SHELVING DESIGN MANUAL
Everything you need to know about designing shelving systems
using EWPAA Certified Plywood
1
Preface
The load/span tables contained herein have been developed based on rigorous structural mechanics principles
applied to structural plywood shelving. The shelving can be simply supported each end or span continuously
over three or more supports whilst subjected to a uniformly distributed load (UDL). It has been assumed the
supporting structure has been adequately designed to satisfactorily resist the loads transferred from the
plywood shelving.
Most shelf loading situations, be they industrial, commercial or domestic, can be idealised to a UDL. Should
they require a concentrated load solution the user is referred to the EWPAA publication “Structural Plywood for
Commercial & Industrial Flooring” which gives load/span tables for allowable point loads satisfying deflection
limits of span/200 or span/300.
The load/span shelving design data has been generated in conjunction with AS17201.1 – 1997, which allows the
tables, with slight modifications, to cater for:



short or long term serviceability data;
varying environmental conditions;
limit states strength data which defines bending or shear strength limitations.
It must be noted the load/span data contained in the tables applies only to plywood:


manufactured to the requirements of AS2269 – Structural Plywood;
branded with the EWPAA product certification stamp and the JAS-ANZ accreditation mark.
To ensure a satisfactory plywood shelving outcome it is essential the user carefully defines the requirements
for the steps listed in Section A, Design Methodology. Spending time on this aspect of the design process
ensures a full understanding of the problem at hand.
Whilst the contents of the tables may suggest the existence of a large range of possible plywood shelving
solutions, and theoretically this is the case, it will be local availability of plywood which will dictate final user
selection.
The possibility of supporting plywood shelving on all four edges may appeal, however, this arrangement will
contribute little to structural performance unless the:


shelving support lay-out approximates a square;
second moment of areas of the plywood veneer lay-up in the two spanning directions are approximately equal.
Shelving in general, is longer than it is wide. Hence, if supported on all four edges it will invariably tend to span
in the narrow direction. When supported along its long edges with a span/width ratio approximately 2:1 or
greater, irrespective of plywood lay-up, the shelving will tend to span in the width (narrow) direction.
Therefore, the supported all four sides’ case has not been considered in this Manual. However, although
supporting all four edges may not contribute significantly to shelving response it certainly will never detract
from it.
C G “Mick” McDowall
MIE Aust, CP Eng, NPER3 (Structures),
RPEQ, MIWSc.
November 2007
Do not shelve the
problem, solve it
with a plywood shelf.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ........................................................................................ 1
Introduction ................................................................................ 4
Design Criteria ............................................................................. 5
Structural Response Characteristics ............................................. 6
Further Explanation ........................................................................................................ 7
Duration of Load (DoL) Effects ....................................................................................... 9
Interpretation of Tables ............................................................................................... 11
Design Methodology ................................................................. 13
Worked Examples ...................................................................... 14
Deflection Criteria Example .......................................................................................... 14
Duration of Load Example ............................................................................................ 14
Bookcase Shelving Example.......................................................................................... 15
Some Special Cases(3) .................................................................................................... 16
Load Span Tables ....................................................................... 17
Legend .......................................................................................................................... 17
References................................................................................. 22
Revision History......................................................................... 22
After you have read and understood this manual, the EWPAA has the “EWPAA
Shelf Design” software available for free download. This software uses the
principles in this manual, to ease the process of designing a shelf with EWPAA
certified plywood. To download a copy of this software, simply go to :
www.ewp.asn.au
3
Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to provide the prospective shelving designer with the necessary tools to
be able to choose a suitable plywood candidate to efficiently and economically satisfy their shelving
requirements.
The term shelving referred to in this Manual is confined to horizontal surfaces, not exceeding the
width of a standard plywood sheet, and used to support uniformly distributed loads (udl’s) produced
by a wide range of sources.
Plywood provides an excellent medium for domestic, industrial or commercial shelving. Such uses
include:





bookshelves;
storage shelves in home workshops, garages, etc;
display shelving in retail and commercial outlets;
cupboards
bar tops, bench tops, etc.
Structural plywood(1) has many attributes which contribute towards making it an ideal shelfing
material. For example:

workability, i.e. capable of being worked with conventional
wood working tools and being nailed without fear of
splitting;

dimensional stability due to its cross
laminated construction resulting in panels
having superior dimensional characteristics
compared to other wood based panels;

mechanical properties which are
tabulated in AS1720-1, 1997(2) making
plywood a design friendly material
providing designers with a range of stress
grades thus allowing tailoring to a
particular need;

durability inherited from the Type A bond which
provides permanency under conditions of full weather
exposure, long term stress and their combinations;

worthy of particular note is the fact that plywood is an engineered
product and as such can be manufactured with highly directional
strength and stiffness properties;

excellent strength and stiffness properties versus its light weight.
4
Design Criteria
The load/span tables presented herein have been generated based upon:
 applied loads being idealised to udl’s;
 serviceability limit state requirements satisfying a panel deflection of span/180 for live loads;
 duration of loading assumed to be medium term (k1 = 0.94) and (j2 = 1.0). For further explanation
see the Duration of Load (DoL) Effects.
 support conditions being:
o
o
single span (simply supported) at each end;
continuous span over (3) or more supports;
[Only simple supports (which constitutes zero to nominal fixing) have been considered because
of the difficulty associated with developing truly fully fixed edge support conditions.]
 the plywood being structural and :
o
manufactured to AS/NZS2269 thus
ensuring defined mechanical and
section properties and a moisture
content 15%;
o
EWPAA branded and containing the
JAS-ANZ mark
 panel orientation being such that the face grain is parallel to the major spanning direction; or
adjustments being made to the veneer lay-up to provide sufficient cross-bands parallel to the
span to satisfy loading requirements;
5
Structural Response Characteristics
As mentioned in the Introduction plywood exhibits directional strength and stiffness properties
which are controlled by the lay-up of the veneers.
By way of an example consider the three veneer lay-ups shown in Figure 1(a). The three plies are of
equal thickness (unity in this case) and the face and back are orientated with their face grains parallel
and with the cross-band face grain perpendicular.
Figure 1 : Loaded panel and veneer bending stress distributions.
Section properties of plywood are determined based on parallel ply theory, i.e. on the assumption
that only those plies parallel to the span direction are effective in bending as shown in Figure 1(c).
Also, in the case of plywood elements subjected to bending loads perpendicular to their surface,
depending upon support conditions, can also result in the plies spanning:


