Easi Joist Technical Manual PDF

THE COMPANY
Introduction
Wolf Systems provide products and
services to the timber engineering
industry. We manufacture and supply
nailplates, metal webs and software for
the design and manufacture of roof
trusses, metal web joists and timber
frame wall panels. Additionally, we also
provide a comprehensive range of
machinery for the manufacture of these
components.
Company History
Wolf Systembau was started by Johann
Wolf in 1966 in Scharnstein, Austria.
The original activities of the company
were construction within the agricultural
industry. This consisted of concrete
silos and buildings constructed of
timber, steel and concrete. The
company then expanded into other
areas of the construction industry such
as industrial, commercial and domestic
buildings, manufacturing machinery for
sawmills, timber frame wall panels and
roof trusses, as well as harvesting
timber from their own forests.
Having over 40 years experience in
timber engineering, the Group
operates from a state of the art office
complex in Scharnstein, and employs
3000 staff in 14 European countries.
Wolf Systembau is still privately
owned by Johann Wolf and his family
and all of the Groups operations are
construction related.
Wolf Systems UK and

Ireland Customer Network
United Kingdom
Wolf Systems UK was formed in 1988
as an integral part of Wolf Systembaus
expansion into the world roof truss
systems market. Having successfully
established itself amongst its
competitors, Wolf Systems now has a
network of over 50 experienced trussed
rafter manufacturers throughout the
United Kingdom and Ireland.
Following the introduction of our
market leading roof truss design
software, we turned our expertise and
knowledge of timber engineering to
products and services for Floors and
Walls. Expanding on the simple yet
UK Coventry
EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE
comprehensive interface found in the

Roof software, easi-joist has fast
become adopted by many of our
existing customers, and significantly,
manufacturers using competitor
systems. Together with products for
Roofs and Floors, our Wall panel
software provides the complete
solution for Whole House Timber
Engineering design and manufacturing.
In addition to our products, our
Customer Services and Design Teams
provide expert technical support and
backup for software implementation,
training and design.
CONTENTS
Contents
The easi-joist floor system
offers clear benefits over sawn
timber and other engineered
The Company
Industry Associations, Standards and Compliance
The easi-joist System
5-7
Accommodation of Services
8-9
Floor Cassettes
floor joist systems. Not only

does it out-perform sawn
10-13
Properties and Performance
14-15
Strongbacks and Restraint Straps
timber
in
span
dimensional
stability,
and
the
added benefits of a greater

bearing area and open web
system make it easier to
install
for
plumber
the
and
carpenter,
electrician,
increasing valuable time and

reducing cost.
Approvals
Ground Floor Joists
16
17
Floor Design Factors
18-19
Floor Detailing Key
20-21
General Floor Detailing
22-23
Floor detailing in Masonry Construction

Floor Detailing in Timber Frame Construction
24
25-27
Metalwork
28
Roof Detailing
29
Notes on Installation
Health and Safety
30
31-32
Index
33
Glossary of Terms
34
Design and Services
35
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE
Industry Associations
Wolf recognise the importance of being
associated with the leading bodies
operating within our industry. Wolf
Systems are active members of The
Trussed Rafter Association (TRA), The
UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA),
BMTRADA, and The Engineered Wood
Products Committee.
Being associated with these
organizations ensures Wolfs products
and services are always provided in
strict accordance with current
standards and working practices.
The Trussed Rafter
Association (TRA) is
the respected voice of
the trussed rafter
industry in the UK.
The Association is
committed to stringent standards of
quality and service and sets a
professional benchmark for the
industry.
Members include the principal
manufacturers of trussed rafters,
industry suppliers and professionals
involved in roof design and construction.
TRA requires all its manufacturing
members to have third-party
supervised Quality Assurance and
Professional Indemnity insurance so
helping to ensure quality and peace
of mind for the customer.
The Timber Research
and Development
Association (TRADA)
is an internationally
recognised centre of excellence on
the specification and use of timber
and wood products.
TRADA is a company limited by
guarantee and not-for-profit
membership-based organisation.
TRADA's origins go back over 70 years
and its name is synonymous with
independence and authority. Its position
in the industry is unique with a diverse
membership encompassing companies
and individuals from around the world
and across the entire wood supply
chain, from producers, merchants and
manufacturers, to architects, engineers
and end users.
The UK Timber Frame

Association (UKTFA) is
the trade association
representing over
85% of the UK timber frame
manufacturers and also the sectors key
suppliers. Established in 2002 they
promote timber frame to the
construction industry and the public;
provide information and guidance, both
technical and consumer; and aim to
ensure that all sectors of UK
construction fully exploit the benefits of
timber frame.
The Irish Timber
Frame Manufacturers'
Association (ITFMA) is
the Trade Association
for the timber frame manufacturing
industry in Ireland. It is an independently
constituted company limited by
guarantee with no share capital. All full
members are represented on the Board
of Directors. Voting on issues is not
based on turnover. The association is
the recognised representative body for
Timber Frame Manufacturers on the
Island of Ireland and membership is
synonymous with professionalism and
quality. In addition, the ITFMA provide
marketing, training and education of the
timber frame concept.
Standards and Compliance

European Technical
Approval is basically
an assessment of a
product to make sure it is fit for its
intended use within each European
Member State; in our case, the
assessment of easi-joist for use within
domestic, industrial or commercial
buildings.
This assessment is based on fulfilling
the 6 essential requirements set out in
the Construction Products Directive
(CPD). There is no suitable design
method for metal web joists in
Eurocode 5 unlike trusses, hence the
need for ETA to provide a harmonised
design standard.
Wolf ETA Certificate No. ETA-07/0032

easi-joist has been
officially approved by
Robust Details Ltd. under detail
E-FT-3, this means that easi-joist
used in timber frame flats, constructed
as per E-FT-3 will not require precompletion sound testing to prove
compliance with Part E of the Building
Regulations in England & Wales;
saving time, money and the
uncertainty of pre-completion testing.
The Irish Agrment

Board is designated
by Government to
issue European
Technical Approvals.
Irish Agrment Board Certificates
establish proof that the certified
products are proper materials suitable
for their intended use under Irish site
conditions, and in accordance with the
Building Regulations 1997 to 2006.
The Irish Agrment Board operates in
association with the National
Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
as the National Member of UEAtc.
Wolf IAB Certificate No. 07/0280

ISO 9000 is the
internationally
recognised standard
for an organisation's
internal Quality
Management. The term 'quality' refers
to all those features of a product or
service which are required by the
customer.
An organisation's 'Quality Management'
refers to an organisation's actions to
ensure that its products or services
satisfy its customers' quality
requirements and complies with any
regulations applicable to those
products or services.
Wolf Systems supplies all its products
and services to ISO 9001 ensuring the
highest standards are provided by our
company.
easi-joist is recognised for use in
floor construction by the NHBC in the

United Kingdom and Homebond in
the Republic of Ireland.
NHBC is the
standard setting
body and leading
warranty and
insurance provider for new and newly
converted homes in the UK.
HomeBond is the
national organisation
which since 1978
has enabled Home
Builders to provide
their customers with
new home warranties and deposit and
stage payments cover in Ireland.
THE EASI-JOIST SYSTEM
Introduction
The easi-joist is a parallel chord truss

utilising stress graded timber chords.
The Benefits of easi-joist
These chords are plated together

with a precision engineered and
manufactured structural component
called the metal web and, when
combined, form the easi-joist.
Open web design

