STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS FOR
CONSTRUCTION WORKS
2008

Module – 12 – Structural Timber

Introduction
The Standard Specification is published in a series of 21 stand-alone modules each addressing

single distinct areas of the construction process. This stand-alone module 12 addresses the

main aspects of structural timber in general.

The purpose of the MoW STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION is to provide

the design professional with a guide for accepted construction practices for Ministry of Works

projects. As an aid to the designer, these Standard Specifications are provided for the inclusion

in proposed development projects for ease, efficiency and cost savings.

The Standard Specifications are not intended to limit the design responsibility of the design

professional. However, they establish a minimum acceptable criterion and/or quality for use

within Ministry of Works projects.

The design professional may increase the requirements of an item contained in the Standard

Specifications to meet job requirements, but when this is done, there should be no reference for

that item on the drawings to the Ministry of Works Standard Specifications and a new

specification should be included with the drawings or project contract documents.

The design professional must review all Standard Specifications to be sure that they are

adequate for the proposed project based on the job site conditions; the design professional is

solely responsible for the designs submitted under his seal.

In order to keep design standards current with changing regulations and improved construction

materials and practices this section will be updated and maintained by the concerned authorities

of the Ministry of Works. Prior to starting a new project, the design professional should contact

the concerned Directorate of the Ministry of Works to verify that he/she has the latest document

revisions.

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Module List
Module
No Module Title
1 Guidance and General Specifications

2 Concrete

3 Earthworks

4 Glass and Glazing

5 Joinery and Carpentry

6 Ironmongery

7 Internal Finishes including Thermal Insulation

8 Painting and Decorating (Internal & External)

9 Metalwork

10 Roofing

11 Structural Steel (and Coatings)

12 Structural Timber

13 Masonry

14 Plumbing and Sanitary

15 Mechanical Installation in Buildings

16 Electrical Installation

17 Sewerage, Pipelines and Pipework

18 Sewerage M&E Works

19 Roadworks

20 Landscaping

21 Dredging, Reclamation and Shoreline Protection

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Table of Contents

CLAUSE DESCRIPTION PAGE

Introduction 1
Module List 2
Table of Contents 3
Foreword 4
1. PART 1 MATERIALS 5
1.1 Timber…………………………………………………………………………………………...5
1.2 Fasteners and Fixings.………………………………….……………………………………..6
1.3 Inspection and Testing.………………………………………………………………………..7

2. PART 2 METHODOLOGY AND WORKMANSHIP 7

2.1 Delivery, Storage and Protection……………………………………………………………..7
2.2 Dimensional Tolerances.……………………………………………………………………... 7
2.3 Selection of Timber.……………………………................................................................ 8
2.4 Treatment and Finishes.……………………………………………………………………… 9
2.5 Erection and Installation……………………………………………………………………… 9
2.6 Jointing and Fixing……………………………………………………………………………10
2.7 Structural Elements…………………………………………………………………………..11
2.8 Additional Support……………………………………………………………………………12
2.9 Final Inspection……………………………………………………………………………….13

3. PART 3 SUMMARY 13
3.1 Standards.……………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.2 Standards covering specifications.………………………………………………………….13

Abbreviations 15

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Foreword
This specification provides the basis for using structural timber in construction. It relates to the

procurement, fabrication, installation and testing of structural timber which has been designed in

accordance with BS 5268: Part 2.

This specification must be read in its entirety, as it is structured in order of work-flow, which means

that items or activities appear in several places in the specification corresponding to the

progression of the construction process.

For larger or more complex or specialist projects, a project-specific Particular Specification for

structural timber may also be provided.

Absence of clauses for materials and methods does not necessarily signify that they can not be

used. Proposals for use of innovative methods and materials are encouraged and are subject to

review and approval by the Client.

Where the word approved is used in this specification, this means that the Client or Engineer has

been consulted and has confirmed that the item or procedure is acceptable in the specific context

for which approval has been requested.