perpendicular to the face grain;
in both directions.
Elementary bending theory tells us the fibres farthest from the neutral axis contribute most to the
bending action. This is because the couple resulting from the compressive or tensile stress resultants
(C x ℓ1 or T x ℓ1) is a maximum (compare C x ℓ2 or T x ℓ2) as shown in Figures 1(c) and 1(d). Under these
conditions the cross-band is considered a non-contributor.
When the supports are arranged such that the cross-band is parallel to the direction of spanning then
the reverse situation arises, i.e. the face and back plies become the non-contributors as shown in
Figure 1(d).
An analytical assessment of the cross-section shown in Figure 1(b) shows for:
6
Ι
Ι
Note:
bD 3 db3
f/b
12 12
1x33 1x13

12
12
db3
I =
xb 12

f/b

=
26
mm 4 /mm
12
I f/b
I X/b
1x13
12
1
I = mm 4 /mm
xb 12
= second moment of area of the face and back,
= second moment of area of the cross-band.
From the above it can be seen:
If/b 26 12
=
x
Ix/b 12 1
ie. I f/b is 26 times greater than I X/b
This states categorically, if you want the best possible structural response
from the panel in bending, then the FACE GRAIN MUST BE ORIENTED
PARALLEL TO THE SPAN.
Further Explanation
The topic regarding efficient plywood usage in shelving applications is considered worthy of further
explanation.
Consider the three ply construction of Figure 1, to be used as a shelf 2400mm long x 600mm wide,
supported along the two long edges. A piece of plywood of this dimension is available which has the
face grain oriented in the long (2400mm) direction.
The immediate reaction of the uninitiated would be to place the existing piece of plywood on the
supports, apply some fixing and stand back and say “job done, too easy” :
Figure 2(a) : Plywood installed with grain running perpendicular to span
However, because of the lay-up, only the cross-band is providing bending resistance to the applied
load. Hence, shelving deflections will be highly excessive, which may not be acceptable if aesthetics
is a concern.
7
For this plywood shelving to perform optimally requires the piece of plywood be cut into four pieces
600 x 600 and each piece positioned across the supports to assume the configuration shown in Figure
2(b).
Note that for the design in Figure 2 (b), ideally, the pieces would need to be interconnected by a
tongue and groove joint or splice plate (i.e. by a piece of plywood nailed, glued, or nailed and glued
to the underside of the joint) to provide continuity.
Figure 2(b) : Plywood installed with grain running parallel to span
An alternative approach would be to obtain a piece of plywood cut from a 2400 x 1200 sheet having
its face and back veneers with their face grain oriented across the sheet (as shown in Figure 2(c)), i.e.
a cross-banded construction which is not available in small quantities.
Figure 2(c) : Cross banded plywood installed with grain running parallel to span
8
Duration of Load (DoL) Effects
Long term bending stresses in timber members result in stretching of the wood fibres thus adding to
the elastic (instantaneous) deflection causing creep of the member. That is, increased deflections
occur over time without any increase in load level.
Creep of timber structural elements is also influenced by other factors. In the case of shelving,
changes in moisture content being the most significant. Creep deformation for bending members is
accounted for by a duration of load factor (j2) as follows:
Initial
moisture
content
(%)
For bending, compression and shear members (j 2)
Load duration <1 day
Load duration >1 year
< 15
1
2
> 25
1
3
Table 1 : Duration of load factor for creep deformation of bending members
NOTE: The moisture contents are taken to be at the time of load application.
j2 ( from AS1720.1, Figure 2.1 ) is a means of accounting for creep effects. Values of j2, for moisture
contents between 15% and 25%, can be obtained by interpolation of the log of time versus a linear
function of moisture content as shown in AS1720.1 Figure 2.1, which is reproduced below for ease of
reference :
Note : mc = initial moisture content
AS1720 Figure 2.1 – Duration Factor j2 for Bending and Compression Deformations
However, it is suggested for plywood shelving applications for:
9


moisture contents between 15% and 24% take j2 = 2.5;
moisture content >25% take j2 = 3.0.
Using the tables j2 can be accounted for by dividing the allowable deflection by j2. For example, if the
acceptable deflection criteria is Span / 200, and j2 = 2, the new deflection criteria is Span / 400. This is
demonstrated in the Duration of Load example.
k1 accounts for DoL effects on timber strength. The only way these effects can be catered for in the
Manual Tables is by manipulation of the load (w), which was developed based on the DoL being for a
medium term application. Hence for:


long term (5 months) multiply the design load (w) by 1.5;
permanent (50 years+) multiply the design load (w) by 2.0.
For example, if the design load (i.e. the load to be carried by the shelf) is 5 kPa, and this load will be a
long term load, the designer must design the shelf as if the design load was 5 x 1.5 = 7.5 kPa.
Plywood must be supplied from the manufacturers point of dispatch with a moisture content <15%
and >8%. However, from this point a number of factors can contribute to an increase in moisture
content, e.g.


