MS 544-11-Sec2-2001 GCP

MS 327 : PART 2 : 1997
MALAYSIAN MS 544 : PART 11 :

SECTION 2 : 2001
STANDARD
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CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STRUCTURAL USE

OF TIMBER :
PART 11 : RECOMMENDED SPAN TABLES
AND THEIR CALCULATIONS :
SECTION 2 : CEILING JOISTS
ICS : 91.080.20
Descriptors : permissible clear span, solid timber joist, design limitations, bearing length, timber size,
joist spacing, sample calculations, span tables
Copyright
DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA

1
MS 327 : PART 2 : 1997
DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN STANDARDS
The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) is the national standardisation
and accreditation body.
The main function of the Department is to foster and promote standards,

standardisation and accreditation as a means of advancing the national
economy, promoting industrial efficiency and development, benefiting the health
and safety of the public, protecting the consumers, facilitating domestic and
international trade and furthering international cooperation in relation to standards
and standardisation.
Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which

comprise of balanced representation of producers, users, consumers and others
with relevant interests, as may be appropriate to the subject in hand. These
standards where appropriate are adoption of international standards. Approval of
a standard as a Malaysian Standard is governed by the Standards of Malaysia
Act 1996 (Act 549). Malaysian Standards are reviewed periodically. The use of
Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are made mandatory by
regulatory authorities by means of regulations, local by-laws or any other similar
ways.
The Department of Standards appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent to develop

Malaysian Standards. The Department also appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent
for distribution and sale of Malaysian Standards.
For further information on Malaysian Standards, please contact:
Department of Standards Malaysia OR SIRIM Berhad

Tingkat 21, Wisma MPSA 1, Persiaran Dato' Menteri
Persiaran Perbandaran P.O. Box 7035, Section 2
40675 Shah Alam 40911 Shah Alam
Selangor D.E. Selangor D.E.
Tel: 60 3 5519 8033 Tel: 60 3 5544 6000

Fax: 60 3 5519 2497 Fax: 60 3 5510 8095
http://www.dsm.gov.my http://www.sirim.my
Email: central@dsm.gov.my
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
CONTENTS
Page
Committee representation.. ii
Foreword.. iv
1 Scope.. 1
2 Referenced documents.... 1
3 Definitions .. 1
4 Symbols.. 2
5 Design considerations.. 4
6 Permissible spans. 8
7 Bearing length.. 12
8 Information to be given in span tables. 12
Tables
A1 Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation........ 14

C1 Permissible clear spans for ceiling joists SG 1.......... 17
Figures
1 Roof construction (Typical example)..... 5
2 Bearing length, permissible effective and permissible clear span... 13
Appendices
A Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation... 14
B Sample calculations for a ceiling joists.. 15
C Specimen span tables for ceiling joists..... 17
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Committee representation
The Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee (ISC D) under whose supervision this Malaysian
Standard was developed, comprises representatives from the following organisations :
Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia

Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia
Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia
Department of Standards Malaysia
Jabatan Bekalan Elektrik dan Gas
Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia
Masters Builders Association Malaysia
Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Housing Department)
Ministry of Works (Public Works Department)
Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
The development of this Malaysian Standard is under the supervision of the following representatives of the CIDB
Standards Committee:
Ir. Mohamad bin Mohd Nuruddin General Manager, Technology Development Division
Megat Kamil Azmi bin Megat Rus Kamarani Senior Manager, Standard and Quality Unit
Puan Zainora binti Zainal Manager, Standard and Quality Unit
Puan Hanishahani binti Othman The Secretary of CIDB Standards Committee
The Technical Committee on Structural Use of Timber which developed this Malaysian Standard consists of representatives
from the following organisations:
Dr. Abdul Rashid bin Hj. Ab. Malik (Chairman) Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Puan Hanishahani binti Othman (Secretary) Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia
Tuan Hj. Ir. Mohd. Shukari bin Midon Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Encik Zainuddin bin Kader Public Works Department
Puan Dang Anom binti Md. Zin Housing Department
Prof. Madya Dr. Sabaruddin bin Mohd/ Universiti Sains Malaysia

Dr. Badorul Hisham bin Abu Bakar
Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainai bin Mohamed/ Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Dr. Abd. Latif bin Saleh
Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat Universiti Malaya
Dr. Mohd. Ariff bin Jamaludin Universiti Putra Malaysia
Encik Nor Zamri bin Mat Amin Malaysian Timber Industry Board Malaysia
Ir. Yap Chin Tian Malaysian Wood Industry Association
Tuan Hj. Mohamad Omar bin Mohamad Khaidzir Forest Research Institute Malaysia
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Committee representation (Working Group)
The Working Group on the Recommended Span Tables and Their Calculations which prepared this Malaysian
Standard consists of the following representatives:
Tuan Hj. Ir. Mohd. Shukari bin Midon (Chairman) Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Encik Hamdan bin Husain (Secretary) Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Puan Hanishahani binti Othman Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia
Dr. Mohd Ariff bin Jamaludin Universiti Putra Malaysia
Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat Universiti Malaya
Encik Mohd. Nor Zamri bin Mat Amin Malaysian Timber Industry Board Malaysia
Ir. Yap Chin Tian Malaysian Wood Industry Association

