Section 2 - Roof Frame S1-2024

CPC40120 – Certificate IV in Building & Construction
Unit 4010 – Structural Principles for Residential & Commercial Construction – TFC
ROOF FRAMING – REFERENCE TABLES
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2.1 ROOF FRAMING – REFERENCE TABLES

(AS 1684.2 – 2021 edition)
SECTION 7 – p. 82 (sizing p.98)
RLW cl. 2.6.4 p. 26 t. 2.4; 2.5; 2.6 & 2.7

CLW cl. 2.6.3 p. 25 t. 2.3
FLW cl. 2.6.2 p. 24 y. 2.1 & 2.2
Area Supported cl. 2.6.5 p. 28 fig. 2.10 (p.29)
 CEILING
 Ceiling Battens cl. 7.3.2 p. 98 t. 7.1
 Ceiling Joists cl. 7.3.6 p. 100 t. 21 – without overbattens

t. 22 – with overbattens
 Trimming Joists cl. 7.2.4.4 p. 84
 Ceiling Lining cl. 7.3.3 p. 98 t. 7.2 – T & G boards non-trafficable

t. 7.3 – plywood roofs
 Hanging Beams cl. 7.3.7 p. 101 t. 23
 Counter Beams cl. 7.3.8 p. 102 t. 24
 Binders cl. 7.3.5 p. 100 refer also to fig. 6.10 (p.65)
 CEILING / ROOF
 Strutting / cl. 7.3.9 p. 102 t. 25
Hanging Beams
 Strutting / cl. 7.3.10 p. 103 t. 26

Counter Beams
 Strutting Beams cl. 7.3.11 p. 104 t. 27
 ROOF
 Common Rafters cl. 7.3.13 p. 106 t. 29
 Hip / Valley / cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

Scotch / Creeper
Rafters
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prepared by B. Nikulski © 21
ROOF FRAMING – REFERENCE TABLES
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 Underpurlins cl. 7.3.12 p. 105 t. 28
 Roof Struts cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

 Vertical / Perpendicular cl. 7.2.15.1
 Fan cl. 7.2.15.3
 Opposing cl. 7.2.15.4
 Collar Ties cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)
 Ridge & cl. 7.3.14 p. 109 t. 30 – single span

Intermediate t. 31 – continuous span
Beams
 Roof Battens cl. 7.3.15 p. 109 t. 32 – span up to 1200 mm

t. 29 – span over 1200 mm
(or if used on edge)
 Ridge Boards / cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

Valley Boards
 EAVES MEMBERS
 Soffit Bearers / cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)
Soffit Hangers /
Fascias
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prepared by B. Nikulski © 22
ROOF FRAMING – GENERAL
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2.2 ROOF FRAMING – GENERAL
Before starting with roof framing member design (selection/ sizing) we should familiarise
ourselves with the members used in the conventional roof frame structure.
Diagrams of various roof frames (cathedral, coupled, skillion, etc.) together with member
names are given in Section 2 of the Code AS 1684.2 – 2021 (p.19 - 21).
EXERCISE – ROOF FRAME MEMBERS

Identify the members and state their function for the roof sketch shown below.
The order of designing frame members is reverse to the order of construction/ erection –
starts from the roof members and finishes with the floor members (or sub-floor if applicable)
as each subsequent member carries more load due to the load transfer principles.
The roof members will be considered in the following order: –

 Ceiling Joists
 Hanging Beams
 Counter Beams
 Rafters
 Underpurlins
 Strutting Beams
 Combined Strutting / Hanging Beams
 Combined Counter / Strutting Beams
 Ridge and Intermediate Beams
 Roof Battens
We’ll start with the ceiling members to explain the process as they are simpler to size/
select being horizontal members.
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prepared by B. Nikulski 2.3

ROOF FRAMING – CEILING
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2.3 ROOF FRAMING – CEILING
In order to understand how to determine member sizes a step-by-step method will be

shown. When you become more familiar with the Code some of the steps can be dropped.
DETERMINING MEMBER SIZES
EXERCISE 1.
Determine the sizes of the ceiling members for the coupled roof shown below assuming
the following details: –
 Wind Classification – N1/N2 – Assume 100 mm thick walls