the plywood may get wet in transit or where it is being stored on site;
it may be placed in an environment of high humidity due to geographical location or air
conditioner malfunction.
10
Interpretation of Tables
The purpose of this section is to reiterate the significance of the information contained in Tables 2
and 3. It is mandatory the user fully understands the scope of the Tables.
In every case, i.e. for the various support conditions considered, Tables 2 and 3 give:
the allowable load (w in kPa) for a serviceability deflection of span/180 for medium
term loading for structural plywood with a moisture content <15%.
There will however be instances where, because of strength limitations, the serviceability deflection
criteria cannot be attained. Such instances are rare and are highlighted indicating a strength limit
state has been attained. As an example, refer to the 33-30-11 plywood of Table 2 for spans of
300mm.
NOTE: Creep deflections have not been taken into account.
If long term loading has to be considered then:

for w (kPa) from the Tables and a moisture content <15% the deflection will be [span/180 x 2]
i.e. span/90;

to retain the deflection criteria of span/180 the allowable load w (kPa) must be halved.
Interpolation of loads for spans not given in Tables 2 or 3 is possible by application of the following
formula, letting L1 be a span listed in the tables, and L2 the span not listed in the tables:
w2 
w1 x L41  2
x
L42
1
where:
w2
w1
1
2
= allowable load for span L2 in kPa;
= allowable load from Tables 2 or 3 in kPa for span L1;
= associated chosen known deflection in mm for span L1;
= associated known deflection in mm for span L2
11
Example
It is required to find the load w2 capable of being supported by a 13-30-5 x F14 plywood shelf spanning
800mm. The shelf is single span, simply supported with 2 = span/180.
Solution
From application of the formula and choosing L1 = 600mm:
w2 
w1 x L41  2
x
L42
1
w2 
3.9 x 6004 4.4
x
8004
3.3
gives from Table 2 :
w 2 1.6 kPa
Choosing w1 for a 300mm span (could be 400, 450 or 600):
w2 
31.3 x 3004 4.4
x
8004
1.7
w 2 1.6kPa
NOTE: Application of the above formula, to interpolation of loads in Tables 2 and 3, is
restricted to those plywood candidates which are not strength restrictive.
12
Design Methodology
A summary of the steps involved in the design of a plywood shelf are as follows:
1. Check with your supplier as to the availability of structural plywood grades,
thicknesses and sizes.
2. On the basis of plywood availability establish the support conditions for the plywood
shelf, i.e. whether simply supported, single span, etc.
3. Determine the magnitude of the loading as a UDL (w); it is highly unlikely a
concentrated load at mid-span situation would arise in a shelf. Should this be the
case the designer should download the following manual from the EWPAA web site –
www.ewp.asn.au :
Structural Plywood for Commercial and Industrial Flooring Design Manual
4. Establish the duration of load conditions for the design life of the shelving.
5. Define the environmental conditions to which the shelving will be exposed, i.e.
temperature and humidity in particular.
6.
Make the necessary adjustments to (w) as dictated by the duration of load and
environmental requirements.
Having satisfactorily addressed the above steps you are now in a position to go into the appropriate
Load/Span Table to select your plywood shelving candidate.
13
Worked Examples
A number of worked examples are presented to illustrate the versatility of the Tables.
Deflection Criteria Example
In some instances the span/180 deflection criteria may be too liberal (or stringent) resulting in
excessive (or minimal) deflections. Suppose the desired deflection criteria to be span/270.
Solution:
Let w’ be the design load at the new deflection. w (kPa) producing span/180 (from the Tables) is
multiplied by 180 and divided by 270 resulting in a new reduced w/(kPa) thus:
 w x180
w' = 
 kPa
 270 
2 
w' =  w  kPa
3 
That is, to ensure a deflection limit of span/270 is not exceeded the design load must be reduced to
2/3 of the tabulated value. Alternatively, if w’ is required to equal w, then
w’ = 270/180 x w = 1.5 x w (kPa).
Duration of Load Example
A 600mm wide x 2400mm long continuous plywood shelf, supported at each end and at mid-span, and
with its face grain parallel to the span, is required by a storage facility. The goods to be stored have an
estimated loading intensity of 220kg/m2. It is known the goods are to be stored for a period of 18
months before dispersal. A deflection criteria of span/100 is to be satisfied. Choose a suitable
plywood candidate assuming environmental conditions dictate a moisture content <15%. Provide two
alternative solutions.
Solution:
udl to be resisted
 220 x 9.8 

 kPa
 1000 
 2.2 kPa
Because of the 18 month storage requirement j2 = 2.0. Therefore, the deflection criteria becomes:
span/200.
From Table 3 for:
w’ = 200/180 x 2.2
14
w’ = 2.44 kPa say 2.5 kPa
Plywood candidates are (Span = 1200mm):
15-30-5 x F27 which gives w = 2.5 kPa;
18-30-7 x F14 which gives w = 2.6 kPa.
Bookcase Shelving Example
a)
Shelving to support text books in a bookcase is required. There are some plywood panels available,
300mm wide x 2400mm long, with their face grain in the long direction. The shelving will be
required to span 1200mm, being simply supported each end. The maximum deflection is to be
constrained to  = span/180, i.e. 6.6mm. The moisture content will not exceed 15% and the load
duration can be assumed to be medium term.
Select two plywood candidates to satisfy the above requirements.
b)
If the plywood shelving could be simply supported along its two long (1200mm) edges choose a
plywood panel, with its face grain in the long direction, which would be satisfactory?
Solution:
a)
Text book loading = 1.7 kPa for books up to 200mm wide. (See Special Cases)
Loading for 300mm wide shelf (w)
 200


