SmartFrame Subfloor 2011.pdf - Tilling Timber

SmartFrame 

Sub-Floor 

Design Guide 

HIGH AND DRY 

PRACTICAL 

STRAIGHT AND TRUE 

Sub-Floor 

System 

SERVICE FREINDLY 

COMFORTABLE 

STRONG 

Edition 1 

2011

SCOPE OF THIS PUBLICATION 

This Design Guide and Load Tables assist in 

the selection of SmartFrame product for 

the common structural arrangements for 

subfloors encountered in domestic 

construction. It is made up from extracts 

from the full Design Guide of each separate 

SmartFrame product, but reproduces and 

consolidates only those parts and sizes that 

relate specifically to sub-floor construction. 

Users should refer to the reference 

SmartFrame Design Guide for full fixing 

details, product use and characteristic 

strength properties. 

Methods of developing lateral restraint and 

providing adequate support, adequate 

anchorage against wind uplift, and overall 

structural stability are outside the scope of 

this publication. 

Information on the above matters can be 

obtained from AS1684 Residential timberframed 

construction or from a structural 

engineer experienced in timber 

construction. 

Tilling Timber Pty Ltd have structural 

engineers on staff who can be contacted 

for advice on matters concerning the use of 

its SmartFrame engineered timber products 

in timber construction by telephoning the 

SmartData Customer HelpLine on 1300 

668 690 or e-mail at 

smartdata@tilling.com.au. 

SUBSTITUTION OF OTHER PRODUCTS 

All load tables in this document are 

designed using the characteristic properties 

of SmartFrame product manufactured by 

quality Australian and overseas producers 

and distributed by Tilling Timber Pty Ltd. 

COPYRIGHT 

Copyright of this publication remains the 

property of Tilling Timber Pty Ltd, and 

reproduction of the whole or part of this 

publication without written permission from 

Tilling Timber Pty Ltd is prohibited. 

Information relating to CONCERTINA FOIL 

BATTS is reproduced with permission from 

Wren Industries Pty Ltd. No responsibility is 

accepted by Tilling Timber Pty Ltd for the 

accuracy of the stated R values, fixing 

methods or effects of installation of the 

FOIL BATTS. 

CERTIFICATION 

As a professional engineer, qualified and 

experienced in timber engineering, I certify that 

the use of the SmartLVL 15 members as 

shown in these tables, and installed in 

accordance with the provisions of this Design 

Guide, complies to the Building Code of 

Australia. These span tables have been 

prepared in accordance with standard 

engineering principles, the relevant test 

reports and Australian standards, ie: 

• AS 1684.1 Residential timber-framed construction 

• AS 1170.1 Structural Design Actions – Permanent Imposed 

and other actions 

• AS 1720.1 Timber Structures - Design Methods 

• AS 4055 Wind loads for Houses 

• AS/NZS 4357 Structural Laminated Veneer Lumber 

• AS/NZS 4063 Characterisation of structural timber 

CRAIG KAY PEng,EC-1961,RPEQ-5100, BPB0730, CC5635C, NPER 

National Product Manager - EWP 

SmartFrame Product Warranty* 

Tilling Timber warrants that it SmartFrame Engineered Wood products will be free 

from manufacturing defects in workmanship and material. 

In addition, provided the product is correctly installed and used, Tilling Timber warrants 

the adequacy of its design for the normal and expected life of the structure. 

This warranty is backed by the full resources of Tilling Timber, Pacific Woodtech Corporation 

and by underwritten product liability insurance. 

Tilling Timber Pty Ltd 

Head Office and Manufacturing 

31-45 Orchard Street 

Kilsyth Vic 3137 

Ph: +61 (0)3 9725 0222 Fax: +61 (0)3 9725 6569 

Email: smartdata@tilling.com.au 

*Abbreviated Warranty - for full warranty document see www.tilling.com.au 

SmartFrame Sub-floor Design Guide 1

THE MANY BENEFITS OF A SmartFrame SUB-FLOOR 

SUSTAINABILITY 

Anybody would think that sand, limestone, silica, iron oxide and alumina 

and steel mesh for concrete slabs “grew on trees” by the claims their 

proponents make regarding their “green” credentials. Trees are the 

ONLY renewable building material, and as they grow, they actually 

REDUCE the atmospheric greenhouse gas, Carbon dioxide. The same 

cannot be said for any of the other materials in a concrete slab. 


SUB-FLOORS ARE 

SERVICE FRIENDLY 

Under floor ducted heating is the quick method of heating your home, which reacts quickly 

to changing weather conditions. It is easy to run the heating system components under 

the floor, and even sight the heater unit out of site and away from harms way. Plumbing, 

water supply and electrical services can easily be accommodated under the floor, and 

unlike slabs, can be added to or altered during the life of the building. It is ONLY with a 

raised sub-floor that items such as water saving under floor rain and grey-water tanks or 

bladders can be fitted to either new or existing homes, allowing maximum usage of 

precious back yard space. 

TIMBER FLOORS 

LOOK AND FEEL 

WONDERFUL 

The look and feel of a solid timber floor system adds warmth and beauty to the whole 

house. Timber enhances the quality of your lifestyle. A polished timber floor is not only 

practical and easy to clean, but becomes part of your décor. 



COMFORTABLE 

SmartFrame sub-floors are easy on the legs because they act as a shock absorber, i.e. 

they have some “give’’. A person on their feet all day often experiences tiredness and 

sore limbs if they have been on hard surfaces all day. 


SUB-FLOORS 

REDUCE 

LANDSCAPING AND 

DRAINAGE COSTS 

SmartFrame sub-floors reduce the need for expensive and potentially damaging 

earthworks and drainage on building sites. By adopting the SmartFrame sub-floor 

construction, the preservation of waterways, natural water runoff, rock outcrops and 

other natural features can be assured. Further, underground water flows and evaporation 

of ground water is not disturbed. Unlike many other floor systems, SmartFrame sub-floors 

are the environmentally friendly alternative. 



HIGH AND DRY 

SmartFrame sub-floors on stump or pier systems are OFF the ground and away from 

damp. This greatly reduces the risk of rising damp and flash flooding. Living off the 

ground allows a continual airflow under the house to assist in maintaining a comfortable 

dry floor. A poorly protected or faulty slab can absorb moisture. Problems that may 

occur include moisture damage to external and internal cladding materials, carpets and 

other coverings. 



PRACTICAL 

SmartFrame sub-floors are easily adaptable to split level designs, with alterations and 

extensions able to be carried out with minimal disruption to the block. On sloping land a 

SmartFrame sub- floor can enable owners to create valuable under floor storage. Ideal for 

storing garden tools and even that wine collection. 


SUB-FLOORS and 

TERMITE CONTROL 

Termites love damp soil and can nest beneath a concrete slab. It is impossible to lift the 

slab to check and carry out regular inspections. SmartFrame H2 sub-floors built off the 

ground allow for regular inspections to detect any evidence of termites before they get 

into the home. 


GENERAL INFORMATION - ABOUT FLOOR PERFORMANCE 

The “feeling” that is identified when a person walks on a floor 

is very subjective. Some people want to feel a very stiff floor 

and others want some ”give” so that it softens the footing. 

When people say the floor “bounces”, it may be vibrating. 

This sensation is often caused by lack of dead load such as 

furniture, direct applied ceilings or other materials to absorb 

or dampen the vibration. 

The allowable spans shown in the tables of this manual have 

been designed to meet the strength and serviceability 

criteria in AS1684.1 . 

FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT FLOOR 

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE. 

• The choice of flooring system 

• The depth, stiffness and mass of the joists 

• Spacing of joists 

• Fixing of sheathing to joists 

• Stiffness and mass of floor sheathing 

• Mass and stiffness of ceiling materials 

• Method of installation 

• Location and type of internal partitions and furniture 

FACTORS THAT CAN IMPROVE FLOOR 

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE 

Glue-nailed floors will perform better than floors 

secured by nails alone. 

Deflection of the sheathing material between joists can 

be reduced by decreasing the joist spacing or using a 

thicker and/or stiffer sheathing. 

Proper installation is essential for dependable 

performance. Adequate and level support for the joists 

is necessary, as is correct fastening of the joists and 

sheathing. 

The installation of a ceiling to the bottom flange of the 

joists. 

Between joist blocking can provide some improvement 

to floor dynamic performance. It is emphasised that for 

between joist blocking to be effective, it is important 

that the blocking is continuous, this being easily 

achieved by the addition of a continuous bottom strap 

such as hoop iron strapping which is also attached to 

the end walls. 

If floor dynamic performance is a concern to either the 

client, designer or contractor, then the above variables can 

be altered to improve dynamic performance. Some stiff 

floors with very little dead load may tend to vibrate. This can 

generally be dampened by directly attaching the ceiling 

below the underside of the joists. Where there is no lining to 

the underside of the joists, it is recommended that between 

joist blocking be utilised to dampen this lightweight floor. 

If between joist blocking is to be used to improve floor 

dynamic performance, it is recommended that a blocking 

system (at least midspan, 1/3 points for large open rooms) 

similar to the one shown below should be adopted: 

BETWEEN JOIST BLOCKING FOR SmartJoists 

Floor sheeting glued AND nailed 

to joists and blocking 

SmartJoist between joist blocking, 

skew nailed with 2.8 x 60 mm nails. 

0.91 x 25 mm galvanised mild steel strap 

fastened to joists, blocking panels and END 

WALLS with 40 x 2.5 mm galvanised nails. 

SmartJoist 

floor joists 

DEEP JOIST BLOCKING OF SmartLVL 

AND TEMPORARY SUPPORT TO PREVENT 

JOIST ROLLOVER DURING 

CONSTRUCTION 

D 

W 

End trimmer to 

all cantilever 

joists 

Temporary restraint 

to link top edge of 

joists during 

construction 

W 

Temporary restraint to 

link top edge of joists 

during construction 

D 

3.6 metre maximum spacing of blocking 

pairs with temporary top edge restraint 

Additional temporary restraint 

to link top edge of joists and 

blocking pairs at a maximum 

of 3.6 m centres during 

construction for joists 

with D/B > 6 


Design/Effective span 

Normal structural analysis uses the centreline representation of the member. The term “span” can be defined in a number of ways and 

these are defined as follows: 

Clear span. This is the distance between the faces of any support. It is generally the one easiest to measure and read from the drawings 

Nominal span/centre-line span. This is the distance between the centre of the supports. This span is used to determine bending moments 

and deflections for continuous spaning SmartJoist members 

Design span/Effective span. This is the span used for single span members to determine the bending moment, the slenderness of 

bending members and the deflections. In AS 1720.1, this is the dimension referred to as “L”, and is defined below. 