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1. PART 1 MATERIALS

This document outlines the requirements related to procurement, fabrication, installation

and testing of structural timber which has been designed in accordance with BS 5268:
Part 2.

All references to Standards and Codes of Practice given hereafter shall be made to the
editions current at the time.

1.1 Timber

1.1.1 Source Approvals

All timber shall be procured from suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) or any equivalent worldwide guidelines, subject to the client not relaxing this
requirement. All timber shall be clearly labelled to indicate compliance with the FSC
Chain of Custody Certification or an equivalent depending on the selected guidelines,
hence demonstrating its origins in a source of sustainable forestry.

Hardwood shall be of Hardwood Structural Grade complying with BS 5756, and shall be
free of sapwood.

The Contractor shall furnish the Engineer with the following information concerning the
sustainability of the hardwood source:

• The identity of the supplier.

• The details of the timber supplied, including lengths and cross-sectional sizes of
individual species.
• The country of origin.
• The felling region.
• A copy of the management plans for the appropriate felling region.
• Evidence of the integrity of the route of supply from source.

1.1.2 Grading and Compliance

Timber shall be graded by any company currently registered under a third party quality
assurance scheme operated by a certification body approved by the UK Timber Grading
Committee or an equivalent authority. Softwood timber grading shall comply with the
standards or rules listed in BS 5268: Part 2, Clause 1.5.

Timber of a target/finished thickness less than 100 mm and not specified for wet
exposure shall be graded at an average moisture content not exceeding 6% with no
reading being in excess of 8% and clearly marked as 'DRY' or 'KD' (kiln dried).

Timber graded undried (green) and specified for installation at higher moisture contents
shall be clearly marked as 'WET' or 'GRN'.

Structural timber members cut from large graded sections shall be re-graded for approval
and marked accordingly.

Structural softwood shall be graded in accordance with BS 4978 or BS EN 14081: Parts

1-3 or other national equivalent and so marked.

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 Upgraded softwood shall be free from decay, insect attack (except pinhole borers) and
with no knots wider than half the width of the section.

Wood trim shall be graded in accordance with BS 1186: Part 3, and so marked.

Structural hardwood shall be graded in accordance with BS 5756, and so marked.

Structural plywood shall comply with the relevant national standards and quality control
procedures specified in BS 5268: Part 2, and so marked.

Non-structural plywood shall comply with an approved national standard.

Tempered hardboard shall comply with the guidance given in BS EN 622: Part 2.

Glued laminated timber shall comply with the guidance given in BS EN 386 and
BS EN 390, with glued end joints to BS 5268: Part 2, Clause 3.4.

Timber shall be free from active attack by insects or fungi.

Adhesive type shall comply with BS EN 301 and capable of withstanding the local climatic
conditions specified in BS EN 386.

Trussed rafters shall be designed and fabricated in accordance with BS 5268: Part 3 and
manufactured by a firm currently registered under a third party quality assurance scheme.

Structural Wood Composite sections (including prefabricated sections) shall be Agrément

certified.

1.2 Fasteners and Fixings

1.2.1 Protective Coatings

Galvanizing of fasteners shall be carried out in accordance with BS 7371: Part 6, with
internal threads tapped and lightly oiled following treatment.

Sherardising of fasteners shall be carried out in accordance with BS 7371: Part

8, Class 1.

Zinc plating of fasteners shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 4042 and
passivated.

1.2.2 Bolts

Black bolts and nuts shall comply with BS EN ISO 898: Part 1 and BS EN 20898: Part 2.

Black cup and countersunk head bolts and nuts shall comply with BS 4933.

1.2.3 Washers

Plain washers shall comply with BS 4320.

Spring washers shall comply with BS 4464.

Stainless steel bolts and nuts shall comply with BS EN ISO 3506.

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1.2.4 Bolted joints with connectors

Connectors shall comply with BS EN 912.

Bolts and washers shall comply with BS 5268: Part 2.

Standard joist hangers shall comply with BS EN 845: Part 1.

