This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC.

To access it from a file server/Intranet

constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

ICS 91.060.20;79.040
SANS 1900:2004
ISBN 0-626-15183-X Edition 1.1

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Monoplanar prefabricated timber roof trusses

(nail-plated)

Published by Standards South Africa

1 dr lategan road groenkloof ! private bag x191 pretoria 0001
tel: 012 428 7911 fax: 012 344 1568 international code + 27 12
www.stansa.co.za
 Standards South Africa 2004
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

Table of changes
Change No. Date Scope
1 2004 Amended to allow for the use of a stick on label for marking, to
change the definition and requirements for nail plates, and to
change the reference to “the” certification mark in annex B to “a”
certification mark.

Abstract
Specifies requirements for monoplanar prefabricated timber roof trusses assembled with nail plates.
This standard is not applicable to bolted timber trusses manufactured on building sites.

Keywords
Mono planar, nail plates, prefabricated roof trusses, roofs, roof trusses, structural timber, timber,
trusses

Foreword
This South African standard was approved by National Committee StanSA SC 5110.08F, Sawn
timber and semi manufactured timber products: Prefabricated timber roof trusses, in accordance
with procedures of Standards South Africa, in compliance with annex 3 of the WTO/TBT agreement.

A vertical line in the margin shows where the text has been modified by amendment No. 1.

Annex A forms an integral part of this standard. Annexes B and C is for information only.
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

Contents
Page
Abstract

Keywords

Foreword

1 Scope ..........................................................................................................................................3

2 Normative references ..................................................................................................................3

3 Definitions ...................................................................................................................................4

4 Requirements ..............................................................................................................................7

5 Inspection ....................................................................................................................................9

6 Methods of test ..........................................................................................................................10

7 Packing and marking.................................................................................................................10

Annex A (normative) Notes to purchasers ....................................................................................12

Annex B (informative) Quality verification of prefabricated timber roof trusses and assessment of
compliance ....................................................................................................................................12

Annex C (informative) Storage, transportation and handling of prefabricated timber roof

trusses ............................................................................................................................................13

Bibliography..................................................................................................................................14

1
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

This page is intentionally left blank

2
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

Monoplanar prefabricated timber roof trusses (nail-plated)

1 Scope
This standard specifies requirements for monoplanar prefabricated timber roof trusses assembled
with nail plates. This standard is not applicable to bolted timber trusses manufactured on building
sites.

NOTE This standard should be read in conjunction with SANS 10243.

2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a
standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements
based on this standard are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions
of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards
can be obtained from Standards South Africa.

SANS 1091 (SABS 1091), National colour standards for paint.

SANS 1288 (SABS 1288), Preservative-treated timber.

SANS 1783-1 (SABS 1783-1), Sawn softwood timber – Part 1: General requirements.

SANS 1783-2 (SABS 1783-2), Sawn softwood timber – Part 2: Stress-graded structural timber and
timber for frame wall construction.

SANS 10005 (SABS 05), The preservative treatment of timber.

SANS 10243 (SABS 0243), The manufacture and erection of timber trusses.

SANS 3575 (SABS ISO 3575), Continuous hot-dip zinc-coated carbon steel sheet of commercial,
lock-forming and drawing qualities.

3
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the definitions given in SANS 10243 and the following definitions
apply:

3.1
acceptable
acceptable to the authority administering this standard or to the parties concluding the purchase
contract, as relevant

3.2
apex
peak
point on a truss where the upper edges of the sloped top chords meet

3.3
bottom chord
tie beam
horizontal or inclined (e.g. scissors truss) member that establishes the lower edge of a truss and
usually carries combined bending and tension stresses

3.4
camber
upward vertical displacement built into a truss bottom chord to compensate for deflection due to self
weight

3.5
chord
one of the main members that forms the outline of the truss and that is subject to relatively large
axial forces and bending moments

3.6
defective
prefabricated timber roof truss that fails in one or more respects to comply with the relevant
requirements of this standard

3.7
design
rational design
any design involving a process of reasoning and calculation and may include any such design
based on the use of a code of practice or other relevant technical document, in particular, a design
utilizing software produced by the system

3.8
heel
truss ends
the truss ends, H, where the top and bottom chords connect in double-pitched trusses, or where the
end webs join the bottom chord in stub-end or monopitched trusses (see figure 1)