Dr. Badorul Hisham bin Abu Bakar Universiti Sains Malaysia
Encik Chu Yue Pun Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Encik David Yeoh Eng Chuan Politeknik Shah Alam
Encik Rahim bin Husain/Puan Haliza binti Abd. Aziz Public Works Department
Tuan Hj. Mohamad Omar bin Mohamad Khaidzir Forest Research Institute Malaysia
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
FOREWORD
This Malaysian Standard was developed by the Working Group on the Recommended Span
Tables And Their Calculations established at the Construction Industry Development Board
Malaysia (CIDB) under the authority of the Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards
Committee.
CIDB is the Standards-Writing Organisation (SWO) appointed by SIRIM Berhad to develop

standards for the construction industry.
In the preparation of this standard reference was made to BS 5268 : Part 7 : 1989,
Recommendations for the calculation basis for span tables. Section 7.3 : Ceiling joists.
MS 544 consists of the following parts and sections, under the general title Code of practice
for structural use of timber:
Part 1 :
General
Part 2 :
Permissible stress design of solid timber
Part 3 :
Permissible stress design of glued laminated timber
Part 4 :
Timber panel products
Section 1 : Structural plywood
Section 2 : Marine plywood
Section 3 : Cement bonded particleboard
Section 4 : Oriented strand board (OSB)
Part 5 : Timber joints
Part 6 : Workmanship, inspection and maintenance
Part 7 : Testing
Part 8 : Design, fabrication and installation of prefabricated timber for roof trusses
Part 9 : Fire resistance of timber structures
Section 1 : Method of calculating fire resistance of timber members
Part 10 : Preservative treatment of structural timbers
Part 11 Recommendation for the calculation basis for span tables
Section 1 : Domestic floor joists
Section 2 : Ceiling joists
Section 3 : Ceiling binders
Section 4 : Domestic rafters
Part 12 : Structural laminated veneer timber for structural application.
Compliance with a Malaysian Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal
obligations.
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STRUCTURAL USE OF TIMBER :

PART 11 : RECOMMENDED SPAN TABLES AND THEIR
CALCULATIONS :
SECTION 2 : CEILING JOISTS
1. Scope
This Section of MS 544 : Part 11 recommends a calculation basis for permissible clear span
for ceiling joists with access at a maximum spacing of 610 mm centre-to-centre. It does not
cater for the design of the ties of trussed rafters, whether prefabricated or otherwise.
The uniform and concentrated loads recommended in Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) :
1984 are considered.
This Section of MS 544 : Part 11 is applicable to the species, strength groups and grades of
timber given in MS 544 : Part 2 for both single and continuous span ceiling joists as shown in
Figure 1.
2. Referenced documents
The following referenced documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this Malaysian Standard. For dated references, where there are
subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However,
parties to agreements based on this Malaysian Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the referenced documents. For undated
references, the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
MS 544 : Part 1 to Part 8, Code of practice for structural use of timber.
Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. (G.N.5178/85) (UBBL).
BS 5268 : Part 3 : Roof truss system.
Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber : 1984.
3. Definitions
For the purpose of this Section of MS 544 : Part 11, the definitions given in MS 544 : Part 1
and the following apply.
3.1 Bearing length
Length at each end of the joist in contact with the support.
3.2 Effective span
Span from centre-centre of the minimum bearing lengths at each end.
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
3.3 Grade stress
Stress that can safely be permanently sustained by material of a specific section size and of a
particular strength group and grade.
3.4 Load-sharing system
Assembly to pieces of members that are constrained to act together to support common load.
3.5 Permissible clear span
Permissible unsupported span of a joist, measured between the faces of the support at its two
ends.
NOTE. Permissible clear span is equal to permissible effective span less the notional bearing length.
3.6 Permissible effective span
Lowest value of effective span found from the calculations for bending strength, shear
strength and deflection.
3.7 Permissible stress
Stress that can safely be sustained by a structural member of a particular cross section under
the particular conditions of service and loading.
NOTE. For the purpose of this Section of MS 544 : Part 11, it is the product of the grade stress and the appropriate
modification factors for depth, service and loading.
3.8 Point load
Concentrated load referred to in UBBL : 1984 that is regarded as acting at a point for
calculation purpose.
3.9 Notional bearing length
Bearing length required for the calculation of permissible clear spans.
3.10 Strength group
Grouping of solid timber based on particular values of grade stress.
4. Symbols
For the purposes of this Section of MS 544 : Part 11, the following symbols apply:
a distance (notional bearing length);
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
b breadth of joist;
E modulus of elasticity;
F total load per metre length;
Fd dead load per square metre applied by mass of ceiling materials, insulation
etc.(excluding joist self weight);
Fj self weight of joist per metre length;
Fp point load;
h depth of joist;
I second moment of area;