x1.7  kPa
 300

 1.13 say 1.2kPa
From Table 2 to illustrate the influence of stress grade:
15-30-5 x F34 gives w = 1.2 kPa for L = 1200mm and  = 6.6mm;
21-30-7 x F8 gives w = 1.3 kPa for L = 1200mm and  = 6.6mm.
b)
For the case of supports along the long edges:
Shelving span (L) = 300mm
Face grain direction : perpendicular to the 300mm
Therefore, require values for (w = 1.2kPa) perpendicular to the span.
From Table 2
9-30-3 x F27 gives w = 1.2kPa for L = 300 and  = 1.7mm
15
NOTE: Even though only the cross-band of the 3 ply lay-up is effective across the span,
because of the small span and low load the 9-30-3 construction, albeit with a high stress
grade, is satisfactory.
Some Special Cases(3)
Bookshelves
A common domestic requirement for shelving is its use as a bookshelf. The size of books stored can
vary considerably in type and size and range in loadings from:

1.4kPa for paperbacks of width to approximately 140mm;

to 2.0kPa for A4 sized books, including lever arched folders with width ranging from 200 to
300mm,

and for text books having a width varying from 150 to 200mm take an average of the
above, i.e. 1.7kPa.
The book loadings are based on the shelf assuming the same width as the book. If the shelf is wider
than the general width of the books, then w (kPa) from the Tables is reduced in the ratio of book
width/shelf width. (See Bookcase Shelving Example).
Domestic Shelving
Typical loadings for household shelving are:





kitchen cupboards
wardrobes
linen cupboards
laundry shelves
storage or garage shelves
1.2 kPa
0.75 kPa
1.2 kPa
2.0 kPa
2.5 kPa
16
Load Span Tables
The load/span tables presented in this section have been generated based upon:
 applied loads being idealised to udl’s;
 serviceability limit state requirements satisfying a panel deflection of span/180 for live loads;
 duration of loading assumed to be medium term (k1 = 0.94) and (j2 = 1.0). For further explanation
see the Duration of Load (DoL) Effects.
 only simple supports (which constitutes zero to nominal fixing) have been considered because of
the difficulty associated with developing truly fully fixed edge support conditions.]
 the plywood being structural and :
o
manufactured to AS/NZS 2269 thus ensuring defined mechanical and section properties and a
moisture content 15%;
o
EWPAA branded and containing the JAS-ANZ mark :
Legend
Wpar
Wper
Wult
ΔMax
= Allowable load (kPa) that satisfies serviceability criteria, when plywood is installed parallel to span.
= Allowable load (kPa) that satisfies serviceability criteria, when plywood is installed perpendicular to span.
= Maximum capacity (kPa) of plywood, when plywood is installed parallel to span.
= Deflection of plywood (mm), when the load has reached its maximum capacity – wult.
= Indicates that Wpar and Wper have been limited, due to the plywood reaching its maximum bending moment capacity.
= Indicates that Wpar and Wper have been limited, due to the plywood reaching its maximum bending shear capacity.
= Indicates that Wpar and Wper have been limited, due to the plywood reaching its maximum bending shear capacity,
and its maximum bending moment capacity.
17
Table 2
Allowable load for a deflection of span/180 for medium term loading of structural plywood with a moisture content <15%
Single Span
300
Code
9-30-3
13-30-5
15-30-5
18-30-7
400
450
600
900
1200
Grade Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
8.4
9.7
11.1
13.0
14.8
17.1
19.9
23.4
27.0
30.8
36.0
41.1
47.5
55.3
32.3
37.3
42.6
49.7
56.8
65.6
76.3
54.0
62.3
71.2
83.0
94.9
109.7
127.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
5.0
5.8
6.6
7.7
8.8
10.2
11.8
9.4
10.8
12.4
14.4
16.5
19.1
22.2
18.0
20.8
23.7
27.7
31.7
36.6
42.5
24.4
34.2
39.1
48.9
63.5
78.2
92.0
46.1
64.5
73.7
92.1
119.8
133.0
133.0
55.8
78.2
89.3
111.7
145.2
153.4
153.4
77.7
108.8
124.3
155.4
184.1
184.1
184.1
4.8
5.9
5.9
6.3
7.2
7.6
7.7
3.3
4.0
4.0
4.3
4.9
4.7
4.0
2.9
3.5
3.5
3.8
4.3
3.9
3.4
2.4
2.9
2.9
3.1
3.2
2.8
2.4
3.6
4.1
4.7
5.5
6.3
7.2
8.4
9.9
11.4
13.0
15.2
17.4
20.1
23.3
13.6
15.7
18.0
21.0
24.0
27.7
32.2
22.8
26.3
30.0
35.0
40.0
46.3
53.8
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.6
2.1
2.4
2.8
3.3
3.7
4.3
5.0
4.0
4.6
5.2
6.1
7.0
8.0
9.3
7.6
8.8
10.0
11.7
13.4
15.4
18.0
13.8
19.3
22.0
27.5
35.7
44.0
55.0
25.9
36.3
41.5
51.8
67.4
82.9
99.7
31.4
44.0
50.3
62.8
81.7
100.5
115.1
43.7
61.2
69.9
87.4
113.6
138.1
138.1
8.6
10.4
10.4
11.2
12.7
13.5
14.6
5.8
7.1
7.1
7.6
8.6
9.2
9.5
5.1
6.2
6.2
6.7
7.6
8.1
8.0
4.3
5.2
5.2
5.5
6.3
6.6
5.7
2.5
2.9
3.3
3.8
4.4
5.1
5.9
6.9
8.0
9.1
10.7
12.2
14.1
16.4
9.6
11.0
12.6
14.7
16.8
19.5
22.6
16.0
18.5
21.1
24.6
28.1
32.5
37.8
0.2 10.9
0.2 15.2
0.2 17.4
0.3 21.7
0.3 28.2
0.4 34.8
0.4 43.5
1.5 20.5
1.7 28.7
2.0 32.8
2.3 40.9
2.6 53.2
3.0 65.5
3.5 81.9
2.8 24.8
3.2 34.7
3.7 39.7
4.3 49.6
4.9 64.5
5.7 79.4
6.6 99.3
5.3 34.5
6.2 48.4
7.0 55.3
8.2 69.1
9.4 89.8
10.9 110.5
12.6 122.7
10.9
13.2
13.2
14.2
16.1
17.1
18.4
7.4
9.0
9.0
9.6
10.9
11.6
12.5
6.5
7.9
7.9
8.4
9.6
10.2
11.0
5.4
6.6
6.6
7.0
8.0
8.5
8.1
1.1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.9
3.4
3.9
4.5
5.1
5.9
6.9
4.0
4.7
5.3
6.2
7.1
8.2
9.5
6.8
7.8
8.9
10.4
11.9
13.7
15.9
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.6
0.7
0.8
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.5
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.1
2.4
2.8
2.3
2.6
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.6
5.3
6.1
8.6
9.8
12.2
15.9
19.6
24.4
11.5
16.1
18.4
23.0
29.9
36.9
46.1
14.0
19.5
22.3
27.9
36.3
44.7
55.8
19.4
27.2
31.1
38.9
50.5
62.2
77.7
19.3
23.5
23.5
25.2
28.6
30.5
32.8
13.1
15.9
15.9
17.1
19.4
20.7
22.2
11.5
14.0
14.0
15.0
17.1
18.2
19.5
9.6
11.6
11.6
12.5
14.2
15.1
16.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.7
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.5
1.8
2.1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.1
2.4
2.8
2.0
2.3
2.6
3.1
3.5
4.1
4.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
2.7
3.8
4.3
5.4
7.1
8.7
10.9
5.1
7.2
8.2
10.2
13.3
16.4
20.5
6.2
8.7
9.9
12.4
16.1
19.9
24.8
8.6
12.1
13.8
17.3
22.5
27.6
34.5
43.5
52.8
52.8
56.6
64.4
68.5
73.7
29.6
35.9
35.9
38.4
43.7
46.5
50.0
25.9
31.5
31.5
33.7
38.4
40.8
43.9
21.6
26.2
26.2
28.1
31.9
34.0
36.6
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.7
0.9
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
0.8
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
1.5
2.1
2.4
3.1
4.0
4.9
6.1
2.9
4.0
4.6
5.8
7.5
9.2