Design span/Effective span is the distance between - 

• The centre of the bearing at each end of a beam where the bearing lengths have NOT been conservatively sized 

• The centre of notional bearing that have been sized appropriately, where the size of the bearing IS conservative. 

Diagram (a) shows beam where bearings have been designed appropriately. The effective span is taken as the distance between the centre of each bearing area 

Clear span (Distance between face of supports) 

Effective span (design span L) 

Diagram (b) shows beam where bearings at each end have been oversized. (This is frequently the case for beams that bear onto brickwork or concrete 

walls where the thickness of the wall is in excess of the area required to give the beam bearing capacity). 

To find the correct effective span: 

1. Calculate the minimum bearing required to carry the loads satisfactorily 

2. Add minimum bearing length to “clear span” distance 

Effective span (design span) L 

Clear span (Distance between face of supports) 

Centre-line span (distance betweeen centres of supports) 

Area of support 

required for 

bearing 

Length of 

Effective 

bearing 

Length of original 

bearing (oversized) 

span Difference Effective span Resultant span description 

10% Max Main span Continuous 

10 – 30% 1.1 x Main span Continuous 

Above 30% difference Main span Single 


5 STAR ENERGY RATING AND SmartFrame SUB-FLOORS 

The introduction of the 5 Star Energy Rating Standard on 1 

July 2004 in Victoria means that all new homes in Victoria 

will now be more energy and water efficient, this measure 

designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reducing 

our demand upon precious water resources. 5 star homes 

should also save home owners money on their heating, 

cooling and water bills. 

The process of achieving a 5 Star rating is quite flexible, and 

while there is no single formula for obtaining a specific 

energy rating, a range of features can be used. These 

include: 

i. Building orientation 

ii. Wall/ceiling insulation 

iii. Window type 

iv. Size 

v. Positioning 

vi. Shading and thermal performance 

vii. Floor products/insulation 

There has been a popular misconception that homes with 

raised timber floors cannot achieve the 5 Star standard. 

This is incorrect, houses with timber floors can meet the 

standard. This means that you can continue using this 

traditional, easy, and often more cost effective mode of 

construction while enjoying the benefits that SmartFrame 

sub-floors offer. 

The approach to successfully designing an energy efficient 

lightweight house with timber flooring will be different to the 

approach that works best for a design with high thermal 

mass, such as double brick on a slab floor. 

Good building practice suggests that draughts should be 

minimised wherever possible. Typically, R3.2 ceiling and R2 

wall insulation levels may be needed. 

Good window design is important for all 5 Star houses, 

particularly those with timber sub-floors. 

• To minimise heat uptake in summer, east or west 

facing windows may need to be shaded from the 

summer sun with eaves or blinds. 

• For winter, a number of energy efficient options 

are available: 

i. Thermally improved windows for some or all 

windows. This included the choice of window 

frames used and/or the type of glass. For 

example, double-glazing can drastically 

reduce heat loss. Using double-glazing also 

overcomes the need to reduce window sizes 

particularly on south facing windows. 

ii. Maximise north facing glass to increase 

winter heat build up, provided it is shaded in 

summer with awnings or blinds. 

Tailoring the design to the site and orienting the house to 

make use of the winter sun are also particularly useful in 

achieving an energy efficient 5 Star outcome. 

This document is not intended to be an exhaustive reference 

on the 5 Star standard, but is intended to give advice on 

what Total R-values (R T ) a SmartFrame sub-floor system 

correctly fitted with certified insulation systems will provide. 

For general information please visit http:// 

www.5starhouse.vic.gov.au/5_star_house_know.htm 

For more information on the 5 Star building regulations visit 

the Building Commission website at 

www.buildingcommission.com.au or call 1300 360 380. 

For more information about designing a 5 Star house and 

energy rating training and accreditation, visit the 

Sustainable Energy Authority website at 

www.sustainability.vic.gov.au or call 1300 363 744. 

For specific information on the insulation of timber subfloors, 

refer to FWPR&DC Project No PR05.1014 

“Insulation solutions to Enhance the Thermal Resistance of 

Suspended Timber Floor Systems in Australia” available from 

www.timber.org.au. 


5 STAR ENERGY RATING AND SmartFrame SUB-FLOORS 

To enable designers of SmartFrame sub-floor systems to 

assign Total R-value R T the floor for input into energy rating 

programs or manual calculations, Tilling have complimented 

their SmartFrame floor systems with the certified CONCER- 

TINA FOIL BATTS TM insulation system developed and marketed 

by Wren Industries Pty Ltd. 

TECHNICAL SUPPORT 

Because of the importance that Tilling’s place on the provision 

of expert technical support for their SmartFrame range 

of Engineered Timber Products, designers of sub-floor systems 

are free to contact the SmartData customer helpline 

on 1300 668 690 or at smartdata@tilling.com.au to seek 

advice on how to use the Total R-values R T in this Design 

Guide with energy rating software. 

Designers are also recommended to visit 

www.wpv.org.au/5star and download the excellent PDF 

“Timber - more than a 5 star energy solution” 

For further information specifically related to the CONCERTINA FOIL BATTS, contact Wren Industries Pty Ltd on 

(03) 9532 5855, or email info@concertinafoilbatts.com. 

Website: www.concertinafoilbatts.com LINK - Thermal Performance 


CONCERTINA FOIL BATTS TM - SUB-FLOOR 

QUICK AND EASY TO INSTALL 

EASY TO RETROFIT 

Total R-value of the structure (R T ) is the sum of all component R-values, including the internal airspaces and the surface air films 

on either side of the structure. NB: Framing timbers are excluded from the Total R-value (R T ), as per AS/NZS 4859.1:2002. 

SUB - FLOOR - SmartFrame JOISTS 

ENCLOSED BUILDING PERIMETER 

SFREBP-1 

SUB - FLOOR - SmartJOIST 

ENCLOSED BUILDING PERIMETER 

SFREBP-2 

Brick veneer walls and/or close weave shade cloth behind base boards. 

Brick veneer walls and/or close weave shade cloth behind base boards. 

Perforated CONCERTINA FOIL BATT 

for floors - Over-lapped and stapled 

MIN 90 mm 

depth SmartFrame 

LVL floor joists 




SJ200 & SJ240 

I-Joists 

Non ventilated 

air-space MIN 90 mm 


air-space 90 mm 

Non - 

ventilated 

air-space 

(still air) 

soil 

SmartFrame LVL bearer 

Stumps 

WINTER R T 

R T 3.0* 

SUMMER 

R T 1.5 


air-space 

(still air) 

soil 

Stumps 

WINTER 

R T 3.0* 

SUMMER 

R T 1.5 

Adapted from Wren Industries Pty Ltd.- TF1 from WREN DD-1 

To view WREN DD-1 see www.concertinafoilbatts.com 

LINK Thermal Performance 




SUSPENDED FLOOR - RED ALERT JOISTS 

OPEN BUILDING PERIMETER WITH 

CLOSED JOIST CAVITIES 

SFROBP-1 

SUSPENDED FLOOR - SmartJoist 

- OPEN BUILDING PERIMETER 

WITH CLOSED JOIST CAVITIES 

SFROBP-2 



Non ventilated 50 mm 

Non ventilated 50 mm 

Ventilated sub-floor air-space 

Continuous lining material to create a 

still air joist cavity (with small gaps or 

perforation holes for drainage and breathing) 

Examples - standard RFL roll foil - foil 

side down or fibre cement sheet 

Minimum of 100 mm 

depth SmartFrame 

LVL floor joists 

WINTER 

R T 2.8* 

SUMMER 

R T 1.2 




air-space 100 mm 


air-space 

Ventilated sub-floor air-space 

Continuous lining material to create a 

still air joist cavity (with small gaps or 

perforation holes for drainage and breathing) 

Examples - standard RFL roll foil - foil 

side down or fibre cement sheet 


SJ200 & SJ240 

I-Joists 

WINTER 

R T 2.8 * 

SUMMER 

R T 1.2 







* R T value is dependent upon depth of non-ventilated airspace. For R T values for alternative joist depths, contact Wren Industries Pty Ltd 

Perforated CONCERTINA FOIL 

BATTS TM allow moisture 

drainage and maximum 

breathing of timber flooring, 

and combined with still 

airspaces, produce high and 

consistent thermal 

performance, reflecting 97% 

of radiant heat back to the 

floor. 

FOIL BATTS do not absorb 

or retain heat and therefore 

do not create warm cosy 

nesting environments for 

rodents or pests. 

“BREATHING” AIRSPACES 

ALLOWS GLUEING OF SHEETING 


CONCERTINA FOIL BATTS TM 

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS - FLOORS* 

1) Staple FOIL BATTS 90mm down on sides of floor joists (approx. 6 staples) with a maximum airspace 

depth of 100mm to achieve the maximum R-value for winter. FOIL BATTS are expanded creating a 

shallow concertina profile and held taut with staple in flange corners, to minimise sagging. With 

narrow joist centres gather up excess folds. For 200mm “I” beams, FOIL BATTS are stapled at 100mm 

depth. FOIL BATTS are self supporting. 

2) Overlap adjoining FOIL BATTS by a minimum 50 mm. No cutting is needed. Sealed overlaps are not 

necessary as heat flow is downward radiation in winter, ie. there is no convective winter heat loss from floors 

(refer 7 still air). 

3) FOIL BATTS to be installed as flooring is laid and not be exposed to wind or rain. Open joist ends 

should be covered if necessary for protection from wind and rain during construction, eg dampcourse type 

material. Install FOIL BATTS preferably after electrical, plumbing and ductwork are completed. 

4) Upward FOIL BATT surface is clean, bright and free of all sawdust and debris to obtain best thermal 

performance, i.e. level the tops of joists first before fitting FOIL BATTS, then fit the flooring. 

5) Drainage. FOIL BATTS perforations are specifically designed for platform sheet flooring, where roof is not on. 

Holes are in concertina valleys to allow quick draining of any rain penetrating the floor during construction, as 

well as any moisture formed by possible condensation (low risk generally). 

6) Timbers can breathe because of FOIL BATTS deep airspaces and unsealed overlaps. Be aware that alternative 

insulations will require substantial perforations for drainage and breathing. 

7) Still air. The stated Total R-values are dependent on the creation of still air and zero air velocity beneath timber 

floors for both the airspace above and below FOIL BATTS. 