1.3 Inspection and Testing

Component testing shall be carried out in accordance with BS 5268: Part 2, Section 8.

Trussed rafter testing shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 595.

Timber sections shall be tested with an approved electrical moisture meter. Each test
sample shall consist of 5% but not less than 10 lengths of each cross-section in the
centre of the length, and 90% of values obtained for each test sample shall be within the
specified range. Records of all tests shall be provided.

Anchors shall be tested in accordance with BS 5080: Part 1 and Part 2.

2. PART 2 METHODOLOGY AND WORKMANSHIP

2.1 Delivery, Storage and Protection

Timber sections or components shall be kept dry and not overstressed, distorted or
disfigured during transit, storage, lifting, erection or fixing.

Timber and components shall be stored under cover, clear of the ground and with good
ventilation, supported on regularly spaced, level bearers on a dry, firm base. The pile
shall be opened to ensure free movement of air through the stack. Trussed rafters shall
be kept vertical during handling and storage.

The exposed end grain of all members shall be sealed before delivery to site.

Damage to, and marking of, surfaces and arrises of planed structural timber exposed to
view in completed work shall be prevented.

Defects due to detailing or fabrication errors shall be reported to the Engineer without
delay.

Approval of proposals shall be obtained before starting modification or remedial work.

Timber members/components may be rejected if the nature and/or number of defects

would result in an excessive amount of site repair.

Workmanship shall comply with the recommendations of BS 5268: Part 2

2.2 Dimensional Tolerances

Cross section dimensions of structural softwood and hardwood given in this specification
and shown on drawings are target sizes as defined in BS EN 336. The tolerance
indicators (T1) and (T2) specify the maximum permitted deviations from target sizes as
stated in BS EN 336, Clause 4.3:

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 • Tolerance class 1 (T1) for sawn surfaces.
• Tolerance class 2 (T2) for further processed surfaces.

Cross section dimensions of non-structural softwood given in this specification and shown
on drawings are finished sizes. Maximum permitted deviations from finished sizes as
stated in BS EN 1313: Part 1:

• Clause 6 for sawn sections.

• Clause NA.2 for further processed sections.

Cross section dimensions of non-structural hardwood given in this specification and

shown on drawings are finished sizes. Maximum permitted deviations from finished sizes
as stated in BS EN 1313: Part 2:

• Clause 6 for sawn sections.

• Clause NA.3 for further processed sections.

2.3 Selection of Timber

Timber members damaged, crushed or split beyond the limits permitted by their grading
shall not be used.

Warping of timber in the form of bow, spring, twist and cup shall be not greater than the
limits set down in BS 4978 for softwood or BS 5756 for hardwood. The values are
reproduced from the standards as applicable on October 2007 and presented in Table 1
and 2 for softwood and hardwood respectively. These values should be followed unless
otherwise proved different by the latest BS publications.

Table 1 – Permissible Limits for Warping of Softwood

Distortion Grade GS Grade SS
Characteristic
Bow Not greater than 20 mm over a Not greater than 10 mm over a
length of 2 m. length of 2 m.
Spring Not greater than 12 mm over a Not greater than 8 mm over a
length of 2 m. length of 2 m.
Twist Not greater than 2 mm per Not greater than 1 mm per
25 mm width over a length of 25 mm width over a length of
2 m. 2 m.
Cup Unlimited Unlimited

Table 2 – Permissible Limits for Warping of Hardwood

Distortion Value
Characteristic
Bow Not greater than 10 mm over a length of 2 m.
Spring Not greater than 8 mm over a length of 2 m.
Twist Not greater than 1 mm per 25 mm width over a length of 2 m.
Cup Unlimited

Notches and holes shall be positioned in relation to knots or other defects such that the
strength of members will not be reduced.

Scarf joints, finger joints and splice plates shall not be used without approval.

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 Moisture content of wood and wood based products at time of installation shall be not
more than:

• 8% for generally unheated, covered spaces.

