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BS EN 15497:2014

BSI Standards Publication

Structural finger jointed


solid timber — Performance
requirements and minimum
production requirements
BS EN 15497:2014 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 15497:2014.
Together with BS EN 14080:2013 it supersedes BS EN 385:2001 which
is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/518, Structural timber.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 75907 9
ICS 79.040
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 May 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
BS EN 15497:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 15497


NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2014

ICS 79.040 Supersedes EN 385:2001

English Version

Structural finger jointed solid timber - Performance requirements


and minimum production requirements

Bois massif de structure à entures multiples - Exigences de Keilgezinktes Vollholz für tragende Zwecke -
performances et exigences minimales de fabrication Leistungsanforderungen und Mindestanforderungen an die
Herstellung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 February 2014.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION


COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15497:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 15497:2014
EN 15497:2014 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................5
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................6
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................6
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................7
4 Symbols ..................................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Main symbols .........................................................................................................................................9
4.2 Subscripts ..............................................................................................................................................9
5 Performance characteristics for structural finger jointed timber .................................................. 10
5.1 Mechanical resistance ........................................................................................................................ 10
5.1.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.1.2 Timber .................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.1.3 Bending strength of finger joints ...................................................................................................... 10
5.1.4 Related material properties ............................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Bonding strength and durability of bonding strength .................................................................... 10
5.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.2.2 Species ................................................................................................................................................ 11
5.2.3 Adhesives for the production of structural finger jointed timber .................................................. 11
5.3 Durability against biological attack .................................................................................................. 13
5.3.1 Structural finger jointed timber without preservative treatment ................................................... 13
5.3.2 Structural finger jointed timber with preservative treatment ......................................................... 13
5.4 Resistance to fire ................................................................................................................................ 13
5.5 Reaction to fire .................................................................................................................................... 13
5.6 Formaldehyde emission ..................................................................................................................... 15
5.7 Release/content of other dangerous substances ........................................................................... 15
5.8 Deviation in sizes ................................................................................................................................ 15
6 Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) ............................................ 16
6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.2 Type testing ......................................................................................................................................... 16
6.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 16
6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance criteria ................................................................................ 17
6.2.3 Test reports ......................................................................................................................................... 19
6.2.4 Shared other party results ................................................................................................................. 19
6.2.5 Cascading determination of the product type results .................................................................... 20
6.3 Factory production control (FPC) ..................................................................................................... 21
6.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.3.2 Provisions ............................................................................................................................................ 21
6.3.3 Product specific provisions............................................................................................................... 26
6.3.4 Initial inspection of factory and of FPC ............................................................................................ 26
6.3.5 Continuous surveillance of FPC ....................................................................................................... 27
6.3.6 Procedure for modifications .............................................................................................................. 27
7 Marking and labelling ......................................................................................................................... 27
Annex A (normative) Release of Formaldehyde ........................................................................................... 29
A.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 29
A.2 Classification....................................................................................................................................... 29
A.2.1 Provisions ............................................................................................................................................ 29

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

A.2.2 Test procedure ..................................................................................................................................... 29


A.2.3 Test report ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Annex B (normative) Additional test methods and provisions for adhesives ........................................... 31
B.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 31
B.2 Long-term sustained load test at cyclic climate conditions with specimens loaded
perpendicular to the glue line for moisture curing one-component polyurethane and
emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives.......................................................................................... 31
B.2.1 General description ............................................................................................................................. 31
B.2.2 Production of the specimens ............................................................................................................. 31
B.2.3 Test procedure and climate conditions ............................................................................................ 32
B.2.4 Provisions ............................................................................................................................................ 33
B.2.5 Report ................................................................................................................................................... 33
Annex C (normative) Bending tests with finger joints (including compliance criteria) ............................ 34
C.1 Sampling............................................................................................................................................... 34
C.1.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 34
C.1.2 For type testing .................................................................................................................................... 34
C.1.3 For factory production control ........................................................................................................... 34
C.2 Testing .................................................................................................................................................. 34
C.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 34
C.2.2 Additional provisions for type testing ............................................................................................... 34
C.2.3 Additional provisions for factory production control ...................................................................... 34
C.3 Compliance criteria ............................................................................................................................. 35
C.3.1 For type testing .................................................................................................................................... 35
C.3.2 For factory production control ........................................................................................................... 35
C.4 Report ................................................................................................................................................... 35
Annex D (normative) Measurement of moisture content .............................................................................. 37
D.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 37
D.2 Measurement of moisture content of timber during production .................................................... 37
D.3 Mean moisture content of structural finger jointed timber ............................................................. 37
Annex E (normative) Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 38
Annex F (normative) Separation tests with finger joints produced with contact-free application of
adhesive ............................................................................................................................................... 39
Annex G (normative) Minimum production provisions ................................................................................ 40
G.1 Personnel ............................................................................................................................................. 40
G.2 Production and storage facilities ....................................................................................................... 40
G.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 40
G.2.2 Facilities for drying and storage of timber ....................................................................................... 40
G.2.3 Facilities for processing and storage of adhesives ......................................................................... 40
G.2.4 Facilities for production and curing .................................................................................................. 40
G.3 Equipment ............................................................................................................................................ 40
G.4 Finger joints ......................................................................................................................................... 41
G.4.1 Wane and edge damages.................................................................................................................... 41
G.4.2 Finger joint geometry .......................................................................................................................... 42
G.4.3 Knots, local grain deviations and fissures ....................................................................................... 42
G.4.4 Moisture content at bonding .............................................................................................................. 43
G.4.5 Bonding surface and application of the adhesive ........................................................................... 43
G.4.6 Time between cutting and adhesive application .............................................................................. 44
G.4.7 Pressure ............................................................................................................................................... 44
G.4.8 Curing ................................................................................................................................................... 45
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of EU
Construction Products Regulation .................................................................................................... 46
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................................... 57

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Foreword

This document (EN 15497:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 124 “Timber
structures”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2014, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by January 2016.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document, along with EN 14080:2013, supersedes EN 385:2001.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports basic work requirements of Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.

For relationship with the EU Regulations, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Introduction

Figure 1 shows the relation of European Standards for structural timber products prepared by CEN/TC 124.

Key
1 boards 6 glued laminated timber (glulam)
2 is a component for 7 glulam with large finger joints
3 structural finger jointed timber 8 block glued glulam
4 glued laminated products 9 cross laminated timber (X-Lam)
5 glued solid timber 10 cross laminated timber (X-Lam) with large finger
joints

Figure 1 — Relation of European Standards for structural timber products prepared by CEN/TC 124

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

1 Scope

This European Standard sets out provisions regarding the performance characteristics for structural finger
jointed timber with rectangular cross section for use in buildings and bridges.

The use of structural finger jointed timber may be limited to certain service classes in some member states.

It also lays down minimum production provisions and procedures for Assessment and Verification of
Constancy of Performance for structural finger jointed timber.

This European Standard is applicable to structural finger jointed timber made of coniferous timber species
listed in this standard or poplar.

Although it may be possible to produce structural finger jointed timber made from specific broadleaf species
based on some provisions of this European Standard, this standard is not applicable to these products.

This European Standard is only applicable to finger joints between timber sections of the same species.

This European Standard does not cover impressed (die-formed) finger joints.

This European Standard covers structural finger jointed timber untreated or treated against biological attack.
Structural finger jointed timber treated with fire retardants is not covered.

2 Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 301:2013, Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for load-bearing timber structures — Classification and
performance requirements

EN 302-1, Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures — Test methods — Part 1: Determination of
longitudinal tensile shear strength

EN 302-2:2013, Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures — Test methods — Part 2: Determination of
resistance to delamination

EN 302-3:2013, Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of the
effect of acid damage to wood fibres by temperature and humidity cycling on the transverse tensile strength

EN 302-4, Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures — Test methods — Part 4: Determination of the
effects of wood shrinkage on the shear strength

EN 302-5:2013, Adhesives for load-bearing timber structures — Test methods — Part 5: Determination of
maximum assembly time under referenced conditions

EN 336, Structural timber — Sizes, permitted deviations

EN 338, Structural timber — Strength classes

EN 350-2, Durability of wood and wood-based products — Natural durability of solid wood — Part 2: Guide to
natural durability and treatability of selected wood species of importance in Europe

EN 408, Timber structures — Structural timber and glued laminated timber — Determination of some physical
and mechanical properties

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

EN 717-1, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 1: Formaldehyde emission


by the chamber method

EN 1995-1-1, Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures — Part 1-1: General — Common rules and rules for
buildings

EN 13183-1, Moisture content of a piece of sawn timber — Part 1: Determination by oven dry method

EN 13183-2, Moisture content of a piece of sawn timber — Part 2: Estimation by electrical resistance method

EN 13183-3, Moisture content of a piece of sawn timber — Part 3: Estimation by capacitance method

EN 13238, Reaction to fire tests for building products — Conditioning procedures and general rules for
selection of substrates

EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification using
data from reaction to fire tests

EN 13501-2, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 2: Classification using
data from fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services

EN 13823, Reaction to fire tests for building products — Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item

EN 14081-1:2005+A1:2011, Timber structures — Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross
section — Part 1: General requirements

EN 14358, Timber structures — Calculation of characteristic 5-percentile values and acceptance criteria for a
sample

EN 15228:2009, Structural timber — Structural timber preservative treated against biological attack

EN 15416-3, Adhesives for load bearing timber structures other than phenolic and aminoplastic — Test
methods — Part 3: Creep deformation test at cyclic climate conditions with specimens loaded in bending
shear

EN 15425:2008, Adhesives — One component polyurethane for load bearing timber structures —
Classification and performance requirements

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
bonding strength
structural effectiveness of adhesives between timber components when subjected to stresses

3.2
finger angle
inclination α of each side of the fingers of a finger joint

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

3.3
finger joint
interlocking end joint formed by machining a number of similar, tapered, symmetrical fingers in the ends of
timber members using a finger joint cutter and then bonded together

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2:

Key
1 slot base
lj finger length
p pitch
α finger angle
lt tip gap
bcut tip width of the cutter
bt tip width

Figure 2 — Typical profile of a finger joint

3.4
finger length
distance between the finger base and the tip of the finger, measured along the centre line of the finger

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

3.5
manufacturer specific strength class
set of characteristic strength, stiffness and density properties declared by a manufacturer

3.6
minimum mean density
required mean density at reference moisture content

Note 1 to entry: Minimum mean density is used for the classification of the reaction to fire.

