bearing shall be held in position to prevent ro-
tation and/or lateral displacement.
(d) 5 < d/b d 6; bridging, full depth solid blocking
or diagonal cross bracing shall be installed at
intervals not exceeding 8 feet, the compression
edge of the member shall be held in line as by
adequate sheathing or subflooring, and the ends
at points of bearing shall be held in position to
prevent rotation and/or lateral displacement.
(e) 6 < d/b d 7; both edges of the member shall be
held in line for their entire length and ends at
points of bearing shall be held in position to
prevent rotation and/or lateral displacement.
4.4.1.3 If a bending member is subjected to both
flexure and axial compression, the depth to breadth ra-
tio shall be no more than 5 to 1 if one edge is firmly
held in line. If under all combinations of load, the un-
braced edge of the member is in tension, the depth to
breadth ratio shall be no more than 6 to 1.
Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL
31
4.4.2 Wood Trusses
4.4.2.1 Increased chord stiffness relative to axial
loads where a 2" x 4" or smaller sawn lumber truss
compression chord is subjected to combined flexure
and axial compression under dry service condition and
has 3/8" or thicker plywood sheathing nailed to the nar-
row face of the chord in accordance with code required
roof sheathing fastener schedules (see References 32, 4
33, and 34), shall be permitted to be accounted for by
multiplying the reference modulus of elasticity design
value for beam and column stability, Emin, by the buck-
SAWN LUMBER
ling stiffness factor, CT, in column stability calculations
(see 3.7 and Appendix H). When e < 96", CT shall be
calculated as follows:
KM e (4.4-1)
CT 1
K TE
where:
e = effective column length of truss compression
chord (see 3.7), in.
KM = 2300 for wood seasoned to 19% moisture
content or less at the time of plywood at-
tachment.
= 1200 for unseasoned or partially seasoned
wood at the time of plywood attachment.
KT = 1 – 1.645(COVE)
= 0.59 for visually graded lumber
= 0.75 for machine evaluated lumber (MEL)
= 0.82 for products with COVE d 0.11 (see
Appendix F.2)
When e > 96", CT shall be calculated based on e =
96".
4.4.2.2 For additional information concerning metal
plate connected wood trusses see Reference 9.
 NATIONAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD CONSTRUCTION 157

the provisions of Appendix A.11 are followed
or when the roof joists rest on and are securely
fastened to the top chords of the trusses and are
covered with wood sheathing. Where sheathing
other than wood is applied, top chord diagonal
A.11.2 When planks are placed on top of an arch or
compression chord, and securely fastened to the arch or A
compression chord, or when sheathing is nailed proper-
ly to the top chord of trussed rafters, the depth rather
than the breadth of the arch, compression chord, or

lateral bracing should be installed.
(b) In all cases, vertical sway bracing should be in-
stalled in each third or fourth bay at intervals of
approximately 35 feet measured parallel to
trusses. Also, bottom chord lateral bracing
should be installed in the same bays as the ver-
tical sway bracing, where practical, and should
extend from side wall to side wall. In addition,
struts should be installed between bottom
chords at the same truss panels as vertical sway
bracing and should extend continuously from
end wall to end wall. If the roof construction
does not provide proper top chord strut action,
separate additional members should be provid-
ed.
APPENDIX
trussed rafter shall be permitted to be used as the least
dimension in determining g e/d.
A.11.3 When stud walls in light
g frame construction
are adequately
q y sheathed on at least one side,, the depth,
p ,
rather than breadth of the stud,, shall be ppermitted to be
taken as the least dimension in calculatingg the e//d rra-a-
tio. The sheathingg shall be shown by y experience
p to ppro-
vide lateral support and shall be adequately fastened.

A.11 Lateral Support of Arches,

Compression Chords of Trusses and Studs

A.11.1 When roof joists or purlins are used be-

tween arches or compression chords, or when roof
joists or purlins are placed on top of an arch or com-
pression chord, and are securely fastened to the arch or
compression chord, the largest value of e/d, calculated
using the depth of the arch or compression chord or
calculated using the breadth (least dimension) of the
arch or compression chord between points of intermit-
tent lateral support, shall be used. The roof joists or
purlins should be placed to account for shrinkage (for
example by placing the upper edges of unseasoned
joists approximately 5% of the joist depth above the
tops of the arch or chord), but also placed low enough
to provide adequate lateral support.