11.5
3.5
4.9
5.6
7.0
9.1
11.2
14.0
4.9
6.8
7.8
9.7
12.6
15.5
19.4
77.4
93.9
93.9
100.6
114.4
121.8
131.0
52.5
63.7
63.7
68.3
77.7
82.7
88.9
46.1
56.0
56.0
60.0
68.2
72.6
78.1
38.4
46.6
46.6
49.9
56.8
60.4
65.0
18
Table 2 Continued
300
Code
21-30-7
25-30-9
33-30-11
400
450
600
900
1200
Grade Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax Wpar Wper WUlt ΔMax
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
79.9
92.2
105.4
122.9
140.5
162.5
188.8
129.0
148.8
170.0
198.4
226.7
255.7
255.7
216.9
263.1
302.8
337.5
337.5
337.5
337.5
34.4
39.7
45.4
52.9
60.5
69.9
81.3
54.8
63.2
72.3
84.3
96.4
111.4
129.5
152.0
190.5
217.8
254.1
290.4
335.7
337.5
98.3
137.6
157.3
196.6
214.8
214.8
214.8
135.4
189.6
216.7
255.7
255.7
255.7
255.7
216.9
263.1
302.8
337.5
337.5
337.5
337.5
2.1
2.5
2.5
2.7
2.6
2.2
1.9
1.8
2.1
2.1
2.2
1.9
1.6
1.4
1.3
1.4
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.0
0.9
33.7
38.9
44.5
51.9
59.3
68.5
79.7
54.4
62.8
71.7
83.7
95.7
110.6
128.5
117.5
135.5
154.9
180.7
206.5
238.8
253.1
14.5
16.8
19.1
22.3
25.5
29.5
34.3
23.1
26.7
30.5
35.6
40.7
47.0
54.6
69.7
80.4
91.9
107.2
122.5
141.6
164.6
55.3
77.4
88.5
110.6
143.8
161.1
161.1
76.2
106.7
121.9
152.4
191.8
191.8
191.8
122.0
170.8
195.2
244.0
253.1
253.1
253.1
3.7
4.4
4.4
4.7
5.4
5.2
4.5
3.1
3.8
3.8
4.1
4.5
3.9
3.3
2.3
2.8
2.8
3.0
2.7
2.4
2.0
23.7
27.3
31.2
36.4
41.6
48.1
55.9
38.2
44.1
50.4
58.8
67.2
77.7
90.3
82.5
95.2
108.8
126.9
145.1
167.7
194.9
10.2
11.8
13.4
15.7
17.9
20.7
24.1
16.2
18.7
21.4
25.0
28.6
33.0
38.4
48.9
56.5
64.5
75.3
86.0
99.5
115.6
43.7
61.2
69.9
87.4
113.6
139.8
143.2
60.2
84.3
96.3
120.4
156.5
170.5
170.5
96.4
135.0
154.2
192.8
225.0
225.0
225.0
4.6
5.6
5.6
6.0
6.8
7.3
6.4
3.9
4.8
4.8
5.1
5.8
5.5
4.7
2.9
3.5
3.5
3.8
3.9
3.4
2.9
10.0
11.5
13.2
15.4
17.6
20.3
23.6
16.1
18.6
21.3
24.8
28.3
32.8
38.1
34.8
40.2
45.9
53.6
61.2
70.8
82.2
4.3
5.0
5.7
6.6
7.6
8.7
10.2
6.9
7.9
9.0
10.5
12.0
13.9
16.2
20.6
23.8
27.2
31.8
36.3
42.0
48.8
24.6
34.4
39.3
49.2
63.9
78.6
98.3
33.9
47.4
54.2
67.7
88.0
108.4
127.8
54.2
75.9
86.8
108.4
141.0
168.8
168.8
8.2
10.0
10.0
10.7
12.1
12.9
13.9
7.0
8.5
8.5
9.1
10.4
11.0
11.2
5.2
6.3
6.3
6.8
7.7
8.0
6.8
3.0
3.4
3.9
4.6
5.2
6.0
7.0
4.8
5.5
6.3
7.4
8.4
9.7
11.3
10.3
11.9
13.6
15.9
18.1
21.0
24.4
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
2.2
2.6
3.0
2.0
2.3
2.7
3.1
3.6
4.1
4.8
6.1
7.1
8.1
9.4
10.8
12.4
14.5
10.9
15.3
17.5
21.9
28.4
35.0
43.7
15.1
21.1
24.1
30.1
39.1
48.2
60.2
24.1
33.7
38.6
48.2
62.7
77.1
96.4
18.5
22.4
22.4
24.0
27.3
29.1
31.2
15.8
19.1
19.1
20.5
23.3
24.8
26.7
11.7
14.2
14.2
15.2
17.3
18.4
19.8
1.3
1.4
1.7
1.9
2.2
2.5
3.0
2.0
2.3
2.7
3.1
3.5
4.1
4.8
4.4
5.0
5.7
6.7
7.7
8.8
10.3
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
1.0
1.1
1.3
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
2.6
3.0
3.4
4.0
4.5
5.3
6.1
6.1
8.6
9.8
12.3
16.0
19.7
24.6
8.5
11.9
13.5
16.9
22.0
27.1
33.9
13.6
19.0
21.7
27.1
35.2
43.4
54.2
32.8
39.8
39.8
42.7
48.5
51.6
55.5
28.0
34.0
34.0
36.4
41.4
44.1
47.4
20.8
25.2
25.2
27.0
30.7
32.7
35.2
19
Table 3
Allowable load for a deflection of span/180 for medium term loading of structural plywood with a moisture content <15%
Continuous Span
300
Code
9-30-3
13-30-5
15-30-5
18-30-7
Grade
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
F17
F22
F27
F34
400
450
600
900
1200
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar Wper
WUlt
ΔMax Wpar
20.3
1.4
23.4
1.6
26.8
1.8
31.2
2.1
35.7
2.4
41.3
2.8
47.9
3.3
46.1 12.1
64.5 13.9
73.7 15.9
86.7 18.6
99.0 21.2
106.4 24.5
106.4 28.5
55.8 22.6
78.2 26.1
89.3 29.8
111.7 34.7
122.7 39.7
122.7 45.9
122.7 53.3
77.7 35.7
108.8 50.0
124.3 57.2
147.3 66.7
147.3 76.3
147.3 88.2
147.3 102.5
24.4
34.2
39.1
48.9
63.5
73.6
73.6
46.1
64.5
73.7
92.1
106.4
106.4
106.4
55.8
78.2
89.3
111.7
122.7
122.7
122.7
77.7
108.8
124.3
147.3
147.3
147.3
147.3
2.0
2.4
2.4
2.6
3.0
3.0
2.6
1.4
1.7
1.7
1.8
1.8
1.6
1.3
1.2
1.5
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.0
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.1
0.9
0.8
8.6
9.9
11.3
13.2
15.1
17.4
20.2
23.8
27.4
31.3
36.6
41.8
48.3
56.1
31.4
37.9
43.3
50.5
57.7
66.7
77.5
43.7
61.2
69.9
84.4
96.5
110.5
110.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
5.1
5.9
6.7
7.8
8.9
10.3
12.0
9.5
11.0
12.6
14.7
16.8
19.4
22.5
18.3
21.1
24.1
28.2
32.2
37.2
43.2
13.8
19.3
22.0
27.5
35.7
44.0
55.0
25.9
36.3
41.5
51.8
67.4
79.8
79.8
31.4
44.0
50.3
62.8
81.7
92.0
92.0
43.7
61.2
69.9
87.4
110.5
110.5
110.5
3.6
4.3
4.3
4.6
5.3
5.6
6.0
2.4
2.9
2.9
3.2
3.6
3.7
3.2
2.1
2.6
2.6
2.8
3.2
3.1
2.6
1.8
2.2
2.2
2.3
2.5
2.2
1.9
6.0
6.9
7.9
9.3
10.6
12.2
14.2
16.7
19.3
22.0
25.7
29.3
33.9
39.4
23.0
26.6
30.4
35.5
40.5
46.9
54.4
34.5
44.5
50.8
59.3
67.7
78.3
91.0
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
1.0
3.6
4.1
4.7
5.5
6.3
7.3
8.4
6.7
7.7
8.8
10.3
11.8
13.6
15.8
12.9
14.8
17.0
19.8
22.6
26.1
30.4
10.9
15.2
17.4
21.7
28.2
34.8
43.5
20.5
28.7
32.8
40.9
53.2
65.5
70.9
24.8
34.7
39.7
49.6
64.5
79.4
81.8
34.5
48.4
55.3
69.1
89.8
98.2