3.7
pitch
distance between centres of adjacent finger tips

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

3.8
ratio of resin to hardener
proportion of resin and hardener by mass with the resin set at 100 parts

3.9
reduction factor
ratio between tip width and pitch

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

3.10
relative tip gap
ratio between tip gap and finger length

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

3.11
tip gap
distance between finger tip and slot base in a bonded finger joint

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

3.12
tip width
distance between finger faces, measured at the tip of the finger

Note 1 to entry: See Figure 2.

4 Symbols

4.1 Main symbols


2
A area, in mm ;
2
AW area of one wane, in mm ;
aW diagonal length of wane, in mm;
b width of cross section, in mm;
bcut tip width of the cutter, in mm (see Figure 2);
bt tip width, in mm (see Figure 2);
d diameter, in mm;
e relative tip gap;
2
f strength, in N/mm ;
h depth of cross section, in mm;
k15 statistical factor;
kf divisor for flatwise bending;
lj finger joint length, in mm;
lt tip gap, in mm (see Figure 2);
p pitch, in mm (see Figure 2);
u moisture content, in %;
v reduction factor of a finger joint;
α finger angle, in degree (see Figure 2).
4.2 Subscripts

dc declared value;
j properties of finger joints;
k characteristic;
m bending;

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0 parallel to the grain;


05 5 %-fractile.

5 Performance characteristics for structural finger jointed timber

5.1 Mechanical resistance

5.1.1 General

This European Standard covers the following mechanical resistance characteristics: modulus of elasticity and
bending strength, compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength. These characteristics may be
determined either by testing or by strength grading according to EN 14081-1 and declared either as individual
values or as strength class. For the declaration of the bending strength of the structural finger jointed timber,
5.2.1 shall be taken into account.

In order to allow the calculation of the mechanical resistance of any structural product made with structural
finger jointed timber it is necessary to determine and declare also the cross section of the finger jointed timber.

NOTE The above mentioned mechanical resistance characteristics of the structural finger jointed timber, together
with the cross section, allow the determination of the mechanical performance of structural elements made with this
structural material using the relevant calculation methods applicable in the country of final use.

5.1.2 Timber

The timber used in the manufacturing of structural finger jointed timber shall be strength graded according to
EN 14081-1.

5.1.3 Bending strength of finger joints

The bending strength of the finger joints shall be determined and declared according to Annex C and shall be
equal to or greater than the declared characteristic bending strength of the unjointed timber.

If it is intended to manufacture preservative treated structural finger jointed timber it shall be verified that the
treatment does not affect the strength of the finger joints.

5.1.4 Related material properties

If the provisions of 5.1.3 are met the strength, stiffness and density properties of structural finger jointed timber
shall be declared as the properties of the unjointed timber, e.g. as a strength class according to EN 338.

The designation of strength classes shall be accompanied by the letter M, if machine graded. If the
designation of a manufacturer specific strength class is Cxx (where “xx” is the characteristic bending strength)
it shall be accompanied by the company name, e.g. C24 AnyCompany.

5.2 Bonding strength and durability of bonding strength

5.2.1 General

Durable and reliable finger joints can only be achieved under accurately defined conditions of production. That
general provision shall be considered satisfied if the respective minimum production provisions given in
Annex G are fulfilled.

The bonding strength of the finger joints in the finger jointed timber is determined by the bending strength of
the finger joints according to Annex C and is declared as the characteristic bending strength of the timber
used in the manufacturing of the finger jointed timber.

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Durability of bonding strength is declared indirectly by reference to species, adhesive type and adhesive
family.

5.2.2 Species

Structural finger jointed timber shall consist of only one species throughout.

This European Standard covers structural finger jointed timber made from one of the following species:

Norway spruce (Picea abies, PCAB), Fir (Abies alba, ABAL), Scots pine redwood (Pinus sylvestris, PNSY),
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, PSMN), Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla, TSHT), Corsican pine
(Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. laricio, PNNL), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. nigra, PNNN), European
larch (Larix decidua, LADC), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica, LASI), Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.)
Kuzen.), Poplar (Applicable clones: Populus x euramericana cv “Robusta”, ”Dorskamp”, “I214” and “I4551”,
POAL), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster, PNPN), Radiata-Pine (Pinus radiata, PNRD), Sitka-spruce (Picea
sitchensis, PCST), Southern Yellow pine (Pinus palustris, PNPL), Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata, THPL),
Yellow Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, CHNT).

Norway spruce and Fir may be considered as one species.

NOTE 1 Letter codes according to EN 13556, if available, are given after the botanical name.

NOTE 2 Not all of the species listed above have a national grade related to a European strength class in EN 1912.

5.2.3 Adhesives for the production of structural finger jointed timber

5.2.3.1 General

Adhesives shall enable the production of durable bonds in structural finger jointed timber throughout the
lifetime of the structure for the required service class according to EN 1995-1-1.

For structural finger jointed timber used in service class 1 adhesives, which can be assigned to an adhesive
type I or II (including subclasses, if relevant) according to EN 301:2013, Table 1, or EN 15425:2008, Table 1,
shall be used. For structural finger jointed timber used in service class 2 or 3 adhesives, which can be
assigned to an adhesive type I (including subclasses, if relevant) according to EN 301:2013, Table 1, or
EN 15425:2008, Table 1, shall be used. Emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives shall also be assigned to an
adhesive type according to EN 15425:2008, Table 1.

Taking into account the restrictions given in the referred subclauses, the following adhesive families are
applicable:

— phenolic and aminoplastic adhesives (e.g. MF, MUF, PRF, UF) in accordance with 5.2.3.2;

— moisture curing one-component polyurethane adhesives (PUR) in accordance with 5.2.3.3;

— emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives (EPI) in accordance with 5.2.3.4.

NOTE The applicability of adhesives may be further limited by national provisions valid at the place of use.

If a preservative treatment is done before the bonding of the timber, it shall be documented that the provisions
are fulfilled for the combination of the preservative and adhesive.

5.2.3.2 Phenolic and aminoplastic adhesives

Phenolic and aminoplastic adhesives shall fulfil the provisions of EN 301.

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5.2.3.3 Moisture curing one-component polyurethane adhesives

Moisture curing one-component polyurethane adhesives shall fulfil the provisions of EN 15425 and B.2 taking
into account the conditions given in B.1.

The provisions given in EN 302-5:2013, 5.1, 2nd paragraph apply. For moisture curing one-component
polyurethane adhesives to be used in finger joints in larch wood the delamination test according to EN 302-2
may be replaced by tests according to EN 301:2013, Annex A, with larch wood.

5.2.3.4 Emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives

5.2.3.4.1 General

Emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives shall only be used for finger jointed structural timber to be used in
service classes 1 and 2.

Emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives shall be tested in accordance with EN 15425 and B.2 taking into
account the conditions given in B.1 and the respective provisions shall be fulfilled.

5.2.3.4.2 Systems tested with a maximum glue line thickness of 0,3 mm

Testing according to EN 15425 and B.1 and B.2 may be done with a maximum glue line thickness of 0,3 mm
instead of 0,5 mm if the glue line thicknesses in the finished structural finger jointed timber do not exceed
0,2 mm;

For tests with a maximum glue line thickness of 0,3 mm the provisions given in EN 15425 shall apply with the
following exceptions:

— For bonding strength in longitudinal tensile strength tests according to EN 302-1 with a glue line thickness
of 0,3 mm, the provisions given in Table 1 shall be met.

— For creep deformation tests with specimens loaded in bending shear according to EN 15416-3, the
specimens shall have a glue line thickness of 0,2 mm.

2
Table 1 — Required mean shear strength in N/mm for lap shear tests according to EN 15425 for
samples glued with EPI having a glue line thickness of 0,3 mm

Adhesive type
Treatment Type I Type II
A1 9,5 9,5
A2 5,5 5,5
A3 7,6 7,6
a
A4 5,5 NR
a
A5 7,6 NR
a
A6 NR 8,3
a
A7 7,2 NR
a
Treatment cycle not required (NR).

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5.3 Durability against biological attack

5.3.1 Structural finger jointed timber without preservative treatment

The natural durability of structural finger jointed timber shall be taken as the natural durability of the timber
from which it is made and shall be assessed according to EN 14081-1.

5.3.2 Structural finger jointed timber with preservative treatment

Only treatments according to EN 15228:2009, 4.5, which do not affect the strength and stiffness properties of
the timber shall be used.

If either preservative treated timber is jointed or structural finger jointed timber is preservative treated, the
information given in EN 15228:2009, Clause 6, shall be declared.

NOTE The use of timber preservatives may be restricted by provisions valid at the place of use.

Provisions according to EN 15228 apply to the structural finger jointed timber as supplied, e.g. planing needs
to be taken into account regarding retention and penetration depth.

5.4 Resistance to fire

Resistance to fire of structural finger jointed timber shall be declared according to EN 13501-2 indirectly by
geometrical data (member sizes) and material properties (charring rate). Charring rate is declared indirectly by
declaring both the species and the characteristic density. These parameters allow selecting the appropriate
charring rate from the respective fire design code.

NOTE The above mentioned fire resistance characteristics of the structural finger jointed timber, together with the
cross section, allow the determination of the fire resistance performance of structural elements made with this structural
material using the relevant calculation methods applicable in the country of final use.

5.5 Reaction to fire

The class of reaction to fire performance of the structural finger jointed timber (including the additional
classification on smoke production and flaming droplets/particles, if any), either preservative treated against
biological attack or not, shall be determined and declared by either method a) or b), as follows:

a) without the need for further testing (CWFT), as given in Table 2, if the structural finger jointed timber is
1)
proved to meet the provisions of the class given therein ;

b) or based on testing of the structural finger jointed timber according to the standards, referred to in
EN 13501-1, when such a structural finger jointed timber does not meet the provisions of Table 2 or
where a higher classification than the one in a) is sought. Tests may be done without conditioning
according to EN 13238 with specimens having a moisture content of u ≤ 15 %. The moisture content shall
be reported.

The influence of a preservative treatment against biological attack on the performance of reaction to fire shall
be taken into account as laid down in EN 15228:2009, 4.4.

1) A Commission´s decision on the applicability of Table 2 for structural finger jointed timber has been filed.

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2) a
Table 2 — Classes of reaction to fire performance for structural timber without the need of further
testing
c
Product Product details Minimum Minimum Class
mean overall
b (excluding
density thickness
floorings)
3
kg/m mm
Visual and machine graded structural
timber with rectangular cross sections
Structural timber 350 22 D-s2, d0
shaped by sawing, planing or other
methods or with round cross sections
a
Applies to all species covered by the product standards.
b
Conditioned according to EN 13238.
c
Class as provided for in Table 1 of the Annex to Decision 2000/147/EC.