Enclosed building perimeters achieve this still air with: 

(i) Brick veneer or cavity brick construction – automatically creates still air. Ventilator plates are 

too small to permit high air speed entry and exit. 

(ii) Weatherboard or fibro-cement cladding – minimise gaps between base boards and fix black 

close-weave shade cloth behind boards as a wind break. No air speed. 

Open building perimeters (eg pole frame houses) require a perforated floor joist underlining to create still 

air and ensure breathing and drainage (eg building paper/foil). With 100 mm joists, create two 50 mm 

FOIL BATT airspaces which are surrounded by still air. 

8) Existing Floors. Perforated or non-perforated FOIL BATTS can be used. If there is a risk of 

condensation, then ensure that perforation holes are closest to the ground by reversing the folds of the 

stapling flanges. 

9) Coverage. In winter under floor insulation does not require a 100% complete coverage, eg FOIL BATTS do 

not need to make a tight or close fit around ductwork. 

10) Electrical Safety: Ensure all health and safety precautions are taken when stapling Concertina FOIL BATTS in 

close proximity to electrical cabling. Aluminum foil has the ability to conduct electricity, and incorrect installation 

will provide a safety risk. If in doubt consult a qualified electrician. For further information contact Wren 

Industries. 

(i) New house construction: In new house construction and renovations it is typical that there is no preexisting 

electrical cabling fixed to sides of floor joists, and therefore it is safe to use metal staples for 

fixing fibre batt or foil insulations such as Concertina FOIL BATTS between joists. 

(ii) Retrofit insulation: Where electrical cabling exists and fitted to sides of floor joists, simply position 

Concertina FOIL BATTS above or below cabling to avoid potential conduction. 

For detailed Installation Instructions, refer to www.concertinafoilbatts.com 

* Fixing instructions for FOIL BATTS TM are an extract from the Wren DD1 document. Tilling Timber accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions 

in the fixing details and any responsibility whatsoever in the use of FOIL BATTS in general. 

FOIL BATTS are expanded creating a shallow concertina 

profile and held taut with staple in flange corners, 

to minimise sagging. 

JOISTS 

Staple in flange corner to make FOIL BATTS taut 

50 mm 

Overlap 

STAPLE POSITIONING 

Leaves timber 

free for glue 

STAPLING 

INSTALLED 


DURABILITY AND EXPOSURE TO MOISTURE 

SmartLVL is manufactured from softwood species which 

has a durability rating of class 4, which is the same rating 

as some Ash type Eucalypts. Untreated SmartLVL should 

not be used where the equilibrium moisture content is likely 

to remain above 20% for an extended period. 

Untreated SmartLVL is suitable in the internal, fully protected, 

ventilated and the external above ground, protected 

zones of the structure as shown below. Untreated 

SmartLVL is not suitable for external above ground, exposed 

or humid indoor conditions, such as swimming pool enclosures. 

DEFINITIONS OF EXPOSURE CLASSIFICATIONS 

The table below shows the moisture content of LVL as a 

function of humidity. 

Moisture content of wood products % 1 

Relative Humidity % 

LVL MC 

10 1.2 

20 2.8 

30 4.6 

40 5.8 

50 7.0 

60 8.4 

70 11.1 

80 15.3 

90 19.4 

1. Approx moisture content at 21 0 C 

1. DIMENSIONAL CHANGE 

* External timbers are regarded as protected in AS 1684 if they are covered by a 

roof projection (or similar) at 30° to the vertical and they are well detailed and 

maintained (painted and kept well ventilated). 

MOISTURE EFFECTS ON LVL 

SmartLVL is supplied WITHOUT any short term construction 

sealer, but once framed into a structure may be exposed to 

the weather for a limited time (not greater than 3 months) 

without negative affect, BUT, it may exhibit some effects of 

this exposure. 

SmartLVL, like all wood products, is hygroscopic, which 

means it has an affinity for water. SmartLVL will readily take 

up and release moisture in response to changes in the local 

environment. Moisture exposure will lead to dimensional 

change. While the products will withstand normal exposure, 

excessive exposure during distribution, storage or construction 

may lead to dimensional changes that affect serviceability. 

These changes include cupping, bowing or expansion to 

dimensions to beyond the specified tolerance of the product 

in the “as-manufactured” condition. 

Individual members of a vertically laminated multi member 

may exhibit some cupping if water becomes trapped between 

the laminates. This cupping produces more of a visual 

and possible fixity problem rather than being structurally 

significant. If not properly dried out, this moisture between 

laminated members may lead to decay. To prevent this effect, 

use construction details as shown in full SmartLVL 

Design Guides. 

As an organic material, mold and mildew may grow on untreated 

wood products if moisture is present. Prolonged 

periods of high moisture may also support the growth of 

wood decay fungi, which is another reason to follow proper 

methods of storage and handling of LVL. 

SmartLVL will shrink and swell in proportion to changes in 

their moisture content between 0 and 28 % fibre saturation 

point. The most significant moisture movement will occur 

across the grain (tangential and radial directions within a 

log). Longitudinal (movement in the grain direction) may be a 

factor depending upon the type of structure . Detailing of 

SmartLVL to be used where moisture contents will cycle 

should allow for dimensional instability. 

The amount of dimensional change in a piece of LVL due to 

changes in moisture content can be APPROXIMATED by the 

following formula: 

ΔD = D i S (MC i - MC f )/FSP 

Where: 

ΔD = change in dimension 

D i = Initial dimension 

S = Shrinkage coefficient = approximately 6% 

MC i = Initial moisture content 

MC f = final moisture content 

FSP = fibre saturation point approximately 28% 

E.g. 200 x 42 LVL 15 with MC change from 12-18 % 

- Increase in breadth (thickness) 0.5 mm 

- Increase in depth 2.6 mm 

2. CHANGE IN CHARACTERISTIC STRENGTHS 

Changes in moisture content in wood results in changes in 

mechanical properties, with higher properties at lower moisture 

contents. Estimates of the effect of moisture differentials 

on the properties of clear wood may be obtained by the 

following equation: 

P = P 

12 

 

 

P 

Pg 

12 

Where: 

P= Characteristic property at moisture content 

P 12 = same Characteristic property at 12% moisture content 

P g = same Characteristic property for Green wood 

M p = Intersection moisture content = 24% for Doug Fir 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12−M 

Mp 

−12 

 

 

 

 

 

 


DURABILITY AND EXPOSURE TO MOISTURE (Cont’d) 

The APPROXIMATE affect upon key Characteristic Properties 

of LVL by changes in MC are outlined in the table below: 

Characteristic Property 

Reduction in Characteristic Strength at % MC 

14 16 18 20 22 24 

MOE (Stiffness) E 3.3 6.5 9.7 12.7 15.6 18.4 

MOR (Bending) F'b 8.4 16.1 23.1 29.6 35.5 40.9 

Compression perpendicular 

to grain 

Compression parallel to 

grain 

f'p 9.9 18.9 27.0 34.2 40.8 46.7 

F'c 11.0 20.7 29.4 37.2 44.1 50.2 

Shear f's 6.6 12.8 18.6 24.0 29.0 33.7 

The design Characteristic properties of SmartLVL can therefore 

be considerably reduced by severe increase in MC of 

the LVL. 

If the SmartLVL is being built into structures (such as Prefabricated 

trusses) that are: 

1. Likely to experience large increase in MC due to 

weather exposure or stored on the ground 

2. Likely to be loaded to at/or close to design loads 

while in the high MC state 

then the reduced Characteristic Strengths as detailed above 

NEED to be used in the design or members may require 

temporary propping. 

Once covered, the SmartLVL will ultimately dry and reequilibrate 

to the ambient humidity conditions, but some 

expansion or swelling will remain after re-drying. 

3. DESIGN FOR DURABILITY 

Design & Construction detailing tips 

i. The use of building overhangs and other structures 

which protect the beams from excessive moisture movement 

and sun exposure. 

ii. All beams should be provided with adequate ventilation 

so that moisture content within beams will not exceed 

15% and moisture gradients across the beam will not 

occur. 

iii. The use of arrised or round edges on beams to reduce 

the likelihood of coating failures on sharp edges. 

iv. The use of drip edges or other devices which provide a 

path for free moisture flow away from the timber beam. 

v. Joint detailing should, wherever possible, comply with 

the following: 

· Keep horizontal contact areas to a minimum, in 

favour of self draining vertical surfaces. 

· Ventilate joint surfaces by using spacers, wherever 

possible. 

· Always use compatible fasteners which have 

adequate corrosion protection and do not cause 

splitting during installation e.g. hot dipped galvanic 

coatings or stainless steel. 

· Ensure any moisture entering a joint is not 

trapped but can adequately drain away from the 

joint. 

vi. Allow for thermal expansion/contraction in the joint design. 

HAZARD CLASS SELECTION GUIDE 

HAZARD 

CLASS 

H1 † 

EXPOSURE 

Inside, above ground 

SPECIFIC SERVICE CONDITIONS 

Completely protected from the weather and 

well ventilated, and protected from termites 

BIOLOGICAL 

HAZARD 

Lyctid borers 

TYPICAL USES 

Interior beams, staircases, 

stringers 

H2 

Inside, above ground Protected from wetting. Nil leaching Borers and termites Interior beams, staircases, 

trusses, joists 

H3 

Outside, above ground 

Subject to periodic moderate wetting and 

leaching 

Moderate decay, 

borers and termites 

Exterior beams 

† The timber species in SmartLVL13 are not susceptible to Lyctid Borer attack. 

* Suitable for use South of the Tropic of Capricorn ONLY 

SMARTGUARD ® LOSP TREATMENT 

SmartLVL can be supplied glue-line H2S treated or Smart- 

Guard ® LOSP treated to either H2 or H3 hazard class levels, 

as per AS/NZS 1604.4. To maintain effective treatment 

it is a requirement that any cuts, notches or penetrations 

made in LOSP treated LVL be painted with a suitable 

“brush/spray on” preservative. 

(Note: Water borne treatment processes are NOT suitable 

for SmartFrame EWP). The hazard class number selected 

is based upon the specific exposure condition for the proposed 

end use of the SmartLVL 15, as shown in the table 

above. 

A more comprehensive Hazard Class Table is available in 

AS/NZS1604.4, but it is NOT recommended that 

SmartLVL 15 be used in end uses with exposures requiring 

treatment in excess of H3. 

Experience is showing that LOSP treated timber in the external 

above ground, exposed (H3 Hazard Class) may experience 

some leaching of the active ingredients of the LOSP 

treatment. To minimize the possibility of timber degradation 

in these situations, it is recommended that SmartGuard H3 

treated LVL15 NOT be used where the surface is horizontally 

exposed AND unprotected from water entrapment OR 

where post-treatment protection cannot be maintained. 