Internal AWC Use Only AMERICAN WOOD COUNCIL

Combined Bending and Axial Compression Example (ASD)
No. 1 Southern Pine 2x6 beam-columns are being designed to carry an axial compressive load of 840 lb (snow)
and 560 lb (dead) plus a 25 psf wind load on their narrow face. Columns are 9 ft long and spaced 4 feet o.c..
Their ends are held in position and lateral support is provided along the entire narrow face.

Check the adequacy of the beam-column for bending and compression for the appropriate load cases.

Notes:
Load cases used in this example have been simplified for clarity. Refer to NDS Section 1.4.4 for requirements
on load combinations.
The column being considered is not subjected to especially severe service conditions or extraordinary hazard

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for No. 1 Southern Pine 2x6

Fb  1350 psi E  1600000  psi Emin  580000 psi (Table 4B)

Fc  1550 psi CM  1.0 Ct  1.0 CF  1.0 (Table 4.3.1)

Cfu  1.15 Ci  1.0 Cr  1.0 flat use factors are for weak and
strong axis bending
CV  1.0 CT  1.0 c  0.8 factor "c" in column stability factor CP
equation for sawn lumber. (3.7.1)
E'min  Emin CM  Ct Ci CT

E'min  580000 psi

Member length and properties

l  9  ft b  1.5 in d  5.5 in
2 2
b d d b
Ag  b  d Sx  Sy 
6 6
2 3 3
Ag  8.25 in Sx  7.562  in Sy  2.062  in

Applied Loads
lbf
wstrong  25 wtrib  4  ft Psnow  840  lbf PDead  560  lbf
2
ft
lbf
wstrong  wtrib  100 
ft

wweak  0 Load applied to weak axis of beam column.

In this example, no load is applied.
Load Case 1: DL + SL + WL
CD  1.6 Appendix B Section B.2 (non-mandatory)

Compression
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci Fc* is reference compressive design value adjusted with all
adjustment factors except the column stability factor CP,. The
Fc*  2480 psi following calculations determine the column stabilty factor
CP:
P1  Psnow  PDead
Subscripts refer to Load Case
P1  1400 lbf

P1
fc1 
Ag

fc1  170  psi Compressive stress in beam column

Determine Effective Lengths and Critical Buckling Design Values

Ke  1.0 Buckling length coefficient Ke for rotation free/translation fixed

(pinned/pinned) column (Appendix G Table G1)

le1  Ke l1   12 

in
d 1  d l1  l beam dimensions, laterally unsupported lengths (Figure
 ft  3F) and effective column lengths (3.7.1) for buckling in
le2  Ke l2   12 
7 in each direction. Subscript 1 is strong (but unsupported)
d 2  b l2   ft
12  ft  axis; Subscript 2 is the weak but laterally supported axis.

le1  108  in le2  7  in Effective lengths in each axis. Assume drywall is connected to
the studs at 7 inches o.c. (Note: This can also be assumed to
equal 0 in this case, but would create calculation problems with
  le1   MathCAD; the 7 in effective length will not control in our case
le  max  le  108  in and will have no impact on calculations.)
  le2  
controlling effective length
0.822  E'min
FcE1  FcE1  1236 psi
2
 le1 
d  critical bucking compression design values for compression
 1 member in planes of lateral support (3.7.1)
0.822  E'min
FcE2  FcE2  21892 psi
2
 le2 
d 
 2
l e d
RB  RB  16 slenderness ratio for bending (3.3-5)
2
b

1.20 E'min
FbE  FbE  2636 psi critical bucking design value for bending (3.7.1)
2
RB
Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

  FcE1  
FcE  min  FcE  1236 psi critical bucking design value for compression member
  FcE2  

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c

CP  0.433 Column Stability Factor (3.7-1)

Fc'  Fc* CP Fc'  1073 psi Adjusted compressive design value

fc1  170  psi Fc'  1073 psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c

Bending

CL  1.0 Depth to breadth (d/b) ratio (6/2 = 3.0). 2<d/b<4

F' b1  Fb  CD CM  CL Ct ( 1.0)  CF Ci Cr
F' b1  2160 psi
F' b2  Fb  CD CM  CL Cfu Ct CF Ci Cr
End restraints for the beam-column satisfy 4.4.1.2 (b)
F'b is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors. F'b is calculated for both strong and weak axis
bending. The flat use factor for strong axis bending is 1.0;
the flat use factor allowed for weak axis bending is per NDS
4.3.7.