This allows for easier, more
practical, installation of services
including waste water pipes,
electrical cabling, heating pipes
and other services. The open
design eliminates the requirement
for any holes to be positioned or
drilled reducing labour costs and
incorrect workmanship.
The easi-joist combines the lightness

of timber with the structural qualities
of metal. Together these two materials
offer an opportunity for designing
commercial, domestic and industrial
floor applications with spans equal to
and exceeding traditional timber joists
and their equivalent timber
alternatives, but with better damping
and stiffness qualities.
Light weight
easi-joist is a precision designed and
The combination of smaller

timber sections with the
lightweight metal web means that
the finished product is lighter
than timber and much lighter than
timber equivalents.
manufactured floor system, created to

make floor joist manufacture faster,
more cost effective and easier to install.
Timber
Timber used in the design of
easi-joists is kiln dried and stress
graded, and complies with current
European and British Standards.
Handling and installation

Large bearing surface allows a
speedy set out of joists, improves
joist stability when laying out joists
and enables easier fixing of
decking materials.
Preservative
Joist timbers may be treated with
waterborne solutions, or with noncorrosive spirit-based organic
solvents. Copper chrome arsenate
and similar treatments are not
recommended.
Reduced site wastage

The precision-manufactured
easi-joist virtually eliminates all
site alterations, and standard
timber sizes ensure materials are
readily available.
Features
Factory manufactured, made to
measure.
Long continuous spans, reducing
Long-term stability
or eliminating the need for

intermediate support walls.
The reduced timber section used

in the manufacture of the easijoist, combined with the metal
web mean that there is less loss of
moisture and shrinkage, thus
providing a quieter and longer
lasting floor system.
Light and easy to handle.

Increased spacing centres.
Dimensional stability.
Design accuracy through specialist
software.
Trimmable ends to facilitate
Improved sound performance

and reduced vibration
installation where bearing support

is inconsistent.
The metal web floor system

allows for the installation of a
rigid Strongback that reduces
vibration and improves the overall
acoustic performance of the floor.
Wide nailing surface making the

nailing and gluing of decking
quicker and more accurate.
Improved floor performance.

Stiffness and strength built into the
floors improving floor rigidity.
Joist Definitions
The easi-joist system comprises a
number of parts that make up the
complete floor structure. Knowledge
of each part and its use is essential to
the basic understanding of floor
design. Below, we provide the typical
definitions for these parts as defined
for an individual joist member and the
floor system as a whole.
(See glossary for details on definitions)

Column plate
Top chord
Top chord splice
Column
Metal web
Intermediate support
End column
Bottom chord splice
Strongback
Bottom chord
Floor Definitions
Perimeter noggin
End bearing
Binder
Strongback
Girder
Ring beam
Stair trimmer
Trimmer
Rim board
Partition noggin
Bearing/wallplate
Girder
easi-joist
Binder
Joist Specification
Joist widths
(All dimensions in mm)
600
WS200
Single joist widths

203
219 (195)
(35)
47
125
97
47
(35)
600
WS250
72
97
122
147
72
97
122
147
72
97
122
147
72
97
122
147
211
47
254
160
89
47
600
WS300
216
47
84
304
210
47
768
WS400
284
47
100
417
323
47
easi-joist metal web joists are available in 5 different depths utilising 35mm and
47mm top and bottom timber chords.
Multi-ply joist widths

Web
code
Joist
depth
Chord
depth
WS200
195
35
WS200
219
47
WS250
254
47
WS300
304
47
WS400
417
47
Fixing
Fastening of multi-ply joists to be
carried out to manufacturers
instructions using Cullen Timberlok or
Simpson SDS screws.
Available
in all
joist
depths
Type and spacing as specified by

easi-joist software.
144, 194, 244 or 294
ACCOMMODATION OF SERVICES
Accommodation of
Services
easi-joist is designed to allow for

easy accommodation of electrical,
plumbing, waste water and other
services required within the floor joist
area with no cutting or notching
required.
NEVER
cut, notch or drill the

timber chords.
NEVER
drill, notch, bend or remove

the metal webs.
A
H
Clearance for circular services

WS200
WS250
WS300
WS400
A (mm)
125
160
210
323
D (mm)
100
150
200
280
Clearance for rectangular services
WS200
WS250
WS300
WS400
H mm
W mm
W mm
W mm
W mm
50
300
300
330
500
100
100
200
250
410
150
50
70
170
330
200
N/A
N/A
70
250
250
N/A
N/A
N/A
170
300
N/A
N/A
N/A
70
FLOOR CASSETTES
Accommodation of Services
Floor Cassettes
A significant advantage of the easi-joist floor system is the

open web design. The space provided by the metal web
allows for the easy installation of services within the void.
The benefits of off-site construction is widely recognised

and the manufacture of floor cassettes is becoming
increasingly more popular.
Pipework, electrical cables and ducting can be easily

routed through the joist space providing real time saving.
By removing the laborious work needed for notching,
drilling or cutting holes when using other joist systems the
installation cost of services can be greatly reduced.
Floor cassettes offer numerous advantages over

construction of the floor on-site, such as:
Furthermore, the curved edges of the webs and the

absence of protruding plate edges removes any potential
for damage when feeding through pipes and cables.
Speed of construction
Along with traditional need to install ventilation services in

bathrooms and kitchens, government initiatives for air
tightness will require the installation of further mechanical
systems for air exchange. The open web design provides
an ideal zone for the passage of ducting for these devices.
Quality
Control
Space on site
Site wastage
easi-joists are ideally suitable for the manufacture of floor
cassettes. Along with the advantages on-site for the

accommodation of services and long-term stability, the
wide bearing surface makes it easier to lay out the joists in
preparation for adding rimboard, blocking and decking
during assembly of the floor cassette.
APPROVALS
Approvals
To supply easi-joist in the UK and Ireland it has been

necessary to ensure the floor system meets the requirements
of The Building Regulations.
European Technical Approval (ETA)
After exhaustive tests carried out by BMTRADA, easi-joist

was the first metal web floor system to attain ETA approval.
Irish Agrment Board (IAB)
After satisfying the requirements of the IAB, easi-joist has

been approved for supply in the Republic of Ireland.
United Kingdom
Intermediate Floors
Separating Floors
Typical detailing for intermediate floor construction using

easi-joist. See specification and detail below.
Fire Resistance (60 minutes)
Intermediate Floor Construction Specification

Joists: 219mm easi-joist at 600mm centres.
60 minutes fire resistance can be achieved using either of

the following ceiling treatments:
Ceiling: 15mm plasterboard fixed at 230mm centres as per

manufacturers specification with 38mm Gyproc drywall
timber screws.
Decking: 22mm tongued and grooved moisture resistant

chipboard fixed with appropriate adhesive and screwed
down at 200mm centres at the perimeter and 300mm
centres on intermediate support using 51mm Gyproc
drywall timber screws.
Typical detail of separating floor with 60 minute fire resistance.
Two layers of gypsum-based board, 19mm thick (nominal

13.5 kg/m2), and 12.5mm thick (nominal 10 kg/m2).
Two layers of gypsum-based boards, each 15mm thick

(nominal 11.7 kg/m2).
15mm OSB
Min. 35 x 97mm Strongback

(See page 16 for details)
Min. 254mm deep

easi-joist
Intermediate Floor Construction Detail

22mm t&g chipboard
walking surface

12.5mm and 19mm gypsum-based board
or 2/no. layers of 15mm plasterboard
100mm Rockwool
Cladding Roll
Separating floor construction: 60 minutes fire resistance