Post treatment protection may include: 

(i) Protectadeck TM high density water proof joist/ 

bearer cover or malthoid capping 

and 

(ii) An impervious membrane such as regularly maintained 

painting or staining. 

(iii) Construction detailing to prevent water entrapment. 


SMARTGUARD ® LOSP TREATMENT (Cont’d) 

H3 treated SmartLVL is NOT recommended for fascias, 

pergolas or other similar external above ground, exposed 

applications due to mechanical degradation of the wood 

fibre causing checking and cracking which is both aesthetically 

unacceptable and allows ingress of water to inner veneers. 

FASTENERS FOR SmartGuard H3 LVL 

For SmartGuard H3 LVL to be used in exposed exterior 

applications, it is recommended that either hot dipped galvanised 

or stainless steel fasteners are used. 

PAINTING of SmartGuard ® LOSP TREATED SmartLVL 15 

Wait until excess solvents have evaporated and timber is 

dry. The pressure of the solvent (white spirits) from the 

LOSP treatment may affect the drying and hardening of 

paints if there has been insufficient evaporation time after 

the treatment. It is strongly recommended that the treated 

timber is left to recondition for at least 7 days in the end 

use situation before painting. 

One coat of premium quality primer as a minimum should be 

applied to all surfaces prior to erection of beam and to any 

cuts or holes drilled. If the first coat of primer, sealant paint 

or stain fails to dry or adhere within the time expected, do 

not proceed to any further coats until the first coat has 

achieved satisfactory dryness and adhesion. If the first coat 

fails to dry it may be necessary to strip back to bare timber 

and allow it to weather for another week or two. 

1. Paint 

a. Exterior solid colour acrylic finish. One coat of oil based 

primer followed by one or two coats of the exterior acrylic 

finish as required. 

Or 

b. Exterior solid colour oil based enamel. One coat of oil 

based primer followed by one coat of oil based under-coat 

(if required) then two coats of the oil based enamel. 

2. Stains 

Exterior semi-transparent or solid colour penetrating oil 

based stain or similar. Two or three coats of the stain as 

required or recommended by the manufacturer. 

SMARTGUARD H3 BEARERS AND JOISTS 

SmartGuard H3 treated bearer and joists are a common application for treated SmartLVL. 

H3 treated or naturally durable species decking. 

(LOSP treatment is NOT recommended for 

decking members) 

Protectadeck or malthoid waterproof 

capping to prevent water ponding on 

SmartGuard H3 treated joists and bearers. 

NOTE: It is a requirement that 

any cuts, notches or penetrations 

made in LOSP treated LVL 

be painted with a suitable 

“Brush /spray on” preservative 

SmartGuard H3 treated and painted* LVL 

external deck joists and bearers. 

Recommended proprietary top protection for bearers and joists 

H3 treated or Natural Durability 

class 1 or 2 (sapwood removed) 

decking 

* Painting as per “Painting of SmartGuard LOSP Treated SmartLVL 

15” above 

Protectadeck or 

similar impervious 

membrane to 

prevent water 

ponding on joist 

Recommended Fastening to 

SmartLVL Deck Joists. 

Skew deck 

nails slightly 

to cross 

multiple veneers 

(Galvanised helical 

threaded nails or 

screws) 

H3 treated 

SmartLVL 

joists 


Table of Contents 

RED ALERT 

H2s Treated LVL Bearers & Joists 

PAGES 13 - 14 

• Coloured red for easy identification 

• Sizes 100 x 45, 100 x 63, (100 x 75 - NSW Only) 

• Lengths 3.6 - 9.6m (up to 12.0 m on request) 

• 25 year treatment warranty (conditions apply) 

SmartLVL 15 

Untreated, H2s,H2 and H3 treated LVL 

Bearers & Joists 

PAGES 15 - 22 

• Treated LVL is clearly marked for easy identification 

• Depths from 90 to 525 mm (Only 90, 130 & 150 reproduced below) 

• Lengths up to 12.0 metres in 300 mm increments 

• 25 year treatment warranty on H2 treated product (conditions apply) 

SmartJoist 

H2S and H2 treated I-Joists 

PAGES 23 - 26 

• Depths from 200 to 400 mm Lengths up to 12.0 metres in 300 mm 

increments 

• 25 year treatment warranty on treated product (conditions apply) 

A graphic 

illustration of just 

one of the key 

advantages of a 

suspended timber 

floor. 

Ask our Design 

Team to design your 

sub-floor to 

accommodate your 

storage needs 

Photo courtesy of 

NEW WATER PTY LTD 

www.newwater.com.au 


RED ALERT 

H2s Treated LVL Bearers & Joists 

• Coloured red for easy identification 

• Sizes 100 x 45, 100 x 63 

• (100 x 75 NSW ONLY) 

• Lengths 3.0 - 9.6 m (up to 12.0 m on request) 

• 25 year treatment warranty (conditions apply) 

• Permatek 1998 Glue-line H2s treatment as per AS/NZS 1604.4. Suitable for use South of the 

Tropic of Capricorn only 

• Timber Marketing Act 1977 (NSW) (Section 20) Approval No. 916 74 H2. 

FLOOR JOISTS SUPPORTING FLOOR LOADS ONLY 

Bearer 

Joist span 

Floor Joist 

Spacing 

Example: 

Domestic floor loads 

Single span 

Joist spacing = 450 mm 

Joist span = 1700 mm 

Enter single span table at 450 mm in joist 

spacing column, read down to a span equal to 

or greater than 1700 mm 

SmartFrame Red Alert: 100 x 45 

NOTES: 

Joist Spacing (mm) 300 450 600 300 450 600 

Member Size 

(DxB) mm 

Maximum single span (mm) 

Maximum Continuous span (mm) 

100 x 45 1950 1750 1650 2600 2100 1900 

1. D = member depth, B = member breadth, NS = not suitable. 

2. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. 

3. For beams which are continuous over two unequal spans, the design span and the ‘resultant span description’ depend upon the percentage span differences 

between the two spans as shown on page 23 

4. It is recommended that floor sheeting or boards be glued to Red-Alert with either Fuller Max Bond Pro or Max Bond Fast Grip 


FLOOR BEARERS SUPPORTING JOIST LOADS ONLY 

Bearer supporting 

joist loads only 

Floor joist 

Example: 

domestic floor loads 

single span = 1600 

floor load width = 1750 mm 

Enter single span table at 1800 mm in floor load 

width column, read down to a span equal to or 

greater than 1600 mm 

Floor 

load 

width 

Bearer span 


NOTES: 

Floor Load width mm 1200 1800 2400 3600 4800 6000 

Member Size span span span span span span 

(DxB) mm Maximum allowable SINGLE span (mm ) 

100 x 63 1800 1600 1450 1250 1100 1000 

100 x 75* 1950 1700 1550 1350 1200 1100 

Maximum allowable CONTINUOUS span (mm ) 

100 x 63 2250 1950 1750 1500 1350 1200 

100 x 75* 2350 2050 1900 1650 1450 1300 


2. The above table was based on a maximum DL of 40 (kg/m 2 ) + 0.6 kPa of LL, floor Live load of 1.5 (kPa), floor Point load of 1.8 (kN) 

3. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. Subscript values indicate the minimum additional 

bearing length where required to be greater than 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports 

* 4. Available *Product in NSW available ONLY in NSW ONLY 

FLOOR BEARERS SUPPORTING ROOF VIA SINGLE OR UPPER 

STOREY LOADBEARING WALLS - Wind Classification: N1 - N3 

Example: 

Roof load width 

Load 

bearing 

wall 

Bottom plate 

Single or 

Upper storey 

bearer 

Floor joists 

sheet roof - 40 kg/m 2 

roof load width = 1450 mm 

bearer span = 1500 mm 

Floor load width = 1500 mm 

Enter single span table at 1500 mm in floor 

load width column, 1500 roof load width column, 

read down to a span equal to or greater 

than 1500 mm in the 40 kg/m 2 row. 


Bearer span 

Floor load width 

Floor Load Width (mm) 900 1200 1500 

Roof Load Width (mm) 1500 3000 5000 1500 3000 5000 1500 3000 5000 

Member Size (DxB) mm Roof Mass (kg/m 2 ) Maximum Allowable SINGLE span (mm) 

100 x 63 

100 x 75* 

40 1450 1350 1250 1400 1300 1200 1350 1250 1200 

90 1300 1150 1000 1300 1150 1000 1250 1100 1000 

40 1550 1450 1300 1500 1400 1300 1450 1350 1250 

90 1400 1250 1100 1350 1200 1050 1350 1200 1050 

NOTES: 

100 x 63 

100 x 75* 

Maximum allowable CONTINUOUS span (mm) 

40 2000 1850 1650 1900 1800 1650 1850 1750 1600 

90 1800 1550 1400 1750 1550 1350 1700 1500 1350 

40 2100 1950 1800 2000 1900 1750 1950 1850 1700 

90 1900 1650 1500 1850 1650 1450 1800 1600 1450 


2. The above table was based on Total ground floor mass of 40 (kg/m 2 ) + 0.6 kPa of LL, wall mass of 32 (kg/m 2 ), floor Live load of 1.5 (kPa), floor Point load of 

1.8 (kN) 

3. The above table was based on a wall height of 2400 mm 

4. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. Subscript values indicate the minimum additional 

bearing length where required to be greater than 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports. 

5. *Product available in NSW ONLY 


SmartLVL 15 

Untreated, H2s, H2 and H3 Treated LVL Bearers & 

Joists 

• Treated LVL is clearly marked for easy identification 

• Depths from 90 to 525 mm (Only 90, 120, 130, 140 & 150 reproduced below) 


• 25 year treatment warranty on treated product (conditions apply) 

Note: Tables below are an extract from the full SmartLVL 15 Design Guide, available from SmartFrame offices. For sizes 

outside this limited extract or for further information about SmartLVL 15 or SmartFrame products in general, call 1300 

668 690 or by email at smartdata@tilling.com.au. 

FLOOR JOISTS SUPPORTING FLOOR LOADS ONLY 

Bearer 

Joist span 

Floor Joist 

Spacing 

Example: 

domestic floor loads 

single span 

joist spacing = 450 mm 

joist span = 2400 mm 

Enter single span table at 450 mm in joist spacing 

column, read down to a span equal to or 


SmartLVL 15 : 130 x 35 

Sizes in Italics are non standard LVL (F17) sizes. Check availability with your SmartFrame stockist before ordering. 