 MGP10 Seasoned Softwood for all – Rafter and Joist spacing
roof members – 600 mm c/c
 Gable Roof – Eaves width – 450 mm
 Timber clad wall construction – Roof pitch - 30° each side
 Tiled roof – One Underpurlin to each pitch
 No over-battens to Ceiling joists
7 800
600 600 600 600
C A
4 500
2 050
B
100
100 100 100

1 700 2 600
Section – NTS
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prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.4

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CEILING JOISTS
Ceiling Joists are closely spaced members primarily intended to support ceiling linings attached to
their bottom edge. Ceiling Joists also act to tie rafters in coupled roof construction.
There are two installation methods of Ceiling Joists: –
a) A continuous over-batten is attached to the top edge of each joist at midspan and acts to
laterally distribute the concentrated live load and provide intermediate lateral restraint.
b) No over-batten installed – the design does not allow for any concentrated live load
distribution or intermediate lateral restraint.
Note: The overbattens do not affect the span of the ceiling joist.
SOLUTION
We need to decide which Ceiling Joist will be sized first.
Step 1. LOOK UP THE CLAUSE – Go to clause 7.3.6 which deals with Ceiling Joists
Step 2. LOOK UP THE TABLE – Turn to table 21 of the supplement referred to in clause 7.3.6
Step 3. DETERMINE THE UNKNOWNS – By looking at the table and the house plan determine
what information you need to be able to read the table and get a member size
Most of the information required to read the table is found on the drawings or in the specification.
However there will be some things/ parameters that need to be calculated.
a) CEILING JOISTS OVER ROOMS A & B
Looking at table 21 (Ceiling Joists without overbattens) read through the headings of the table and
determine the required information/ unknowns.
 JOIST SPACING 600
 SUPPORT Continuous
 CEILING JOIST SPAN 2150 (the larger of the two)
SIZE REQUIRED 90 × 35
b) CEILING JOISTS OVER ROOM C
 JOIST SPACING 600
 SUPPORT Single
 CEILING JOIST SPAN 4300
SIZE REQUIRED 140 × 45 (may use 140 × 35 if using overbattens)
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To reduce the size of the Ceiling Joists over room ‘C’ we have several options: –
 Use Overbattens
 Use higher Stress Grade Timber
 Reduce the Spacing
 Change/ Reduce the Span
With the use of Overbattens we’ll be able to slightly reduce the size of the Ceiling Joists, but the most
effective/ economical way is to change the span, which can be achieved by introduction of Hanging
Beam. The Hanging Beam will not only reduce the span of the Joists but will also change the
supporting conditions (from single/ simply supported to continuous).
HANGING BEAMS
Hanging Beams’ primary function is to provide support for the ceiling joists. They are placed above the
ceiling joists, usually centrally and at right angles.
SOLUTION
First we need to decide on the number and location/position of the Hanging Beam/s.
Step 1. LOOK UP THE CLAUSE – Go to clause 7.3.7 which deals with Hanging Beams
However there will be some things that need to be calculated.
HANGING BEAM (OVER ROOM C)

Following the same procedure as for Ceiling Joists we can size the member.
We’ll align the Hanging Beam with the wall between the rooms A & B so that the ceiling joists over the
entire house will be same.
Looking at table 23 determine the required information/ unknowns.
Note that the Ceiling Load Width – CLW is half of the Ceiling Joists span each side of the Hanging
Beam plus the width of the support/ beam, in this case the width of the wall – it is the width of load
carried by the Hanging Beam. For full definition of CLW refer to cl. 2.6.3 & t. 2.3 of AS 1684.2
 CEILING LOAD WIDTH 2150 (use the closest figure i.e. 2400)
 HANGING BEAM SPAN 3100
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EXERCISE 2.
Determine the sizes of the ceiling members for the coupled roof house shown below assuming the
following details: –
 Wind Classification – N1/N2
 MGP10 Seasoned Softwood for all roof members
 Hip Roof (both ends)
 Brick-Veneer wall construction
 Tiled roofing
 No over-battens to Ceiling Joists
 Rafter and Joist spacing – 600 mm c/c
 Eaves width – 450 mm
 Roof pitch – 25°
 One Underpurlin to each pitch
For this exercise we’ll size the ceiling members for Room 2 (3.69 × 5.155 m internal dimensions).
We’ll start with Ceiling Joists, and initially we’ll assume single span joists i.e. no Hanging Beams
Following the steps described in Exercise 1 we can size the members.