Plasterboard
15mm plasterboard
(standard)
Bearing 75mm

The easi-joist floor system has been tested in accordance
with BS 476: Part 21: 1987 and achieved a fire resistance
exceeding Requirement B3 of The Building Regulations.
Acoustic Performance
Using Robust Details-approved easi-joist, avoids the need

to carry out pre-completion sound testing, eliminating the
risk and uncertainty of remedial action being required on
completed floor constructions. A Typical detail of separating
floor, as approved by Robust Details, is shown below.
Floating
floor
with BS EN ISO 140 3: 1995 and achieved a weighted

airborne sound reduction index which exceeds Requirement
E2 of The Building Regulations.
NOTE
Insulation not required to meet sections B3 or E2 of The
Building Regulations.
Floor
decking
easi-joist
Ceiling
Absorbent material
Separating floor construction (Robust Detail E-FT-3)
10
APPROVALS
United Kingdom
Separating Floors (cont)
easi-joist has been officially approved by Robust Details Ltd under detail E-FT-3.
This means that easi-joists used in timber frame flats, constructed as per E-FT-3,
will not require pre-completion sound testing to prove compliance with Part E of
the Building Regulations in England and Wales.
To ensure compliance, it is essential the floor is carefully constructed with specific
floor and ceiling materials. See below for details.
Two layers plasterboard
total nominal mass per
unit area 22 kg/m2
5mm polyethylene foam

flanking strip
18mm t&g floorboarding
19mm plasterboard
(nominal 13.5 kg/m2)
Paper faced insulation
70mm (compressed depth) resilient

battens at 400mm centres
25mm mineral wool

(10-36 kg/m3)
18mm thick OSB
Min. 254mm deep easi-joist
100mm mineral wool (10-36 kg/m3)

47 x 97mm
packer
CT1: Two layers of gypsum-based board,

19mm thick (nominal 13.5 kg/m2), and
12.5mm thick (nominal 10 kg/m2)
OR
CT2: Two layers of gypsum-based boards,
each 15mm thick (nominal 11.7 kg/m2)
Ring beam
Plasterboard noggin
120 x 80mm mineral
wool cavity barrier
16mm (min) metal resilient bars

mounted at right angles to joists
at 400mm centres
PLASTERBOARD FIXINGS MUST

NOT
TOUCH JOIST
Wall/floor junction sealed

with tape with sealant
easi-joist parallel to
panel
easi-joist supported
on panel
Separating floor construction (Robust Detail E-FT-3): 60 minutes fire resistance

1st layer
Robust Detail loads
Top chord
a.
b.
c.
Bottom chord
1500 N/m (Live load)

220 N/m2 (Partitions)
475 N/m2 (Robust makeup dead load)
5mm polyethylene foam strip
18mm t & g floor boarding
19mm plasterboard
70mm resilient battens
25mm insulation (10-36 kg/m3)
18mm OSB
Self weight
2
a. 366 N/m2 (Robust makeup dead load)

100mm mineral wool (10-36 kg/m3)
Resilient bars at 400mm centres
2 layers plasterboard
Self weight
2nd layer
Resilient bar
screw fixing to
easi-joist
bottom chord
Screw fixings for 2nd plasterboard layer
Note
This floor construction is for timber frame buildings only built in accordance with Robust Details and has not
been approved for masonry construction. For further information on the easi-joist robust detail, please contact
Wolf Systems Design Office
Screw fixing for 1st plasterboard layer
Resilient bar and plasterboard fixing
11
APPROVALS
Republic of Ireland
Intermediate Floors
Typical detailing for intermediate floor construction using
easi-joist. See specification below and detail opposite.
Intermediate Floor Construction Specification
22mm chipboard,
18mm plywood,
18mm OSB or
21mm t&g timber boarding
to be nailed at 200mm nominal
centres to joists
Joists: 219mm easi-joist at 400mm centres.

Masonry hanger
Ceiling: 12.5mm plasterboard fixed at 230mm centres as

per manufacturers specification with 38mm Gyproc
drywall timber screws. Ceiling finished with nominal 5mm
(minimum of 3mm) plaster skim coat.
Decking: 18mm tongued and grooved moisture resistant

chipboard nailed down at 200mm centres.
Plasterboard
noggin
Intermediate Floor Construction Detail

18mm t&g chipboard
walking surface

Plasterboard edges to be
timber backed and all joints
to be taped and sealed
Plasterboard
12.5mm plasterboard
(standard)
Bearing 75mm

The easi-joist floor system has been successfully tested
15mm type 1 plasterboard fixed with

plasterboard screws at 230mm centres
(no breaches to ceiling)
Intermediate floor construction: 30 minutes fire resistance

with easi-joists at more than 400mm centres
in accordance with BS 476: Part 21: 1987.

The fire resistance of floors incorporating easi-joists
varies according to the type of floor construction.
with BS EN ISO 140 3: 1995 and achieved a weighted
airborne sound reduction index which exceeds Requirement
E2 of The Building Regulations.
18mm chipboard,
18mm plywood,
18mm OSB or
21mm t&g timber boarding
to be nailed at 200mm
nominal centres to joists
Top chord
supported
easi-joist
Plasterboard
noggin
Nominal 5mm
(minimum 3mm) skim coat
12.5mm type 1 plasterboard fixed with
plasterboard screws at 230mm centres,
joints taped (no breaches to ceiling)
Intermediate floor construction: 30 minutes fire resistance

with easi-joists at 400mm centres
12
APPROVALS
Republic of Ireland
Separating Floors
The type of floor construction used will determine the resistance to impact and
airborne sound. Test data has been reviewed which indicates that the sound
insulation properties of compartment floors, incorporating easi-joist, are at
least as good as those of similar construction incorporating traditional joists.
The sound resisting properties depend on the sealing and integrity of the
construction being maintained intact. Services and openings shall not be located
within or through the voids unless specified in and installed strictly in accordance
with the design drawings. Where openings are permitted, appropriate steps shall
be taken to seal them, to achieve the required performance levels.

The easi-joist floor system has been successfully tested in accordance with
BS 476: Part 21: 1987.
See illustration below for typical detailing of separating floor with 60 minute fire
resistance.
12.5mm type 1
plasterboard on 19mm
type 1 plasterboard
Paper faced insulation
5mm polyethylene foam

flanking strip
Bead of
sealant
18mm t&g chipboard

fixed at 200mm
nominal centres
19mm plasterboard fixed at

200mm nominal centres
70mm (compressed depth)
resilient battens at 400mm
centres with acoustic insulation
25mm mineral wool laid
between battens (density
in accordance with
Building Regulations)
97 x 47mm
packer
254mm deep
easi-joist
Ring beam
Plasterboard noggin
Compressible cavity
barrier, typically wire
reinforced mineral
wool, fixed to one of
the frames
18mm chipboard, 18mm plywood

or 18mm OSB to be fixed at
200mm nominal centres
Seal wall/floor
junction with
acoustic tape
or filler
All services to be kept
within cavity. Fire barriers
should not be breached
100mm mineral wool laid

between joists (density in
accordance with Building
Regulations)
2/no. layers of 15mm type 5,
plasterboard fixed with
plasterboard screws at
maximum 230mm centres
63 x 38mm battens at 400mm centres
fixed with 2/no. screws into each joist
12.5mm type 1 plasterboard fixed
with plasterboard screws at
230mm centres
Separating floor construction: 60 minutes fire resistance
13
PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
Span Tables
The following span tables are to be used as a basic guide to achievable joist span for given depth and spacing, and should be
used for estimating or feasibility only.
Due to variations in timber grades, load sets, support conditions and bearing widths, the tables are not suitable as a design tool.
Please consult an easi-joists manufacturer for more information and design assistance.
Load and Span Description
Top Chord UDL