• 6% for generally heated, covered spaces.
• 6% for continuously heated, internal spaces.

2.4 Treatment and Finishes

Unless otherwise specified in the Contract, softwood preservative treatment shall follow
the recommendations of BS 5268: Part 5.

The Contractor’s proposals regarding the use of preservative products shall be submitted
to the Engineer for his acceptance before the relevant work is carried out.

As much cutting and machining as possible shall be carried out before treatment.

Treated timber sawn lengthways, thicknesses, planed, ploughed, etc shall be re-treated.

Surfaces of treated timber exposed by minor cutting and/or drilling shall be liberally re-
treated with two flood coats of the solution recommended by the treatment solution
manufacturer, selected to achieve the agreed service life and to suit treatability of
specified wood species.

Structural timber to be painted shall be primed before delivery to site.

Structural timber to be clear finished shall be kept clean and first coat of finish shall be
applied before delivery to site

For each batch of timber provide a certificate of assurance that treatment has been
carried out as specified.

Unless otherwise specified in the contract, hardwoods shall not receive any preservative
treatment.

2.5 Erection and Installation

Details of proposals for erecting structural timber shall be submitted including:

• Method and sequence of erection.

• Type of carnage.
• Temporary guys and bracing proposed for use during erection.

Pre-erection checking shall be carried out not less than 10 days before proposed erection
start date and shall include:

• Setting out of foundations and other structures to which timber structure will be
attached.
• Position, protruding length, condition and slackness of holding down bolts, and
reporting any inaccuracies and defects without delay.
• Obtain permission to commence erection.
• Provide temporary bracing as necessary to maintain structural timber components in
position and to ensure complete stability during construction.

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 Trussed rafters shall be erected in accordance with BS 5268: Part 3, Clause 9.3 and
Trussed Rafter Association (TRA) site installation guide:

• Do not modify trusses without approval.

• Do not use damaged trusses.
• Truss clips and bottom chords of standard trusses and rafters of raised tie trusses
shall bear fully on wall plates.

Bottom chords of standard trusses shall not be fixed to internal walls until roofing is
complete and cisterns are installed and filled.

2.6 Jointing and Fixing

2.6.1 Bolted Joints

Minimum bolt spacing for bolted joints shall comply with BS 5268: Part 2, Table 81.

Holes for bolts shall be located accurately and drilled to diameters as close as practical to
the nominal bolt diameter and not more than 2 mm larger.

Bolt shall be tightened so that washers just bite the surface of the timber. At least one
complete thread shall protrude from the nut.

Bolts shall be tightened as necessary at agreed regular intervals up to completion.

Washers shall be placed under bolt heads and nuts that would otherwise bear directly on
timber. Spring washers shall only be used in locations which will be hidden or
inaccessible in the completed building.

Washers shall be of a material and finish to match bolts. When seated directly on timber
surfaces, unless specified otherwise, diameter/side dimensions shall be not less than
3 times bolt diameter, and thickness not less than 0.25 times bolt diameter.

Bolted joints with connectors shall comply with the following requirements:

• Where not otherwise shown, spacing, end and edge distances to be not less than
Standard values to BS 5268: Part 2, Section 6.
• Centres of bolt holes: not more than 2 mm from positions shown on drawings.
• During assembly do not crush timber, deform washers or overstress bolts.
• Framing anchors shall be galvanized or sherardized square twist nails sized and
spaced as recommended by anchor manufacturer.

2.6.2 Glued Joints

Where relevant, manufacturer's confirmation shall be obtained that adhesive is

compatible with preservative/ fire retardant treatment.

Glued structural components shall be fabricated to BS 6446 in clean, controlled workshop

conditions.

2.6.2.1 Bonded and Expansion Anchors

Instructions shall be obtained if specified spacing or edge distance cannot be achieved.

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 Installation holes shall be drilled to diameter and depth recommended by manufacturer.
Holes shall be clean and free from dust.