98.2
4.5
5.5
5.5
5.9
6.7
7.1
7.7
3.1
3.7
3.7
4.0
4.5
4.8
4.5
2.7
3.3
3.3
3.5
4.0
4.2
3.8
2.2
2.7
2.7
2.9
3.3
3.1
2.7
2.5
2.9
3.3
3.9
4.5
5.2
6.0
7.0
8.1
9.3
10.8
12.4
14.3
16.6
9.7
11.2
12.8
15.0
17.1
19.8
23.0
16.3
18.8
21.4
25.0
28.6
33.0
38.4
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.4
1.5
1.7
2.0
2.3
2.7
3.1
3.6
2.8
3.3
3.7
4.3
5.0
5.7
6.7
5.4
6.3
7.2
8.3
9.5
11.0
12.8
6.1
8.6
9.8
12.2
15.9
19.6
24.4
11.5
16.1
18.4
23.0
29.9
36.9
46.1
14.0
19.5
22.3
27.9
36.3
44.7
55.8
19.4
27.2
31.1
38.9
50.5
62.2
73.6
8.0
9.7
9.7
10.4
11.9
12.6
13.6
5.5
6.6
6.6
7.1
8.1
8.6
9.2
4.8
5.8
5.8
6.2
7.1
7.5
8.1
4.0
4.8
4.8
5.2
5.9
6.3
6.4
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.3
1.5
1.8
2.1
2.4
2.8
3.2
3.7
4.2
4.9
2.9
3.3
3.8
4.4
5.1
5.9
6.8
4.8
5.6
6.4
7.4
8.5
9.8
11.4
2.7
3.8
4.3
5.4
7.1
8.7
10.9
5.1
7.2
8.2
10.2
13.3
16.4
20.5
6.2
8.7
9.9
12.4
16.1
19.9
24.8
8.6
12.1
13.8
17.3
22.5
27.6
34.5
18.1
21.9
21.9
23.5
26.7
28.4
30.6
12.3
14.9
14.9
16.0
18.1
19.3
20.8
10.8
13.1
13.1
14.0
15.9
17.0
18.2
9.0
10.9
10.9
11.7
13.3
14.1
15.2
Wpar
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.1
0.8
1.0
1.1
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
1.6
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.8
3.3
3.8
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.9
2.0
2.3
2.7
3.1
3.6
4.1
4.8
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.5
2.1
2.4
3.1
4.0
4.9
6.1
2.9
4.0
4.6
5.8
7.5
9.2
11.5
3.5
4.9
5.6
7.0
9.1
11.2
14.0
4.9
6.8
7.8
9.7
12.6
15.5
19.4
32.1
39.0
39.0
41.8
47.5
50.6
54.4
21.8
26.5
26.5
28.4
32.3
34.3
36.9
19.2
23.2
23.2
24.9
28.3
30.1
32.4
15.9
19.3
19.3
20.7
23.6
25.1
27.0
20
Table 3 Continued
300
Code
Grade
F8
F11
F14
21-30-7
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
25-30-9
F17
F22
F27
F34
F8
F11
F14
33-30-11 F17
F22
F27
F34
400
450
600
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
98.3
133.9
154.1
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
135.4
159.4
183.5
204.5
204.5
204.5
204.5
186.6
210.4
242.2
270.0
270.0
270.0
270.0
55.8
78.2
89.3
111.7
145.2
168.5
171.8
71.7
100.3
114.7
143.3
186.3
204.5
204.5
152.0
210.4
242.2
270.0
270.0
270.0
270.0
98.3
133.9
154.1
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
135.4
159.4
183.5
204.5
204.5
204.5
204.5
186.6
210.4
242.2
270.0
270.0
270.0
270.0
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.7
0.7
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
55.3
77.4
88.5
110.6
128.9
128.9
128.9
76.2
106.7
121.9
152.4
153.4
153.4
153.4
122.0
157.8
181.7
202.5
202.5
202.5
202.5
31.4
40.3
46.1
53.8
61.5
71.1
82.6
40.3
56.4
64.5
80.6
97.9
113.2
131.6
85.5
119.7
136.8
171.0
202.5
202.5
202.5
55.3
77.4
88.5
110.6
128.9
128.9
128.9
76.2
106.7
121.9
152.4
153.4
153.4
153.4
122.0
157.8
181.7
202.5
202.5
202.5
202.5
1.5
1.8
1.8
2.0
2.0
1.7
1.5
1.3
1.6
1.6
1.7
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.0
1.1
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
43.7
61.2
69.9
87.4
100.3
114.5
114.5
60.2
84.3
96.3
120.4
136.4
136.4
136.4
96.4
135.0
154.2
180.0
180.0
180.0
180.0
24.6
28.3
32.4
37.8
43.2
49.9
58.0
31.9
44.6
51.0
60.2
68.8
79.5
92.4
67.5
94.6
108.1
135.1
175.6
180.0
180.0
43.7
61.2
69.9
87.4
113.6
114.5
114.5
60.2
84.3
96.3
120.4
136.4
136.4
136.4
96.4
135.0
154.2
180.0
180.0
180.0
180.0
1.9
2.3
2.3
2.5
2.8
2.5
2.1
1.6
2.0
2.0
2.1
2.1
1.8
1.6
1.2
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.0
Wpar
Wper
WUlt
24.1 10.4 24.6
27.8 12.0 34.4
31.7 13.7 39.3
37.0 15.9 49.2
42.3 18.2 63.9
48.9 21.1 78.6
56.9 24.5 85.9
33.9 16.5 33.9
44.8 19.0 47.4
51.2 21.8 54.2
59.7 25.4 67.7
68.3 29.0 88.0
78.9 33.6 102.3
91.7 39.0 102.3
54.2 38.0 54.2
75.9 53.2 75.9
86.8 60.8 86.8
108.4 76.0 108.4
135.0 87.4 135.0
135.0 101.1 135.0
135.0 117.5 135.0
900
ΔMax
3.4
4.1
4.1
4.4
5.0
5.4
5.0
2.9
3.5
3.5
3.8
4.3
4.3
3.7
2.2
2.6
2.6
2.8
3.1
2.6
2.3
1200
Wpar Wper
WUlt
ΔMax Wpar
Wper
WUlt
ΔMax
7.1
8.2
9.4
11.0
12.5
14.5
16.8
11.5
13.3
15.2
17.7
20.2
23.4
27.2
24.1
28.7
32.8
38.2
43.7
50.5
58.7
10.9
15.3
17.5
21.9
28.4
35.0
43.7
15.1
21.1
24.1
30.1
39.1
48.2
60.2
24.1
33.7
38.6
48.2
62.7
77.1
90.0
7.7
9.3
9.3
10.0
11.3
12.1
13.0
6.5
7.9
7.9
8.5
9.7
10.3
11.1
4.9
5.9
5.9
6.3
7.2
7.6
7.7
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
2.3
2.6
3.1
2.1
2.4
2.7
3.2
3.6
4.2
4.9
6.2
7.2
8.2
9.6
10.9
12.6
14.7
6.1
8.6
9.8
12.3
16.0
19.7
24.6
8.5
11.9
13.5
16.9
22.0
27.1
33.9
13.6
19.0
21.7
27.1
35.2
43.4
54.2
13.6
16.5
16.5
17.7
20.1
21.4
23.1
11.6
14.1
14.1
15.1
17.2
18.3
19.7
8.6
10.5
10.5
11.2
12.8
13.6
14.6
3.1
3.5
4.1
4.7
5.4
6.2
7.3
4.9
5.6
6.5
7.5
8.6
9.9
11.6
14.7
17.0
19.4
22.7
25.9
30.0
34.8
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.6
5.3
6.1
7.1
4.9
5.6
6.4
7.5
8.5
9.9
11.5
10.5
12.1
13.8
16.1
18.4
21.3
24.8
21
References
1. AS/NZS 2269 : 2004, Plywood – Structural;
2. AS 1720.1 – 1997, Timber Structures, Part 1 : Design Methods;
3. Particleboard & MDF Structural Shelving Design Manual (September 2005)
Revision History
Revision
2
1.0
Changes