(Floor: LL + DL + Partition)
Bottom Chord UDL

(Ceiling: DL)
Span
United Kingdom Span Table

WS200 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
219
600
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
Maximum achievable span

5175
5550
5850
4650
4975
5225
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

5650
6025
6350
5075
5400
5675
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

6275
6700
7075
5625
6025
6325
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

7200
7650
8000
6400
6750
7075
WS250 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
254
600
WS300 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
304
600
WS400 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
417
600
Load Criteria
Spans are calculated based on the following applied floor loadings:
Top chord (live)
1500 N/m2
Top chord (dead)
210 N/m2
Top chord (partitions)
220 N/m2
Bottom chord (dead)
200 N/m2
Total load 2130 N/m2
14
PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
Support Conditions (SC)

There are four typical support conditions used in the design of easi-joists which provide an important benefit in flexibility for
connecting to different bearing members such as timber frame, masonry or steel. For more information on support conditions,
see pages 2227 of this manual.
The support conditions below are possible for varying methods of connection to timber frame or masonry walls, or connection
to steel or timber beams.
SC1
SC2
SC3
SC4
Bottom Chord Trimmable
Bottom Chord Full
Top Chord Closed
Top Chord Open
Republic of Ireland Span Table

WS200 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
219
600
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

5175
5550
5850
4650
4975
5225
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

5650
6025
6350
5075
5400
5675
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

6275
6700
7075
5625
6025
6325
Chord dimensions
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47
72 x 47
97 x 47
122 x 47

7200
7650
8000
6400
6750
7075
WS250 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
254
600
WS300 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
304
600
WS400 easi-joist
Joist depth
Joist centres
400
417
600
Load Criteria
Spans are calculated based on the following applied floor loadings:
Top chord (live)
1500 N/m2
Top chord (dead)
210 N/m2
Top chord (partitions)
220 N/m2
Bottom chord (dead)
200 N/m2
Total load 2130 N/m2
Notes for UK and Republic of Ireland Tables
1. Maximum span assumes 100mm wide supports at each end, with the maximum span of the joist being taken over the supports.
2. Spans are based on deflections being limited to 0.003 x span up to a maximum of 14mm.
3. Joists are simply supported at each end, with a minimum bearing of 45mm.
4. Lateral restraint is provided by a suitably fixed floor deck, which will prevent buckling of the compression flange.
5. The joists are assumed to be part of a load-sharing system as defined in BS 5268-2, Clause 2.9.
6. Support conditions and web direction/orientation can affect the spanning capacity of a joist.
7. Spans given in the tables for UK and Ireland have been designed using support condition SC2 and are intended as a guide only.
15
STRONGBACKS AND RESTRAINT STRAPS
Strongback Sizes and Installation
Horizontal Restraint Strap
Strongbacks are an essential part of the floor construction

as a whole. They provide essential damping qualities to the
floor by connecting joists together to form a load sharing
system that limits deflection and stiffens the floor. In addition
it provides a useful form of lateral bracing within the floor
during its construction (see pages 18, 23, 24 and 32 for
further Strongback bracing details).
Horizontal bracing straps are required to be fixed to

loadbearing walls perpendicular to easi-joists. This member
must be continuous over a minimum of 3 easi-joists.
Straps to be fixed in strict accordance with manufacturers
instructions.
35/47 x 97mm timber twice nailed to each joist
using minimum 3.35 x 65mm long galvanised nails
Fixing & Splicing

Correct installation of the Strongback and flooring material
will ultimately determine how well the easi-joist floor
system will perform. It is recommended that the
Strongback be installed tight to the top chord of the
easi-joist beam and should be twice nailed to the columns
provided with 3.35 x 65mm wire nails. Strongbacks may be
spliced where required by fixing a 600mm timber splice
equally over the joint, and nailed using 6 no 3.35 x 65mm
nails on either side of the joint.
Strap fixed with minimum of

four fixings of which at least
one is to be over the third joist
IMPORTANT
The correct fixing of the Strongback is essential to overall
floor performance and must be carried out as instructed
above. Fixing the Strongback by screwing is also
satisfactory.
Deflection Limits
When Strongbacks are used, easi-joist beams have a
maximum deflection limit of 14mm or span x 0.003,
whichever is least. If Strongbacks are not provided NHBC
Standards 6.4-D4 (a) stipulates a maximum 12mm
deflection limit. NHBC requires that Strongbacks are to be
used and located according to the following rules:
Spans less than 4.0m = Strongback not required

Spans between 4.0m and 8.0m = 1 Strongback at centre
of span
Spans greater than 8.0m = 2 Strongbacks at equal spacing

NOTE
Strongbacks are required at a reduced spacing of 3.0m for
195mm deep easi-joists with spans >
3.0m.
Splice joint
16
600mm minimum timber

splice nailed with minimum
6/no. nails either side
easi-joist
Nominal Size
Strongback
Max Spacing
Strongback
Size and Grade
Alternative
Strongback
WS200 - 195
3.0m
35 x 97 TR26
35 x 97 C16
WS200 - 219
4.0m
35 x 97 TR26
35 x 97 C16
WS250
4.0m
35 x 97 TR26
35 x 122 C16
WS300
4.0m
35 x 122 TR26
35 x 147 C16
WS400
4.0m
35 x 147 TR26
35 x 172 C16
GROUND FLOOR JOISTS
Suspended Ground Floors

When designing and installing
easi-joists at ground floor level, the
following points should be considered.
Ground floor suspended floors are

classified as Service Class 2 and
therefore will have an increased
moisture content.
Adequate provision should be made
for ventilation of the void below the
joists which must be maintained at a
minimum of 150mm deep and comply
with Building Regulations.
The absence of a ceiling covering
results in the bottom chord of the
easi-joist having no lateral restraint.
Therefore noggins must be installed
along intermediate supports to prevent
buckling where the bottom chord will
be in compression.
British Standard Service Classes
Service Class 1
Internal use in continuously heated building, 12% moisture content
Service Class 2
Covered and generally heated, 15% moisture content
Service Class 2
Covered and generally unheated, 18% moisture content
Service Class 3
External use, fully exposed, more than 20% moisture content
Deflection limits may be reduced to

account for the reduced stiffness of the
floor compared to floors fitted with a
ceiling diaphragm.
DPC
150
DPC
DPC
DPC
150
75
DPC
150
150
Internal ground covering to comply with Building Regulations
Large appliances such as washing

machines or spin dryers may produce
dynamic movement requiring more
stringent deflection limits.
Note: Dimensions (mm) are minimum requirements
Typical easi-joist ground floor detail
Induced dynamic movement will be

reduced by using a discontinuous joist
layout between separate ground floor
rooms.
Decking
Packer
easi-joist
Insulation
Insulation support netting
17
FLOOR DESIGN FACTORS
Loading
Dead loads
Dead load should account for all
building materials in the floor structure
including ceiling linings and insulation.
This should also include non-load
bearing partition walls which have not
been accounted for with line loads.
The minimum dead load for single
occupancy domestic floors including
the floor deck, self-weight of joists and
plasterboard, but excluding any
allowance for non-load bearing
partitions should be a minimum of
0.41 kN/m2.
The self-weight of partitions should