When reaction to Fire is determined by testing the product shall be tested according to EN 13823 (SBI test)
and mounted and fixed in accordance with the following:

— the whole area of both wings in the SBI apparatus shall be covered with pieces of structural flinger jointed
timber mounted edge to edge (butt jointed), without jointing or bonding and orientated horizontally or
vertically;

— supported by battens of the product concerned of a size minimum (40 × 80) mm, fixed to the test backing
boards at 400 mm to 600 mm centres horizontally or vertically (perpendicular to the orientation of the
product pieces), so that the resulting spacing between backing board and product is 80 mm; see also
Figure 3.

NOTE Test results are valid for finger jointed structural timber having at least the density and the minimum overall
thickness of the specimens tested.

2) This table is the same as given in the Decision of the Commission 2003/593/EC of 2003-08-07 (see OJEU L201 of
2003-08-08).

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Key
400 mm ≤ d ≤ 600 mm
1 backing board
2 structural finger jointed timber
3 batten (cross section: 40 mm x 80 mm)

Figure 3 — Top view of fixing system for reaction to fire test according to EN 13823

5.6 Formaldehyde emission

The release of formaldehyde shall be declared as Class E1 or E2 according to Annex A.

NOTE Products of Class E2 are banned in some Member States.

5.7 Release/content of other dangerous substances

National regulations on dangerous substances may require verification and declaration on release and
sometimes on content of other dangerous substances in addition to those dealt with in other clauses when
construction products covered by this European Standard are placed on those markets.

In the absence of European harmonized tests methods verification and declaration on release/content should
be done taking into account national provisions in the place of use.

NOTE An informative database covering European and national provisions on dangerous substances is available at
the Construction website on EUROPA accessed through: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/construction/cpd-ds/.

5.8 Deviation in sizes

The corrected sizes shall be calculated according to EN 336. They shall not deviate from the nominal width
and thickness by more than the permissible deviations of the declared tolerance class given in EN 336.

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6 Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP)

6.1 General

The compliance of structural finger jointed timber with the provisions of this standard and with the
performances declared by the manufacturer in the Declaration of Performance (DoP) shall be demonstrated
by:

— determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing;

— factory production control by the manufacturer, including product assessment.

The manufacturer shall always retain the overall control and shall have the necessary means to take
responsibility for the conformity of the product with its declared performance(s).

6.2 Type testing

6.2.1 General

All performances related to essential characteristics in Table 3 of this standard shall be determined when the
manufacturer intends to declare the respective performances unless the standard gives provisions for
declaring them without performing tests (e.g. use of previously existing data, CWFT and conventionally
accepted performance).

Assessments previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard, may be taken into
account provided that they were made to the same or a more rigorous test method, under the same AVCP
system on the same product or products of similar design, construction and functionality, such that the results
are applicable to the product in question.

NOTE 1 Same AVCP system means testing by an independent third party, under the responsibility of a notified product
certification body.

For the purposes of assessment, the manufacturer's products may be grouped into families, where it is
considered that the results for one or more characteristics from any one product within the family are
representative for that same characteristics for all products within that same family

Products may be grouped in different families for different characteristics.

Reference to the assessment method standards should be made to allow the selection of a suitable
representative sample.

In addition, the determination of the product-type shall be carried out for all characteristics included in the
standard for which the manufacturer declares the performance:

— at the beginning of the production of a new or modified structural finger jointed timber product (unless a
member of the same product range), or

— at the beginning of a new or modified method of production (where this may affect the stated properties);
or

— they shall be repeated for the appropriate characteristic(s), whenever a change occurs in the structural
finger jointed timber products design, in the raw material or in the supplier of the components, or in the
method of production (e.g. production on a new production line),which would affect significantly one or
more of the characteristics.

NOTE 2 In this context “design” means “product design”.

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Where components are used whose characteristics have already been determined, by the component
manufacturer, on the basis of assessment methods of other product standards, these characteristics need not
be re-assessed. The specifications of these components shall be documented.

Products bearing regulatory marking in accordance with appropriate harmonized European specifications may
be presumed to have the performances declared in the DoP, although this does not replace the responsibility
on the structural finger jointed timber product manufacturer to ensure that the structural finger jointed timber
product as a whole is correctly manufactured and its component products have the declared performance
values.

6.2.2 Test samples, testing and compliance criteria

The number of samples to be tested/assessed shall be in accordance with Table 3.

Table 3 — Numbers of samples to be tested and compliance criteria


a
Characteristics Clause Assessment No. of samples Compliance criteria
method
Mechanical resistance of structural finger jointed timber expressed as modulus of elasticity, bending strength,
compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength
Strength, stiffness 5.1.2 EN 14081–1 EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011, EN 14081–
and density 6.2 1:2005+A1:2011, 6.2
properties of timber
Finger joints 5.1.3 Annex C (test) For each production line, C.3 in combination with
each combination of species 5.1.3
and adhesive, the highest
declared characteristic
bending strength of the
timber and the largest cross
section:
- 30 specimens tested in
edgewise bending
Annex C (test) For the determination of kf (if C.3 in combination with
relevant) for each finger joint 5.1.3
geometry, the highest
declared characteristic
bending strength of the
timber and the cross section
with the smallest number of
fingers:
- at least 30 specimens
tested in edgewise bending
and
- at least 30 specimens
tested in flatwise bending
Geometrical data 5.8 5.8 (measurement) – 5.8
Bonding strength
Finger joints 5.1.3 As for mechanical resistance

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a
Characteristics Clause Assessment No. of samples Compliance criteria
method
Durability of bonding strength expressed as
Species 5.2.2 5.2.2 (check) - 5.2.2
Adhesive 5.2.3.1 and EN 302–1, according to EN 302–1, The provisions for the
characteristics 5.2.3.2 EN 302–2, EN 302–2, EN 302–3, and respective adhesive
EN 302–3, and EN 302–4 type class and
for phenolic and EN 302–4 (test) subclasses given in
aminoplastic
b EN 301 shall be fulfilled
adhesives
5.2.3.1 and EN 15425 (test) EN 15425 EN 15425
5.2.3.3
and B.2 (test) 80 B.2
for moisture
curing one- and EN 302– EN 302–2:2013, 5.1, 2nd EN 302–2:2013, 5.1,
component 2:2013, 5.1, 2nd para. 2nd para.
polyurethane para. (test) or
b
adhesives For adhesives to EN 301:2013, 5.7, 2) EN 301:2013, 5.7, 2)
be used with larch
according to
EN 301:2013, 5.7,
2)
5.2.3.1 and EN 15425 (test) EN 15425 5.2.3.4
5.2.3.4
and B.2 (test) 80 B.2
For emulsion
polymer
isocyanate
b
adhesives
Moisture of timber D.1 D.1 (test) 100 timber pieces for each D.1
b
to be jointed species
Durability against biological attack
Without 5.3.1 5.3.1 (check) – Provisions for the
preservative declared durability-
treatment class(es) according to
EN 350–2 shall be
fulfilled
With preservative 5.3.2 5.3.2 (test) acc. to EN 15228 acc. to EN 15228
treatment
Resistance to fire
Density properties 5.1.2 EN 14081–1 EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011, EN 14081–
c
of timber 6.2 1:2005+A1:2011, 6.2
c
Geometrical data 5.8 5.8 (measurement) – 5.8
d
Species 5.2.2 5.2.2 (check) - 5.2.2
Reaction to fire
Reaction to fire 5.5 Table 2 (CWFT) – Table 2
(check)
or test acc. to according to EN 13501–1 Classes according to
methods referred EN 13501–1
in EN 13501–1
Release of formaldehyde
Formaldehyde 5.6 Annex A Annex A Class E1 or E2
emission

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a
Characteristics Clause Assessment No. of samples Compliance criteria
method
Release of other dangerous substances
Release of other 5.7 As relevant, according to 5.7
dangerous
substances
a
Where further references to Annex G are made in Clause 5 the corresponding provisions shall also be included into the type
testing.
b
The manufacturer of the adhesive or the moisture meter, respectively, usually provides the manufacturer of the structural finger
jointed timber with some documentations on tests previously performed by notified product certification bodies (shared other party
results, see 6.2.4).
c
See also mechanical resistance.
d
See also durability of bonding strength.

6.2.3 Test reports

The results of the determination of the product-type shall be documented in test reports. All test reports shall
be retained by the manufacturer for at least 10 years after the last date of production of the structural finger
jointed timber products to which they relate.

6.2.4 Shared other party results

A manufacturer may use the results of the product-type determination obtained by someone else (e.g. by
another manufacturer, as a common service to manufacturers, or by a product developer), to justify his own
declaration of performance regarding a product that is manufactured according to the same design and with
raw materials, constituents and manufacturing methods of the same kind, provided that:

a) the results are known to be valid for products with the same essential characteristics relevant for the
product performance;

b) in addition to any information essential for confirming that the product has such same performances
related to specific essential characteristics, the other party who has carried out the determination of the
3)
product-type concerned or has had it carried out, has expressly accepted to transmit to the
manufacturer the results and the test report to be used for the latter’s product-type determination, as well
as information regarding production facilities and the production control process that can be taken into
account for Factory Production Control (FPC);

c) the manufacturer using other party results accepts to remain responsible for the product having the
declared performances and he also:

1) ensures that the product has the same characteristics relevant for performance as the one that has
been subjected to the determination of the product-type, and that there are no significant differences
with regard to production facilities and the production control process compared to that used for the
product that was subjected to the determination of the product-type; and

2) keeps available a copy of the determination of the product-type report that also contains the
information needed for verifying that the product is manufactured according to the same design and
with raw materials, constituents and manufacturing methods of the same kind.

3) The formulation of such an agreement can be done by licence, contract, or any other type of written consent.

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6.2.5 Cascading determination of the product type results

For some construction products, there are companies (often called “system houses”) which supply or ensure
4)
the supply of, on the basis of an agreement , some or all of the components (e.g. in case of windows:
5)
profiles, gaskets, weather strips) to an assembler who then manufactures the finished product (referred to
below as the “assembler”) in his factory.

Provided that the activities for which such a system house is legally established include
manufacturing/assembling of products as the assembled one, the system house may take the responsibility
for the determination of the product type regarding one or several essential characteristics of an end product
which is subsequently manufactured and/or assembled by other firms in their own factory.