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a) CEILING JOISTS (NO HANGING BEAM)

Looking at table 21 (Ceiling Joists without overbattens) determine the required information/ unknowns.
 JOIST SPACING …………………
 SUPPORT …………………
 CEILING JOIST SPAN …………………
SIZE REQUIRED (140 × 35)
To reduce the size of the Ceiling Joists we have several options: –
 Use Overbattens
With the use of Overbattens we’ll be able to slightly reduce the size of the Ceiling Joists, but the most
effective/economical way is to change the span, which can be achieved by introduction of Hanging
Beam. The Hanging Beam will not only reduce the span of the Joists but will also change the
supporting conditions.
b) CEILING JOISTS (WITH HANGING BEAM)

First we need to decide how many Hanging Beams will be used – in this situation having relatively
small Joist length we’ll use only one Hanging Beam centrally placed on the Joists.
Looking at table 21 (Ceiling Joists without overbattens) determine the required information/ unknowns.
 JOIST SPACING …………………
 CEILING JOIST SPAN …………………
c) HANGING BEAM (SINGLE SPAN)

Following the same procedure as for Ceiling Joists we can size the member.
Note that the Ceiling Load Width – CLW is half of the Ceiling Joists span each side of the Hanging
Beam.
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 CEILING LOAD WIDTH …………………
 HANGING BEAM SPAN …………………
SIZE REQUIRED (240 × 45 or 240 × 35 if using CLW = 1800)
To reduce the size of the Hanging Beam we have several options: –

 Reduce the Ceiling Load Width (CLW)
 Change / Reduce the Span
By introducing more than one Hanging Beam we can reduce the CLW, which in turn will reduce the
size of the Hanging Beam, but more economical way/ method is to change the span. This can be
achieved by introduction of Counter Beam, which primary function is to provide support for the
Hanging Beam.
d) HANGING BEAM (WITH COUNTER BEAM)

Similar as before, first we need to decide how many Counter Beams will be used – in this situation
having relatively small Hanging Beam length we’ll use only one Counter Beam centrally placed on the
Hanging Beam span.
Note that the Counter Beam position will depend on the available supporting points. In case of not
being able to position the Counter Beam centrally the span for the Hanging Beam will be the longer
one. The Counter Beam does not have to be perpendicular to the Hanging Beam
 CEILING LOAD WIDTH …………………
 HANGING BEAM SPAN …………………
SIZE REQUIRED (120 × 45 or even 120 × 35 with interpolation)
e) COUNTER BEAM
Following the same procedure as for previous members – looking at appropriate table (in this case
table 24) determine the required information/ unknowns.
Note that the Spacing heading in the table is the same as Ceiling Load Width – CLW, which is half
of the Hanging Beam span each side of the Counter Beam.
 SPACING (CLW) …………………
 COUNTER BEAM SPAN …………………
SIZE REQUIRED (2/170 × 35)
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ROOF FRAMING – RAFTERS
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2.4 ROOF FRAMING – RAFTERS
GENERAL
The process/ steps for determining the rafter size is same as for the ceiling members.
Step 1. LOOK UP THE CLAUSE – Go to clause 7.3.13 which deals with Rafters
However there will be some things/ parameters that need to be calculated. Looking at the table we can
see which these new parameters are.
 ROOF AND CEILING MASS – this parameter gives the amount of load the rafters have to
carry/ support. The type of roof and ceiling materials are usually given on the drawings or
specification.
The mass of various materials is given in Appendix A of AS 1684.2 (p. 246). To determine
the mass table A1.1 is used in the exercises, and throughout the subject notes (the exact
calculation of roof mass is shown in the examples in appendix A2).
Table A1.1 has seven (7) different masses – the mass up to 40 kg/m2 is for sheet roof and
masses 60 to 90 kg/m2 for tiled roof, both with variations for coupled and non-coupled
roof.
 RAFTER SPAN AND OVERHANG – these parameters require calculation as they are
measured along the member and the rafter is a sloping/ inclined member. To calculate
the span and the overhang trigonometry is used, which requires information about the
pitch/ slope of the roof.
To be able to correctly determine the span and the overhang always draw a section through the roof
from the fascia board to the ridge indicating/ showing the type of wall construction as well as
underpurlin/s (if any).
Rafter span – continuous