be accounted for by applying loads in
accordance with the following:
1. Where the location of partitions are
known, joists should be designed for
the most onerous of the following:
a minimum line load at partition
locations of 0.64 kN/m.
a minimum uniform load of
0.22 kN/m2.
2. Where the location of partitions are
not known, joists should be designed
for a minimum load of 0.22kN/m2.
The minimum partition load of
0.64 kN/m is applicable for partitions
weighing up to 27 kg/m2 and 2.4m high.
Imposed loads
Imposed or live loads are generated
by the intended use and occupancy of
the floor generated by moveable
partitions and domestic storage,
concentrated, impact and inertia loads.
Imposed loads are the loads produced
by the occupancy of a building
including storage and inhabitants. The
imposed floor load compatible with the
building usage should be obtained from
BS 6399-1 and BS EN 1991-1-1.
Typical imposed uniformly distributed
floor loads are shown on page 19.
Additional loads
Care should be taken to ensure
additional loads are considered within
the design of easi-joists. Examples of
additional loads are snooker tables,
load bearing walls, access hoists,
home multi-gyms, spa baths, water
storage cylinders and chandeliers.
Each of these examples will require
region, line or points loads to be
additionally applied to the floor design.
The list is not exhaustive and advice
should be sought if in doubt regarding
additional loads.
18
Stair loads
Wherever stairs are fixed to easi-joists

the dead and imposed load from the
stairs should always be applied to the
floor.
Multi-ply
easi-joist
Point loads
Solid timber
multi-ply
trimmer
easi-joists
Loadbearing
wall
Up
top chord
supported
easi-joists
Stiffness
The dynamic action of any floor
system is dependent on the floor
geometry, the applied loads and the
level of expectation of the occupants.
Damping
Components can be added to the
building structure which act to reduce
vibration and deflection of the floor.
This is known as damping.
An important contributor to the
damping effect is the Strongback, a
solid timber member running
perpendicular to the joists. By
providing a solid connection between
adjacent joists, the movement of any
individual joist is reduced.
The improvements to the floor gained
by the installation of a Strongback are
dependent on its correct size,
position and fixture to the easi-joist.
Strongbacks are generally provided at
the centre of any span greater
than 4m.
Other floor damping components
include internal walls, resilient battens
and floor or ceiling coverings screwed
directly to the joists. Damping is
achieved by reducing the effective
area or by restraining the dynamic
action of the floor.
See page 16 for more details on
Strongbacks.
Multi-ply
easi-joist
Stair arrangement
Weights of building materials
Asphalt roofing
per layer
206 N/m2
Chipboard
18mm
140 N/m2
Chipboard
22mm
175 N/m2
Partition loads
Plasterboard
9.5mm
81 N/m2
It is the guidance of the EWP code of

practice that loading which allows for
the self-weight of non-load bearing
partitions shall always be applied to
the design of domestic floors using
easi-joists, irrespective of whether
non-load bearing partitions are
present on the floor.
Plasterboard
12.5mm
110 N/m2
Plasterboard
15mm
131 N/m2
Plasterboard
19.1mm
187 N/m2
Plywood
12mm
82 N/m2
Plywood
15mm
103 N/m2
Plywood
18mm
124 N/m2
Fibreglass insul
100mm
40 N/m2
Joist self-weight
600mm c/c
90 N/m2
Strongback, min 35 x 97
Typical Strongback detail
FLOOR DESIGN FACTORS
Typical minimum imposed uniformly distributed floor loads

This table presents a summary of the most common imposed loads taken from the full list given in the codes of practice
BS 6399-1 and BS EN 1991-1-1.
Type of
Examples of specific use
Uniformly distributed load
occupancy
(kN/m2)
1.
All usages within self-contained dwelling units and
BS 6399-1
BS EN 1991-1-1
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
2.0
2.0
communal areas (including kitchens) in blocks of

flats with limited use
2.
A: Domestic
and
(1, 2)
Bedrooms and dormitories except those in hotels

and motels
3.
residential
Bedrooms in hotels and motels

Hospital wards
Toilet areas
4.
Billiard rooms
2.0
2.0
5.
Communal kitchens except in flats covered by 1
3.0
3.0
above
B: Offices
and work
areas
(4)
6.
Operating theatres, x-ray rooms, utility rooms
2.0
2.0
7.
Work rooms (light industrial) without storage
2.5
2.5
8.
Offices for general use
2.5
2.5
9.
Banking halls
3.0
3.0
10. Kitchens, laundries, laboratories
3.0
3.0
11. Rooms with mainframe computers or similar
3.5
3.5
12. Machinery halls
4.0
4.0
13. Projection rooms
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
2.0
2.0
16. Reading rooms with no book storages
2.5
2.5
17. Classrooms
3.0
3.0
18. Corridors, hallways, aisles, stairs, landings, etc. in
3.0
3.0
19. Corridors, hallways, aisles, stairs, landings, etc.
Foot traffic 4.0
Foot traffic 4.0
in all other buildings including hotels, motels
Wheeled trolleys
Wheeled trolleys
5.0
5.0
equipment
14. Factories, workshops (general industrial)

C: Areas where
people may
15. Public, institutional and communal dining rooms ,

(3)
lounges, cafes and restaurants
congregate
C1: Areas with
tables
institutional type buildings (not subject to crowds

Areas without
or wheeled vehicles), hostels, guest houses,
obstacles for
residential clubs, and communal areas in blocks of
moving people
flats not covered by 1 above
and institutional
Notes
1
Communal areas in blocks of flats with limited use refers to blocks of flats of not more than three storeys and with not more than four self-contained dwelling units
per storey accessible from one staircase.
For communal area in other blocks of flats see C3 (refers to the continued section of Table 1 in BS 6399-1: 1996).
Where a dining room may also serve as an area for dancing refer to BS 6399-1 and BS EN 1991-1-1.
Imposed loads for storage areas within buildings of this occupancy type should be obtained from BS 6399-1 or BS EN 1991-1-1.
19
FLOOR DETAILING KEY
M6
M1
M2
(p 24)
G7
(p 24)
(p 24)
Waste pipe in first web opening
M4
(p 24)
G3
(p 22)
G4
(p 22)
Rim joist transfers load directly through floor zone

T6
(p 25)
No drilling required for pipework or wiring
Details on the pages following are grouped into:
20
General Floor Detailing: Details G1 to G12 (pp 22-23)
Floor Detailing in Masonry Construction: Details M1 to M6 (p 24)
Floor Detailing in Timber Frame Construction: Details T1 to T18 (pp 25-27)
T13
(p 27)
(p 23)
FLOOR DETAILING KEY
G8
(p 23)
Ducting routed through floor
T18 (p 27)
T8
(p 26)
Masonry shoes shot fired to steel beam
See page 8 for maximum service sizes
T17
(p 27)
G6
(p 22)
21
GENERAL FLOOR DETAILING
G1 Face Fix Hanger
G2 Strap Hanger
Multi-ply easi-joist
Insert timber block for

higher load values
Insert timber block for

higher load values
Wrap straps over

and nail behind
Hanger to suit
G3 Stair Opening with easi-joist
G4 Stair Opening with Binder