3.9
lot
not less than 2 and not more than 500 timber roof trusses of the same design and dimensions from
one manufacturer, submitted at any one time for inspection and testing

4
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

3.10
member
part or component which, together with other members, makes up a roof truss (i.e. truss members
are the top chords, bottom chords and webs which form the truss)

3.11
nail plate
metal connector plate
corrosion-resistant metal plate, punched to form a nail pattern in the plate, used as a connector
between the members of a roof truss and whose design values have been properly established by
a accredited testing authority Amdt 1

3.12
monoplanar truss
truss with all chords and webs assembled in a single plane (usually associated with nail-plated
trusses)

3.13
span
truss span
the distance, S, along the bottom chord between the heels or truss ends, H, (see figure 1)

3.14
system
any natural person, firm, partnership, close corporation or company engaged in the manufacture,
distribution or sale of metal connector plates for the timber truss industry, and who further provides
a complete service, i.e. the supply of products, technical support and structural engineering to the
truss manufacturer

3.15
top chord
rafter
horizontal or inclined member that establishes the upper edge of a truss

3.16
web
member that joins the top and bottom chords to form the triangular patterns that create truss action,
usually subject to tensile or compressive forces

5
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

Where

S is the span;
H is the heel or truss end.

Figure 1 — Truss span

6
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

4 Requirements
4.1 Roof truss design
The design used to manufacture each roof truss in a batch or order shall be a rational design. The
design shall include the grade of the timber, the dimensions of the timber, the geometric
configuration of all the members and the dimensions and positioning of the nail plates to be used.

4.2 Roof truss material

4.2.1 Timber

4.2.1.1 General

Each member of timber used in each roof truss shall comply with the requirements of SANS 1783-1
and SANS 1783-2.

4.2.1.2 Timber grade

Each member of timber shall be graded and the grade of each member within a roof truss shall be
as per the design or of a higher grade than specified in the design.

4.2.1.3 Timber dimensions

When determined in accordance with 6.1.1(a), the length, width and thickness of the timber shall be
as specified in the design. The allowable tolerances shall be as given in table 1.

The maximum difference in thickness of members in a joint area shall be 1,0 mm.

Table 1 — Permissible tolerances in timber components

1 2

Description Permissible tolerance

Length ± 1 mm/m

Width and thickness See SANS 1783-2

4.2.1.4 Cutting and machining of timber

The lengths and angles of each timber member shall be accurately cut and machined in accordance
with the design.

4.2.1.5 Preservative treatment of timber

When specified by the purchaser (see A.2), or where necessary (see A.1 and SANS 10005), each
piece or unit of timber used in a roof truss shall be preservative treated in accordance with
SANS 1288.

7
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

4.2.2 Nail plates (metal connector plates)

4.2.2.1 General

Each nail plate used for the jointing of members within a roof truss shall be acceptable and shall
comply with the requirements given in 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3.

4.2.2.2 Construction

Each nail plate shall

a) be made of either galvanized steel, stainless steel or an aluminium-zinc alloy,

b) in the case of galvanized steel nail plates, have a zinc coating with a minimum corrosion
resistance of class Z275 of SANS 3575,

c) be of nominal thickness 1,0 mm with a tolerance of ± 0,05 mm, and

d) have either punched nails or punched holes for loose nails, the design values of which have
been determined through tests carried out by an accredited testing laboratory. Amdt 1

4.2.2.3 Dimensions

The length and width, determined in accordance with 6.1.2, of each nail plate used in a roof truss
0
shall be at least as specified in the design, with a tolerance of -2 mm.

4.3 Roof truss (final product)

4.3.1 General

Each completed roof truss in each batch or order shall comply with the requirements given in 4.3.2
to 4.3.7.

4.3.2 Timber defects

There shall be no wane, dead knots or resin infiltration within the connector plate area unless a
larger connector plate is used to compensate for the nails that have become ineffective in that area.