When doing so, the system house shall submit an “assembled product” using components manufactured by it
or by others, to the determination of the product type and then make the determination of the product type
report available to the assemblers, i.e. the actual manufacturer of the product placed on the market.

To take into account such a situation, the concept of cascading determination of the product type might be
taken into consideration in the technical specification, provided that this concerns characteristics for which
either a notified product certification body or a notified test laboratory intervene, as presented below.

The determination of the product type report that the system house has obtained with regard to tests carried
out by a notified body, and which is supplied to the assemblers, may be used for the regulatory marking
purposes without the assembler having to involve again a notified body to undertake the determination of the
product type of the essential characteristic(s) that were already tested, provided that:

— the assembler manufactures a product which uses the same combination of components (components
with the same characteristics), and in the same way, as that for which the system house has obtained the
determination of the product type report; if this report is based on a combination of components not
representing the final product as to be placed on the market, and/or is not assembled in accordance with
the system house’s instruction for assembling the components, the assembler needs to submit his
finished product to the determination of the product type;

— the system house has notified to the manufacturer the instructions for manufacturing/assembling the
product and installation guidance;

— the assembler (manufacturer) assumes the responsibility for the correct assembly of the product in
accordance with the instructions for manufacturing/assembling the product and installation guidance
notified to him by the system house;

— the instructions for manufacturing/assembling the product and installation guidance notified to the
assembler (manufacturer) by the system house are an integral part of the assembler’s Factory Production
Control system and are referred to in the determination of the product type report;

— the assembler is able to provide documented evidence that the combination of components he is using,
and his way of manufacturing, correspond to the one for which the system house has obtained the
determination of the product type report (he needs to keep a copy of the system house’s determination of
the product type report);

— regardless the possibility of referring, on the basis of the agreement signed with the system house, to the
latter’s responsibility and liability under private law, the assembler remains responsible for the product
being in compliance with the declared performances, including both the design and the manufacture of
the product, which is given when he affixes the regulatory marking on his product.

4) This can be, for instance, a contract, license or whatever kind of written agreement, which should also contain clear
provisions with regard to responsibility and liability of the component producer (system house, on the one hand, and the
assembler of the finished product, on the other hand.
5) These companies may produce components but they are not required to do so.

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6.3 Factory production control (FPC)

6.3.1 General

The manufacturer shall establish, document and maintain an FPC system to ensure that the products placed
on the market comply with the declared performance of the essential characteristics and that the minimum
production provisions of Annex G are fulfilled.

The FPC system shall consist of procedures, regular inspections and tests and/or assessments and the use of
the results to control raw and other incoming materials or components, equipment, the production process and
the product.

All the elements, provisions and provisions adopted by the manufacturer shall be documented in a systematic
manner in the form of written policies and procedures. This FPC system documentation shall ensure a
common understanding of the evaluation of the constancy of performance and enable the achievement of the
required product performances and the effective operation of the production control system to be checked.
FPC therefore brings together operational techniques and all measures allowing maintenance and control of
the compliance of the product with the declared performances of the essential characteristics.

In case the manufacturer has used shared or cascading product-type results, the FPC shall also include the
appropriate documentation as foreseen in 6.2.4.

6.3.2 Provisions

6.3.2.1 General

The manufacturer is responsible for organizing the effective implementation of the FPC system in line with the
content of this product standard. Tasks and responsibilities in the production control organization shall be
documented and this documentation shall be kept up-to-date.

The responsibility, authority and the relationship between personnel that manages, performs or verifies work
affecting product constancy, shall be defined. This applies in particular to personnel that need to initiate
actions preventing product non-constancies from occurring, actions in case of non-constancies and to identify
and register product constancy problems.

Personnel performing work affecting the constancy of performance of the product shall be competent on the
basis of appropriate education, training, skills and experience for which records shall be maintained.

In each factory, the manufacturer may delegate the action to a person having the necessary authority to:

— identify procedures to demonstrate constancy of performance of the product at appropriate stages;

— identify and record any instance of non-constancy;

— identify procedures to correct instances of non-constancy.

The manufacturer shall draw up and keep up-to-date documents defining the FPC. The manufacturer's
documentation and procedures should be appropriate to the product and manufacturing process. The FPC
system should achieve an appropriate level of confidence in the constancy of performance of the product. This
involves:

a) the preparation of documented procedures and instructions relating to FPC operations, in accordance
with the provisions of the technical specification to which reference is made;

b) the effective implementation of these procedures and instructions;

c) the recording of these operations and their results;

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d) the use of these results to correct any deviations, repair the effects of such deviations, treat any resulting
instances of non-conformity and, if necessary, revise the FPC to rectify the cause of non-constancy of
performance.

Where subcontracting takes place, the manufacturer shall retain the overall control of the product and ensure
that he receives all the information that is necessary to fulfil his responsibilities according to this European
Standard.

If the manufacturer has part of the product designed, manufactured, assembled, packed, processed and/or
labelled by subcontracting, the FPC of the subcontractor may be taken into account, where appropriate for the
product in question.

The manufacturer who subcontracts all of his activities may in no circumstances pass the above
responsibilities on to a subcontractor.

NOTE Manufacturers having an FPC system, which complies with EN ISO 9001 standard and which addresses the
provisions of the present European Standard are considered as satisfying the FPC provisions of the
Regulation (EU) No 305/2011.

6.3.2.2 Equipment

6.3.2.2.1 Testing

All weighing, measuring and testing equipment according to Annex E shall be calibrated or verified and
regularly inspected according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria. The results shall be
documented.

6.3.2.2.2 Manufacturing

All equipment according to Annex E used in the manufacturing process should be regularly inspected and
maintained to ensure use, wear or failure does not cause inconsistency in the manufacturing process.
Inspections and maintenance shall be carried out and recorded in accordance with the manufacturer’s written
procedures and the records retained for the period defined in the manufacturer's FPC procedures.

6.3.2.3 Raw materials

The specifications of all incoming raw materials shall be documented, as shall the inspection scheme for
ensuring their compliance.

6.3.2.4 Traceability and marking

Individual structural finger jointed timber products shall be identifiable and traceable with regard to its
production origin. The manufacturer shall have written procedures ensuring that processes related to affixing
traceability codes and/or markings are inspected regularly.

6.3.2.5 Controls during manufacturing process

The manufacturer shall plan and carry out production under controlled conditions.

The manufacturer’s documentation, procedures and instructions shall be relevant to the production and
process control of the products, and shall be adequately described in a works’ quality manual, covering:

a) quality aims and organisational structure, responsibilities and powers of the management with regard to
conformity of the products;

b) procedures for specifying and verifying the compliance of the timber and the bonding;

c) manufacturing, production control and other techniques, processes and systematic actions to be taken.

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For the bonding processes in accordance with Annex G the following shall be recorded:

— production line;

— date and number of production;

— species;

— strength class or manufacturer specific strength class;

— cross sectional dimensions of the products;

— finger joint profile;

— moisture content;

— pressing time;

— cramping pressure;

— adhesive, e.g. resin and hardener;


2
— quantity of adhesive applied (g/m );

— ratio of resin and hardener, if relevant;

— information on preservative treatment in accordance with EN 15228, if the timber has been treated with a
preservative against biological attack of timber;

— temperature and relative humidity for the timber storage facilities, the facilities for the production of the
bonds and the facilities for the adhesive application and the curing;

— adjustment of the moisture meter according to the specification of the moisture meter manufacturer;

— name of the responsible member of the personnel.

All documentation shall be registered so that the raw materials and production conditions for the products are
traceable, at least to the production week and year. All documentation shall be kept for at least 10 years. The
documentation of the different tests may be kept separately.

6.3.2.6 Product testing and evaluation

The manufacturer shall establish procedures to ensure that the stated values of the characteristics he
declares are maintained and the minimum production provisions of Annex G are fulfilled. The characteristics
and the means of control shall be as given in Table 4.

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Table 4 — Factory production control for structural finger jointed timber

Clause, indicating Acceptance criteria for Minimum frequency


Characteristic the relevant test or tests
evaluation method
Mechanical resistance of structural finger jointed timber products expressed as modulus of elasticity,
bending strength, compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength
Strength, stiffness 5.1.2 EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011, EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011,
and density 6.3 6.3
properties of timber
Finger joints in Annex C See C.3 and required value 2 specimens per shift (e.g. 8 h)
timber according to 5.1.3 and line taken at random for
each combination of strength
class or manufacturer specific
strength class, species and
a
adhesive
Geometrical data 5.8 5.8 Check at each change of cross
section
Bonding strength
Finger joints in Annex C As for mechanical resistance
timber
Durability of bonding strength
Species 5.2.2 - Check on receipt
Adhesive 5.2.3 - Check on receipt
For contact-free G.4.5.4 G.4.5.4 for automated monitoring
adhesive systems:
application
2 per shift, evenly distributed in
time
for visual monitoring:
1 per two h
Moisture content of D.1 D.1 Measurement according to the
timber to be jointed quality manual of the
manufacturer of the structural
finger jointed timber product
and D.2 (if relevant) D.2 At least one measurement per
month
Resistance to fire
Density properties 5.1.2 EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011, EN 14081–1:2005+A1:2011,
b
of timber 6.3 6.3
c
Species 5.2.2 - Check on receipt

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Clause, indicating Acceptance criteria for Minimum frequency


Characteristic the relevant test or tests
evaluation method
Reaction to fire
Reaction to fire 5.5 For 5.5 a) (CWFT):
Control the minimum mean
density, minimum overall
thickness and preservative
treatment (if any) at least once
per shift.
For 5.5 b) (testing):
Check that the relevant
parameters of the tests are
fulfilled at least once per shift.
Durability against biological attack
Species or 5.3.1 or 5.3.2 - Check the species the
preservative preservative treatment
treatment of timber according to EN 15228:2009,
5.3 on receipt
Release of formaldehyde
Control on receipt that only
adhesives for which an initial
Formaldehyde
5.6 Class E1 or E2 classification has been carried
emission
out within the type testing are
used
Release of other dangerous substances
Release of other
dangerous 5.7 As relevant, according to 5.7
substances
a
If by proof-loading it is proved that the declared characteristic strength value is met, then the testing can be reduced to
at least one specimen per shift (e.g. 8 h) and line for each combination of strength class or manufacturer specific strength
class, species and adhesive.
b
As for mechanical resistance.
c
As for durability of bonding strength.