Maximum Allowable span (mm) 

Member Size (DXB) mm 

Single span 

Continuous span 

90x35 1850 1650 1550 2350 1950 1800 

120x35 2950 2300 2150 3600 2750 2500 

130x35 3200 2550 2350 4000 3050 2700 

140x35 3450 2750 2550 4300 3300 2950 

150x35 3650 3000 2750 4550 3600 3200 

170x35 4150 3450 3150 4950 4200 3650 

190x35 4600 3950 3550 5400 4850 4150 

200x35 4750 4150 3750 5600 5100 4400 

240x35 5400 4950 4550 6450 5800 5400 

290x35 6150 5650 5350 7400 6700 6250 

300x35 6300 5800 5450 7600 6900 6400 


FLOOR JOISTS 

SUPPORTING JOIST LOADS ONLY [Cont’d] 



Member Size (DXB) mm 

Single span 

Maximum Allowable span (mm) 


90x42 2100 1800 1650 2550 2100 1950 

120x42 3150 2500 2300 3900 2950 2650 

130x42 3400 2750 2500 4250 3250 2900 

140x42 3600 2950 2700 4500 3550 3150 

150x42 3850 3200 2900 4750 3850 3400 

170x42 4350 3700 3350 5200 4550 3900 

190x42 4750 4200 3800 5650 5100 4450 

200x42 4950 4500 4000 5900 5300 4700 

240x42 5600 5150 4850 6750 6100 5650 

290x42 6400 5900 5550 7750 7000 6550 

300x42 6550 6050 5700 7950 7200 6700 

360x42 7400 6850 6450 9150 8250 7700 

400x42 7950 7400 6950 8350 8950 8300 

90x58 2550 2050 1900 3000 2400 2200 

120x58 3450 2800 2600 4350 3350 3000 

130x58 3700 3050 2800 4600 3700 3250 

140x58 3950 3350 3050 4900 4050 3550 

150x58 4250 3650 3300 5150 4450 3850 

170x58 4700 4200 3750 5650 5100 4400 

190x58 5050 4650 4250 6150 5550 5000 

200x58 5250 4850 4500 6400 5750 5300 

240x58 5950 5500 5200 7300 6600 6150 

290x58 6750 6300 5950 8400 7600 7100 

300x58 6950 6450 6100 8650 7800 7250 

360x58 7800 7300 6900 8350 8950 8350 

400x58 8400 7850 7450 9100 9700 9000 

450x58 9050 8500 8050 9950 9950 9850 

300x75 7250 6750 6400 9100 8350 7750 

400x75 8700 8200 7800 11350 9950 9600 

525x75 10350 9800 9350 12000 10000 9950 

NOTES: 

1. Spans are suitable for solid timber, particle board and ply flooring. floor sheeting glued and nailed to joists will improve floor rigidity. 

Where heavy overlay material is to be applied, such as a mortar bed tiled or slate floor, the permanent load allowance should be increased 

to 1.2 kPa. A reduction of joist spacing may be used to accommodate this extra permanent load. A satisfactory result can be 

achieved by adopting the maximum spans for 600 mm and 450 mm spacing but installing the joists at 450 and 300 mm spacing respectively. 

2. For beams which are continuous over two unequal spans, the design span and the ‘resultant span description’ depend upon the percentage 

span differences between the two spans as shown on page 4 


4. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. 

5. Not all sizes of SmartLVL 15 in this table are stocked in each state. Please check with your supplier before ordering 


FLOOR BEARERS 

SUPPORTING JOIST LOADS ONLY 


Bearer supporting 

joist loads only 

Floor joist 

EXAMPLE: 

single span bearer = 4000 mm 



width column, read down to a span equal to or 


Floor 

load 

width 

Bearer span 

ADOPT: 

SmartLVL 15 — 2/360 x 42 

(Additional bearing length of 20 mm required) 

SINGLE SPAN 

Floor Load Width (mm) 1200 1800 2400 3000 3600 4200 4800 5400 6000 6600 

Member Size Floor Mass Maximum Bearer span (mm) 

(DXB) mm (kg/m 2 ) Single span 

2/90x35 40 1800 1550 1400 1300 1200 1150 1100 1050 1000 NS 

2/120x35 40 2350 2050 1900 1750 1650 1550 1450 1400 1350 1300 

2/130x35 40 2550 2250 2050 1900 1750 1650 1600 1500 1450 1400 

2/140x35 40 2750 2400 2200 2050 1900 1800 1700 1650 1600 1500 

2/150x35 40 2950 2600 2350 2150 2050 1950 1850 1750 1700 1650 

2/170x35 40 3350 2900 2650 2450 2300 2200 2100 2000 1900 1850 

2/190x35 40 3700 3250 2950 2750 2600 2450 2350 2250 2150 2050 

2/200x35 40 3850 3450 3100 2900 2700 2550 2450 2350 2250 2200 

2/240x35 40 4350 3950 3700 3450 3250 3100 2950 2800 27005 2600 10 

2/290x35 40 5000 4550 4250 4000 3850 37005 35505 340010 330015 315020 

2/300x35 40 5150 4700 4350 4100 3950 38005 365010 350015 340015 325020 

2/90x42 40 1900 1650 1500 1400 1300 1200 1150 1100 1050 1050 

2/120x42 40 2500 2200 2000 1850 1750 1650 1550 1500 1450 1400 

2/130x42 40 2700 2400 2150 2000 1850 1750 1700 1600 1550 1500 

2/140x42 40 2900 2550 2300 2150 2000 1900 1800 1750 1700 1600 

2/150x42 40 3100 2750 2500 2300 2150 2050 1950 1850 1800 1750 

2/170x42 40 3550 3100 2800 2600 2450 2300 2200 2100 2050 1950 

2/190x42 40 3850 3450 3150 2900 2750 2600 2450 2350 2300 2200 

2/200x42 40 4000 3600 3300 3050 2900 2750 2600 2500 2400 2300 

2/240x42 40 4550 4150 3850 3650 3450 3250 3100 3000 2900 28005 

2/290x42 40 5200 4750 4450 4200 4000 3850 3700 36005 350010 335010 

2/300x42 40 5350 4850 4550 4300 4100 3950 3800 37005 360010 345015 

2/360x42 40 6100 5550 5200 4900 4700 4500 5 4350 10 4250 15 4100 20 4000 20 

2/400x42 40 6550 6000 5600 5300 5100 5 4900 10 4700 15 4600 20 4450 20 4350 25 

90x58 40 1650 1450 1300 1200 1150 1100 1050 NS NS NS 

120x58 40 2250 1950 1750 1650 1550 1450 1400 1300 1250 1200 

130x58 40 2400 2100 1900 1750 1650 1550 1500 1450 1350 1350 

140x58 40 2600 2250 2050 1900 1800 1700 1600 1550 1500 1450 

150x58 40 2800 2450 2200 2050 1900 1800 1750 1650 1600 1550 

170x58 40 3150 2750 2500 2300 2150 2050 1950 1850 1800 1750 

190x58 40 3500 3050 2800 2600 2450 2300 2200 2100 2000 19505 

200x58 40 3650 3250 2950 2700 2550 2400 2300 2200 2100 5 2050 5 

240x58 40 4200 3800 3500 3250 3050 2900 2750 5 2650 10 2550 10 2450 15 

290x58 40 4800 4350 4050 3850 36505 350010 335015 320020 310020 295025 

300x58 40 4950 4500 4150 3950 37505 360010 345015 330020 320025 310030 

360x58 40 5600 5100 4750 45005 430010 415020 400025 385030 375035 365040 

400x58 40 6050 5500 5150 490010 465015 445020 430030 420035 405040 395050 

450x58 40 6600 6000 5600 5 5300 15 5100 20 4900 30 4700 35 4550 45 4450 50 4350 55 

300x75 40 5200 4750 4450 4200 4000 3850 3700 5 3600 10 3450 15 3350 20 

400x75 40 6400 5850 5450 5200 49505 475010 460015 445025 435030 420035 

525x75 40 7750 7100 6650 630010 605015 580025 560030 545035 530045 515050 


FLOOR BEARERS 

SUPPORTING JOIST LOADS ONLY [Cont’d] 


CONTINUOUS SPAN 

Floor Load Width (mm) 1200 1800 2400 3000 3600 4200 4800 5400 6000 6600 

Member Size Floor Mass Maximum Bearer span (mm) 

(DXB) mm (kg/m 2 ) Continuous span 

2/90x35 40 2400 2100 1900 1750 1650 1550 1500 1450 1400 1350 

2/120x35 40 3200 2800 2550 2350 2200 2100 2000 1900 18505 175010 

2/130x35 40 3400 3050 2750 2550 2400 2250 2150 210010 200015 190020 

2/140x35 40 3600 3250 3000 2750 2600 2450 23505 225015 215020 205025 

2/150x35 40 3800 3450 3200 2950 2750 2600 5 2500 15 2400 20 2250 25 2150 30 

2/170x35 40 4200 3800 3500 3350 31505 295015 285025 270035 255040 240045 

2/190x35 40 4550 4100 3800 36005 345015 330030 315035 295045 280050 265060 

2/200x35 40 4700 4250 3950 3750 5 3600 20 3450 30 3300 40 3100 50 2950 60 2800 65 

2/240x35 40 5400 4900 45505 430020 410035 395050 385065 365075 345085 330095 

2/290x35 40 6250 5650 525020 495035 475050 455070 440085 4300105 4100115 3900125 

2/300x35 40 6400 5800 540020 510040 485055 470075 455095 4400110 4250120 4000130 

2/90x42 40 2550 2250 2050 1900 1750 1650 1600 1500 1450 1400 

2/120x42 40 3350 3000 2700 2500 2350 2250 2100 2050 1950 1900 

2/130x42 40 3600 3250 2950 2700 2550 2400 2300 2200 21005 205010 

2/140x42 40 3800 3400 3150 2900 2750 2600 2500 24005 230010 220015 

2/150x42 40 4000 3600 3350 3150 2950 2800 2650 255010 245015 235025 

2/170x42 40 4400 3950 3700 3500 3350 31505 300015 290025 280030 265035 

2/190x42 40 4750 4300 4000 3800 36005 350015 335025 320035 310040 290045 

2/200x42 40 4950 4450 4150 3950 3750 5 3600 20 3500 30 3400 40 3200 45 3050 50 

2/240x42 40 5650 5100 4750 4500 5 4300 20 4150 30 4000 45 3900 55 3800 70 3600 75 

