The Canada Plan Service, a Canadian federal/provincial organization, promotes the transfer of technology through factsheets,

design aids and construction drawings that show how to plan and build modern farm structures and equipment for Canadian
agriculture.
For more information, contact your local provincial agricultural engineer or extension advisor.
WARNING

This leaflet may require structural and other changes to meet local climatic loads, user requirements and applicable building regulations (such as the Canadian Farm Building
Code). Before construction, the user of this leaflet is responsible to ensure that all required changes are made.

This leaflet contains design information on plate beams and

lintels for low-human-occupancy farm buildings . The data
used to develop this information comes from the National
Building Code of Canada 1990 (NBCC), the Canadian Code
for Farm Buildings 1990 (CFBC) and Engineering Design in
Wood (Limit States Design), CAN3-086.1-M89.
Plate beams are an important structural component of pole
frame buildings. Located at the top of the wall, they support
the rafters or trusses between poles. A lintel (or header) is a
plate beam that supports roof loads at openings in
load-bearing walls. Figure 1 shows a lintel in a stud frame
wall.
The design of lintels and plate beams depends on:
- the type of beam (two-span or simple);
- the span of the beam (pole spacing);
- the building width;
- the roof slope;
- the roof dead load (weight of roof and supported
equipment);
- the roof live load (snow and rain); and
- the location of the beam along the building
(whether an end span or an interior span).

TWO-SPAN BEAMS (Figure 2)

One popular arrangement has two-span plate beams using
4800 mm (16 ft) members with end joints staggered at poles
spaced 2400 mm (8 ft) apart. They are more efficient in
bending than simple beams. Table 1 gives total roof-load
capacities for these beams based on a balanced, uniformly
distributed load over the entire roof. Two-span plate beams
with end joints staggered require an extra member in the end
spans, as shown in Figure 2.

1
2
3
4
5

studs @ 600 mm (2 ft) oc

triple stud - one laps lintel, other two butt lintel
lintel
double top plate, joints staggered @ 2400 mm (8 ft) oc
roof trusses @ 1200 mm (4 ft) o.c.

SIMPLE BEAMS (Figure 3)

Simple (single-span) plate beams with end joints at poles are
usually used at openings in walls or where pole spacings are
greater than 2400 mm (8 ft). Table 2 gives total roof-load
capacities for these beams, based on a balanced, uniformly
distributed load over the entire roof.

BEAM-TO-POLE CONNECTIONS
(Figure 4)
For support at the pole, the plate must either be notched into
the pole or supported by a scab. Notching is better because
it transfers the load directly to the pole. When using scabs,
refer to Figure 4 and Table 3 for scab size and nailing
details.

UNFACTORED TOTAL ROOF-LOAD

CAPACITIES
The unfactored total roof-load capacities in Tables 1 and 2
are based on either bending or shear, whichever is critical,
for dry service conditions.
For roof slopes greater than 15 (3.2/ 12), the National
Building Code of Canada requires that gable roof buildings
be designed for both a balanced snow load over the entire
roof and an unbalanced snow load on one side only. The
unfactored total roof load capacity values in Tables 1 and 2
are for balanced loads only. To use these tables for an
unbalanced snow load, multiply the unbalanced load by 0.75
to convert it to an equivalent balanced snow load. You can
then use this equivalent in Tables 1 and 2 for the unbalanced
snow load. An example later in this leaflet shows how to
make these calculations.

TABLE 1 TWO-SPAN BEAM

Values are unfactored total roof-load capacity (D + L) in kPa, based on a uniformly distributed load over the entire surface. They
apply only to plate beams or lintels in low-human-occupancy farm buildings exposed to dry service condition. The lumber grade
is #2 or better. Note: the minimum roof live load (L) permitted by the NBCC is a uniform load of 1 kPa or a concentrated load of
1.3 kN, whichever produces the more critical effect. For plate beams and lintels, the 1 kPa uniform load is more critical.

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

1.2 m (4 ft)
2.4 m (8 ft)

Bldg width

2 - 38X184 3 - 38X18 4 - 38X184 2 - 38X235 3 - 38X235 4 - 38X235 2 - 38X286 3 - 38X286 4 - 38X286

(2 - 2 x 8) (3 - 2 x 8) (4 - 2 X 8) (2 - 2 X 10) (3 - 2 X 10) (4 - 2 X 10) (2 - 2 X 12) (3 - 2 X 12) (4 - 2 X 12)

m (f t)

S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR

7.2 (24)

2.32 1.97

3.84 3.25 5.11 4.33 3.30 2.95 5.44 4.87 7.25 6.49 3.65 3.97 6.02 6.56 8.03 8.74

8.4 (28)