6.3.2.7 Non complying products

The manufacturer shall have written procedures which specify how non-complying products shall be dealt
with. Any such events shall be recorded as they occur and these records shall be kept for the period defined
in the manufacturer’s written procedures.

Where the product fails to satisfy the acceptance criteria, the provisions for non-complying products shall
apply, the necessary corrective action(s) shall immediately be taken and the products or batches not
complying shall be isolated and properly identified.

Once the fault has been corrected, the test or verification in question shall be repeated.

The results of controls and tests shall be properly recorded. The product description, date of manufacture, test
method adopted, test results and acceptance criteria shall be entered in the records under the signature of the
person responsible for the control/test.

With regard to any control result not meeting the provisions of this European Standard, the corrective
measures taken to rectify the situation (e.g. a further test carried out, modification of manufacturing process,
throwing away or putting right of product) shall be indicated in the records.

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6.3.2.8 Corrective action

The manufacturer shall have documented procedures that instigate action to eliminate the cause of non-
conformities in order to prevent recurrence.

6.3.2.9 Handling, storage and packaging

The manufacturer shall have procedures providing methods of product handling and shall provide suitable
storage areas preventing damage or deterioration.

6.3.3 Product specific provisions

The FPC system shall address this European Standard and ensure that the products placed on the market
comply with the declaration of performance.

The FPC system shall include a product specific FPC, which identifies procedures to demonstrate compliance
of the product at appropriate stages, i.e.:

a) the controls and tests to be carried out prior to and/or during manufacture according to a frequency laid
down in the FPC test plan, and/or

b) the verifications and tests to be carried out on finished products according to a frequency laid down in the
FPC test plan.

If the manufacturer uses only finished products, the operations under b) shall lead to an equivalent level of
compliance of the product as if FPC had been carried out during the production.

If the manufacturer carries out parts of the production himself, the operations under b) may be reduced and
partly replaced by operations under a). Generally, the more parts of the production that are carried out by the
manufacturer, the more operations under b) may be replaced by operations under a).

In any case the operation shall lead to an equivalent level of compliance of the product as if FPC had been
carried out during the production.

NOTE Depending on the specific case, it can be necessary to carry out the operations referred to under a) and b),
only the operations under a) or only those under b).

The operations under a) refer to the intermediate states of the product as on manufacturing machines and
their adjustment, and measuring equipment, etc. These controls and tests and their frequency shall be chosen
based on product-type and composition, the manufacturing process and its complexity, the sensitivity of
product features to variations in manufacturing parameters, etc.

The manufacturer shall establish and maintain records that provide evidence that the production has been
sampled and tested. These records shall show clearly whether the production has satisfied the defined
acceptance criteria and shall be available for at least three years.

6.3.4 Initial inspection of factory and of FPC

Initial inspection of factory and of FPC shall be carried out when the production process has been finalised
and in operation. The factory and FPC documentation shall be assessed to verify that the provisions of
Subclauses 6.3.2 and 6.3.3 are fulfilled.

During the inspection it shall be verified:

a) that all resources necessary for the achievement of the product characteristics included in this European
Standard are in place and correctly implemented, and

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b) that the FPC-procedures in accordance with the FPC documentation are followed in practice, and that the
product complies with the product-type samples, for which compliance of the product performance to the
DoP has been verified.

All locations where final assembly or at least final testing of the relevant product is performed, shall be
assessed to verify that the above conditions a) to b) are in place and implemented. If the FPC system covers
more than one product, production line or production process, and it is verified that the general provisions are
fulfilled when assessing one product, production line or production process, then the assessment of the
general provisions does not need to be repeated when assessing the FPC for another product, production line
or production process.

All assessments and their results shall be documented in the initial inspection report.

6.3.5 Continuous surveillance of FPC

Surveillance of the FPC shall be undertaken twice per year. The surveillance of the FPC shall include a review
of the FPC test plan(s) and production processes(s) for each product to determine if any changes have been
made since the last assessment or surveillance. The significance of any changes shall be assessed.

Checks shall be made to ensure that the test plans are still correctly implemented and that the production
equipment is still correctly maintained and calibrated at appropriate time intervals.

The records of tests and measurement made during the production process and to finished products shall be
reviewed to ensure that the values obtained still correspond with those values for the samples submitted to
the determination of the product-type and that the correct actions have been taken for non-compliant products.

6.3.6 Procedure for modifications

If modifications are made to the product, production process or FPC system that could affect any of the
product characteristics declared according to this standard, then all the characteristics for which the
manufacturer declares performance, which may be affected by the modification, shall be subject to the
determination of the product-type, as described in 6.2.1.

Where relevant, a re-assessment of the factory and of the FPC system shall be performed for those aspects,
which may be affected by the modification.

All assessments and their results shall be documented in a report.

7 Marking and labelling

Each structural finger jointed timber, which complies with this European Standard, shall be durably marked on
its surface or on a durable label affixed on it, with the information as given below:

a) identity of the manufacturer, logo or name;

b) strength class according to EN 338 or manufacturer specific strength class;

c) production date or traceability code;

d) adhesive type according to EN 301 or EN 15425 and adhesive family according to 5.2.3.1;

NOTE Subclasses according to EN 301 need not be given.

e) “PT”, if the structural finger jointed timber is treated against biological attack.

Where the structural finger jointed timber is cut into parts, each part shall be re-marked.

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In exceptional cases, the end use may require marking to be omitted for aesthetic reasons. In such cases,
when the customer specifically requests or orders the structural finger jointed timber to be free from marks,
each delivery shall be dispatched under the cover of a document stating the following minimum information.

— customer’s name and address;

— customer’s purchase order number;

— dimensions and quantities of the delivered structural finger jointed timber.

Where regulatory marking provisions require information on some or all items listed in this clause, the
provisions of this clause concerning those common items are deemed to be met and the information needs
not be repeated for the purpose of this clause.

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Annex A
(normative)

Release of Formaldehyde

A.1 General

The release of formaldehyde from structural finger jointed timber depends on the type of adhesives used.

A.2 Classification

A.2.1 Provisions

Where formaldehyde containing adhesives are used, the subsequent release of formaldehyde from structural
finger jointed timber shall be assessed by testing as specified in A.2.2 and the corresponding class according
to Table A.1 declared. The evaluation of release of formaldehyde shall be carried out for each type of
adhesive used.

The maximum steady-state emission values for structural finger jointed timber shall be used, when assessing
the formaldehyde release as Classes E1 or E2 according to Table A.1.

Table A.1 —Release of formaldehyde classes

Formaldehyde release Maximum steady-state emission values


classes 3
in mg HCHO/m air

E1 ≤ 0,124
E2 > 0,124

The formaldehyde emission of structural finger jointed timber produced with adhesive not containing
formaldehyde, can be taken as the formaldehyde emission of solid timber.
3
The maximum steady-state emission values of solid timber normally are much less than 0,124 mg HCHO/m
air.

Structural finger jointed timber contains significantly less formaldehyde than glued laminated timber. Therefore
tests may be made with samples of glued laminated timber made from the same species and with the same
adhesive and the results applied for the classification of structural finger jointed timber.

NOTE 1 In conventional structures under typical conditions of use, structural finger jointed timber, conforming to
formaldehyde release class E1 is unlikely to result in an indoor air concentration exceeding 0,1 ppm formaldehyde.

NOTE 2 In certain Member States only products of class E1 are allowed.

A.2.2 Test procedure


2 3
The testing in a chamber shall be carried out according to EN 717-1 with a loading factor of 0,3 m /m . A test
3
chamber with a volume of at least 1m shall be used.

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A.2.3 Test report

A test report according to EN 717-1 shall be written.

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Annex B
(normative)

Additional test methods and provisions for adhesives

B.1 General

The adhesives to be tested shall be ready for use and shall be, if the manufacturer of the structural finger
jointed timber intends to mix them before application in the subsequent production, mixed according to the
instructions of the adhesive manufacturer. They shall have the viscosity in which they are used in practice. If
no other specifications are given by the adhesive manufacturer the hardener shall be stirred in for 5 min using
a stirring device.

B.2 Long-term sustained load test at cyclic climate conditions with specimens
loaded perpendicular to the glue line for moisture curing one-component
polyurethane and emulsion polymer isocyanate adhesives

B.2.1 General description

The tests shall be performed with specimens according to EN 302-3. As a divergence to EN 302-3, the
specimens are made from beech wood with a glue line thickness of 0,1 mm. The beech wood boards from
which the specimens are cut shall be free from knots, straight grained and shall have a density larger than
3
650 kg/m at 20 °C/65 % rh. The timber prior to specimen manufacture shall be conditioned in a climate
chamber at storage conditions of (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % rh. The moisture content shall be (12 ± 1) %.

B.2.2 Production of the specimens

In total, 5 sticks with a cross section of 50 mm × 60 mm and a length of at least 700 mm, enabling the cutting
of 8 test specimens and 2 reserve specimens from each stick of the specimen type described in EN 302-3,
shall be manufactured for each glue line thickness. The 10 specimens for each test are made up of two
specimens (see Figure B.2) from each stick. Figure B.2 gives a view of the stick and of the cutting scheme for
its subdivision into 10 specimens for the determination of the tensile strength perpendicular to the glue line.
The manufacture and build-up of the sticks shall follow the scheme shown in Figure B.1a) and B.1b). The
annual ring orientation of both components glued together shall be roughly co-linear and shall be in the range
of 30° to 60°.

NOTE For details of cutting see EN 302–3:2013, Clause 5, and Figure B.1.

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Dimensions in mm

a) Dimensions before cutting b) Dimensions after planing


Key
1 and 2 positions of corners before cutting and after planing

Figure B.1 — Cutting scheme of the parts of the test sticks

Dimensions in mm

Key
1 test batch (BC = control batch, BD x = Batch for a test after a duration of x months)
2 current specimen number
3 reserve sample

Figure B.2 — Cutting scheme for test stick and numbering of specimens

B.2.3 Test procedure and climate conditions

The test procedure shall consist of the following test series:

a) short-term testing of a control batch BC of 10 specimens in ramp loading. The specimens are tested after
14 days of conditioning in (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % rh subsequent to gluing;

b) long-term testing of 3 batches BD3, BD6, BD12, each with 10 specimens, whereby each batch shall be
subjected to a different duration of loading time being 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. All batches
shall be subjected to the same constant stress level specified below. At the end of each loading period, all

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specimens of the respective batch not having failed shall be tested for residual tensile strength
perpendicular to the glue line in ramp loading.
2
Constant stress equal in all 3 duration of load times shall be 1 N/mm related to the net cross section of
25 mm × 50 mm.