Anchors shall be installed and tightened to manufacturer’s instructions.

Permeable sleeves shall be used with bonded anchors in conditions where otherwise loss
of bonding agent would be unacceptably high.

2.7 Structural Elements

Timber surfaces which are to transmit loads shall be finished to ensure close contact over
the whole of the designed bearing area.

Where provided, packing shall cover the whole of the designed bearing area. Packing
shall have a crushing strength not less than the timber being supported. In external
locations packings shall be rot and corrosion proof.

Wall plates shall be positioned and aligned to give the correct span and level for trusses,
joists, etc., and shall be bedded fully in fresh mortar. At corners and elsewhere where
joints are unavoidable, nailed half lap joints shall be used. Short lengths of timber shall
not be used.

2.7.1 Joists

Joists shall be installed with equal spacing.

Bowed joists shall be installed with positive camber.

End joists shall be positioned approximately 50 mm from masonry walls. Hangers for
joists shall be bedded directly on and hard against supporting construction. Packs or bed
on mortar shall not be used.

Joists shall be cut to leave not more than 6 mm gap between ends of joists and backs of
hangers. Joists shall be rebated to lie flush with underside of hangers.

Joists shall be fixed to hangers with a nail in every hole.

Joist hangars shall be sized to suit joist, design load and crushing strength of supporting
construction.

Trimmers and trimming joists shall be not less than 25 mm wider than general joists.

2.7.2 Trusses

Permanent bracing of trussed rafters shall be in accordance with BS 5268: Part 3.

Bracing and binder members shall be at least 100 mm x 25 mm softwood and free from
major strength-reducing defects and distortion.

Bracing shall be fixed to every rafter, strut or tie with not less than two fasteners. Lap
joints shall be extended over and nailed to at least two truss members.

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2.7.3 Vertical Restraint Straps

Straps shall be not less than 75 mm2 in cross section, with a thickness not less than
2.5 mm.

Straps shall be formed of galvanized low carbon steel or stainless steel.

Straps shall be not less than 1 m in length.

Straps shall be fixed to timber members with not less than 100 mm anchorage.

Straps shall be fixed to masonry with not less than 4 screws evenly spaced, with at least
two screws located within 150 mm of the bottom end of each strap.

2.7.4 Lateral Restraint Straps

Lateral restraint straps shall be used to restrain walls in accordance with BS 5628. Straps
shall be formed of galvanized low carbon steel or stainless steel. Cranked end shall be in
tight contact with the cavity face of wall inner leaf, and not pointing upwards.

Where straps span joists/rafter/ties running parallel to wall, noggins and packs shall be
fixed tightly beneath straps.

Joists shall be notched so that straps fit flush with surface. Rafters and ties shall not be
notched.

Noggins and packs shall be not less than three quarters of joist/rafter/tie depth and not
less than 38 mm thick.

2.7.5 Strutting to Floor Joists

Strutting to floor joists shall be in accordance with BS 5268, and the following
requirements.

• Herringbone strutting of at least 38 mm x 38 mm softwood.

• Solid strutting of at least 38 mm thick softwood and at least three quarters of joist
depth.
• Proprietary metal strutting may be used at the engineer’s approval.
• Fixing between joists shall be as follows:
• Joist spans of 2.5 m to 4.5 m: One row at centre span.
• Joist spans over 4.5 m: Two rows equally spaced.
• Strutting must not project beyond top and bottom edges of joists.
• Outer joists blocked solidly to perimeter walls.

2.8 Additional Support

Additional studs, noggins and/or battens shall be used to support edges of sheets
materials, and wall/floor/ceiling mounted appliances, fixtures, and so on.

Support members shall be of adequate size and have the same treatment, if any, as
adjacent timber supports.

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2.9 Final Inspection

Reasonable notice shall be given before covering up structural timber-work to permit

inspection.

All accessible bolts shall be inspected at the end of the Defects Liability Period and
tightened if necessary.