K modification factor (always with a subscript);
L effective span;
Ladm permissible effective span;
Lcl permissible clear span;
M bending moment;
s spacing of joists, centre-to centre;
deflection;
Z section modulus;
density;
stress; and
shear stress.
The following subscripts are used:
a) Type of force, stress etc:
c compression; and
m bending.
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
b) Significance:
adm permissible;
cl clear;
g grade; and
max maximum.
c) Geometry:
// parallel (to the grain); and
perpendicular (to the grain).

It is recommended that where more than one subscript is used, the categories should be
separated by commas.
Subscripts may be omitted when the context in which the symbols are used is unambiguous
except in the case of modification factor K.
5. Design considerations
5.1 General
The design calculations recommended by this Section of MS 544 : Part 11 are based on
engineers bending theory and are consistent with the recommendations of MS 544 : Part 1
Part 7. The design method ensures that the permissible bending and shear stresses, as given
in MS 544 : Part 2, are not exceeded and that the deflection due to bending and shear does
not exceed the recommended limit of 0.003 times the span.
NOTE. A sample calculation is given in Appendix B. Tables C1 to C7 in Appendix C contain specimen span tables.
5.2 Qualifying assumptions
Although the calculations given in this Section envisage systems of ceiling joists at maximum
spacing of 610 mm centre-to-centre, it is assumed that lateral load distribution is not adequate
to allow stresses to be increased for `load sharing'. For members acting alone, i.e. without
load sharing, the use of minimum modulus of elasticity is recommended in MS 544 : Part 2.
However, for ceiling joists long experience has indicated that satisfactory performance can be
achieved by the use of mean modulus of elasticity, and this practice is adopted in the
equations for limiting deflection.
For roof pitches greater than 20 degree the axial tension induced by rafter thrust when the
ceiling joist is used to tie complementary rafter feet together may be ignored except that it
should be considered in connection design. The importance of obtaining tensile continuity
when the ceiling joist is acting as a tie is emphasised.
4
5
Figure 1. Roof construction (Typical example)
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
The uniformly distributed dead and imposed loads are as given in UBBL : 1984 for ceiling
joists. Ceilings with access are assumed. The 0.9 kN concentrated load is applied only once
to the ceiling joist and not simultaneously in any other position. The design calculations given
in this Section do not allow for water tank loads. Additional design calculation should be made
if the ceiling joists were intended to carry water tank loads.
Lateral support should be provided in accordance with 11.8 of MS 544 : Part 2.
The bearing length required at each end of the joist, calculated in accordance with 6.5, may
not be sufficient for practical construction purposes.
5.3 Loading
The design calculations provide for ceilings with access and consist of the following.
a) Imposed load
2
0.25 kN/m uniformly distributed, together with a concentrated load of 0.9 kN which, in
accordance with UBBL : 1984, taken as a point load for calculation purposes.
The point load is assumed to act in the position which produces maximum stress or
deflection.
The imposed distributed load should be considered as a long term load. The
imposed point load should be considered as a short term load, as given in MS 544 :
Part 8 and Table 7 of BS 5268 : Part 3.
b) Dead load
2
Dead load per square metre Fd (in kN/m ) to provide for the mass of ceiling materials,
insulation etc. Weights of materials are given in UBBL : 1984.
c) Self weight
Self weight per metre length Fj (in kN/m) to provide for the mass of the joists. The
3
timber densities (in kg/m ), given in Appendix A should be used.
5.4 Design loads
Two loading conditions should be considered :
a) a point and uniform imposed load condition, the loading consisting of a point imposed
load plus uniformly distributed imposed load, dead load and self weight. This loading
should be considered as short term; and
b) a uniform imposed load condition, the loading consisting of uniformly distributed

imposed load, dead load and self weight. This loading should be considered as long
term.
For the point and uniform imposed and dead loads and self weight (in kN/m)
Fp = 0.9 kN
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
acting together with uniform imposed and dead loads and self weight (in kN/m)
(0.25 + Fd ) +F
s
j
1000 (1)
For the uniform imposed load condition, F (in kN/m) is given by the equation
s + F
F = (0.25 + Fd ) j (2)
1000
where,
s is the joist spacing (in mm);
2
Fd is the dead load (in kN/m ); and
Fj is the self weight of joist (in kN/m).
The value of Fj (in kN/m) may be found from the equation