2/290x42 40 6550 5900 55005 520020 495035 480050 460065 450080 435095 4250110 

2/300x42 40 6700 6050 565010 535025 510040 490055 475070 460085 4500100 4400115 

2/360x42 40 7650 6950 645020 610040 585055 560075 545095 5300110 5150125 5000135 

2/400x42 40 8250 750010 700030 660050 630070 610090 5900110 5700125 5550140 5450155 

90x58 40 2250 1950 1800 1650 1550 1450 1350 1300 1200 1150 

120x58 40 3000 2650 2400 2200 2050 1900 1800 16505 160010 150015 

130x58 40 3250 2850 2600 2400 2200 2050 19005 180010 170015 160020 

140x58 40 3450 3100 2800 2600 2400 22005 205010 190020 180025 175030 

150x58 40 3650 3300 3000 2800 2550 5 2350 10 2200 20 2050 25 1950 30 1850 35 

170x58 40 4000 3600 3350 31005 285015 260025 245030 230035 215040 205050 

190x58 40 4350 3900 3650 345015 315025 290035 270040 255050 240055 230065 

200x58 40 4500 4050 38005 360020 325030 300035 280045 265055 250060 240070 

240x58 40 5150 4650 435015 410035 385050 355060 330070 310080 295090 2800100 

290x58 40 5950 540010 500030 475050 455075 420090 3950100 3700110 3500120 3350130 

300x58 40 6100 5500 15 5150 35 4850 55 4650 75 4350 95 4050 105 3800 115 3600 125 3450 135 

360x58 40 7000 6350 25 5900 50 5550 75 5300 100 5050 120 4700 130 4450 145 4200 155 4000 165 

400x58 40 7600 5 6850 35 6400 65 6050 95 5750 115 5500 135 5100 150 4800 160 4550 175 4350 185 

450x58 40 830015 750045 695080 6600110 6300130 6050155 5650170 5300185 5000195 4750210 

300x75 40 6500 5900 5500 15 5200 30 4950 50 4750 65 4600 85 4350 95 4100 105 3900 110 

400x75 40 8050 7300 20 6800 40 6450 60 6150 85 5900 105 5700 120 5450 135 5200 145 4900 155 

525x75 40 9750 10 8950 40 8350 70 7900 100 7550 120 7250 140 7000 160 6800 185 6450 195 6150 210 

NOTES: 


2. The above table was based on a maximum DL of 40 (kg/m 2 ) + 0.6 kPa of LL, floor Live load of 1.5 (kPa), floor Point load of 1.8 (kN) 

3. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. Subscript values indicate the 

minimum additional bearing length where required to be greater than 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports 

4. Restraint value for slenderness calculations is 600 mm (floor Joist Centers at 600 mm max) 

5. Not all sizes of SmartLVL 15 in this table are stocked in each state. Please check with your supplier before ordering 




Roof load width 

Load 

bearing 

wall 

Bottom plate 

Single or 

Upper storey 

bearer 

Floor joists 

Example: 

sheet roof - 40 kg/m 2 

roof load width = 1450 mm 

bearer span = 1500 mm (single span) 



width column, 1500 roof load width column, read 

down to a span equal to or greater than 1500 mm 

in the 40 kg/m 2 row. 

Bearer span 

Floor load width 


SINGLE SPAN 



Member Size Roof Mass Maximum Bearer span (mm) 


2/90x35 40 1400 1250 1150 1200 1100 1050 1000 NS NS 

75 1300 1100 1000 1150 1050 NS 1000 NS NS 

2/120x35 40 1850 1650 1550 1600 1500 1400 1350 1300 1250 

75 1750 1500 1350 1550 1400 1250 1350 1200 1150 

2/130x35 40 2000 1800 1650 1750 1650 1550 1450 1400 1350 

75 1900 1600 1450 1700 1500 1350 1450 1350 1250 

2/140x35 40 2150 1950 1800 1900 1750 1650 1600 1500 1450 

75 2050 1750 1550 1850 1600 1500 1550 1450 1350 

2/150x35 40 2300 2100 1900 2050 1900 1750 1700 1600 1550 

75 2200 1900 1700 1950 1750 1600 1650 1550 1450 

2/170x35 40 2650 2350 2150 2300 2150 2000 1950 1850 1750 

75 2500 2150 1900 2250 1950 1800 1900 1750 1650 

2/190x35 40 2950 2650 2450 2600 2400 2250 2150 2050 1950 

75 2800 2400 2150 2500 2200 2000 2100 1950 1850 

2/200x35 40 3100 2800 2550 2700 2500 2350 2250 2150 2100 

75 2950 2500 2250 2600 2300 2100 2200 2050 1950 

2/240x35 40 3650 3300 3050 3250 3000 2850 2750 2600 5 25005 

75 3500 3000 2700 3150 2800 2550 2650 2450 5 2300 10 

2/290x35 40 4200 3900 3650 3850 3600 3400 330010 315010 300015 

75 4050 3600 32505 3750 3350 310010 320010 300015 280020 

2/300x35 40 4350 4000 3750 3950 3700 3550 3400 10 3250 15 3100 15 

75 4150 3700 3350 10 3850 3450 5 3200 15 3350 10 3100 15 2900 25 

90x42 40 1150 1050 NS 1000 NS NS NS NS NS 

75 1100 NS NS 1000 NS NS NS NS NS 

120x42 40 1550 1400 1300 1350 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050 

75 1500 1250 1150 1300 1150 1050 1100 1050 NS 

130x42 40 1700 1500 1400 1500 1350 1300 1250 1200 1150 

75 1600 1350 1200 1450 1250 1150 1200 1100 1050 

140x42 40 1850 1650 1500 1600 1500 1400 1350 1250 1200 

75 1750 1450 1300 1550 1350 1250 1300 1200 1150 

150x42 40 1950 1750 1600 1700 1600 1500 1450 1350 1300 

75 1850 1600 1400 1650 1450 1350 1400 1300 1200 5 

170x42 40 2250 2000 1850 1950 1800 1700 1650 1550 1500 5 

75 2100 1800 1600 1900 1650 1500 1600 14505 140010 

190x42 40 2500 2250 2050 2200 2000 1900 18005 17505 165010 

75 2350 2000 1800 2100 1850 17005 18005 165010 155015 

200x42 40 2600 2350 2150 2300 2100 2000 1900 10 1850 10 1750 10 

75 2500 2100 19005 2200 1950 180010 190010 175015 160020 

240x42 40 3150 2800 2600 2750 2550 24005 230015 220020 210020 

75 3000 25505 230015 2650 235010 215020 225020 210025 195030 

290x42 40 3750 3400 315010 33005 310010 290015 280030 265030 255035 

75 3600 305010 275025 32005 285020 260030 275030 250035 235045 

300x42 40 3850 35005 325010 345010 320010 300020 290030 275035 265040 

75 3700 315015 285025 330010 295020 270035 280035 260040 245045 





SINGLE SPAN [Cont’d] 