3. PART 3 SUMMARY

3.1 Standards

Reference Title

BS 1186: Part 3 Timber for and workmanship in joinery. Specification for

wood trim and its fixing
BS 5080: Part 1 Structural fixings in concrete and masonry. Method of test
for tensile loading
BS 5080: Part 2 Structural fixings in concrete and masonry. Method for
determination of resistance to loading in shear
BS 5628 Code of practice for the use of masonry
BS 5268: Part 2 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible
stress design, materials and workmanship
BS 5268: Part 3 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for trussed rafter
roofs
BS 5268: Part 5 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for the
preservative treatment of structural timber
BS EN 336 Structural timber. Sizes, permitted deviations
BS EN 390 Glued laminated timber. Sizes. Permissible deviations
BS EN 595 Timber structures. Test methods. Test of trusses for the
determination of strength and deformation behaviour
BS EN 1313: Part 1 Round and sawn timber. Permitted deviations and
preferred sizes. Softwood sawn timber
BS EN 1313: Part 2 Round and sawn timber. Permitted deviations and
preferred sizes. Hardwood sawn timber

3.2 Standards covering specifications

Reference Title

BS 4320 Specification for metal washers for general engineering

purposes. Metric series
BS 4464 Specification for spring washers for general engineering
and automobile purposes. Metric series
BS 4933 Specification for ISO metric black cup and countersunk
head bolts and screws with hexagon nuts
BS 4978 Visual strength grading of softwood. Specification
BS 5756 Visual grading of hardwood. Specification
BS 6446 Specification for manufacture of glued structural
components of timber and wood based panels
BS 7371: Part 6 Coatings on metal fasteners. Specification for hot dipped
galvanized coatings
BS 7371: Part 8 Coatings on metal fasteners. Specification for sheradized
coatings
BS EN 301 Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for loading bearing
timber structures. Classification and performance
requirements

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BS EN 386 Glued laminated timber. Performance requirements and
minimum production requirements
BS EN 622: Part 2 Fibreboards. Specifications. Requirements for hardboards
BS EN 845: Part 1 Specification for ancillary components for masonry. Ties,
tension straps, hangers and brackets
BS EN 912 Timber fasteners. Specifications for connections for timber
BS EN 20898: Part 2 Mechanical properties of fasteners. Nuts with specified
proof load values. Coarse thread
BS EN ISO 898: Part 1 Mechanical properties of fasteners made of carbon steel
and alloy steel. Bolts, screws and studs
BS EN ISO 3506 Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless-steel
fasteners.
BS EN ISO 4042 Fasteners. Electroplated coatings