F' b2  2484 psi

in
wstrong wtrib l  12 ft
2
Bending stress in strong direction resulting from wind
M max1 
8 load applied to narrow face of beam-column

M max1  12150  in·lbf

M max1
fb1  fb1  1607 psi
Sx

in
wweak wtrib l  12 ft
2
Bending stress in weak direction resulting from wind
M max2 
8 load applied to wide face of beam-column. In this
example, no load is applied to the wide face of the
M max2  0  in·lbf beam-column.

M max2
fb2  fb2  0  psi
Sy

Ok. Actual bending stresses fb1 and fb2 do not exceed

fb1  1607 psi fb2  0 F' b1  2160 psi
adjusted bending design value F'b
Combined Bending and Compression

2
 fc1  fb1 fb2
     0.89 < 1.0 ok (3.9-3)
 Fc'    fc1   2
F' b1 1      fc1   fb1 
  FcE1 
F' b2 1 
   
  FcE2   FbE  
2
fc1  fb1 
   0.379 < 1.0 ok (3.9-4)
FcE2 FbE
 

fc1  170 psi FcE1  1236 psi Actual compression stress is less than critical bucking design
values for both weak and strong axis buckling. Ok (NDS 3.9-2)
fc1  170 psi FcE2  21892 psi

fb1  1607 psi FbE  2636 psi Actual bending stress is less than critical buckling design value.
Ok (NDS 3.9-2)
Load Case 2: DL+SL
Load duration is not included in E' calculation. It is important to evaluate
CD  1.15 multiple combinations such that all load duration effects are considered.

Compression
P2
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci P2  Psnow  PDead fc2 
Ag

Fc*  1782 psi P2  1400 lbf fc2  170  psi

Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c

CP  0.555
Fc'  Fc* CP
Fc'  990  psi
fc2  170  psi Fc'  990  psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c

Load Case 3: DL only

CD  0.90

Compression
P3
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci P3  PDead fc3 
Ag

Fc*  1395 psi P3  560  lbf fc3  68 psi

Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c

CP  0.648

Fc'  Fc* CP

Fc'  904  psi

fc3  68 psi Fc'  904  psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c
Polling Question
Which of the following adjustment factors is NOT 
applicable for dimension lumber modulus of elasticity 
design values?
a) Load duration, CD
b) Wet service, CM
c) Temperature, Ct
d) Incising, Ci
e)) None of the above

11
Combined Bending and Axial Compression Example (ASD)
A No. 2 Southern Pine 2x4 oriented flatwise is being considered for use as a member within the top chord of a
parallel chord gable end truss. The member is 3 ft long (between panel points) and will be subjected to axial
compression forces of 300 lb (DL) and 600 lb (SL), concentrated loads of 50 lb (DL) and 100 lb (SL) at the
midpoint of the member on its wide face and 120 lb (WL) of the midpoint of the member on its narrow face.
Lateral support is provided only at the ends of the member and the ends are considered pinned.

Check the adequacy of the beam-column for bending and compression for the appropriate load cases.

Notes:
Load cases used in this example have been simplified for clarity. Refer to NDS Section 1.4.4 for requirements
on load combinations.

Reference and Adjusted Design Values for No. 2 Southern Pine 2x4

Fb  1100 psi E  1400000  psi Emin  510000 psi (Table 4B)

Fc  1450 psi CM  1.0 Ct  1.0 CF  1.0 (Table 4.3.1)

Cfu  1.10 Ci  1.0 Cr  1.0 flat use factors are for weak axis
bending (3.9.2)
CV  1.0 c  0.8
factor "c" in column stability factor CP
E'min  Emin CM  Ct Ci equation for sawn lumber. (3.7.1)

E'min  510000 psi

Member length and properties

l  3  ft b  1.5 in d  3.5 in
2 2
b d d b
Ag  b  d Sx  Sy 
6 6
2 3 3
Ag  5.25 in Sx  3.062  in Sy  1.312  in