2/90x42 40 1500 1300 1200 1300 1200 1100 1100 1050 NS 

75 1400 1200 1050 1250 1100 1000 1050 NS NS 

2/120x42 40 1950 1750 1650 1750 1600 1500 1450 1350 1300 

75 1850 1600 1450 1650 1450 1350 1400 1300 1200 

2/130x42 40 2150 1900 1750 1850 1750 1650 1550 1500 1450 

75 2050 1700 1550 1800 1600 1450 1550 1400 1300 

2/140x42 40 2300 2050 1900 2000 1850 1750 1700 1600 1550 

75 2200 1850 1650 1950 1700 1550 1650 1500 1450 

2/150x42 40 2450 2200 2050 2150 2000 1900 1800 1700 1650 

75 2350 2000 1800 2100 1850 1700 1750 1650 1550 

2/170x42 40 2800 2500 2300 2450 2250 2150 2050 1950 1900 

75 2650 2250 2050 2350 2100 1900 2000 1850 1750 

2/190x42 40 3100 2800 2600 2750 2550 2400 2300 2200 2100 

75 2950 2550 2250 2650 2350 2150 2250 2050 1950 

2/200x42 40 3250 2950 2700 2900 2650 2500 2400 2300 2200 

75 3100 2650 2400 2800 2450 2250 2350 2200 2050 

2/240x42 40 3850 3500 3250 3450 3200 3000 2900 2750 2650 

75 3700 3200 2850 3350 2950 2700 2850 2600 24505 

2/290x42 40 4400 4050 3850 4000 3800 3600 35005 33505 32005 

75 4250 3800 3450 3900 3550 32505 34005 315010 295015 

2/300x42 40 4500 4200 3950 4100 3900 3700 3600 5 3450 5 3300 10 

75 4350 3850 3550 5 4000 3650 3400 5 3550 5 3250 10 3050 15 

2/360x42 40 5150 4800 4500 4700 4450 42505 415010 400015 385015 

75 5000 4450 4100 10 4600 4200 5 3950 15 4050 15 3850 20 3650 25 

2/400x42 40 5550 5150 4850 5100 4800 4600 5 4450 15 4300 20 4200 20 

75 5350 4800 445015 4950 455010 425020 440020 415025 395030 

90x58 40 1300 1150 1050 1150 1050 1000 NS NS NS 

75 1250 1050 NS 1100 NS NS NS NS NS 

120x58 40 1750 1550 1450 1550 1400 1300 1250 1200 1150 

75 1650 1400 1250 1450 1300 1200 1250 1150 1100 

130x58 40 1900 1700 1550 1650 1550 1450 1400 1300 1250 

75 1800 1500 1350 1600 1400 1300 1350 1250 1150 

140x58 40 2050 1850 1700 1800 1650 1550 1500 1400 1350 

75 1950 1650 1450 1700 1500 1400 1450 1350 1250 

150x58 40 2200 1950 1800 1900 1750 1650 1600 1500 1450 

75 2050 1750 1600 1850 1650 1500 1550 1450 1350 

170x58 40 2500 2200 2050 2150 2000 1900 1800 1750 1650 

75 2350 2000 1800 2100 1850 1700 1750 1650 1550 

190x58 40 2750 2500 2300 2400 2250 2100 2050 1950 1850 

75 2650 2250 2000 2350 2050 1900 2000 1850 17005 

200x58 40 2900 2600 2400 2550 2350 2200 2150 2050 1950 

75 2750 2350 2100 2450 2200 2000 2100 19505 18005 

240x58 40 3500 3150 2900 3050 2850 2650 2550 5 2450 10 2350 10 

75 3300 2800 2550 5 2950 2600 2400 10 2500 5 2300 10 2150 15 

290x58 40 4050 3750 3500 3650 3400 32005 310015 295020 285020 

75 3900 3400 305010 3550 315010 290020 305015 280020 265030 

300x58 40 4150 3800 3600 3750 3550 3300 10 3200 20 3050 20 2950 25 

75 4000 3500 5 3150 15 3650 3250 10 3000 20 3150 20 2900 25 2700 30 

360x58 40 4750 4400 4100 10 4300 5 4050 10 3900 15 3800 30 3650 30 3500 35 

75 4550 4050 10 3750 25 4200 5 3850 20 3600 30 3700 30 3450 35 3250 45 

400x58 40 5100 47505 445010 46505 440010 420020 410035 395040 380040 

75 4950 4400 15 4050 30 4550 10 4150 25 3900 40 4000 35 3800 45 3600 55 

450x58 40 5600 5150 5 4850 15 5050 10 4800 15 4600 25 4450 40 4300 45 4200 50 

75 5350 480020 440035 495015 450030 425045 440045 415050 395065 

300x75 40 4400 4050 3850 4000 3800 3600 3500 10 3300 10 3200 15 

75 4250 3750 34505 3900 3550 325010 340010 315015 295020 

400x75 40 5450 5050 47505 4950 47005 445010 435020 420025 405030 

75 5250 46505 430020 4800 440010 415025 430025 405030 385040 

525x75 40 6600 6150 5 5800 15 6050 10 5700 15 5450 20 5300 35 5150 40 5000 45 

75 6400 5700 15 5250 30 5900 10 5400 25 5050 40 5250 35 4950 45 4700 55 





CONTINUOUS SPAN 





2/90x35 40 1900 1700 1550 1650 1550 1450 1400 1300 1250 

75 1800 1550 1350 1600 1400 1300 1350 1250 1150 

2/120x35 40 2550 2250 2100 2200 2050 1900 1850 1750 17005 

75 2400 2050 1850 2150 1900 1750 1800 16505 155015 

2/130x35 40 2750 2450 2250 2400 2200 2100 2000 5 1900 10 1850 10 

75 2600 2200 2000 2300 2050 18505 19505 180015 170025 

2/140x35 40 2950 2650 2450 2600 2400 2250 215010 205015 200020 

75 2800 2400 21505 2500 2200 200015 210015 195020 185030 

2/150x35 40 3150 2850 2600 2750 2550 2400 230020 220020 210025 

75 3000 2550 230010 2650 23505 215020 225020 210025 195040 

2/170x35 40 3550 3200 2950 3150 2900 275010 265030 250035 240040 

75 3400 2900 2600 25 3000 2700 15 2450 35 2550 35 2400 40 2250 55 

2/190x35 40 3900 3600 330010 3500 325010 305020 295045 280050 270055 

75 3750 325015 290035 34005 300025 275045 285045 265055 245070 

2/200x35 40 4050 3700 345015 36505 340015 320025 310050 295055 285060 

75 3900 340020 305040 355010 315030 290055 300050 280060 260080 

2/240x35 40 4600 425010 400030 420020 395030 380045 365075 350085 335090 

75 4450 3950 35 3650 65 4100 25 3750 50 3450 80 3600 80 3300 95 3050 105 

2/290x35 40 5300 490025 460045 480035 455045 435065 4250105 4100110 3950120 

75 510010 455050 420090 470040 430075 4000110 4150105 3950120 3600140 

2/300x35 40 5450 5050 25 4750 50 4950 35 4650 50 4450 70 4350 105 4200 115 4050 125 

75 525015 465055 430095 480040 440075 4150115 4250110 4050125 3700145 

90x42 40 1600 1450 1300 1400 1300 1200 1050 1000 NS 

75 1500 1300 1100 1350 1200 1000 1050 NS NS 

120x42 40 2150 1900 1750 1850 1750 160010 140020 135025 125025 

75 2050 1700 145015 1800 155010 130025 140025 125025 110030 

130x42 40 2300 2050 1900 5 2050 1850 5 1700 15 1500 25 1450 30 1350 30 

75 2200 185010 155025 1950 165020 145030 150030 135035 115040 

140x42 40 2500 2250 205010 22005 200010 185020 165035 155040 145040 

75 2350 200015 170030 21005 180025 155040 160035 145040 125045 

150x42 40 2650 2400 220020 235010 215020 195030 175040 165045 155050 

75 2550 210020 180040 225015 190030 165045 170045 155050 135055 

170x42 40 3050 270015 245030 260020 245030 220040 195055 185060 175065 

75 2850 2350 30 2000 50 2550 25 2150 45 1850 60 1900 60 1750 70 1500 75 

190x42 40 3400 305025 270040 290030 270040 245055 215070 205080 195085 

75 320010 260045 220065 280035 235055 205080 210075 195085 170095 

200x42 40 3550 5 3200 30 2850 45 3050 35 2800 45 2550 60 2250 80 2150 85 2050 95 

75 3400 20 2750 50 2350 75 2950 40 2450 65 2150 90 2200 85 2050 95 1800 105 

240x42 40 410020 375050 335070 360060 330070 300090 2650110 2550115 2450125 

75 395035 325075 2750105 345065 290095 2550115 2600110 2400125 2150135 

290x42 40 470035 435070 3950100 425090 3900100 3550115 3150140 3000145 2900155 

75 450050 3850105 3250135 410095 3450120 3000150 3100145 2850160 2600175 

300x42 40 4800 40 4450 75 4100 105 4350 95 4050 105 3650 120 3250 145 3100 155 3000 165 

75 4650 55 3950 110 3350 140 4200 100 3550 125 3100 155 3200 150 2950 165 2650 180 

2/90x42 40 2000 1800 1650 1750 1650 1550 1450 1400 1350 

75 1900 1600 1450 1700 1500 1350 1450 1350 1250 

2/120x42 40 2700 2400 2200 2350 2200 2050 1950 1900 1800 

75 2550 2150 1950 2250 2000 1850 1900 1800 16505 

2/130x42 40 2900 2600 2400 2550 2350 2200 2150 2050 1950 

75 2750 2350 2100 2450 2200 2000 2100 1950 1800 10 

2/140x42 40 3150 2800 2600 2750 2550 2400 2300 22005 21005 

75 2950 2550 2250 2650 2350 21505 2250 210010 195020 

2/150x42 40 3350 3000 2750 2950 2700 2550 2450 5 2350 10 2250 15 

75 3200 2700 2450 2850 2500 2300 10 2400 10 2250 15 2100 25 

2/170x42 40 3750 3400 3150 3300 3100 2900 2800 20 2650 25 2550 25 

75 3600 3050 2750 10 3200 2850 5 2600 20 2750 20 2500 30 2350 40 

2/190x42 40 4050 3750 3500 3700 3450 325010 310030 295035 285040 

75 3900 3450 310025 3600 320015 290035 305030 280040 265055 

2/200x42 40 4200 3900 3650 3850 36005 340015 330035 315040 300045 

75 4050 3600 5 3250 30 3750 3350 20 3050 40 3200 35 2950 45 2800 60 

2/240x42 40 4800 4450 4200 15 4400 5 4150 15 3950 30 3850 55 3700 60 3600 70 

75 4650 415020 380045 425010 390035 365060 380060 355070 335095 

2/290x42 40 5550 510010 485030 505020 475030 455045 445080 425085 415095 

75 5350 475035 440065 490025 450055 420085 435080 4100100 3900120 

2/300x42 40 5700 5250 15 4950 30 5150 25 4900 35 4650 50 4550 85 4400 95 4250 100 

75 5450 4850 40 4500 70 5050 25 4600 55 4300 90 4450 85 4200 105 4000 125 

2/360x42 40 6500 5 6000 30 5650 50 5900 35 5600 50 5350 70 5200 105 5000 115 4850 125 

75 625015 555055 515095 575040 525080 4950115 5100110 4800125 4600150 

2/400x42 40 700010 650035 610060 640045 605060 575085 5600120 5450130 5250140 

75 675025 600070 5550110 620050 570095 5350130 5550125 5200140 5000170 





CONTINUOUS SPAN [Cont’d] 





90x58 40 1800 1600 1450 1550 1450 1350 1300 1250 1200 

75 1700 1450 1300 1500 1350 1200 1250 1150 1050 

120x58 40 2400 2150 1950 2100 1900 1800 16505 160010 155015 

75 2250 1900 1700 2000 1750 160010 16505 150015 135020 

130x58 40 2600 2300 2100 2250 2100 1950 180010 170015 165020 

75 2450 2100 185010 2150 1900 170015 175015 165020 150030 

140x58 40 2750 2500 2300 2450 2250 21005 190020 185025 175025 

75 2650 2250 200015 2350 20505 185025 190020 175030 160035 

150x58 40 2950 2650 2450 2600 2400 225010 205025 195030 190035 

75 2800 2400 2100 20 2500 2200 15 1950 30 2000 25 1850 35 1700 45 

170x58 40 3350 3000 2800 10 2950 5 2750 10 2550 25 2300 35 2200 40 2100 45 

75 3200 270015 235035 28505 250025 220040 225040 210050 190060 

190x58 40 3700 33505 310020 330015 305020 285035 255050 240055 235060 

75 3550 305025 260045 320015 275035 240055 250050 230060 210075 

200x58 40 3850 355010 325025 345020 320025 300040 265055 255060 245065 

75 3700 320030 275050 335020 290040 255060 260055 240070 220085 

240x58 40 4400 4050 25 3850 45 4000 35 3800 45 3500 60 3100 80 3000 90 2850 95 

75 425010 375050 320075 390035 340065 300090 305085 2850100 2600110 

290x58 40 510010 470040 440065 460050 435065 415090 3700110 3550120 3400125 

75 490025 435070 3800105 450055 405095 3500120 3600115 3350125 3100145 

300x58 40 5200 15 4800 40 4550 65 4750 55 4450 70 4250 95 3800 115 3650 125 3500 130 

75 500025 445075 3900110 460060 4150100 3650125 3750120 3450130 3200150 

360x58 40 595030 550060 520095 540075 510095 4900120 4400145 4250155 4050160 

75 575040 5100100 4550140 525080 4800125 4200155 4350150 4000165 3700185 

400x58 40 6450 40 5950 70 5600 105 5850 90 5550 110 5300 135 4800 160 4600 170 4450 180 

75 620055 5500115 4950155 570095 5200140 4600170 4700165 4400185 4000205 

450x58 40 700050 650090 6100120 6400105 6050125 5750150 5300185 5050195 4900205 

75 675065 6000130 5450175 6200110 5700160 5050195 5200190 4800205 4400230 

300x75 40 5550 5100 20 4800 40 5050 30 4750 40 4550 65 4300 95 4150 100 4000 110 

75 5350 10 4750 50 4400 85 4900 35 4500 70 4100 100 4250 100 3950 110 3600 125 

400x75 40 685020 630045 595075 620060 590075 5600100 5450135 5250145 5050150 

75 6600 30 5850 80 5400 125 6050 65 5550 110 5200 145 5350 140 4950 155 4550 175 

525x75 40 830045 770080 7300110 760095 7200115 6850140 6700180 6450190 6250205 

75 8050 60 7150 120 6650 170 7400 100 6800 145 6350 190 6600 185 6200 205 5650 230 

NOTES: 

ROOF LOAD WIDTH: 

For definition of roof load width, see AS 1684.2. 


