Software Toolbox

This area of the site gives you access to a collection of tools to perform repetitive design tasks accurately and efficiently. TRADA Members can download the Lite versions of these programs free of charge. Note: the Lite versions do not include a reporting (print) facility.

timbersizer EC5 edition / timbersizerPro EC5 edition

Select the most efficient timber cross-section for your design with this time-saving online software for engineers and architects. Using timber sizes readily available in the UK market, timbersizer suggests appropriate cross-sections based on timber strength classes C16 or C24, or joist depth. This allows you to specify the most appropriate timbers available, or ones that give the optimum floor/ceiling depth.

The timbersizer software service is regularly reviewed and updated to keep it abreast of any modifications and changes to the Eurocode standards. This helps you to ensure your designs are compliant with the latest codes.

timbersizer EC5 edition is free to all TRADA members

timbersizerPro is available on a subscription basis to members (at discount) and non-members of TRADA.

for more information and to try timbersizer click here

timberconnections EC5 edition / timberconnectionsPro EC5 edition

Based on the Eurocodes 0, 1 and 5 and their UK National annexes, timberconnections is regularly reviewed and updated to keep abreast of any modifications and changes to the standards. The Improved online user interface means you can access the software from PC or Mac anytime, anywhere, making any updates immediately available.

Free to TRADA members, timberconnections calculates the load capacity of individual fasteners based on timber strength classes C16 or C24. You can calculate connection capacities with nails, screws, bolts dowels and coach screws in two and three member combinations of timber and steel.

timberconnectionsPro subscribers can customise and tweak all design parameters with advanced controls to define materials and characteristics for all timber classes in the range C14-D70. Custom PDF reports can be generated for building control requirements and includes minimum edge distances and fastener spacings parallel to and perpendicular to the grain for each member of the connection.

timberconnections EC5 edition is free to all TRADA members

timberconnectionsPro is available on a subscription basis to members (at discount) and non-members of TRADA.

for more information and to try timberconnections click here

Previous BS-5268 versions

All programs require Microsoft Windows(TM).

Use of the software toolbox is subject to our Software Toolbox Terms and Conditions. Please read them. If you do not agree to them then please do not use the software toolbox.

Subject: Structural and engineered timber>Timber engineering design

TRADA Timber Sizer (Lite version 2.01)

This design tool will enable you quickly to select a suitable cross-section for any of the solid timber members covered by BS5268: Part 7 for use in Service Class 1 or 2. Timber strength classes from C14 to D70 may be selected. Covers:

Domestic floor joists
Joists for flat roofs
Ceiling joists
Binders supporting ceiling joists
Rafters
Purlins supporting rafters
Purlins supporting sheeting or decking

The procedures used are in accordance with BS5268: Part 2: 2002, BS5268: Part 7: 1989 and BS6399: Part 3: 1988.

TRADA Nail, Screw, Bolt & Dowel Connection Designer (Lite version 2.04)

This design tool calculates the resistance to lateral and axial loads of timber-to-timber, plywood-to-timber or steel-to-timber connections made with nails, wood screws, bolts or dowels inserted at right-angles to the grain. Timber types include solid timber, glulam and structural timber composites.

The design tool calculates permissible loads to BS5268: Part 2: 2002 and design loads to Eurocode 5: Part 1.1: 1994

TRADA Coach Screw Connection Designer (Lite version 2.1)

This design tool calculates the resistance to lateral and axial loads of two-member joints made with coach screws inserted at right-angles to the grain. Solid timber, glulam or a structural timber composite may be selected for either member, also steel or plywood for the headside member.

The design tool calculates permissible loads to BS5268: Part 2: 2002 and design loads to Eurocode 5: Part 1.1: 1994

TRADA Flitch Beam Designer (Lite version 1.0)

This software enables you to design three member single-span simply supported flitch beams using BS 5268-2 and BS 5950-1. It caters for up to six loads applied equally to both timber members; these can be point loads or full- or partial-length UDLs, each with its own load duration. It allows for creep which results in increased bending stresses in the steel, that can be critical.

You can select any grade of softwood or hardwood listed in BS 5268-2 and the structural timber composites LVL, PSL and LSL. The Lite version produces a bolting diagram which can be viewed on sceen.