The test climate shall be at natural outdoor conditions in Europe between latitude 45° and 60° protected with
light penetrable covering (glass house).

An alternative test procedure is to use a climate chamber with cyclically stepped climate varying stepwise with
24 h step length between two climates (10 ± 2) °C with (90 ± 5) % rh and (35 ± 2) °C with (40 ± 5) % rh.

The specimens tested for residual strength after removal of the constant long-term load shall be conditioned at
least for 2 weeks in climate (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % rh before ramp loading.

The climate shall be recorded.

B.2.4 Provisions

The mean tensile strength perpendicular to the grain of the control batch BC and of each of the batches BD3,
BD6 and BD12 tested for residual strength after 3 months, 6 months and 12 months of duration of load shall
2
not be less than 5 N/mm . In each batch tested in long-term loading only one specimen may fail within each of
the respective load duration periods. In case a specimen has failed in long-term loading, the mean value of
the residual strength of the respective batch shall be calculated from the remaining 9 specimens.

B.2.5 Report

A test report according to EN 302-3 and records of the climate during testing shall be given.

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Annex C
(normative)

Bending tests with finger joints (including compliance criteria)

C.1 Sampling

C.1.1 General

The whole jointed cross section of the specimens shall be tested. The finger joints shall be in the middle of the
specimens. If it is intended to manufacture preservative treated structural finger jointed timber specimens from
such preservative treated structural finger jointed timber shall be taken.

C.1.2 For type testing

The number of specimens shall be as indicated in Table 3.

C.1.3 For factory production control

The number of specimens shall be as indicated in Table 4. The specimens taken in a shift shall, as far as
possible, be taken evenly distributed in time.

C.2 Testing

C.2.1 General

Finger joints in structural finger jointed timber shall be tested in bending according to EN 408, with the
following exceptions:

— the knot free length of the joints shall bothway be at least 3 d, where d is the diameter of the knot;

— only sufficiently cured finger joints shall be tested. Testing shall take place within 3 days of manufacture
or when the finger joints are cured.

C.2.2 Additional provisions for type testing

For type testing the following additional provisions apply:

— the surface finish of the specimens at test shall be the same as that of the normally supplied structural
finger jointed timber;

— testing may be done without conditioning the specimens as described in EN 408. If the specimens are not
conditioned according to EN 408, the moisture content shall be measured according to Annex D. No
specimen shall have a moisture content below 10 %.

C.2.3 Additional provisions for factory production control

For factory production control the following additional provisions apply:

— the ultimate load should be reached within (60 ± 15) s;

— the accuracy of measuring the maximum load shall be better than ± 3 % of this load;

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— testing may be done without conditioning the specimens as described in EN 408. The moisture content
shall be measured according to Annex D;

— the density need not to be determined;

— bending tests may be done in flatwise bending. To convert flatwise bending strength to edgewise bending
strength by fm,edgewise = fm,flatwise / kf the divisor kf given in Table C.1 or derived from type testing shall be
used. For square members, testing shall be carried out with the fingers visible on the face parallel to the
load direction.

Table C.1 — Divisor kf for converting flatwise bending strength to edgewise bending strength

Orientation Divisor kf
Fingers visible on the face perpendicular to load direction 1,25
Fingers visible on the face parallel to load direction 1,0

C.3 Compliance criteria

C.3.1 For type testing

The characteristic bending strength value and the coefficient of variation shall be calculated according to
EN 14358. If relevant, the divisor for the correlation between edgewise and flatwise bending strength, kf shall
be calculated as kf = fm,j,k,flatwise / fm,j,k,edgewise.

C.3.2 For factory production control

For each production line, declared bending strength value and shift: the declared bending strength shall be
acceptable if one of the following provisions a) or b) is met.

a) Of the last 100 joints tested, the values of the bending strength fm,j,k of each single joint shall relate to the
threshold value fm,j,k,dc as follows:

1) not more than 5 values shall be below the threshold value and

2) no value shall fall below 80 % of the threshold value.

b) The characteristic bending strength fm,j,k = k15 fm,j,15,mean of the last 15 finger joints tested in flatwise
bending shall be higher than or equal to the declared characteristic bending strength fm,j,dc,k.

Where k15 is a statistical factor, taken from Table C.2 and fm,j,15,mean is the mean bending strength of the
last 15 finger joints.

Table C.2 — Factor k15

Coefficient of variation according to EN 14358 ≤ 0,10 0,15 0,20 0,25 0,30


k15 0,82 0,74 0,67 0,61 0,55

C.4 Report

The following items shall be reported:

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— production line;

— reference to this European Standard;

— date of production;

— date of the test;

— timber species;

— strength class or manufacturer specific strength class;

— preservative treatment (if relevant);

— type and trade name of adhesive;

— effective proportion of resin and hardener (if relevant);


3
— density (only for type testing), in kg/m ;

— moisture content, in %;

— width and height of the timber, in mm;

— finger joint profile;

— finger joint orientation;

— ultimate test load at failure, in N;


2
— bending strength, in N/mm ;

— description of the failure mode including amount of reaction wood;


2
— mean value(s) fm,j,mean and coefficient of variation (if relevant), in N/mm and %, respectively;

— kf (if relevant);

— name of the person responsible for the testing.

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Annex D
(normative)

Measurement of moisture content

D.1 General

Moisture meters shall enable to measure the moisture content of timber with an accuracy of ± 2 % moisture
content.

The accuracy of a moisture meter according to EN 13183-2 or EN 13183−3 shall be checked by comparison
with results from measurements with the oven dry method according to EN 13183-1.

D.2 Measurement of moisture content of timber during production

The moisture content of each piece of timber shall be measured during processing.

The accuracy of the moisture meter shall be checked for each combination of species and preservative
treatment (if relevant) with timber pieces having representative cross sections and with moisture contents
covering the likely range of moisture contents during production, but at least a range of 8 % moisture content
difference.

If the measurement is done by an electrical resistance moisture meter the electrodes shall be driven into one
face of the timber at a distance of at least 0,3 times the width from the edge and at least 0,3 m from either end
of the timber so that the tips of the electrodes penetrate into a depth of 0,3 times the thickness of the timber,
max 40 mm. Lower penetration depths are allowed if correlation is checked within Factory Production Control.

If the measurement is done by an in-line capacitive moisture meter the mean value of the measured data are
to be used.

D.3 Mean moisture content of structural finger jointed timber

The mean moisture content shall be measured with an electrical resistance moisture meter. Measurements
shall be done at a point not nearer than 1 m from either end or in the centre of the piece if it is less than 2 m
long using insulated electrodes having a maximum penetration length of 40 mm.

The mean moisture content shall be estimated from at least three measurements in different timber pieces
being part of the structural finger jointed timber.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Annex E
(normative)

Equipment

Equipment shall be available to:

a) machine strength grading or visual strength grading when these operations are carried out by the
manufacturer;

b) monitor continuously the temperature and relative humidity of the air (e.g. thermo hygrograph) in storage,
production and curing areas;

c) moisten the air, if necessary;

d) measure the temperature of the timber;

e) measure the moisture content of the timber and for checking moisture meters for measurements
according to Annex D;

f) produce finger joints with sufficient and reliable strength;

g) weigh and mix resin and hardener in the required proportions (if relevant);

h) uniformly apply the required quantity of adhesive.

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Annex F
(normative)

Separation tests with finger joints produced with contact-free application


of adhesive

An arbitrarily chosen finger joint shall be sampled directly after pressing, but before curing.

A slab with the finger joint shall be cut next to the slot bases and all finger surfaces shall be separated by
manual breaking.

The adhesive coverage of all finger surfaces shall be inspected visually and the result shall be documented.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Annex G
(normative)

Minimum production provisions

G.1 Personnel

The personnel shall have adequate training in the production of the structural finger jointed timber and in the
factory production control in order to allow meeting the relevant provisions of 6.3.

G.2 Production and storage facilities

G.2.1 General

The production and storage facilities shall be suitable for all phases of the production of the structural finger
jointed timber, taking into consideration the provisions given in this standard.

G.2.2 Facilities for drying and storage of timber

Drying facilities of sufficient capacity shall be available when the drying is carried out by the manufacturer of
the structural finger jointed timber.

Storage facilities of sufficient capacity shall be available to maintain the required moisture content of the
timber.

Storage facilities of sufficient capacity shall be available to achieve the required temperature of the timber for
the respective operation.

G.2.3 Facilities for processing and storage of adhesives

Unless resin and hardener are pumped directly from storage tanks and mixed automatically during application,
there shall be a separate area for the preparation of the adhesive (mixing of resin and hardener). There shall
also be suitable resin and hardener storage facilities and an area for cleaning the adhesive equipment.

G.2.4 Facilities for production and curing

The air temperature and relative humidity in the facilities for production and curing shall ensure that the
required temperature at the glue line is reliably achieved and that no inadmissible changes in moisture content
of the timber occurs until the structural finger jointed timber are fully cured.

The air temperature in the production and curing facilities shall be at least 15 °C. The instructions of the
adhesive manufacturer shall be regarded.

G.3 Equipment

The equipment shall be suitable for all phases of the production, taking into consideration the provisions given
in this standard. The equipment given in Annex E shall be available.

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G.4 Finger joints

G.4.1 Wane and edge damages

There shall be no wane or edge damage affecting more than two corners at the joint within the finger length
and within 75 mm of the root of the fingers. The area Aw of the wane at any corner shall not exceed 1 % of the
cross sectional area (see Figure G.1).

NOTE Conformity with this provision can be verified by measuring the diagonal aw of the wane and demonstrating
that it is less than the maximum diagonal given in Figure G.2 as a function of the cross sectional area A.

Key
aw maximum diagonal of wane
Aw area of wane

Figure G.1 — Cross section of timber with wane

Key
aw,max maximum diagonal of wane
A cross sectional area of timber

Figure G.2 — Maximum diagonal of wane aw,max = A /5

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G.4.2 Finger joint geometry

The geometry of the fingers shall permit the joint to be self-interlocking after pressing. Recommended
relations for tip width to width of cutter bt/ bcut are 1,1 ≤ bt/ bcut ≤ 1,2.

The finger length lj, the pitch p, the tip width bt, the reduction factor v = bt /p and the finger angle α shall fulfil
Formulae (G.1) and (G.2), respectively:

l j ≥ 4 p (1 – 2 v) (G.1)

α ≤ 7,1 ° (G.2)

The reduction factor v shall be v ≤ 0,20 and the finger length lj shall be lj ≥ 10 mm.