2. The above table was based on Total ground floor mass of 40 (kg/m 2 ) + 0.6 kPa of LL, wall mass of 37 (kg/m 2 ), floor Live load of 1.5 

(kPa), floor Point load of 1.8 (kN) 

3. The above table was based on a wall height of 2700 mm 

4. End bearing lengths = 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports for continuous members. Subscript values indicate the 

minimum additional bearing length where required to be greater than 42 mm at end supports and 58 mm at internal supports. 

5. Not all sizes of SmartLVL15 in this table are stocked in each state. Please check with your supplier before ordering 


SmartJoist sub-floors 

H2s and H2 treated 

• Depths from 200 to 400 mm (Only 200 and 240 reproduced below) 


• 25 year treatment warranty (conditions apply). 

Note: Tables below are an extract from the full SmartJoist Design Guide, available from Tilling Timber 

offices. For sizes outside this limited extract or for further information about SmartJoists or Smart- 

Frame products in general, call 1300 668 690 or by email at smartdata@tilling.com.au. 

TYPICAL LAYOUTS 

SmartJoist Joists 

(Joist hangers omitted for clarity) 


bearer 

SmartJoist 

Detail 1 

In-line bearer and joist 

In-line bearer and joists can 

assist where ground clearance 

is at a minimum or 

allows average overall depth 

of the floor to be minimised 

but maintaining the long 

span capability of the joists 

Joist 

hanger 

SmartJoist floor 

joists 

SmartLVL 

Bearer 

CROSS SECTION 

Shows alternative stump/pier types, 

and both in-line and stacked joist systems 


Bearer 

Detail 2 

Stacked bearer and joist 

Stacked bearer and joist 

allows continuous span joists 

to be used (supported at 3 or 

more supports). Continuous 

spans may reduce the joist 

depth in some circumstances. 

SmartLVL 

bearer 

Steel 

pier 

SmartJoist 

H4 treated 

round timber 

stump 

SmartLVL 

bearer 

Concrete 

stump 


THE SmartJoist SUBFLOOR ALTERNATIVE 

(Reduced stump/pier numbers and ground disturbance) 

External bearer supports 

at 2400 mm Max centres 

Internal bearer supports 

2400mm MAX 

Bearer direction 

Joist span 

2400mm MAX 

Joist direction 

EXAMPLE STUMP/PIER LAYOUT FOR A 

TRADITIONAL 2400mm GRID 

Bearer span 

(mm) 

Joist span 

(mm) 

No of stumps/pier supports * 

Total bearer length * (m) 

1800 1800 114 179 CONVENTIONAL 

2400 2400 71 145 

SUB-FLOOR SYSTEM 

3000 4500 44 90 SmartJoist SUB-FLOOR SYSTEM 

* May depend upon external cladding. Based upon a floor area of 270 m² 

External bearer supports 

at 2700 mm Max centres 

Bearer direction 

Internal bearer supports 

3000 mm MAX centres 

Joist span 

4500 mm MAX 

Joist direction 

EXAMPLE STUMP/PIER LAYOUT FOR A SmartJoist 

SUB FLOOR GRID 


TYPICAL SmartJoist FLOOR CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 

SmartJoist 

blocking 

panel 

SmartJoist 

rim joist 

Butt sections together 

at centre of lower 

storey stud. 

SmartRim 

Rimboard 

(2 layers for 

ground floor 

of a 2 storey 

building) 

F1 

F2 

Load-bearing wall 

F3 

F4 

Joists 

Bearer 

SmartRim 

Rimboard 

Small section of bearer material placed 

on stumps/piers to support joists 

supporting parallel load-bearing walls. 

F5 

CONCENTRATED 

ROOF LOADS 

Solid block all posts 

from above to 

bearing below. 

SmartJoist shall be designed 

to support load bearing wall 

above when not stacked over 

wall below. 

Backer for cladding 

attachment. 

SmartJoist 

blocking 

panel 

F6 

Used double 

joists under 

wall where 

vertical load 

exceeds 

29 KN/m 

Note: 

To achieve the necessary 

racking resistance through the 

floor diaphram, it is important 

that the nailing provisions of the 

floor sheeting to the joists as shown 

in AS 1684 (and AS 1860 for 

particleboard) be adopted to nail the 

floor sheeting to the SmartRim 

Rimboard in details F1- F3 

Load bearing wall 

above must stack 

over wall below 

2 mm 

F7 

NOTE: Detail F7 with blocking panel is required for bracing walls. 

F8 

90 X 45 F5 

Cripple skew 

nailed to both 

flanges with 

3.15 x 65 nails. 

GREEN TIMBER SHALL NOT BE USED AS END BLOCKING UNDER 

ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT 

ALL BLOCKING BE CARRIED OUT AS PER DETAILS F1 - F4, 

HOWEVER: Dry timber blocking may be used but the grain MUST 

be vertical. BLOCKING OF SmartJoist MUST EXTEND TO BOTH 

FLANGES. Skew nail with 3.15 x 65 nails, one each side of 

top and bottom flange. 


RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM SPANS FOR RESIDENTIAL FLOORS 

GENERAL DOMESTIC - 1.5 kPa 

Joist Spacing (mm) 300 400 450 600 300 400 450 600 

SmartJoist Code 

Self Weight 

(kg/m) 

Single span 

Maximum floor Joist span (mm) 


SJ20044 2.8 4700 4350 4100 3700 5450 5000 4900 4350 

SJ24040 3.0 5100 4750 4600 4200 5950 5500 5350 4900 

SJ24051 3.4 5400 5000 4900 4500 6300 5800 5650 5200 

SJ24070 4.0 5800 5400 5200 4850 6700 6200 6000 5500 

SJ24090 5.0 6150 5700 5600 5100 7200 6650 6450 5950 

SJ30040 3.4 5900 5400 5300 4900 6800 6300 6100 5650 

SJ30051 3.9 6200 5700 5600 5150 7200 6650 6450 5900 

SJ30070 4.3 6600 6100 6000 5500 7600 7100 6800 6300 

SJ30090 5.5 6950 6500 6300 5900 8150 7550 7300 6700 

SJ36058 4.8 7150 6600 6500 6000 8300 7700 7400 6900 

SJ36090 5.9 7700 7200 7000 6500 9050 8400 8100 7500 

SJ40090 6.2 8150 7300 7500 6900 9600 8900 8650 7800 

NOTES: 

1) The above table was based on a maximum floor & ceiling mass of 40 (kg/m 2 ), floor live load of 1.5 kPa or 1.8 kN point live load & 0.6 kPa of live load 

permanently applied. 

2) End bearing lengths = 30 mm at end supports and 42 mm at internal supports for continuous members. 

3) For beams which are continuous over two unequal spans, please refer to the “CONTINUOUS SPANS” section below for more details. 

4) Not all sizes of SmartJoist in this table are stocked in each state. Please check with your supplier before ordering 

In compiling the span tables in this manual, the requirements of the relevant Australian Standards and codes along with established 

Industry standard design guidelines for Residential Construction have been followed. In particular, the following codes and 

references have been used: 

• AS 1684.1 Residential timber-framed construction 

• AS 1170.1 Structural Design Actions – Permanent Imposed and other actions 

• AS 1720.1 Timber Structures - Design Methods 

• AS 4055 Wind loads for Houses 

• AS/NZS 4063 Characterization of structural timber 

• ASTM D 5055 Standard specification for establishing and monitoring structural capacities of prefabricated wood I- 

Joists 

SERVICEABILITY CRITERIA: 

Max dead load deflection - lesser of span / 300 or 15 mm (j 2 = 2) 

Max live load deflection - lesser of span / 360 or 9 mm 

FLOOR DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE CRITERIA: 

Minimum Natural Frequency - 8 Hertz 

Maximum differential deflection between Joists of 2 mm under a concentrated load of 1.0 kN mid-span. 

FLOORING: 

Spans are suitable for solid timber, particle board and ply flooring. Floor sheathing glued and nailed to the joists will improve 

floor rigidity. Where a heavy overlay material is to be applied, such as thick mortar bed tiled or slate floors, the permanent load 

allowance should be increased to 1.2 kPa. A reduction of joist spacing can be used to accommodate this extra permanent 

load. A satisfactory result can be achieved by adopting the maximum spans for 600-mm and 450-mm spacings but installing 

the joists at 450-mm and 300-mm spacings respectively. 

CONTINUOUS SPANS: 

For beams which are continuous over two unequal spans, the design span and the "resultant span description" depend on the 

percentage difference between the two spans as shown below: 

Span difference 

Effective span 

Resultant span description 

10% max main span continuous 

10 - 30% 1.1 x main span continuous 

above 30% diff main span single 

span difference = (main span - second span) 

(main span + second span) X 100 

main span 

second span 


® 

31-45 Orchard Street, 

Kilsyth, Victoria 3137 

New South Wales 

109 Kurrajong Avenue, 

Mt Druitt, NSW 2770 

Queensland 

20-24 Nealdon Drive, 

Meadowbrook, QLD, 4131 

Western Australia 

10 Cartwright Drive, 

Forrestdale, WA 6112 

email: sales@tilling.com.au 

email: nswsales@tilling.com.au 

email: qldsales@tilling.com.au 

email: wasales@tilling.com.au 

Phone +61 3 9725 0222 

Fax +61 3 9725 3045 

Phone +61 2 9677 2600 

Fax +61 2 9677 2500 

Phone +61 7 3440 5400 

Fax +61 7 3440 5444 

Phone +61 8 9248 7643 

Fax +61 8 9248 3241 

illing 

www.tilling.com.au 

Proudly Australian Owned 

© Copyright Tilling Timber Pty Ltd ABN 92 004 621 121 SmartFrame is a registered Trademark of Tilling Timber April 2011

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