4.3.3 Nail plates

Only nail plates as specified in 4.2.2 and provided by the same system as the design, shall be used
in a roof truss and shall be:

a) at least the dimensions as specified in the design;

b) positioned and oriented as specified in the design; and

c) applied in such way as to provide a firm, even contact between the faces of both the nail plate
and the timber so that the teeth are not flattened and that all the teeth are fully embedded in all
the members of a joint, except in the case of a tolerance difference in the thickness of the
members at a node, where the teeth shall be fully embedded in at least one member with a
maximum clearance of 1,0 mm between the nail plate and the other member(s) at that joint.

8
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

In the case of joints where the timber is damaged due to splitting, the splits shall not exceed the
requirements for splits as specified in SANS 1783-2.

4.3.4 Joint clearance

In open joints resulting from inaccuracies in cutting and assembly, the joint clearance shall not
exceed 2,0 mm except in joint lengths greater than 300 mm where a maximum of 5,0 mm is
allowed. At least one end or corner of each member shall be in contact with adjoining members at
the node.

4.3.5 Straightness of a roof truss (overall bow)

When determined in accordance with 6.2, no point of a truss shall be out of plane of the truss by
more than 50 mm or L/100, whichever is the greater, where L is the length of the chord.

4.3.6 Design dimensions of a roof truss

The dimensions of a roof truss, determined in accordance with 6.1.1(a) to 6.1.1(e), shall be as
specified in the design. The permissible deviations from the design dimensions shall comply with
the values given in table 2.

Table 2 — Permissible deviations in timber roof trusses

1 2

Description Permissible deviations

Span ± 10 mm

Height
a) Individual trusses ± 20 mm

b) Maximum difference between similar trusses in a building 10 mm

Joint position (measured on centre line of members), max. 25 mm
± 10 % (of the specified
Camber (when specified)
design value)

4.3.7 Position of the apex

The position of the apex shall be as specified in the design. The apexes of trusses in a sample shall
not deviate from one another by more than 20 mm in any direction.

5 Inspection
Visually inspect each roof truss in the sample drawn in accordance with B.2.1 for compliance with
those requirements given in 4.1 to 4.3 for which methods to assess compliance are not given in
clause 6.

9
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

6 Methods of test

6.1 Dimensions
Determine the dimensions of the different components of a roof truss in accordance with 6.1.1 and
6.1.2.

6.1.1 Dimensions of timber components and roof trusses

Measure the dimensions of a prefabricated roof truss as follows:

a) length, width and thickness of each member to the nearest 1 mm;

b) take as the overall span the horizontal distance between the intersections of the lower edges of
the top and bottom chords, but in the case of a straight bottom chord, take the length of the
bottom edge of the bottom chord to the nearest 1 mm;

c) take as the overall height the vertical distance between the intersection of the lower edges of the
top and bottom chord and the highest point of the truss (apex);

d) when measuring the position of the webs, use the centre lines of the webs and the intersections
of the outer edges of the top and bottom chords;

e) when relevant, measure the camber as the vertical distance between the intersection of the lower
edges of the top and bottom chord and the lower edge at the mid-length of the bottom chord.

6.1.2 Dimensions of nail plates

Measure the width and length of a nail plate to the nearest 1 mm.

6.2 Straightness
Place the truss flat on a hard, level surface and measure to the nearest 1 mm the extent to which
any part of the truss is out of the longitudinal plane of the truss. Repeat this procedure with the truss
overturned.

6.3 Joint clearance

Measure the greatest clearance between two members in a joint area to the nearest 1 mm.

7 Packing and marking

7.1 Packing
When prefabricated timber roof trusses are dispatched, they shall be so secured as to withstand
normal handling hazards. Guidelines on the storage, handling and transportation are given in
annex C.

10
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

7.2 Marking

7.2.1 Methods

Each completed roof truss shall be marked in a legible, indelible and permanent way, in strong blue
(colour No. F11 of SANS 1091), using one of the following acceptable methods:

a) an ink stamp; or

b) a durable self adhesive label. Amdt 1

7.2.2 Position of marking

The marking shall be placed on one face of the bottom chord of each roof truss, in a position
parallel to its longitudinal axis, approximately in the centre of the face, not obscuring the marking of
the stress grade of the timber as specified in SANS 1783-2.

7.2.3 Information

Each completed truss shall bear the following minimum information.

a) the manufacturer's name, trade name or trade mark;

b) the last two digits of the year in which the roof truss was manufactured (01 for 2001);and

c) the batch number or job number.