Commonly used cutter geometries are given in Table G.1.

Table G.1 — Commonly used geometries of the cutters

Finger length lj Pitch p Width of cutter bcut Reduction factor v


mm mm mm
15 3,8 0,42 0,11
15 3,8 0,6 0,16
20 5,0 0,5 0,10
20 6,2 1,0 0,16

G.4.3 Knots, local grain deviations and fissures

Knots with a diameter not greater than 6 mm may be disregarded.

There shall be no knots or pronounced grain disturbance within the joint itself.

Fissures are allowed as long as they are not more than 50 % of the thickness.

Outside the joint the distance between a knot and the end of the cross-cut timber shall be not less than
(lj + 3d) (see Figure G.3), except where an appropriate automated system guarantees that in the range of the
finger joints the grain orientation is parallel to the longitudinal direction. In this case the distance may be
reduced down to 1,5 d.

Key
d knot diameter

Figure G.3 — Minimum distance from the end of the timber to a knot

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Where timber pieces are cross-cut to remove a knot, the distance between the cross-cut and the removed
knot shall be not less than 3d (see Figure G.4), except where an appropriate automated system guarantees
that in the range of the finger joints the grain orientation is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Key
d knot diameter

Figure G.4 — Minimum distance for a cross-cut to remove a knot

G.4.4 Moisture content at bonding

The moisture content of each piece of timber shall be measured according to D.2.

At assembly, the moisture content in every timber shall be between 7 % and up to 18 %. Additionally, the
instructions of the adhesive manufacturer shall be followed.

The moisture content of two timber pieces to be jointed shall not differ by more than 5 % moisture content.

G.4.5 Bonding surface and application of the adhesive

G.4.5.1 General

At the time of bonding the bonding surfaces shall be clean.

The adhesive shall be used in accordance with the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer.

The adhesive shall be applied to both timber ends unless different provisions are given in the subsequent
subsections.

The application method shall ensure that all finger flanks in the assembled joint are covered with the adhesive.

G.4.5.2 Manual application

If the adhesive is applied manually, it may be applied to only one of the timber ends. It shall be checked
visually that adhesive is applied to all finger flanks. This general provision may be considered satisfied, if
adhesive is squeezed out of all four surfaces of the joint when the pressure is applied.

G.4.5.3 Application by machine

The suitability of the adhesive for a separate application of resin and hardener shall be verified in accordance
with EN 301.

If an adhesive is applied by comb or roller, the adhesive shall be applied over a length of at least 75 % of the
finger length.

If the adhesive is applied by comb or roller, it may be applied to only one of the timber ends. It shall be
checked visually that adhesive is applied to all finger flanks. This general provision may be considered
satisfied, if adhesive is squeezed out of all four surfaces of the joint when the pressure is applied.

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If resin and hardener are applied separately by comb or roller the resin may be applied to one timber end and
the hardener to the other. The production equipment shall have a device (e.g. a balance or a flow rate meter)
to control and document the effective ratio of resin and hardener used. The application of resin and hardener
shall be done by two independent application devices, e.g. by two combs with one nozzle or one comb with
two nozzles per finger flank. The application device shall ensure that resin and hardener are applied evenly
over at least 75 % of the finger length.

G.4.5.4 Additional provisions for contact free application

Adhesives may be applied contact free if it is ensured by monitoring, documentation and additional tests
according to Annex F in Factory Production Control (FPC) (see Table 4) that the adhesive application results
in the fulfilment of the principal provisions, i.e. that all finger surfaces in the assembled joint are covered with
adhesive.

The following shall be continuously monitored:

a) The amount of adhesive applied shall be monitored by an automated system.

b) The application process shall be monitored:

1) for two-sided contact free application either by visual monitoring or by an automated system (e.g.
optical or other apt sensors);

2) for one-sided contact free application by an automated system.

c) All results obtained shall be recorded and stored.

G.4.6 Time between cutting and adhesive application

The adhesive application shall be done within 6 h after cutting the finger joint profile.

G.4.7 Pressure

The pressure depends on finger joint geometry, wood species, moisture content and temperature of the timber
and the cross section of the timber.

The relative tip gap e = lt / lj should be 0,01 ≤ e ≤ 0,08 after pressing.

If the pressure is applied in a cyclic finger joint press, the pressure shall be applied to the finger joint for at
least 1 s for the timber with a thickness less than 45 mm and at least 2 s for others. Recommended cramping
pressures for a timber temperature of 20 °C can be taken from Figure G.5.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Key
1 pressure
2 finger length

Figure G.5 — Recommended values for pressure

G.4.8 Curing

The temperature of the timber at the glue line during curing shall not be less than 18 °C. The not fully cured
jointed timber shall be moved in a way that the curing process is not affected by deformation or vibration.

The jointed timber may be further processed if it can be ensured that the curing process and the finger joint
strength is not affected.

The provisions of the technical data sheet of the adhesive shall apply.

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Annex ZA
(informative)

Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of EU


Construction Products Regulation

ZA.1 Scope and relevant characteristics

This European Standard has been prepared under Mandate M/112 “Structural timber products and ancillaries”
given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association.

If this European Standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), the clauses of this
standard, shown in this annex, are considered to meet the provisions of the relevant mandate, under the
Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011.

This annex deals with the CE marking of the Structural finger jointed timber intended for the uses indicated in
Table ZA.1 shows the relevant clauses applicable.

This annex has the same scope as in Clause 1 of this standard related to the aspects covered by the mandate
and is defined by Table ZA.1.

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Table ZA.1 – Relevant clauses for structural finger jointed timber


a
Construction products: Structural finger jointed timber with rectangular cross section
Intended uses: In buildings and bridges
Clauses in Regulatory Notes
this or other classes
European
Standard(s)
Essential characteristics
related to
essential
characteristic
s
b
Modulus of elasticity, Bending strength, Compressive strength, Tensile strength and Shear strength as:
Strength and stiffness properties of 5.1.2 - Declared as strength class or individual values
timber
Bending strength of finger joints as 5.1.3 - Declared as characteristic bending strength of
bending strength of timber timber
Bonding strength
Bonding strength of finger joints as bending 5.2.1 - Declared as strength class or individual value
strength of timber
c
Resistance to fire , as
Geometrical data 5.8 - Declared as cross sectional dimensions
d
Charring rate, as Species 5.2.2 - Declared as species
characteristic 5.1.2 Declared as strength class or individual values
density of timber

e
Reaction to fire 5.5 A1 to F D-s2, d0 according to Table 2; or
Tested and classified acc. to EN 13501–1
Release of formaldehyde 5.6 - Class E1 or E2
e
Release of other dangerous substances 5.7 - The relevant values shall be as declared.
Durability of bonding strength
Species 5.2.2 - Declared as species
Adhesives 5.2.3 - Declared as adhesive families, adhesive types
and subclasses
Durability against biological attack (i.e. resistance to biological organisms)
Timber without preservative treatment 5.3.1 - Declared as durability class(es) according to
EN 350–2
Timber with preservative treatment 5.3.2 - Declared according to EN 15228:2009,
Clause 6
a
For structural finger jointed made from coniferous species listed in 5.1.2 and poplar, which are not treated to improve the fire
performances.
b
The declared information enables the designer to calculate the mechanical resistance for the specific end use situation.
c
The declared information enables the designer to calculate the resistance to fire according to EN 13501–2 for the specific end-use
situation.
d
As for durability of bonding.
e
The performance of these characteristics may be affected by the preservative treatment against biological attack of timber.

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The declaration of the product performance related to certain essential characteristics is not required in those
Member States (MS) where there are no regulatory provisions on these essential characteristics for the
intended use of the product.

In this case, manufacturers placing their products on the market of these MS are not obliged to determine nor
declare the performance of their products with regard to these essential characteristics and the option “No
performance determined” (NPD) in the information accompanying the CE marking and in the declaration of
performance (see ZA.3) may be used for those essential characteristics.

ZA.2 Procedure for Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance


(AVCP) of structural finger jointed timber

ZA.2.1 AVPC

The AVPC system of structural finger jointed timber established by EC Decisions 97/176/EC of 1997-02-17
(see OJEU L73 of 1997-03-14) and 2001/596/EC of 2001-01-08 (see OJEU L209 of 2001-08-02) is shown in
Table ZA.2 for the indicated intended use(s) and relevant level(s) or class(es) of performance.

Table ZA.2 — System of AVCP

Product Intended uses Levels or AVCP system


classes of
performance
Products of this column can be treated against
fire, biological attack or not treated. Buildings and (1)
- 1
Structural glued laminated products and other bridges
glued timber products
(1)
AVCP System 1: See Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011 (CPR) Annex V, 1.2.

NOTE 1 Structural finger jointed timber may be considered as other glued timber products.

NOTE 2 Structural finger jointed timber treated with fire retardants are not covered in this standard.

The AVCP of the structural finger jointed timber in Table ZA.1 shall be according to the AVCP procedures
indicated in Table ZA.3 resulting from application of the clauses of this or other European Standard indicated
therein. The content of tasks of the notified body shall be limited to those essential characteristics as provided
for, if any, in Annex III of the relevant mandate and to those that the manufacturer intends to declare.

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Table ZA.3 — Assignment of AVCP tasks for structural finger jointed timber under system 1

AVCP clauses
Tasks Content of the task
to apply

Tasks for the Factory production control (FPC) Parameters related to essential 6.1, 6.3
manufacturer characteristics of Table ZA.1 relevant for
the intended use which are declared

Further testing of samples taken at Essential characteristics of Table ZA.1 6.1, 6.3.2.6
factory according to the prescribed relevant for the intended use which are
test plan declared

determination of the product-type on Essential characteristics of Table ZA.1 6.1, 6.2


the basis of type testing (including relevant for the intended use which are
sampling), type calculation, declared except reaction to fire and
tabulated values or descriptive bonding strength (including durability of
documentation of the product bonding strength)

Tasks for the Determination of the product-type on reaction to fire and bonding strength 6.1, 6.2
notified the basis of type testing (including (including durability of bonding strength)
product sampling), type calculation,
certification tabulated values or descriptive
body documentation of the product

Initial inspection of manufacturing Parameters related to essential 6.1, 6.3.4


plant and of FPC characteristics of Table ZA.1, relevant for
the intended use which are declared
Documentation of the FPC.

