EN 1381:2016
(Main)Timber structures - Test methods - Load bearing stapled joints
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies test methods for determining the strength and deformation characteristics of stapled joints in load-bearing timber structures.
The methods assess joints with members of timber (solid timber and glued laminated timber) or wood-based products in the combination proposed for use in service and using all types of staples up to 3 mm diameter for circular cross-section staples or 4 mm x 2 mm for rectangular or oval cross-section staples.
The methods determine load-slip characteristics and maximum load of joints with laterally loaded staples where various angles between the applied force and the timber grain direction or the main direction of the wood-based products, respectively, are possible.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 16-Feb-2016
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 124 - Timber structures
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 124/WG 1 - Test methods
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 08-Nov-2022
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 1381:2016 - published by CEN - is the European Standard that specifies laboratory test methods for load‑bearing stapled joints in timber structures. It defines how to determine the strength and deformation (load‑slip) characteristics of stapled connections made with timber (solid and glued laminated) and wood‑based products, using staples up to 3 mm diameter (round) or 4 mm × 2 mm (rectangular/oval). The methods cover laterally loaded staples and allow testing at various angles between the applied load and the timber grain or main direction of wood‑based materials.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of testing
- Joints made from timber or wood‑based products in the combination intended for service.
- Staples with circular, rectangular or oval cross‑sections up to the sizes stated above.
- Measurement of load‑slip characteristics and maximum load for laterally loaded staples.
- Test piece geometry
- Typical test pieces are three‑member joints with four staples per side, loaded in single shear (figures and dimensions specified).
- Tests for loads parallel and perpendicular to grain; special consideration of staple crown angle (crn = 30° or 60° where applicable).
- Material selection & conditioning
- Timber and wood‑based materials selected per referenced density/moisture procedures; density variation limits apply.
- Conditioning regimes specified (e.g., (20 ± 2) °C and (65 ± 5) % RH, or (85 ± 5) % RH for smooth leg staples) until constant mass is achieved.
- Test procedure & reporting
- Tests follow principles of EN 26891 with additions for stapled joints (restraining instability, ensuring free separation/pull‑out).
- Detailed test report requirements (material properties, staple details, dimensions, insertion method, moisture content, load procedure, individual results, failure modes).
Applications and users
EN 1381:2016 is used to:
- Validate and qualify stapled connections for load‑bearing timber construction (roof trusses, shear connections, panel fixings).
- Provide laboratory data for structural design, performance verification and mechanical fastener selection. Primary users include:
- Structural and connection design engineers
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Timber product and fastener manufacturers
- Construction quality control, researchers and standards committees
Related standards
Key normative references that support EN 1381:2016:
- EN 26891:1991 - general principles for mechanical fastener joint testing
- EN 14592 - dowel‑type fasteners requirements
- EN ISO 8970:2010, EN 322, EN 323, ISO 13061‑1 / ‑2 - density/moisture and specimen test methods
- EN 14358 - calculation of characteristic values (referenced for statistical treatment)
Keywords: EN 1381:2016, timber structures, stapled joints, test methods, load‑slip characteristics, stapled connections, mechanical fasteners, CEN.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 24-Feb-2016
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 25-Aug-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 1382:1999 - Timber structures - Test methods - Withdrawal capacity of timber fasteners - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 1383:1999 - Timber structures - Test methods - Pull through resistance of timber fasteners - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1381:2016 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Timber structures - Test methods - Load bearing stapled joints". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies test methods for determining the strength and deformation characteristics of stapled joints in load-bearing timber structures. The methods assess joints with members of timber (solid timber and glued laminated timber) or wood-based products in the combination proposed for use in service and using all types of staples up to 3 mm diameter for circular cross-section staples or 4 mm x 2 mm for rectangular or oval cross-section staples. The methods determine load-slip characteristics and maximum load of joints with laterally loaded staples where various angles between the applied force and the timber grain direction or the main direction of the wood-based products, respectively, are possible.
This European Standard specifies test methods for determining the strength and deformation characteristics of stapled joints in load-bearing timber structures. The methods assess joints with members of timber (solid timber and glued laminated timber) or wood-based products in the combination proposed for use in service and using all types of staples up to 3 mm diameter for circular cross-section staples or 4 mm x 2 mm for rectangular or oval cross-section staples. The methods determine load-slip characteristics and maximum load of joints with laterally loaded staples where various angles between the applied force and the timber grain direction or the main direction of the wood-based products, respectively, are possible.
EN 1381:2016 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.080.20 - Timber structures. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1381:2016 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1381:1999, ISO 13061-1:2014, ISO 13061-2:2014, EN 323:1993, EN ISO 8130-13:2019, EN 14592:2022, EN ISO 8970:2010, EN 26891:1991, EN 322:1993, EN ISO 8130-14:2019, EN 1995-1-1:2004, EN 1382:1999, EN 13446:2002, EN 1383:1999. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1381:2016 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Lesene konstrukcije - Metode preskušanja - Nosilni spoji s sponkamiHolzbauwerke - Prüfverfahren - Tragende KlammerverbindungenStructures en bois - Méthodes d'essai - Assemblages agrafés porteursTimber structures - Test methods - Load bearing stapled joints91.080.20Lesene konstrukcijeTimber structuresICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1381:2016SIST EN 1381:2016en,fr,de01-april-2016SIST EN 1381:2016SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 1381:20001DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 1381
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Timber structures æ Test methods æ Load bearing stapled joints Structures en bois æ Méthodes d 5essai æ Assemblages agrafés porteurs
Holzbauwerke æ Prüfverfahren æ Tragende Klammerverbindungen This European Standard was approved by CEN on
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egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
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t r s x CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s u z sã t r s x ESIST EN 1381:2016
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