Rafter span – single
Rafter overhang
Width used to determine the span
The span of the rafter is the sloping distance/ length from the birdsmouth to the ridge board (single
span – no underpurlins) or to the underpurlin (continuous).
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To make the calculation easier the span is calculated from the outside of the wall frame/ top plate (as
the amount of birdsmouth can vary) to the centerline of the ridge or underpurlin (as the size of these
members hasn’t been determined yet). This makes very little difference to the outcome (if any) and
can always be used as an additional safety.
When calculating the overhang consideration should be taken about the type of wall construction
(timber clad, brick veneer, or even cavity brick) as very often the eaves width and eaves overhang are
confused – refer to the sketch below regarding these terms.
RAFTER OVERHANG
RAFTER OVERHANG is crucial in the design/ sizing of rafters with ends not tied back to the wall frame.
Example of Rafters with ends not tied back to the wall frame (studs), or Racking Eaves roof
°
°
NOTE: – Unless noted otherwise (specifically required) always assume that the rafters ends are not
tied back to the wall frame
When using the table 29 each ‘rafter spacing’ column is divided/ split into 2 sub-columns, one is the
span of the rafter and the other is the overhang – we have to make sure that we are reading the
values for the nominated spacing, not span for one spacing and overhang for another.
The notes at the end of the table are integral part of the table and should always be checked. Note (iv)
states “overhang limits do not apply where rafter ends are tied-back to the wall frame”, and as
mentioned before, as we are assuming raked eaves this note does not apply.
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EXERCISES
EXERCISE 1.
Determine the size of the rafters for the coupled roof shown below assuming the following
details: –
 Wind Classification – N1/N2 – Assume 100 mm thick walls

 MGP10 Seasoned Softwood for all – Rafter and Joist spacing
roof members – 600 mm c/c
 Timber clad wall construction – Roof pitch - 30° each side
 Tiled roof – One Underpurlin to each pitch
 No over-battens to Ceiling joists
NOTE: Initially size the rafters without Underpurlins
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
4 500
2 050
100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
Plan & Section – NTS

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a) RAFTERS WITHOUT UNDERPURLINS
Look at table 29, read through the headings of the table and determine the required information/
unknowns.
 RAFTER SPACING 600

 SUPPORT Single
 ROOF MASS 60 kg/m2
 RAFTER SPAN 2598 [(4500  2)  cos 30°]
 RAFTER OVERHANG 520 [450 cos 30°]
To reduce the size of the Rafters we have several options: –

 Use higher Stress Grade timber
 Tie-back the rafter ends to the wall frame
b) RAFTERS WITH SINGLE CENTRALLY PLACED UNDERPURLIN

 RAFTER SPAN 1299 {[(4500  2)  cos 30°]  2}
 RAFTER OVERHANG 520 (450 cos 30°)
We can see that in this case by introducing an Underpurlin the size of the Rafters hasn’t changed,
which means that the Overhang governs the size (limited deflection requires certain depth).
As a proof let’s see what will happen if the Overhang is tied-back to the wall frame
Rafters with single centrally placed Underpurlin and rafter ends tied-back to wall frame