-9
Fj = 9.80665 x 10 bh (3)
where,
3
is the timber density (in kg/m );
b is the joist breadth (in mm); and
h is the joist depth (in mm).
For the calculation of spans under loading incorporating a point load, the combined effect of
uniform and point loads may be obtained using the equivalent uniformly distributed load F. F
(in kN/m) is given by the following equations.
In bending strength calculations
s +F
+ (0.25 + Fd )
1000 x 2F p
F= j
L 1000 (4)
In shear strength calculations
1000 x 2Fp (0.25 + F ) s + F

F= + 1.25 d j (5)
L 1000
where the factor 1.25 is inserted to allow for continuity (see 6.1).
In deflection calculations:
) 1000
s
1000 x 1.6 Fp
F= (
+ 0.25 + Fd + Fj (6)
L
In equations (4) to (6)
Fp = 0.9 kN
L is the span (in mm)
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
6. Permissible spans
6.1 General
The permissible effective span of a timber joist subjected to the applied loads given in 5.3
should be the shortest effective span resulting from calculations for bending strength, shear
strength and deflection, as given in 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4.
The permissible clear span should be calculated as the permissible effective span less the
notional bearing length, calculated in accordance with 6.5.
Ceiling joists may be single-span beams, i.e. supported only at both ends, or they may be
supported within their length by binders or supporting walls. Both configurations are covered
by the design equations which recognise that the greatest deflection and bending stress occur
in the single-span case while the shear stress is greater for multi-span cases.
6.2 Limitation of bending stress

2
From MS 544 : Part 2 the permissible bending stress m,adm (in N/mm ) is given by the
equation
m,adm = m,g K1K6 (7)
where,
2
m,g is grade bending stress (in N/mm ) (see MS 544 : Part 2);
K1 is the load duration modification factor, 1.0 for long term or 1.5 for short term (see
Table 5 of MS 544 : Part 2); and
NOTE. There is no medium term load case.
K6 is the section depth modification factor (see 11.6 of MS 544 : Part 2).
Expanding the equation
M (8)
m, adm =
Z
leads to the following equations.
Point and uniform imposed load condition
1800 s + F L2 6
m,g x 1.5 x K 6 = + (0.25 + Fd ) 1000 j (9)
L 8 bh
2
Uniform imposed load condition
s + F L2 6
m, g x 1.0 x K 6 = (0.25 + Fd ) 1000 j (10)
8 bh
2
NOTE. These equations lead to the following polynomials in L. Point and uniform imposed load condition.
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
s 2 1350
(0.25 + Fd )
3
+ Fj L + L - m,g x 1.5 K 6 = 0 (11)
4bh 2
1000 bh 2
s 2
(0.25 + Fd )
3
+ F j L - m,g x 1.0 x K 6 = 0 (12)
4bh 2
1000
6.3 Limitation of shear stress
From MS 544 : Part 2 the permissible shear stress adm (in N/mm2) is given by the equation
adm = g K1 (13)
where,
2
g is the grade shear stress (in N/mm )(see MS 544 : Part 2); and
K1 is the load duration modification factor, 1.0 for long term or 1.5 for short term (see
Table 5 of MS 544 : Part 2);
Assuming the ceiling tie member is installed to act as continuous over two spans and
expanding the equation
3 FL
adm = (14)
2 2bh
leads to the following equations.
3 900 L
g x 1.5 = (
+ 0.625 x 0.25 + Fd ) s
+ Fj (15)
2 L 1000 bh
L
x 0.625 x (0.25 + Fd )
3 s
g x 1.0 = + Fj
2 1000 bh (16)
NOTE. These equations lead to the following polynomials in L.
3 x 0.625 s
(0.25 + Fd )
1350
+ Fj L + g x 1.5 = 0 (17)
2 bh 1000 bh
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
s
(0.25 + Fd )
3 x 0.625
+ F j L g x 1.0 = 0 (18)
2 bh 1000
6.4 Limitation of deflection
From 11.7 of MS 544 : Part 2, the recommended deflection limitation max (in mm) for general
application is given by the equation
max = 0.003L (19)
The design equation limiting deflection* is:

4 3
5 FL 1 Fp L (20)
max = +
384 EI 48 EI
where, E is the mean modulus of elasticity
or, inserting the expressions for equivalent uniformly distributed load
1000 x 1.6Fp s 5 L4 (21)

max = + (0.25 + Fd ) + Fj
L 1000 384 EI
where, Fp = 0.9 kN
with a deflection limitation of 0.003L.
1440 5 L4 12
0.003 L = (
+ 0.25 + Fd ) s
+ Fj x (22)
1000 384 E bh
3
L
NOTE. This equation leads to the following polynomial in L.
s 3 225 2
(0.25 + Fd )
5
+ Fj L + L - 0.003 = 0 (23)
32 Ebh 1000
3 3
Ebh
* The deflection due to bending excludes shear deflection because the equation is based on apparent E which has
taken into consideration the shear effect.
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
6.5 Permissible clear spans
The calculation of clear span requires the deduction of a notional bearing length from an
effective span.
The calculation of the notional bearing length to be deducted from the permissible effective
span to produce the clear span is made after finding Ladm , the smallest of the effective spans
for a given cross section, as limited by:
a) bending stress under uniform imposed load;

b) shear stress under point and uniform imposed load;
c) shear stress under uniform imposed load; and
d) deflection under point and uniform imposed load.
From MS 544 : Part 2 the permissible compression perpendicular to the grain stress c,,adm
2
(in N/mm ) is given by the equation.
c,,adm = c,,g K1 (24)
where,
2
c,,g is the grade compression perpendicular to the grain stress ((in N/mm )
(see Table 4 of MS 544 : Part 2)); and
K1 is the load duration modification factor, 1.0 for long term or 1.5 for short term
(see Table 5 of MS 544 : Part 2).

The notional bearing length a (in mm) required at each end should be found from the equation
c,,adm ba = Support reaction (25)
where, b is the breadth of joist (in mm).
Inserting appropriate expressions for the support reaction, equation (25) gives:
Point and uniform imposed load condition with bending stress or deflection governing
900 L
c,, g x 1.5 ba = (
+ 0.25 + Fd ) s
+ Fj adm (26)
Ladm 1000 2
Point and uniform imposed load condition with shear stress governing
900 s
c, ,g x 1.5ba = + 0.626 x (0.25 + Fd ) + Fj Ladm (27)
L adm 1000
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Ladm
c,, g (
x 1.0 ba = 0.25 + Fd ) s
+ Fj (28)
1000 2
In equations (26) to (28)
a is the notional bearing length (in mm);

b is the breadth of the joist (in mm); and
Ladm is the permissible effective span (in mm).
The equation corresponding to the loading condition governing the permissible effective span
should be solved for a and half the value of a should be deducted from each end of the span
(total deduction a, see Figure 2) to give the permissible clear span. Lcl (in mm) is given by the
equation.
Lcl = Ladm - a (29)
NOTE. As the manner of support varies for ceiling joists, the calculation of bearing length assumes support on the
underside of the joist and when preparing the span tables in Appendix C the same deduction has been applied to
cater for all types of support.
7. Bearing length
Although correct for the calculation of clear span the procedure given in 6.5 for the calculation
of bearing length may not ensure that the permissible compression perpendicular to the grain
stress is not exceeded for all loading cases.
The design of some members may be governed by a loading case which does not represent
the greatest total load of all loading cases. For example, the governing design case may
include a concentrated load, but another less critical loading case may consist of a greater
total load uniformly distributed along the span.
8. Information to be given in span tables
There are many possible formats for span tables. A typical format suitable for ceiling joists at
predetermined centres and for quoted loading is given in Appendix C.
This Section of MS 544 : Part 11 does not recommend formats for different components but
whatever format is used the following information should be given in the heading or in the
main body or in the footnotes of the span tables, or in an introduction to the tables:
a) the loading;
b) details of the arrangement of the members;
c) the member sizes and their maximum permissible deviations and/or the standards that
define these quantities;
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
d) stress grade or strength group and/or the standards that define these properties;
e) a statement specifying any requirements additional to those given in the stress grading
rules, e.g. whether wane is prohibited at bearings;
f) a statement that the spans have been calculated in accordance with the
recommendations of MS 544 : Part 2 and MS 544 : Part 11 : Section 2;
g) a statement specifying any structural requirements that may be necessary to comply

with the qualifying assumptions made in 5.2, e.g. lateral support requirements,
accommodation of lateral thrust at supports; and
h) the permissible clear spans.
a L cl a
a/2 a/2
L adm
Figure 2. Bearing length, permissible effective and permissible clear span
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Appendix A
(normative)
Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation
Table A1. Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation
Units in kg/m3
Recommended average densities

Strength Group
Dry Wet
SG1 1050 1200
SG2 950 1100
SG3 850 1000
SG4 750 900
SG5 650 800
SG6 550 700
SG7 450 600
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MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Appendix B
(normative)
Sample calculations for a ceiling joists
The object is to find the permissible clear span, given the following data as applicable to
particular design case.
Timber Strength group SG4, Dry (see Table 4 of

MS 544 : Part 2)
Dimensions Joist breadth, b = 47 mm

Joist depth, h = 72 mm
Joist spacing, s = 600 mm
Loading Dead load, F d = 0.25 kN/m 2 (see 5.3 (b))

Imposed load = 0.25 kN/m 2 (see 5.3 (a))
together with 0.9 kN (see 5.3 (a))
point load
Grade stress and density MS 544 : Part 2
Common grade bending stress, m,g = 10.5 N/mm 2 Table 4