Packer
Top chord supported easi-joist
easi-joist trimmer
Hanger to
suit
Hanger to
suit
G5 Intermediate Support (on to block wall)
G6 Intermediate Support (on to stud wall)

Locate column directly over
support
Headbinder
Locate columns
directly over
support
22
Solid or composite
timber binder
GENERAL FLOOR DETAILING
G7 Strongback Lapping
G8 Strongback
Strongbacks must both be fixed

to 2 of the same easi-joist
Nail strongback to side

of easi-joist column
G10 Top Chord Support on to Steel
G9 Strongback Splice
Packers
Wallplate
600mm minimum timber
splice nailed with minimum
6/no. nails either side
Strongbacks butt
together between joists
Splice timber spans 2 easi-joists
G11 Joist on I-Beam with Hidden Support

Hidden top chord
support allows for
continuous ceiling
material
Timber packer fixed to steel
G12 Cantilevered Joists
It is the responsibility of the designer to

check the design of the joist to ensure
the bottom chord can be cut to allow
access to the beam
Continuous top chord
Flooring
Cantilever no more
than 1/3 internal span
Bottom chord can be cut on site
allowing access to supporting beam
Ceiling
23
FLOOR DETAILING IN MASONRY CONSTRUCTION
M1 Hangers with Noggins
M2 Bottom Chord Support Built In
Noggin
Noggin
easi-joist no more
than 6mm from
back of hanger
Z-Clip
M3 Top Chord Support Built In

Noggin
Z-Clip
Z-Clip
Continue masonry
between joists
M4 Lateral Restraint of Strongback

Strap fixed with min. 4/no.
nails up to third joist
Strongback
Restraint strap
M5 Lateral Restraint Bracing
M6 SVP with Trimmer
Strap fixed with min. 4/no. nails

up to third joist
97 x 35mm brace
nailed twice to
each joist
24
SVP
Trimmer built
into wall
Face fix hanger

Packer
Masonry hanger
FLOOR DETAILING IN TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION
T1 Internal Wall Lapped Joists
T2 Internal Wall Butted Joists
Optional
plywood splice
easi-joists take
full bearing
T3 Intermediate Support (on to stud wall)

Load bearing wall above
easi-joists
share
bearing
T4 Intermediate Support (on to stud wall)

Load bearing wall above
Solid or
EWP
blocking
panel
Studs positioned
beneath joists
Solid or
EWP
blocking
panel
Studs positioned
beneath joists
50mm maximum gap
T5 Bottom Chord Support with

Trimmable End and Rim Board

Rim Board Closure
Solid or EWP Rim Board
Solid or EWP Rim Board
easi-joist with single

end column and
trimmable end
25

Restraint Noggins

Full Height Blocking
Continuous restraint noggin

Full height Solid or EWP blocking
Sawn timber blocking

easi-joists take
full bearing
T9 Top Chord Support
easi-joists take
full bearing
T10 Top Chord Support with End Column

Packers
Packers
Top chord supported

easi-joists with
single end
column
Top chord fixed to

header binder
T11 Bottom and Top Chord Support with

EWP Rim Board
T12 Top Chord Support with

Double Rim Board
EWP Rim Board
Double Rim Board
easi-joists take partial bearing

top and bottom
26
easi-joists take top chord

bearing
T13 Top Chord Support on Ring Beam
T14 Proposed Arrangement for Timber

Frame Construction
72 x 47mm verge joist
Packers
Top chord fixed to ring beam
or header binder
Ring beam
Stud pack
38mm solid or EWP

rim board
Upper floor panel
Head binder
Extra columns
Sheathing
Adhesive bead
Decking
Plasterboard
T16 General Arrangement for Timber

Frame Construction

Frame Construction
Upper floor sole plate
Solid or EWP rim board

Stud pack
Lower floor panel
Sheathing

Upper floor panel
Upper floor panel

Head binder
Plasterboard batten
Decking
Solid or composite
timber rim board
Adhesive bead
Sheathing
Decking
Adhesive bead
Plasterboard
Plasterboard
Lower floor panel
Lower floor panel

Frame Construction
T18 Non-Loadbearing Wall Support Parallel

with Joists

Noggings at 600mm centres
38mm solid or EWP
rim board
Adhesive bead
Upper floor panel
Head binder
Sheathing
Sole plate nailed

to noggings
Decking
Decking
Z-Clip
Adhesive bead
Plasterboard
Plasterboard
Lower floor panel
27
METALWORK
Introduction
Metalwork items required for
easi-joist floor systems can be
obtained from either Cullen Building
Products or Simpson Strong-Tie and
are available in a variety of sizes to
suit the entire easi-joist range.
Timber Hangers
There are two main types of timber to
timber connection associated with
easi-joist floors trimmers supporting
onto easi-joists and trimmers
supporting onto solid timbers. In both
cases a trimmer itself could be either
solid timber or easi-joist .
Masonry Hangers (Cullen JHIR

range or Simpson JHM range)
Hangers are required to bear directly
onto masonry with a minimum crush
strength of 3.5N/mm2 which should
be extended to a minimum of 675mm
(3 block courses) above the hanger
and allowed to cure before loads are
applied.
The supported joist should finish no
greater than 6mm away from the face
of the hanger. Masonry hangers may
also be shot fired onto steel beams.
Double angled brackets which quickly

and securely locate and fix noggins to
top or bottom flanges without need to
stagger the noggins. Primarily used
for perimeter noggins or for noggins
supporting walls running parallel to
joists.
Joist Girder Screws (Cullen

Timberlok or Simpson SDS)
These are self-tapping coach screws
with a hexagonal head available in a
variety of lengths.
Drive into top and bottom chords at
maximum 600mm centres to fix joists
into a multi-ply girder.
Cullen UW / HW or Simpson
IUB / HIUB:
Both ranges are designed specifically
for easi-joist to easi-joist
connections but can also
accommodate solid or composite
timber as supported items. Hangers
are designed to suit the specific depth
of the supporting easi-joist and have
nail or screw holes aligned with both
top and bottom timber flanges.
Z Clips
Strap Hanger
Face Fix Hanger
Cullen KH / MHE range or Simpson

JHA / SAE range:
Joist hangers designed for solid timber
to timber connections which can also
accommodate easi-joists as
supported items. KH and JHA strap
hangers are versatile but have limited
flange depth making them unsuitable
for deeper joists. MHE and SAE face
fix hangers offer higher safe working
loads.
Z-Clip
Restraint Strap
Note
For all metalwork items, consult
manufacturers information for full
fixing details and safe working loads.
Restraint strap
Provides lateral restraint to the floor
system by creating a positive
connection between joists and parallel
end walls. The strap is made from
1.5mm galvanised steel 1.5m long and
is fixed in place with 3.75 dia. x 30mm
square twist nails. Straps should be
fitted at a maximum of 2m spacing
between joist support positions.
Additional parallel restraint straps (as
shown in photograph) are also
required every 2m unless the masonry
shoes provide restraint.
28
ROOF DETAILING
Introduction
Bracing:
easi-joists can easily be adapted to

create pitched roof structures as a
lighter, more insulating alternative to
solid sawn timber. By redesigning the
end column configuration, the
easi-joist system can be installed
onto a wallplate or ridge beam without
the need for a bevelled wallplate or
special metalwork item. This versatile
connection detail enables top and
bottom supports to accommodate a
range of bearing widths and can also
incorporate intermediate supports.
easi-joist roofs should be temporarily

braced longitudinally and diagonally
during erection.
Structural sarking is the preferred

method of providing racking
resistance for the roof structure,
however longitudinal and diagonal
bracing can also be used.
Using joists for roof structures requires

considering external loading factors
and more complex geometry at eaves
and ridges.
Tolerance at ridge
EWP ridge beam
Insulation
Plasterboard
Loading
Dead load should account for all
building materials in the roof structure
including ceiling linings and insulation.
Posted support onto

ridge beam
Ridge detail
Deflection is limited by BS 5268 to

0.003 times the span.
For roofs with pitch less than 30, a
man point load check (900 N) should
be applied to the centre of any span
as a short term load assuming no
imposed loading. For steeper pitches,
the load is assumed to be spread by
a roof ladder.
Fix overhang timber to top chord