 RAFTER SPAN 1299 {[(4500  2)  cos 30°]  2}
 RAFTER OVERHANG NA (Note iv of t.29)
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EXERCISE 2.
Determine the sizes of the rafters for the coupled roof house shown below assuming the following
details: –
 Wind Classification – N1/N2

 MGP10 Seasoned Softwood
 Hip Roof
 Brick-Veneer wall construction
 Roofing – Terracotta tiles
 No over-battens to Ceiling Joists
 Rafter and Joist spacing – 600 mm c/c
 Eaves width – 450 mm
 Roof pitch – 25°
 One Underpurlin to each pitch
For this exercise size the rafters over Room 1 (will give bigger size).
Note: Initially size the rafters without Underpurlins

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a) RAFTERS WITHOUT UNDERPURLINS
 RAFTER SPACING …………………
 ROOF MASS …………………
 RAFTER SPAN …………………
 RAFTER OVERHANG …………………
b) RAFTERS WITH SINGLE CENTRALLY PLACED UNDERPURLIN
c) RAFTERS WITH SINGLE CENTRALLY PLACED UNDERPURLIN AND RAFTER ENDS TIED-BACK
TO WALL FRAME
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ROOF FRAMING – UNDERPURLINS
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2.5 UNDERPURLINS
GENERAL
Underpurlins are members used to provide intermediate support to the rafters. By
providing additional support rafters change from single span elements to continuous –
supported by more than two supports. This leads to reduced rafter size, especially the
depth, which means lighter and cheaper construction.
There can be a single underpurlin per slope/ pitch in which case they are usually placed
centrally on the slope (distance between the external wall top plate and the ridge board).
Sometimes the underpurlin is offset from the centre for easier supporting.
If the width between the top plate of the external wall and the ridge board is too big than
two equally spaced underpurlins can be used.
UNDERPURLIN SUPPORTS – STRUTTING

Underpurlins are supported by members known as Roof Struts. (As discussed previously,
strut is a term used to describe elements in compression.) There are different types of
roof struts such as: –
 Vertical Struts (plumb)

 Perpendicular Struts (positioned at 90° to the rafter, or at an angle not
exceeding 35° to the vertical)
 Fan Struts
 Opposing Struts
which are supported off the top plate/s of the wall frame or, if internal walls are too far,
off strutting beams (which also can be combined strutting/ hanging beam or combined
strutting/ counter beam).
Note that the Perpendicular Struts must be in the same plane as the supporting wall or
strutting beam – no sideway offset is allowed.
If there is no possibility of supporting the struts off the top plates of internal walls or
strutting beam/s then: –
 Wire truss,
 Tie-bolt truss, or
 Scissor rafters (or half scissor)
system/ method is used where the load is transferred back to the rafter (wire truss),
opposing rafter/s (scissor rafter), or underpurlin (tie-bolt truss). The connections should
be as close as possible to the existing supports such as top plate and ridge in case of
wire truss, or strutting points/ struts in case of tie-bolt truss.
Wire truss and tie-bolt truss are also used to provide intermediate support to hip and valley
rafters especially when the underpurlin cannot cantilever enough to provide support.
Scissor rafters are not commonly used due to the fact that their use is limited by the rafter spacing –
up to 450 mm for tiled roof and up to 900 mm for sheet roof, otherwise they’ll become uneconomical.
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EXERCISE 1.
Determine the sizes of the underpurlins for the coupled roof shown below assuming the following
details: –
 Wind Classification – N1/N2 – Roof pitch - 30° each side

 MGP10 Seasoned Softwood – Rafter spacing – 600 mm c/c
 Gable Roof with unstrutted ridge – Eaves width – 450 mm
 Timber clad wall construction – Gable end eaves width – 275 mm
 One centrally placed Underpurlin to each pitch
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
C2 UP A
4 500
UP
2 050
C1 B 100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
Strutting points
Assuming the following conditions size the indicated underpurlins: –
a) Underpurlin over room A – single span