Continuous surveillance, Parameters related to essential 6.1, 6.3.5


assessment and evaluation of FPC characteristics of Table ZA.1, relevant for
the intended use which are declared,
namely
— mechanical resistance covering
modulus of elasticity, bending
strength, compressive strength,
tensile strength and shear
strength
— reaction to fire
— bonding strength (including,
durability of bonding strength),
— release of formaldehyde,
Documentation of the FPC.

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ZA.2.2 Declaration of performance (DoP)

ZA.2.2.1 General

The manufacturer draws up the DoP and affixes the CE marking on the basis of the different AVCP systems
set out in Annex V of the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011:

In case of products under system 1:

— the factory production control and further testing of samples taken at the factory according to the
prescribed test plan, carried out by the manufacturer; and

— the certificate of constancy of performance issued by the notified product certification body on the basis of
determination of the product-type on the basis of type testing (including sampling), type calculation,
tabulated values or descriptive documentation of the product; initial inspection of the manufacturing plant
and of factory production control and continuous surveillance, assessment and evaluation of factory
production control.

ZA.2.2.2 Content

The model of the DoP is provided in Annex III of the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. According to this
Regulation, the DoP shall contain, in particular, the following information:

— the reference of the product-type for which the declaration of performance has been drawn up;

— the AVCP system of the construction product, as set out in Tables ZA.2 and ZA.3 in accordance with
Annex V of the CPR;

— the reference number and date of issue of the harmonized standard which has been used for the
assessment of each essential characteristic;

— where applicable, the reference number of the Specific Technical Documentation used and the provisions
with which the manufacturer claims the product complies.

The DoP shall in addition contain:

a) the intended use or uses for the construction product, in accordance with the applicable harmonized
technical specification;

b) the list of essential characteristics, as determined in the harmonized technical specification for the
declared intended use or uses;

c) the performance of at least one of the essential characteristics of the construction product, relevant for
the declared intended use or uses;

d) where applicable, the performance of the construction product, by levels or classes, or in a description, if
necessary based on a calculation in relation to its essential characteristics determined in accordance with
the Commission determination regarding those essential characteristics for which the manufacturer shall
declare the performance of the product when it is placed on the market or the Commission determination
regarding threshold levels for the performance in relation to the essential characteristics to be declared;

e) the performance of those essential characteristics of the construction product which are related to the
intended use or uses, taking into consideration the provisions in relation to the intended use or uses
where the manufacturer intends the product to be made available on the market;

f) for the listed essential characteristics for which no performance is declared, the letters “NPD” (No
Performance Determined);

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Regarding the supply of the DoP, Article 7 of the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 applies.

The information referred to in Article 31 or, as the case may be, in Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006, (REACH) shall be provided together with the DoP.

ZA.2.2.3 Example of DoP

The following gives an example of a filled-in DoP for Structural finger jointed timber.

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DECLARATION OF PERFORMANCE

No. 001CPR2013-07-14

1. Unique identification code of the product-type: Structural finger jointed timber -C24-Spruce

2. Type, batch or serial number or any other element allowing identification of the construction product as
required under Article 11(4): Type ABC

3. Intended use or uses of the construction product, in accordance with the applicable harmonized technical
specification, as foreseen by the manufacturer: buildings and bridges

4. Name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and contact address of the manufacturer as
required under Article 11(5): AnyCo (complete address and contact
data to be given)

5. Where applicable, name and contact address of the authorized representative whose mandate covers the
tasks specified in Article 12(2).

6. System or systems of assessment and verification of constancy of performance of the construction


product as set out in CPR, Annex V: System 1

7. In case of the declaration of performance concerning a construction product covered by a harmonized


standard: Notified product certification body No. 5678 carried out the determination of the product-
type on the basis of type testing regarding bonding strength and reaction to fire, performed the
initial inspection of the manufacturing plant and of factory production control and the continuous
surveillance, assessment and evaluation of factory production control and issued the certificate
of constancy of performance.

8. Declared performance

Harmonized technical
Essential characteristics Performance
specification
Modulus of elasticity, EN 15497:2014
Bending strength,
Compressive strength,
Tensile strength and
Shear strength, given as
Strength class (EN 14081) C 24
Bonding strength, given as
2
bending strength of finger joints 24 N/mm
Durability of bonding strength, given as
Species Spruce
Adhesive MUF, EN 301 I70 FJ 0.1S
Durability against biological attack as
natural durability class against wood destroying Durability class 5
fungi (EN 350–2)

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Harmonized technical
Essential characteristics Performance
specification
Resistance to Fire, given as
Geometrical data Cross section w x t (mm):
120 × 240
3
Charring rate as Characteristic density 350 kg/m

species Spruce

Reaction to fire D-s2, d0 EN 15497:2014


Release of formaldehyde E1
Declaration of release/content of other dangerous substance only when required in
accordance with 5.7.

10. The performance of the product identified in Points 1 and 2 is in conformity with the declared performance
in Point 8. This declaration of performance is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer
identified in Point 4.

Signed for and on behalf of the manufacturer by:

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
.

(name and function)

(place and date of issue) signature

ZA.3 CE marking and labelling

The CE marking symbol shall be in accordance with the general principles set out in Article 30 of Regulation
(EC) No 765/2008 and shall be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly:

— to the structural finger jointed timber or

— to a label attached to it.

Where this is not possible or not warranted on account of the nature of the product, it shall be affixed:

— to the packaging or

— to the accompanying documents.

The CE marking shall be followed by:

a) the last two digits of the year in which it was first affixed;

b) the name and the registered address of the manufacturer, or the identifying mark allowing identification of
the name and address of the manufacturer easily and without any ambiguity;

c) the unique identification code of the product-type;

d) the reference number of the declaration of performance;

e) the level or class of some performances declared;

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

— modulus of elasticity, bending strength, compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength
declared as strength class or given as individual values;

— bonding strength declared as characteristic bending strength of the timber;

— reaction to fire: class (including smoke and droplets) as class acc. to EN 13501-1, either referring to
Table 2 (CWFT), as class D-s2, d0, or based on results of the relevant tests, specified in the
standards, referred therein;

— resistance to fire on the basis of cross sectional dimensions, characteristic density and species;

— release of formaldehyde declared as class E1 or E2;

— release of other dangerous substances, see 5.7, where applicable;

— durability of bonding strength declared on the basis of the used species, adhesive family
according to 5.2.3.1 and adhesive type (including subclasses, if relevant), according to EN 301
or EN 15425;

— durability (i.e. resistance to biological organisms):

— for timber without preservative treatment, as natural durability: declared as durability


class(es) according to EN 350-2;

— for treated timber, in accordance with EN 15228:2009, Clause 6;

f) the dated reference to the harmonized technical specification applied;

g) the identification number of the notified body.

h) the intended use laid down in the harmonized technical specification applied;

Figure ZA.1 gives an example of CE marking.

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

CE marking, consisting of the “CE”-symbol


Identification number of the product certification
4321 body

AnyCo Ltd Name and the registered address of the


manufacturer, or identifying mark
13
Last two digits of the year in which the marking
001-CPR-2013/07/14
was first affixed
Reference number of the DoP
EN 15497:2014 No. of European Standard applied, as
referenced in OJEU
Structural finger jointed timber -C24-Spruce-Type ABC
Unique identification of the product-type
Intended to be used in buildings and bridges
Intended use of the product as laid down in the
European Standard applied
Mechanical resistance as Level or class(es) of the performance declared
− strength class C 24
Resistance to fire as
− geometrical data (mm) 120 × 240
− species Spruce The density and species are needed to choose
3 the appropriate charring rate from the fire design
− characteristic density 350 kg/m
code
Bonding strength as
2
− bending strength of finger joints 24 N/mm
Reaction to fire D-s2, d0
Release of formaldehyde E1 Dangerous substances other than formaldehyde
need only to be declared, if there is at least one
Durability of bonding strength as additional regulated dangerous substance which
− species Spruce obliges the manufacturer to declare. In this
case, the substance has to be mentioned.
− adhesive MUF
EN 301 I70 FJ 0.1S
Durability against biological attack as
− natural durability class(es) Class 5
against wood destroying fungi

Figure ZA.1 — Example of CE marking given in the documents accompanying structural finger jointed
timber made of visual graded spruce and being untreated

In addition to the CE marking and the information previously addressed in this clause, the CE marking symbol,
together with the following information, may also be affixed on the structural finger jointed timber:

a) the last two digits of the year in which it was first affixed;

b) the name and the registered address of the manufacturer, or the identifying mark allowing identification of
the name and address of the manufacturer easily and without any ambiguity;

c) the unique identification of the product-type;

d) the reference number of the declaration of performance;

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

e) the level or class of some performances declared;

— modulus of elasticity, bending strength, compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength
declared as strength class or given as individual values;

— durability of bonding strength declared on the basis of the used species, if not spruce, adhesive
family according to 5.2.3.1 and adhesive type (including subclasses, if relevant), according to EN 301
or EN 15425;

— “PT” for preservative treated structural finger jointed timber;

f) the reference to the harmonized technical specification applied.

Figure ZA.2 gives an example for information to be affixed on the structural finger jointed timber or on a label
attached to it.

CE marking, consisting of the “CE”-symbol

AnyCo Ltd Name and the registered address of the


manufacturer, or identifying mark
13
Last two digits of the year in which the marking
001-CPR-2013/07/14
was first affixed
Reference number of the DoP
EN 15497:2014 No. of European Standard applied, as
referenced in OJEU
Structural finger jointed timber -C24-Spruce-Type
ABC Unique identification of the product-type
− strength class C 24 M Level or class8es) of the performances
declared
− adhesive MUF, EN 301 I70 FJ
0.1S

Figure ZA.2 — Example for information affixed on structural finger jointed timber or on a label
attached to it

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EN 15497:2014 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 1912, Structural Timber — Strength classes — Assignment of visual grades and species

[2] EN 13556, Round and sawn timber — Nomenclature of timbers used in Europe

[3] EN 14080, Timber structures — Glued laminated timber and glued solid timber — Requirements

[4] EN 14081-2, Timber structures — Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section —
Part 2: Machine grading; additional requirements for initial type testing

[5] EN 14081-3, Timber structures — Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section —
Part 3: Machine grading; additional requirements for factory production control

[6] EN 14081-4, Timber structures — Strength graded structural timber with rectangular cross section —
Part 4: Machine grading — Grading machine settings for machine controlled systems

[7] EN 15416-5, Adhesives for load bearing timber structures other than phenolic and aminoplastic —
Test methods — Part 5: Determination of conventional pressing time

[8] EN 16351, Timber structures — Cross laminated timber — Requirements

[9] EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements (ISO 9001)

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