Insulation
Min. 72mm timber after
birdsmouth cut
Decking
Wallplate
Snow
Rim board
Flat roof
Imposed (snow) load should be a

minimum of 750 N/m2 depending on
geographical location.
Pitched roof
Imposed (snow) load should be

minimum of 750 N/m2 until 30 pitch
whereupon it drops linearly to zero at
60 pitch.
Plasterboard
Eaves detail
Overhang from
min. 97mm timber
In order to calculate dead load, refer to

BS 648 Weights of Building Materials
or the roof covering manufacturers
literature.
Wind
If a structural engineer identifies that
the roof covering is not sufficient to
resist wind uplift (usually in the case of
light roof coverings at high elevations
with low pitches) then further measures
must be taken to vertically restrain the
joists to the wallplate. For example,
restraint straps may be used to anchor
the roof structure to the masonry.
29
NOTES ON INSTALLATION
DO ORIENT CORRECTLY
Joists are designed with a specific

top and bottom chord. Refer to joist
profile plots for correct orientation.
IMPORTANT
easi-joists are
manufactured as part
of the floor system as
a whole
Modification of joists
is strictly prohibited
DO NOT DRILL TIMBER
DO NOT CUT TIMBER
DO NOT EXPOSE TO
MOISTURE
DO NOT DAMAGE OR
REMOVE WEBS
DO NOT NOTCH TIMBER
DO USE WEB OPENINGS FOR

SERVICES
DO SPACE CORRECTLY
Refer to joist profile plots for

maximum joist spacing.
30
DO CUT TRIMMABLE ENDS IF

REQUIRED
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Handling:
The site manager or contractor will
be responsible for the handling of
easi-joists from the time of
unloading the delivery.
Avoid dropping, twisting or
subjecting easi-joists to heavy
impact.
Lifting joists
Do not use chains
or steel cable
Approx 50
Use fabric
sling only
Always lift easi-joists in the upright

position to prevent lateral distortion.
Use a fabric sling for lifting joists
and ensure even weight distribution.
Safety:
Installation:
Storage:
Use protective gloves when

manually handling easi-joists.
All joist are to be installed truly

vertical, parallel and top side up.
Refer to plans for joist weights,

remembering to account for multiply girders.
Refer to layout plans or profiles for

the correct orientation of the joist.
Storage time of easi-joists prior

to installation should be kept to a
minimum.
easi-joists should be left in bundles

and remain in packaging until used.
During such time, joists should be

kept dry, and laid horizontally in an
upright position, clear from the
ground. Bearers should be used
underneath web or column joints
to prevent distortion.
Joists are unstable until fully
braced or boarded. Do not walk or
store materials on an unrestrained
floor area.
Sheet materials stacked on the
easi-joist floor should not exceed
250mm in height and 150 kg per
joist. The stack must not extend
more than 1500mm from the edge
of the floor with its longest span
perpendicular to the joists.
Observe health and safety

regulations as set out by CDM2007.
Planning
Study layout drawings and plan
which section will be erected first,
starting from which end. Identify
girder joists and stair trimmer
which will need to be installed first
to provide support for others.
Check support conditions for all
joists ensuring all internal supporting
walls are present and that all
supporting masonry is cured.
Identify joists by reference number
and place them next to required
areas. (joists should not be moved
from dry storage until immediately
before erection)
Noggins, restraint straps, decking

and strongbacks should be properly
installed to the specification of the
manufacturer or designer.
Where masonry hangers are used,
ensure at least three courses of
blockwork or equivalent have been
laid and the mortar cured before
the floor is used.
Spacing and loading of easi-joists
must not exceed that stated in the
design.
Checking
Ensure all joists are fully bearing
on their supports, packing gaps if
necessary.
Check adjacent joists are level with
each other and the ends of the
joists form a straight line.
Stacking materials
250mm
1500mm
Health and Safety continued on page 32
31
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Temporary erection bracing

The builder is responsible for
identifying and minimising the risks
involved in erecting open-web joists to
ensure that the health and safety of
workers is maintained. Builders should
be aware of the health and safety
responsibilities imposed on them by
the Construction (Design and
Management) Regulations 2007.
Proper erection procedures and bracing
are vital to the safe construction of
open-web joist floors.
The following notes may assist builders
in preparing a safety assessment.
Un-braced joists may be unstable.
Do not allow anyone to walk on
un-braced joists.
Do not store building materials on
un-braced joists.
Open-web joists should be erected
straight and vertical.
Horizontal deviation : 10mm max.
Vertical deviation: 2mm max.
Temporary bracing comprises
diagonal brace, longitudinal brace
and permanent strongbacks.
All longitudinal braces, diagonal

braces, strongbacks and hangers,
should be completely installed and
fully nailed as detailed.
Lateral strength should be
provided by a diagonally braced
system across at least 3 joists as
shown in the temporary bracing
diagram. Additional braced and
blocked systems should be
provided at 12m spacing in long
joist runs.
Construction materials may only
be stored on joists when all
bracing is in place. The material
should be spread over at least 4
joists and not more than 1500mm
from a support. Floor/ceiling
boards may be stacked up to
250mm high (150 kg per joist at
600mm centres, 100 kg per joist at
400mm centres) on braced floors.
Strongback details
Fix 75 x 38mm (min) blocks to top and
bottom chords with 2.no. 65 x 3.35mm
wire nails. Insert strongback through
joists before fixing joists in position, as
it may not be possible to do this at a
later stage. Position strongback tight to
underside of top flange. Fix 97 x 35mm
(min) strongback to blocks with 2/no.
65 x 3.35mm wire nails.
Fix 97 x 35mm (min) strongbacks to

joists with 2/no. 65 x 3.35mm wire nails.
Flooring should be fully fixed to the

joists before additional loads are
placed on the floor.
Temporary bracing may be
progressively removed as decking
is fixed.
Extract taken from Code of Practice for Engineered
Wood Products
Construction materials shall only be stored in the

1.5m edge zone at one end of the joist only
1.5m max.
REMOVE SAFETY BRACING AS
DECKING PROCEEDS
Joists supported by masonry hangers

to have minimum 675mm cured
masonry above hanger level
or as advised by hanger
manufacturer
250mm
Nail all binders and braces to
each joist with 2/no. 65 x
3.35mm nails
2.4m max.
97 x 22mm diagonal brace