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Abbreviations
ACB Air Circuit Breakers EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
ACOP Approved Code of Practice EPDM Ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer
ACRIB Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry copolymer
Board FA Fresh Air
ADCM Acoustic Doppler Current Meters FBA Factory Built Assembly
AFMA Australian Fisheries Management Authority FRP Fibre Reinforced Polymer
AGMA American Gear Manufacturers’ Association FSC Forest Stewardship Council
AISI American Iron and Steel Institute GANA Glass Association of North America
AS Acceptance Strength GGBS Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag
ASTA Association of Short-circuit Testing GMS Galvanized Mild Steel
Authorities GRC Glass Reinforced Cement/Glass Reinforced
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials Concrete
ATS Automatic Transfer Switch GRP Glass Reinforced Plastics
AWS American Welding Society HCFC Hydrofluorocarbons
BASEC British Approval Service for Electric Cables HDPE High Density Polyethylene
BOCA Building Officials and Code Administrators HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air
BRE Building Research Establishment Ltd. HFC HydroFluoroCarbon
BS British Standards HPL High Pressure Laminate
BSRIA Building Service Research and Information HPPE Higher Performance Polyethylene
Association HRC High Rupturing Capacity
CBR California Bearing Ratio HSE Health and Safety Executive
CCTV Close Circuit Television HSFG High Strength Friction Grip
CECOMAF Comité Européen des Constructeurs de HV High Voltage
Matériel Frigorifique HVCA Heating and Ventilating Contractors’
CENELEC Comité Européen de Normalisation Association
Electrotechnique ICBO International Conference of Building Officials
CFC Chlorofluorocarbons IGCC Insulating Glass Certification Council
CIBSE Chartered Institution of Building Services IGE/UP Institution of Gas Engineers – Utilization
Engineers Procedures
CHW Chilled Water IP Ingress Protection
CI Cast Iron ISAT Initial Surface Absorption Test
CLW Cooling Water ISO International Standard Organization
CM Current Margin / Communication cable ITP Inspection Testing Plan
CMP Communication cable (Plenum) KD Kiln Dried
CP Code of Practice kVA Kilovolt Ampere
CPC Circuit Protection Conductor LCD Liquid Crystal Display
CPT Cone Penetration Testing LED Light Emitting Diode
CRS Categorised Required Strength LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas
CRT Cathode Ray Tube LS0H Low Smoke Zero Halogen
CRZ Capillary Rise Zone LSF Low Smoke and Fume
CT Current Transformer LV Low Voltage
c(UL) Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated MCB Miniature Circuit Breaker
(Canada) MCC Motor Control Centre
DEO Defence Estate Organisation MCCB Moulded Case Circuit Breakers
DFT Dry Film Thickness MDF Medium Density Fireboard
DI Ductile Iron MDD Maximum Dry Density
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung MDPE Medium Density Polyethylene
DPC Damp Proof Course MEP Mechanical Electrical Plumbing
DPDT Differential Pressure, Differential MICC Mineral Insulated Copper Covered Cable
Temperature MIO Micaceous Iron Oxide
DS Durability Strength MMI Man Machine Interface
DVR Digital Video Recorder MOD Ministry of Defence
DW Ductwork Specification MS Micro-silica
EA Exhaust Air MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
ECMA European Computer Manufacturers MSRPC Moderate Sulphate Resistance Portland
Association Cement
EA Exhaust Air N Nitrogen
ECMA European Computer Manufacturers NDFT Nominal Dry Film Thickness
Association NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association
ECR Extra Chemical Resistant NFPA National Fire Protection Association
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment/ NRC Noise Reduction Coefficient
Electronic Industries Alliance NS Norwegian Standard

Page 15
O/D Outside Diameter
ODP Ozone Depletion Potential
OFS Oil Fired (Appliance/Equipment) Standard
OFTEC Oil Firing Technical Association
O&M Operation and Maintenance
OPC Ordinary Portland Cement
PD Published Documents
PE Polyethylene
PFA Pulverised Fuel Ash
PFC Power Factor Correction
PM Project Manager
PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
PVC Polyvinylchloride
PVC-u Unplasticised Polyvinylchloride
PWTAG Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group
QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control
RA Return/Recycled Air
RCCD Residual Current Circuit Breaker
RCD Residual Current Device
R&D Research and Development
REFCOM Register of Companies Competent to handle
refrigerants
RPM Reinforced Plastic Mortar
RPZ Reduced Pressure Zone
RTD Resistant Temperature Detector
RTR Reinforced Thermosetting Resin
SA Supply Air
SBCCI Southern Building Code Congress
International (Incorporated)
SDR Standard Dimension Ratio
SIS Swedish Institute of Standards
SP Super-plasticizing
SPDT Single Pole Double Throw
SRPC Sulphate Resistance Portland Cement
SS Structural Strength
SSPC Steel Structures Painting Council
TIA Telecommunication Industry Association
TRA Trussed Rafter Association
UL Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated
ULPA Ultra Low Penetration Air
UP Unsaturated Polyester Resin
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
UV Ultra Violet
VC Vitrified Clay
VR Video Recorder
WBP Weather and Boil Proof
W/C Water Cement Ratio
WIS Water Industry Specification
WP Water Proofing
WRAS Water Regulations Advisory Scheme
XLPE Cross Linked Polyethylene

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