Common grade shear stress, g = 0.99 N/mm 2 Table 4
Mean modulus of elasticity, E = 11000 N/mm 2 Table 4
Common grade compression perpendicular
to the grain stress (with wane permitted), = 1.54 N/mm 2
c, ,g Table 4
Density, = 750 kg/m 3 Appendix A (MS 544 : Part 11)
Modification factors
Uniform load, load duration K1 = 1.0 long term Table 4

Point load, load duration, K1 = 1.5 short term Table 4
Depth, K6 = 1.0 (300/h) 0.11 Clause 11.6
15
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Permissible stresses and recommended deflection limitation MS 544 : Part 11 : Section 2
Permissible bending stress,

m,adm (in N/mm 2) = m,g K1K6 Clause 6.2
= 15.75 N/mm 2 for
point
and uniform load
or = 10.50 N/mm 2 for
uniform load (long
term)
Permissible shear stress,
stress adm (in N/mm 2) = g K1 Clause 6.3
= 1.49 N/mm 2 for point
and uniform load
or = 0.99 N/mm 2 for
uniform load (long t
term)
Recommended deflection limitation

max (in mm) = 0.003L Clause 6.4
Permissible compression perpendicular to

the grain stress, c ,,adm (in N/mm 2) = c, ,g K1 Clause 6.5
= 2.31 N/mm 2 for point
and uniform load
or = 1.54 N/mm 2 for
uniform load (long
term)
Application of the design equations from 6.2 to 6.4 leads to the following solutions for effective
span, L :
a) Limitation of bending stress, point and uniform

imposed load L = 2070 mm (equation (11))
b) Limitation of bending stress, uniform imposed load L = 7394 mm (equation (12))
c) Limitation of shear stress, point and uniform

imposed load L = 12,066 mm (equation (17))
d) Limitation of shear stress, uniform imposed load L = 10,999 mm (equation (18))
e) Limitation of deflection, point and uniform imposed

load L = 1399 mm (equation (23))
The permissible effective span Ladm is therefore
Ladm = 1399 mm
The appropriate equation is selected from 6.5 to calculate the notional bearing length, a, as 7
mm.
The permissible clear span Lcl for the joist is then
Lcl = Ladm - a
Lcl = 1392 mm
16
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
Appendix C
(normative)
Specimen span tables for ceiling joists
Table C1. Permissible clear spans for ceiling joists SG 1
Dry Dead load supported by joist Wet

2 2
Nett 0.25 kN/m 0.50 kN/m Nett
Size Centre to centre spacing of joists (in mm Size
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1613 1597 1552 1552 1532 1478 38x75
95 2331 2302 2222 2222 2187 2095 100
120 3142 3095 2972 2972 2919 2779 125
140 3801 3740 3580 3580 3510 3331 150
165 4629 4549 4341 4341 4251 4023 175
190 5454 5356 5100 5100 4990 4712 200
215 6274 6157 5854 5854 5725 5398 225
17
47x72 1837 1817 1763 1763 1738 1673 50x75

95 2636 2600 2507 2507 2465 2356 100
120 3527 3474 3332 3332 3269 3109 125
140 4245 4176 3994 3994 3915 3713 150
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001

165 5140 5051 4820 4820 4720 4466 175
190 6024 5917 5638 5638 5518 5213 200
215 6897 6771 6447 6447 6307 5954 225
60x140 4630 4555 4357 4357 4270 4050 63x150
165 5576 5481 5234 5234 5126 4853 175
190 6505 6392 6098 6098 5971 5647 200
215 7415 7286 6948 6948 6803 6431 225
72x190 6862 6747 6446 6446 6315 5979 75x200
215 7797 7666 7324 7324 7175 6794 225
NOTES :
1. For species in this strength group see Table 3 of MS 544 : Part 2.

2. The permissible clear spans as given, are of the minimum value between the dry and wet size calculation.
3. All permissible stress calculations in this span tables are based on common grade stresses and minimum modulus of elasticity.
4. The tables are computed on the basis that the specification include wane at bearing.
5. The spans have been calculated in accordance with the recommendations of MS 544: Part 11 : Section 1.
6. The material should be stress graded in accordance with Malaysian Grading Rules 1984.
1
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001


2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1533 1518 1477 1477 1458 1408 38x75
95 2221 2194 2120 2120 2087 2000 100
120 3001 2957 2841 2841 2791 2659 125
140 3637 3579 3427 3427 3361 3191 150
165 4437 4361 4163 4163 4077 3859 175
190 5238 5143 4898 4898 4793 4526 200
215 6035 5922 5630 5630 5505 5190 225
47x72 1748 1729 1679 1679 1657 1596 50x75
95 2515 2482 2394 2394 2355 2253 100
120 3375 3324 3190 3190 3131 2979 125
18
140 4070 4004 3831 3831 3756 3563 150