b) Underpurlin over room B – with one central strut
c) Underpurlin over room C1 – with one central strut
d) Underpurlin over room C2 – with two intermediate struts – one aligned with the strut in
room C1 and the other aligned with the internal wall between rooms B and C1
Answers:
a. 2/140 × 45
b. 2/90 × 45
c. 2/70 × 35
d. 2/90 × 35
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UNDERPURLIN USAGE
Underpurlins can also cantilever beyond the external wall in gable roofs to support the verge, or in hip
roofs to support the hip or valley rafters. The amount/ length an Underpurlin can cantilever depend of
course on the size, which is connected with the length it can span, and the actual backspan. Clauses
7.2.10.3.and 7.2.10.4.(a)(i) of AS 1684.2 (p. 87) give the limit requirements on underpurlins’ cantilever.
EXERCISE 2.
Assuming a coupled roof with strutted ridge, a continuous, Seasoned Softwood stress grade MGP10
underpurlin of size 2/120 × 35 supporting rafters spanning 2.3 m spaced at 600 c/c, and a roof mass of
60 kg/m2, cantilevers 500 mm to a ‘hip rafter’ (Note – the UP is not supporting the hip rafter).
a) If the actual ‘backspan’ of the underpurlin is 1.6 m, can the underpurlin cantilever the
indicated length?
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b) What is the maximum the underpurlin can cantilever if it is not continuous?
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c) What is the maximum the underpurlin can cantilever if it supports a valley rafter?
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ROOF FRAMING – STRUTTING BEAMS
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2.6 STRUTTING BEAMS
As mentioned previously the underpurlin struts are supported off the top plates of the internal and
external wall frame. In case where the internal walls are too far to provide support for the underpurlin
struts strutting beams are used which provide same function.
There are three types of beams that can be used to support the underpurlin struts: –
 Strutting Beam
 Combined Strutting/ Hanging Beam
 Combined Strutting/ Counter Beam
which are covered in cl. 7.3.11; 7.3.9 and 7.3.10 of AS 1684.2 respectively.
To size any of these beams a new parameter/ requirement is needed – Roof Area Supported, which
indicates how much of the roof load is transferred to the beam. (For full definition and graphic
explanation of R.A.S. refer to cl. 2.6.5 and fig. 2.10 (a) on p. 29 & 30 of AS 1684.2.)
EXERCISE 1.
Using the floor plan and specification for Underpurlin exercise 1: –

 Gable Roof with unstrutted ridge – Eaves width – 450 mm
 One centrally placed Underpurlin to each pitch
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
C2 A
Strutting points
C S/HB
4 500
SB
SB
2 050
C1 B
100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
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ROOF FRAMING – STRUTTING BEAMS
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Determine the size of the following strutting beams: –
a) TRANSVERSE STRUTTING BEAM in room B.
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b) LONGITUDINAL STRUTTING BEAM in room C1.
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c) COMBINED STRUTTING/ HANGING BEAM in room C with opposing struts i.e. supports the
underpurlin struts from rooms C1 and C2.
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……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:
a. 2/140 × 35 (2/120 × 45)

b. 2/140 × 45 (2/170 × 35)
c. 2/190 × 45 (2/240 × 35)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – RIDGE BEAMS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.7 RIDGE BEAMS (NON-COUPLED ROOFS)
Non-coupled roofs, such as cathedral or skillion, are those that do not have horizontal ceiling. If there
is a ceiling it is attached to and carried by the rafters. Regarding the members the Ridge Board in
coupled roof is replaced with Ridge Beam in non-coupled roof, and the Underpurlins with Intermediate
Beams.
EXERCISE – RIDGE BEAMS
Determine the size of the Ridge Beam for the non-coupled roof shown below assuming the following
details: –

 Roofing – Terracotta tiles with hardwood ceiling and insulation
 Non-coupled roof without intermediate beams
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
RB
4 500
2 050
100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
Size the ridge beam (or determine the maximum span – part ‘c’ of the question) for each of the
following assumed conditions/ situation: –
a) maximum single span – 3100 mm