Include additional information as required (see A.2(b): Amdt 1

11
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Edition 1.1

Annex A
(normative)

Notes to purchasers

A.1 The following requirement shall be specified in tender invitations and in each order or
contract:

that the timber used in roof trusses be preservative treated when the trusses are destined to be
used in a proclaimed area where the preservative treatment of timber is mandatory (see 4.2.1.5).

A.2 The following requirement shall be agreed upon between the supplier and the purchaser:

a) that the timber used in roof trusses be preservative treated (see 4.2.1.5); and

b) whether any additional information is required for marking. Amdt 1

Annex B
(informative)
Amdt 1

Quality verification of prefabricated timber roof trusses

and assessment of compliance

B.1 Quality verification

B.1.1 When a purchaser requires ongoing verification of the quality of prefabricated timber roof
trusses it is suggested that, instead of concentrating solely on the evaluation of the final product, he
also direct his attention to the manufacturer's quality system. In this connection it should be noted
that SANS 9001 covers the provisions of an integrated quality system.

B.1.2 If the prefabricated timber roof trusses do not bear a certification mark and no information
about the implementation of quality control or testing during manufacture is available to help in
assessing the quality of a lot, and a purchaser wishes to establish, by inspection and testing of
samples of the final product, whether a lot (as defined in B.2.1) of the product complies with the
standard, use the sampling plan given in B.2. It shall be noted that such a sampling plan applies to
the final product only. Amdt 1

B.2 Assessment of compliance with the standard

NOTE It is not possible to establish compliance with all the requirements of this standard in the case of lots
(consignments) for which no acceptable records were kept by the manufacturer.

B.2.1 Sampling
The following sampling procedure shall be applied in determining whether a lot complies with the
relevant requirements of the standard. The sample so drawn shall be deemed to represent the lot.
After checking the lot for compliance with the requirements of clause 7, draw from it at random the
number of prefabricated timber roof trusses given in column 2 of table B.1, relative to the
appropriate lot size given in column 1.

12
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Ed 1.1

Table B.1 — Lot size, sample size, and acceptance

numbers for prefabricated timber roof trusses

1 2 3 4 5

Lot size Sample size Acceptance number for

Dimensions Straightness Other

properties
2-8 2 0 0 0
9 - 15 3 0 0 0
16 - 25 5 0 0 1
26 - 90 8 0 1 1
91 - 500 13 1 2 2

B.2.2 Criteria of compliance

A lot shall be deemed to comply with the relevant requirements of the standard if, on inspection and
testing of the sample taken in accordance with B.2.1, the numbers of defectives found do not
exceed the appropriate acceptance numbers given in columns 3, 4 and 5 of table B.1.

Annex C
(informative)

Storage, transportation and handling of

prefabricated timber roof trusses

C.1 Storage

Trusses should be stored in such a way that distortion is prevented. Contact with the ground should
be avoided and the site should be reasonably level.

Trusses should be protected from excessive exposure to the weather, wetting and insect attack. If
the trusses are covered, provision shall be made for moisture escape through ventilation.

C.2 Transportation
All guidelines concerning the handling and storage of timber also apply during transportation.
Trusses should preferably be strapped together during transport and handling.

13
 This eStandard is exclusively for Vela VKE for use on ONE standalone PC. To access it from a file server/Intranet
constitutes a violation of SABS copyright rules. Note that only ONE printout of the standard may be made.

SANS 1900:2004
Edition 1.1

C.3 Handling
C.3.1 General
Trusses, correctly aligned in their upright position and properly supported by bracing, purlins or roof
sheeting, are very strong structural components. They can, however, be easily damaged when
subjected to excessive lateral bending due to improper handling and lifting. It is important that they
be carefully handled to prevent damage.

Wherever possible, all trusses should be handled and lifted while they are in an upright position. If
the trusses are to be moved in a flat position (i.e. horizontally), adequate intermediate supports shall
be provided. Distortion of the truss (during handling) can lead to serious damage.

C.3.2 Lifting by hand

When trusses are lifted by hand, care should be taken to prevent excessive lateral bending when
sliding them over walls and when tipping them upright on the walls.

Bibliography
SANS 9001/ISO 9001 (SABS ISO 9001), Quality management systems ― Requirements.

© Standards South Africa

14