Applied Loads
Axial Weak (y) Axis Stong (x) Axis
Applied loads. Subscripts depict load
DLAxial  300  lbf SLWeak  100  lbf WLStrong  120  lbf
type (DL-dead load, SL-snow load and
SLAxial  600  lbf DLWeak  50 lbf WL-wind load) and application in relation
to the member (applied to strong or weak
axis).
Load Case 1: DL + SL + WL Subscripts refer to Load Case
CD  1.6 Appendix B Section B.2 (non-mandatory)

Compression
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci Fc* is reference compressive design value adjusted with all
adjustment factors except the column stability factor CP.
Fc*  2320 psi

P1  DLAxial  SLAxial

P1  900  lbf

P1
fc1  fc1  171  psi
Ag Compressive stress in beam column

Determine Effective Lengths and Critical Buckling Design Values

Ke  1.0 Buckling length coefficient Ke for rotation free/translation fixed
(pinned/pinned) column (Appendix G Table G1)

le1  Ke l1   12 

in
d 1  d l1  l beam dimensions, laterally unsupported lengths (Figure
 ft  3F) and effective column lengths (3.7.1) for buckling in
le2  Ke l2   12 
in each direction. Subscript 1 is strong (but unsupported)
d 2  b l2  l
 ft  axis; Subscript 2 is the weak but laterally supported axis.
le1  36 in le2  36 in Effective lengths in each axis

le1 le2 le /d is less than 50 for each axis (3.7.1.4)

 10  24
d1 d2

0.822  E'min critical bucking compression design values for compression

FcE1  FcE1  3963 psi
2 member in planes of lateral support (3.7.1)
 le1 
d 
 1
0.822  E'min
FcE2  FcE2  728 psi
2
 le2 
d 
 2

Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

  FcE1  
FcE  min  FcE  728 psi critical bucking design value for compression member
  FcE2  
2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c
CP  0.29 Column Stability Factor (3.7-1)
Determine Adjusted Compressive Design Value F'c

Fc'  Fc* CP Fc'  673  psi Adjusted compressive design value

fc1  171  psi Fc'  673  psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c (NDS 3.6.3)

Narrow Face (Strong Axis) Bending - (load parallel to wide face)

F' b*  Fb  CD CM  Ct CF Ci Cr F'b * is adjusted bending design value with all adjustment
factors except the beam stability factor CL and flat use factor
F' b*  1760 psi
Cfu applied.

Determine Strong Axis Beam Stability Factor CL

in
lu  12 l lu  36 in laterally unsupported length
ft
lu
 10.3 lu /d >7 (Table 3.3.3)
d

le  1.37 lu  3  d le  59.8 in (Table 3.3.3)

l e d
RB  RB  9.6 slenderness ratio for bending (3.3-5) RB < 50 (NDS 3.3.3.7)
2
b

1.20 E'min
FbE  FbE  6577 psi critical bucking design value for bending (3.7.1)
2
RB

2
 FbE    FbE    FbE 
1  1    
 F' b*
   F'b*     F'b* 
CL    
1.9  1.9  0.95

CL  0.982 Resulting beam stability factor CL . As at alternative, 4.4.1.2 (b)

allows CL = 1.0 for d/b = (4/2) when the ends are held in
position by full depth solid blocking, bridging, hangers, nailing,
bolting or other suitable means.

F' b1  Fb  CD CM  CL Ct CF Ci Cr F'b1 is adjusted edgewise bending design value with all
adjustment factors.
F' b1  1729 psi
Determine Bending Load and Resulting Bending Stress

in
WLStrong l 12
ft Bending stress in strong direction resulting from wind
M 1Strong 
4 load applied to narrow face of beam-column

M 1Strong  1080 in·lbf

M 1Strong
fb1 
Sx

fb1  353  psi F' b1  1729 psi Ok. Actual bending stress fb does not exceed adjusted
edgewise compressive design value F'b1

Wide Face (Weak Axis) Bending - (load parallel to narrow face)

CL  1.0 Since d<b (2 in < 4 in) CL =1.0

Flat use factor Cfu applies for weak axis bending.