Answers:
b) continuous over 4 equal spans.
a. 2/240 × 35 (or 290 × 45)
c) continuous – assuming beam size 240 × 45 b. 2/140 × 35 (or 170 × 45)
c. max span 2700
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – ROOF BATTENS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.8 ROOF BATTENS
Roof Battens with span of up to 1200 mm are sized using t. 32 of the supplements. For spans greater
than 1200 mm the roof battens are sized as rafters (t. 29) but they are to be used only on their edge.
Note that the battens “overhang shall not exceed 50% of the actual backspan” (note iii of t. 32). This
means that sometimes reconfiguration of the rafters might be required.
EXERCISE
Determine the size of the Roof Battens for the coupled roof shown below assuming the following
details: –

 Roofing – Terracotta tiles 430 mm long
 One centrally placed underpurlin to each pitch
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
4 500
2 050
100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answer:
35 × 70
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – OTHER MEMBERS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.9 OTHER MEMBERS
There are other members/ elements in the roof frame, such as ridge board, hip and valley rafters,
struts, etc., for which there are no tables in the ‘span tables’ of the supplements. Sizes for these
members are covered in table 7.6 (p. 111/112) of AS 1684.2
NOTE that the bottom part of the table covers Roof Struts for Sheet and Tile Roof that are nail or glue-
laminated as well as struts that are longer than 2400 mm (up to 3600 mm).
EXERCISE
Using the specification and plan and section sketch show below, as well as the member size/s from
previous exercises (such as rafters) determine the minimum size required for the roof members
indicated: –

 Coupled Hip Roof – Eaves width – 450 mm
 Timber clad wall construction – Roofing – Terracotta tiles
 One centrally placed underpurlin to each pitch
7 800
100 100 100

4 900 2 600
4 500
2 050
100
100 100 100

3 100 4 400
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – OTHER MEMBERS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Section – NTS
a) RIDGE BOARD for the roof in rafters exercise 1 (p. 2.12 & 2.13 of these notes)
 UNSTRUTTED RIDGE
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
 STRUTTED @ 1950 mm c/c

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) HIP RAFTER
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c) VERTICAL RIDGE STRUTS

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d) UNDERPURLIN STRUTS for the combined strutting/ hanging beam (opposing struts) –
ignore the size of the Underpurlin and the combined Strutting/ Hanging Beam
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e) COLLAR TIES
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Answers:
a1. 139 × 19
a2. 139 × 35
b. 170 × 35
c. 70 × 70
d. 70 × 70
e. 70 × 45 or 90 × 35
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – REVISION EXERCISE 1
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.10 ROOF FRAMING – REVISION EXERCISE 1
For the given specification and attached brick veneer house plan – HARTRICK HOUSE determine the
sizes of the following members: –
1. COMMON RAFTERS
2. UNDERPURLIN over the Family/ Living Room assuming supported by two strutting beams
equally spaced across the room
3. STRUTTING BEAM in Bedroom 1, parallel to the Underpurlin (struts on each side wall and one
centrally on the SB)
4. CEILING JOISTS without overbattens in the Kitchen with centrally placed Hanging Beam
5. Single HANGING BEAM in the Kitchen
6. COUNTER BEAM in the Kitchen to support the Hanging Beam
7. HANGING BEAM in the Kitchen supported off the Counter Beam
8. RIDGE BEAM in the Dining/ Family Room assuming cathedral roof without intermediate beams
and roof & ceiling mass of 60 kg/m2
9. Combined COUNTER/ STRUTTING BEAM centrally placed in the Kitchen
10. Combined STRUTTING/ HANGING BEAM centrally placed in Bedroom 1
11. ROOF BATTENS
12. FASCIA BOARD to Rafter ends
13. COLLAR TIES to the Rafters
14. ROOF STRUTS assuming 1450 mm long (solid, not glue or nail-laminated)
SPECIFICATION
 Wind Classification – N2
Answers:
 Stress Grade – MGP10 seasoned softwood
1. 120 × 35
 Coupled gable end roof (except for Q.8) 2. 2/120 × 45
 Roof pitch – 25° 3. 2/190 × 45
4. 90 × 35
 Concrete roof tiles 5. 190 × 45
 Eaves width 450 mm 6. 170 × 45 or 190 × 35
7. 120 × 35
 Raked eaves (rafter overhangs not tied-back to studs)
8. 2/290 × 35
 Spacing of rafters and ceiling joists – 450 mm c/c 9. 2/240 × 45
10. 2/240 × 35
 Unstrutted ridge
11. 35 × 70
 1 row of centrally placed continuous underpurlins per slope 12. 190 × 19
13. 70 × 45 or 90 × 35
 Brick veneer wall construction
14. 70 × 70
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROOF FRAMING – REVISION EXERCISE 1
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FAMILY/ LIVING ROOM
HARTRICK HOUSE
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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CPC40120 – Certificate IV in Building & Construction