165 4939 4853 4631 4631 4535 4291 175
190 5800 5696 5426 5426 5310 5016 200
215 6651 6529 6213 6213 6078 5735 225
60x140 4448 4376 4185 4185 4102 3891 63x150
165 5369 5277 5038 5038 4934 4670 175
190 6277 6167 5880 5880 5756 5441 200
215 7168 7041 6710 6710 6567 6205 225
72x190 6634 6521 6225 6225 6097 5769 75x200
215 7552 7423 7085 7085 6938 6564 225
NOTES :

2
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001


2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1423 1410 1374 1374 1357 1312 38x75
95 2069 2044 1978 1978 1948 1869 100
120 2804 2764 2659 2659 2612 2491 125
140 3406 3353 3213 3213 3152 2996 150
165 4166 4095 3912 3912 3832 3629 175
190 4929 4840 4611 4611 4513 4263 200
215 5690 5584 5309 5309 5192 4895 225
47x72 1626 1609 1564 1564 1544 1489 50x75
95 2348 2318 2238 2238 2203 2109 100
120 3161 3115 2991 2991 2937 2797 125
140 3822 3761 3600 3600 3530 3351 150
19
165 4650 4570 4362 4362 4272 4044 175

190 5474 5376 5121 5121 5012 4734 200
215 6291 6175 5875 5875 5746 5420 225
60x140 4187 4119 3941 3941 3864 3665 63x150
165 5068 4981 4755 4755 4657 4408 175
190 5940 5835 5562 5562 5445 5146 200
215 6799 6677 6359 6359 6223 5876 225
72x190 6292 6183 5899 5899 5776 5463 75x200
215 7178 7053 6727 6727 6586 6226 225
NOTES :

3
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001

2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1260 1250 1220 1220 1206 1168 38x75
95 1840 1820 1764 1764 1739 1672 100
120 2505 2472 2382 2382 2342 2238 125
140 3052 3007 2887 2887 2834 2698 150
165 3747 3686 3526 3526 3456 3278 175
190 4447 4369 4167 4167 4080 3859 200
215 5147 5053 4809 4809 4705 4440 225
47x72 1443 1429 1392 1392 1375 1329 50x75
95 2094 2069 2002 2002 1972 1892 100
120 2833 2793 2687 2687 2640 2519 125
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001

20
140 3437 3384 3244 3244 3183 3026 150

165 4197 4127 3944 3944 3864 3662 175
190 4957 4870 4643 4643 4545 4297 200
215 5713 5609 5339 5339 5223 4930 225
60x140 3776 3717 3560 3560 3492 3317 63x150
165 4589 4512 4311 4311 4223 4001 175
190 5397 5303 5057 5057 4951 4681 200
215 6196 6085 5796 5796 5672 5357 225
72x190 5732 5633 5376 5376 5264 4980 75x200
215 6560 6446 6146 6146 6016 5687 225
NOTES :

4
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001


2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1151 1142 1116 1116 1104 1071 38x75
95 1688 1670 1621 1621 1599 1539 100
120 2306 2276 2196 2196 2160 2067 125
140 2816 2776 2668 2668 2621 2497 150
165 3467 3412 3267 3267 3203 3040 175
190 4126 4055 3870 3870 3790 3586 200
215 4787 4700 4475 4475 4378 4133 225
47x72 1321 1310 1277 1277 1262 1222 50x75
95 1925 1903 1844 1844 1817 1745 100
21
120 2615 2579 2484 2484 2442 2332 125

140 3180 3133 3006 3006 2951 2807 150
165 3896 3832 3664 3664 3591 3405 175
190 4615 4534 4324 4324 4234 4004 200
215 5332 5235 4983 4983 4875 4601 225
60x140 3504 3450 3307 3307 3245 3084 63x150
165 4273 4202 4016 4016 3935 3729 175
190 5040 4952 4723 4723 4623 4372 200
215 5802 5697 5425 5425 5308 5012 225
72x190 5366 5273 5031 5031 4926 4659 75x200
215 6159 6050 5765 5765 5642 5330 225
NOTES :

5
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001

2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 1038 1030 1008 1008 998 969 38x75
95 1527 1512 1470 1470 1451 1399 100
120 2094 2068 1999 1999 1968 1886 125
140 2564 2529 2434 2434 2393 2283 150
165 3166 3118 2989 2989 2933 2787 175
190 3778 3715 3550 3550 3478 3295 200
215 4395 4317 4114 4114 4026 3805 225
47x72 1193 1183 1156 1156 1143 1108 50x75
95 1746 1727 1676 1676 1652 1590 100
120 2380 2349 2266 2266 2229 2132 125
140 2904 2862 2750 2750 2701 2573 150
22
165 3569 3512 3362 3362 3297 3129 175