97 x 22mm longitudinal braces
connected to diagonal bracing
at one end of joist run
2.4m max.
Strongback bracing fixed as details above
72 x 47mm top chord restraint noggings
Temporary bracing
Decking can be laid in lieu of diagonal bracing
This diagram indicates temporary erection bracing only. It is applicable to both masonry and timber frame construction
32
Do not store construction

material close to trimmers
INDEX
Acoustic performance
Approvals
Benefits
Binder
Bracing
Checking
Company history
Connection details
Contents
Cullen
Damping
Dead loads
Definitions
Deflection
Design service
ETA
EWP
Features
Fire resistance
Floor cassettes
Floor makeup
General arrangement
Glossary
Ground floor
Handling
Hangers
HomeBond
IAB
Imposed loads
Industry associations
Installation
Insulation
Intermediate floors
Introduction
ITFMA
Ledgerlok
Loading
Masonry details
Material weights
Metalwork
10, 11, 12, 13

10
5
22
29, 32
31
2
22
3
28
18
18
6
16
35
4, 10
25, 26, 27
5
10, 11, 12, 13
9
10, 11, 12, 13
20, 21
34
17
31
22, 24, 28
4
4, 10
18
4
31
11, 13, 17
10, 12
5
4
28
14, 18, 19, 29
24
18
NHBC
Noggin
Partitions
Planning
Preservative
Product range
Resilient bars
Restraint strap
Rim board
Ring beam
Robust Details
Roof
Safety
SDS
Separating floors
Service class
Services
Simpson
Site
Sizes
Software
Span tables
Splicing
Stairs
Stiffness
Storage
Strongback
Support
Support conditions
SVP
Timber
Timber frame details
Timberlok
TRA
TRADA
Training
Treatment
UKTFA
Z-clip
4
24, 27
18
31
5
7
11
16, 24, 28
25, 26, 27
27
4, 11
29
31
28
10, 11, 13
17
8, 9
28
31
7
35
14, 15
16
18, 22
18
31
10, 12, 16, 23, 32
35
15
24
5
25, 26, 27
28
4
4
35
5
4
24, 27, 28
28
33
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Bearing
The area of a member receiving structural support.
Building Designer
The person responsible for the structural stability and integrity of the building as a whole.
Cantilever
The part of a structural member extending beyond the end support.
Chord
The horizontal timber members at the top and bottom of an easi-joist
Column
A vertical timber block fixed between the chords of an easi-joist.
Compartment Floor
Separating two dwellings and required to provide sound resistance and 1 hour fire resistance.
Compression Block
A vertical timber block fixed to the side of joists where substantial vertical loads are applied.
Dead Load
The load produced by the fabric of the floor structure.
Decking
Timber boarding providing the floor or roof surface.
Deflection
Vertical deformation due to loading.
Dwang
A structural member comprising of two chords with columns at set spacing.
Dwarf Wall
A load bearing timber frame wall of similar depth to the floor joists.
easi-joist
An engineered joist made from stress graded timber chords fixed with galvanised steel webs.
EWP
Engineered Wood Product - a man-made composite timber product.
Header Binder
Horizontal length of timber fixed onto the top rail of a timber frame panel.
Imposed Load
The load produced by the occupancy of a building including storage and inhabitants.
Intermediate Support
Structural support within the span of a joist.
Line Load
A UDL applied along a single line.
Live Load
Also known as IMPOSED LOAD.
Noggin
A horizontal timber block fixed between the chords of adjacent joists.
OSB
Oriented Strand Board - a composite product made from strands of wood and glue.
Partition Wall
Timber framed non-load bearing wall applying a load to the floor below.
Point Load
A force applied at a single position.
Rim Board
A product used on the perimeter of a building to enclose the floor structure.
Ring Beam
A structural beam used to distribute floor loads evenly to the walls below.
Services
Pipe work, ducting and cables laid within the floor zone.
Sheathing
OSB or plywood sheets nailed to timber frame panels to provide racking resistance.
Span
The overall length of a joist.
Strongback
A structural timber fixed perpendicular to a run of easi-joists to reduce deflection.
SVP
Soil Vent Pipe.
Trimmable End
Timber allowed for tolerance which can be removed without compromising the joist.
Trimmer
A structural member framing a floor opening.
UDL
Uniformly Distributed Load - either an area load (N/sq.m) or a line load (N/m).
Web
A diagonal galvanised steel strut fixed into the chords of an easi-joist with pressed nails.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this guide is supplied in good faith but without liability and its use is entirely at the discretion of the user
Version Date: December 2008
34
DESIGN AND SERVICES
Support
From our UK headquarters in Coventry,
Wolf Systems supports a network of
easi-joist manufacturers across the
UK and Ireland.
A team of highly trained and
experienced personnel provide
technical, practical and commercial
solutions for our manufacturers and
their customers.
We use the latest internet based
support packages together with
on-site support services to ensure
easi-joist manufacturers receive
comprehensive and relevant support
and assistance.
Software
easi-joist metalweb floor joists are
designed and detailed using computer

design software which is written by
Wolf Systems. We have extensive
knowledge of producing technically
expert user-friendly design software for
timber engineering applications and
our experience in this area is of proven
benefit to our customers and
manufacturers.
Design Service
Training
Wolf Systems also provides

manufacturers with a design service
for projects using easi-joist metal
web joists.
All licensed easi-joist manufacturers

receive training in the use of our
design software and good floor
design practice. This training takes
place in a dedicated training suite at
Wolf Systems offices.
Using the skills and experience of our

own in-house design team, Wolf
Systems offer a floor design service
from initial feasibility study to final
construction drawing and detailing.
This service assists the manufacturer,
contractor and client by providing all
the information necessary to achieve
a quickly and easily installed
easi-joist floor.
Manufacturers also receive ongoing

training to keep them up to date with
relevant building regulations and
technical issues as well as with
important advances in our design
software.
Additional training is provided for
manufacturers sales and service staff
to ensure they are aware of the
benefits easi-joist has over more
traditional flooring methods.
All of our software is written in the UK

for the UK and Irish markets, allowing
us to tailor our applications to meet the
demands of the local environment and
ensure easi-joist manufacturers have
the tools they need to quickly and easily
design and manufacture their products.
35

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THE COMPANY

Wolf Systems UK and

EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE

comprehensive interface found in the

Industry Associations, Standards and Compliance

The easi-joist System

floor joist systems. Not only

Properties and Performance

Strongbacks and Restraint Straps

added benefits of a greater

increasing valuable time and

Ground Floor Joists

Floor Design Factors

Floor Detailing Key

General Floor Detailing

Floor detailing in Masonry Construction

Design and Services

EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS, STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE

The UK Timber Frame

Standards and Compliance

Wolf ETA Certificate No. ETA-07/0032

EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE

The Irish Agrment

Wolf IAB Certificate No. 07/0280

easi-joist is recognised for use in

floor construction by the NHBC in the

THE EASI-JOIST SYSTEM

The easi-joist is a parallel chord truss

The Benefits of easi-joist

These chords are plated together

Open web design

The easi-joist combines the lightness

easi-joist is a precision designed and

The combination of smaller

manufactured floor system, created to

Handling and installation

Reduced site wastage

Long continuous spans, reducing

or eliminating the need for

The reduced timber section used

Light and easy to handle.

Trimmable ends to facilitate

Improved sound performance

installation where bearing support

The metal web floor system

Wide nailing surface making the

Improved floor performance.

EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE

THE EASI-JOIST SYSTEM

(See glossary for details on definitions)

Top chord splice

Bottom chord splice

EASI-JOIST TECHNICAL GUIDE

THE EASI-JOIST SYSTEM

(All dimensions in mm)

Single joist widths

47mm top and bottom timber chords.

Multi-ply joist widths