2.1 ROOF FRAMING – REFERENCE TABLES

SECTION 7 – p. 82 (sizing p.98)

RLW cl. 2.6.4 p. 26 t. 2.4; 2.5; 2.6 & 2.7

 Ceiling Joists cl. 7.3.6 p. 100 t. 21 – without overbattens

 Trimming Joists cl. 7.2.4.4 p. 84

 Ceiling Lining cl. 7.3.3 p. 98 t. 7.2 – T & G boards non-trafficable

 Hanging Beams cl. 7.3.7 p. 101 t. 23

 Counter Beams cl. 7.3.8 p. 102 t. 24

 Binders cl. 7.3.5 p. 100 refer also to fig. 6.10 (p.65)

 Strutting / cl. 7.3.10 p. 103 t. 26

 Strutting Beams cl. 7.3.11 p. 104 t. 27

 Hip / Valley / cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

 Underpurlins cl. 7.3.12 p. 105 t. 28

 Roof Struts cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

 Collar Ties cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

 Ridge & cl. 7.3.14 p. 109 t. 30 – single span

 Roof Battens cl. 7.3.15 p. 109 t. 32 – span up to 1200 mm

 Ridge Boards / cl. 7.3.17 p. 111 t. 7.6 (p. 111/112)

2.2 ROOF FRAMING – GENERAL

EXERCISE – ROOF FRAME MEMBERS

The roof members will be considered in the following order: –

prepared by B. Nikulski 2.3

2.3 ROOF FRAMING – CEILING

In order to understand how to determine member sizes a step-by-step method will be

DETERMINING MEMBER SIZES

 Wind Classification – N1/N2 – Assume 100 mm thick walls

600 600 600 600

100 100 100

prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.4

There are two installation methods of Ceiling Joists: –

a) CEILING JOISTS OVER ROOMS A & B

 JOIST SPACING 600

 CEILING JOIST SPAN 2150 (the larger of the two)

b) CEILING JOISTS OVER ROOM C

 JOIST SPACING 600

 CEILING JOIST SPAN 4300

SIZE REQUIRED 140 × 45 (may use 140 × 35 if using overbattens)

prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.5

HANGING BEAM (OVER ROOM C)

Looking at table 23 determine the required information/ unknowns.

 HANGING BEAM SPAN 3100

SIZE REQUIRED 140 × 45

prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.6

Following the steps described in Exercise 1 we can size the members.

prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.7

a) CEILING JOISTS (NO HANGING BEAM)

 JOIST SPACING …………………

 CEILING JOIST SPAN …………………

SIZE REQUIRED (140 × 35)

To reduce the size of the Ceiling Joists we have several options: –

b) CEILING JOISTS (WITH HANGING BEAM)

 JOIST SPACING …………………

 CEILING JOIST SPAN …………………

SIZE REQUIRED (90 × 35)

c) HANGING BEAM (SINGLE SPAN)

Looking at table 23 determine the required information/ unknowns.

prepared by B. Nikulski © 2.8

 CEILING LOAD WIDTH …………………

 HANGING BEAM SPAN …………………

SIZE REQUIRED (240 × 45 or 240 × 35 if using CLW = 1800)

To reduce the size of the Hanging Beam we have several options: –

 Use higher Stress Grade Timber

d) HANGING BEAM (WITH COUNTER BEAM)