190 4240 4168 3978 3978 3896 3687 200
215 4913 4825 4595 4595 4496 4246 225
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001

60x140 3208 3160 3032 3032 2977 2832 63x150
165 3926 3862 3694 3694 3621 3434 175
190 4646 4566 4356 4356 4266 4035 200
215 5364 5268 5017 5017 4909 4635 225
72x190 4960 4874 4650 4650 4554 4308 75x200
215 5711 5608 5343 5343 5229 4939 225
NOTES :

6
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001
MS 544 : PART 11 : SECTION 2 : 2001


2 2
(mm) 400 450 600 400 450 600 (mm)
35x72 879 870 843 843 831 798 38x75
95 1452 1437 1389 1389 1361 1289 100
120 1996 1972 1906 1906 1877 1798 125
140 2450 2417 2326 2326 2286 2182 150
165 3033 2986 2862 2862 2808 2668 175
190 3626 3565 3405 3405 3336 3159 200
215 4226 4150 3953 3953 3868 3652 225
47x72 1133 1118 1079 1079 1061 1013 50x75
95 1665 1647 1598 1598 1576 1517 100
120 2277 2247 2168 2168 2132 2039 125
140 2783 2743 2636 2636 2588 2466 150
23
165 3429 3374 3229 3229 3166 3004 175

190 4083 4012 3828 3828 3749 3546 200
215 4741 4654 4429 4429 4333 4088 225
60x140 3082 3036 2913 2913 2859 2720 63x150
165 3782 3720 3557 3557 3486 3304 175
190 4487 4408 4203 4203 4114 3889 200
215 5166 5076 4841 4841 4739 4474 225
72x190 4796 4716 4496 4496 4401 4160 75x200
215 5479 5384 5138 5138 5031 4758 225
NOTES :


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MS 327 : PART 2 : 1997

MALAYSIAN MS 544 : PART 11 :

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STRUCTURAL USE

DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA

The main function of the Department is to foster and promote standards,

Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which

The Department of Standards appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent to develop

For further information on Malaysian Standards, please contact:

Department of Standards Malaysia OR SIRIM Berhad

Tel: 60 3 5519 8033 Tel: 60 3 5544 6000

A1 Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation........ 14

1 Roof construction (Typical example)..... 5

2 Bearing length, permissible effective and permissible clear span... 13

A Recommended average densities of timber for purpose of calculation... 14

B Sample calculations for a ceiling joists.. 15

C Specimen span tables for ceiling joists..... 17

Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia

Encik Zainuddin bin Kader Public Works Department

Puan Dang Anom binti Md. Zin Housing Department

Prof. Madya Dr. Sabaruddin bin Mohd/ Universiti Sains Malaysia

Prof. Ir. Dr. Zainai bin Mohamed/ Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Dr. Mohd. Ariff bin Jamaludin Universiti Putra Malaysia

Ir. Yap Chin Tian Malaysian Wood Industry Association

Committee representation (Working Group)

Encik Hamdan bin Husain (Secretary) Forest Research Institute Malaysia

Puan Hanishahani binti Othman Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia

Dr. Mohd Ariff bin Jamaludin Universiti Putra Malaysia

Ir. Yap Chin Tian Malaysian Wood Industry Association

Dr. Badorul Hisham bin Abu Bakar Universiti Sains Malaysia

Encik Chu Yue Pun Forest Research Institute Malaysia

Encik David Yeoh Eng Chuan Politeknik Shah Alam

CIDB is the Standards-Writing Organisation (SWO) appointed by SIRIM Berhad to develop

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STRUCTURAL USE OF TIMBER :

MS 544 : Part 1 to Part 8, Code of practice for structural use of timber.

Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. (G.N.5178/85) (UBBL).

BS 5268 : Part 3 : Roof truss system.

Malaysian Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber : 1984.

3.1 Bearing length

Length at each end of the joist in contact with the support.

3.2 Effective span

Span from centre-centre of the minimum bearing lengths at each end.

3.3 Grade stress

3.4 Load-sharing system

3.5 Permissible clear span

3.6 Permissible effective span

3.7 Permissible stress

3.8 Point load

3.9 Notional bearing length

Bearing length required for the calculation of permissible clear spans.

3.10 Strength group

Grouping of solid timber based on particular values of grade stress.

a distance (notional bearing length);

F total load per metre length;

Fj self weight of joist per metre length;

I second moment of area;

K modification factor (always with a subscript);

Ladm permissible effective span;

Lcl permissible clear span;

s spacing of joists, centre-to centre;

The following subscripts are used:

a) Type of force, stress etc:

// parallel (to the grain); and

perpendicular (to the grain).