Revised all logos and certification marks.
Slightly modified formatting
Initial Release
Date
Who
06-02-2012
MB
24-04-2008
MB
22
EWPAA Members
Plywood and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL)
Member Name
Ausply
Austral Plywoods Pty Ltd
Big River Group Pty Ltd
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia
(Plywood) – Myrtleford
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia –
Nangwarry LVL
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts - Marsden
Point LVL
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts (Plywood) Tokoroa
Fiji Forest Industries
IPL (West Coast) Ltd
Juken New Zealand Ltd (Gisborne)
Juken New Zealand Ltd (Wairarapa)
Nelson Pine Industries Ltd
PNG Forest Products Ltd
RH (PNG) Ltd
Valebasoga Tropikboards Ltd
Wesbeam Pty Ltd
Location
Phone
Fax
NSW
QLD
NSW
+61 2 6926 7300
+61 7 3426 8600
+61 2 6644 0900
+61 2 6922 7824
+61 7 3848 0646
+61 2 6643 3325
www.ausply.com
www.australply.com.au
www.bigrivergroup.com.au
Web
VIC
+61 3 5751 9201
+61 3 5751 9296
www.chhwoodproducts.com.au
SA
+61 8 8739 7011
NZ
+64 9 4328 800
+64 9 4328 830
www.chhfuturebuild.co.nz
NZ
+64 7 8859 999
+64 7 8855 614
www.chhwoodproducts.co.nz
FIJI
NZ
NZ
NZ
NZ
PNG
PNG
FIJI
WA
+67 9 8811 088
+64 3 7626 759
+64 6 8691 100
+64 6 3700 650
+64 3 5438 800
+67 5 4724 944
+67 5 3255 600
+67 9 8814 286
+61 8 9306 0400
+67 9 8813 088
+64 3 762 6789
+64 6 8691 130
+64 6 3700 653
+64 3 543 8890
+67 5 4726 017
+67 5 3256 165
+67 9 8814 154
+61 8 9306 0444
www.jnl.co.nz
www.jnl.co.nz
www.nelsonpine.co.nz
www.pngfp.com
www.rhpng.com.pg
www.chhwoodproducts.com.au
www.wesbeam.com
Particleboard and MDF
Member Name
Alpine MDF Industries Pty Ltd
Borg Panels Pty Ltd
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia
D & R Henderson Pty Ltd
Laminex
Tasmanian Wood Panels (Aust)
Weathertex Pty Ltd
Location
Phone
Fax
VIC
+613 5721 3522
+61 2 6339 6111
1800 891 881
+612 4577 4033
+61 3 9848 4811
+613 9460 7766
1800 040 080
+613 5721 3588
+61 2 6339 6220
+612 9468 5793
+612 4577 4759
NSW
NSW
NSW
VIC
TAS
NSW
Web
www.alpinemdf.com.au
www.borgs.com.au
www.chhwoodproducts.com.au
www.drhenderson.com.au
www.thelaminexgroup.com.au
+613 9460 7268
www.weathertex.com.au
Visit the EWPAA Website to get the latest information. www.ewp.asn.au
Visit EWPAA Member List to ensure your products carry genuine EWPAA certification