Cfu  1.1

F' b2  Fb  CD CM  CL Ct Cfu CF Ci Cr F'b2 is adjusted flatwise bending design value with all
adjustment factors.
F' b2  1936 psi

Determine Bending Load and Resulting Bending Stress - Weak Axis Bending

in
DLWeak  SLWeak l 12 ft Bending stress in strong direction resulting from wind
M 1Weak 
4 load applied to narrow face of beam-column

M 1Weak  1350 in·lbf

M 1Weak
fb2 
Sy

fb2  1029 psi F' b2  1936 psi Ok. Actual bending stress fb does not exceed adjusted
bending design value F'b (NDS 3.1.1)
Combined Bending and Compression

2
 fc1  fb1 fb2
     0.98 < 1.0 ok (3.9-3)
 Fc'    fc1   2
F' b1 1      fc1   fb1  
  FcE1 
F' b2 1 
   
FcE2
    FbE  
2
fc1  fb1 
   0.24 < 1.0 ok (3.9-4)
FcE2
 FbE 

fc1  171 psi FcE1  3963 psi Actual compression stress is less than critical bucking design
values for both weak and strong axis buckling. Ok
fc1  171 psi FcE2  728 psi

fb1  353 psi FbE  6577 psi Actual bending stress is less than critical buckling design value.
Ok
Load Case 2: DL+SL
CD  1.15
P2  DLAxial  SLAxial P2  900 lbf

P1
fc2  fc2  171  psi
Ag

Compression

Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci

Fc*  1667 psi fc2  171  psi

Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c

CP  0.387
Fc'  Fc* CP
Fc'  646  psi
fc2  171  psi Fc'  646  psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c

Weak Axis Bending

F' b2  Fb  CD CM  CL Ct Cfu CF Ci Cr

F' b2  1392 psi

in
DLWeak  SLWeak l 12 ft Bending stress in strong direction resulting from wind
M 2Weak 
4 load applied to narrow face of beam-column

M 2Weak  1350 in·lbf

M 2Weak
fb2 
Sy

fb2  1029 psi F' b2  1392 psi Ok. Actual bending stress fb does not exceed adjusted
compressive design value F'b
Strong Axis Bending

Wind load is zero. No strong axis bending (appropriate terms in following equations
set to zero)
Combined Bending and Compression

2
 fc2  fb1 0 fb2
     1.04 < 1.0 ok (3.9-3)
 Fc'    fc2   2
F' b1 1      fc2   fb1  
F' b2 1    
  FcE1  
  FcE2   FbE  
2
fc2  fb1 0 
   0.24 < 1.0 ok (3.9.-4)
FcE2
 FbE 

fc2  171 psi FcE1  3963 psi Actual compression stress is less than critical bucking design
values for both weak and strong axis buckling. Ok
fc2  171 psi FcE2  728 psi

fb1  353 psi FbE  6577 psi Actual bending stress is less than critical buckling design value.
Ok
Load Case 3: DL only
CD  0.90

Compression
P3
Fc*  Fc CD CM  Ct CF Ci P3  DLAxial fc3 
Ag

Fc*  1305 psi P3  300  lbf fc3  57 psi

Determine Column Stability Factor Cp

2
 FcE    FcE    FcE 
1  1  F 
 Fc*
   Fc*    c* 
CP     
2 c  2 c  c

CP  0.473

Fc'  Fc* CP

Fc'  617  psi

fc3  57 psi Fc'  617  psi Ok. Actual compressive stress fc does not exceed
adjusted compressive design value F'c

Weak Axis Bending

F' b2  Fb  CD CM  CL Ct Cfu CF Ci Cr

F' b2  1089 psi

in
DLWeak l 12 ft Bending stress in strong direction resulting from wind
M 3Weak 
4 load applied to narrow face of beam-column

M 3Weak  450  in·lbf

M 3Weak
fb2 
Sy

fb2  343  psi F' b2  1089 psi Ok. Actual bending stress fb does not exceed adjusted
compressive design value F'b
Strong Axis Bending

Wind load is zero. No strong axis bending

Combined Bending and Compression

2
 fc3  fb1 0 fb2
     0.35 < 1.0 ok (3.9-3)
 Fc'    fc3   2
F' b1 1      fc3   fb1  
F' b2 1    
  FcE1  
  FcE2   FbE  
2
fc3  fb1 0 
   0.08 < 1.0 ok (3.9-4)
FcE2 FbE
 

fc3  57 psi FcE1  3963 psi Actual compression stress is less than critical bucking design
values for both weak and strong axis buckling. Ok
fc3  57 psi FcE2  728 psi

fb1  353 psi FbE  6577 psi Actual bending stress is less than critical buckling design value.
Ok