1.99 1.68

3.28 2.78 4.38 3.71 2.82 2.53 4.66 4.17 6.21 5.56 3.13 3.41 5.16 5.62 6.88 7.49

9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)

1.86 1.57
1.74 1.47

3.06 2.59 4.09 3.46 2.63 2.36 4.35 3.89 5.80 5.18 2.92 3.18 4.81 5.24 6.42 6.99
2.87 2.43 3.83 3.24 2.47 2.21 4.07 3.64 5.43 486 2.73 2.98 4.51 4.91 6.01 6.55

10.8 (36)

1.55 1.31

2.55 2.16 3.40 2.88 2.19 1.96 3.62 3.24 4.82 4.32 2 43 2.65 4.01 4.37 5.34 5.82

12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)

1.39 1.26 -

2.29 1.94 3.06 2.59 1.97 1.76 3.25 2.91 4.34 3.88 2.18 2.38 3.60 3.93 4.81 5.24
2.08 1.76 2.78 2.35 1.79 1.60 2.96 2.64 3.94 3.53 1.98 2.16 3.27 3.57 4.37 4.76

14.4 (48)

1.91 1.61 2.54 2.15 1.64 1.47 2.71 2.42 3.61 3.23 1.82 1.98 3.00 3.27 4.00 4.36

18.0 (60)

1.52 1.29 2.03 1.72 1.31

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

2 - 38 X 18

Bldg width
m (ft)

3 - 38 x 184

(2 - 2 x 8)

(3 - 2 x 8)

S-P-F D-FIR

S-P-F

2.16 1.93 2.88 2.58 1.45 1.58 2.40 2.61 3.19 3.48

0.6 m (2 ft)
2.4 m (8 ft)

4 - 38 X 184 2 - 38 X 235 3 - 38 X 235 4 - 38 x 235 2 - 38 X 286 3 -38 x 286 4 - 38 X 286

(4 - 2 X 8)

(2 - 2 X 10)

(3 - 2 X 10)

(4 - 2 x 10)

(2 - 2 X 12)

(3 - 2 X 12)

(4 - 2 x 12)

D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR

7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)

1.87 1.58
1.60 1.35

3.08 2.61 4.10 3.47 2.30 2.37

2.64 2.23 3.51 2.97 1.97 2.03

3.79 3.91 5.05 5.21 2.54 2.80

3.24 3.34 4.32 4.46 2.18 2.40

4.19 4.61 5.59 6.15

3.59 3.95 1.79 5.27

9.0 (30)

1.49 1.26

2.46 2.08 3.28 2.77 1.83 1.89

3.03 3.12 4.03 4.16 2.03 2.23

3.35 3.69 4.17 4 92

9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)

1.40
1.24

2.30 1.95 3.07 2.60 1.72 1.77

2.05 1.73 2.73 2.31 1.53 1.57

2.84 2.92 3.78 3.90 1.90 2.09

2.52 2.60 3.36 3.46 1.69 1.86

3.14 3.46 4.19 4.61

2.79 3.07 3.72 4.09

12.0 (40)

1 84 1.55 2.45 2.07 1.37 1.42

2.26 2.34 3.02 3.11 1.52 1.67

2.51 2.76 3.34 3.68

13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)

1.67 1.41 2.23 1.88 1.25 1.29

1.53 1.29 2.04 1.72
-

2.06 2.12 2.74 2.83 1.38 1.52

1.88 1.94 2.51 2.59 1.26 1.39

2.28 2.51 3.04 3 34

2.09 2.30 2.78 3.06

18.0 (60)

1.22

1.50 155 2.00 2.07

1.66 1.83 2.22 2.44

1.63 1.37

FIGURE 2 TWO-SPAN PLATE BEAM WITH JOINTS STAGGERED AT POLES

A TWO-MEMBER BEAM
B THREE-MEMBER BEAM
C FOUR-MEMBER BEAM
1 M12 bolt with 50 mm (2 in.) washers on both sides
2 scab to pole (see Table 3 and Figure 5 for size and nailing)
3 galvanized steel framing anchor, truss to beam
4 spacers, as required
5 plywood or scab, plate to pole
6 extra member in end span for two-span beams only; m a four member beam, this extra member must be supported by a scab 2

FIGURE 3 SINGLE-SPAN PLATE BEAM WITH JOINTS AT POLES

A TWO-MEMBER BEAM
B THREE-MEMBER BEAM
C FOUR-MEMBER BEAM
1 M12 bolt with 50 mm (2 in.) washers on both sides
2 scab to pole (see Table 3 and Figure 5 for size and nailing)
3 galvanized steel framing anchor, truss to beam
4 spacers, as required
5 plywood or scab, plate to pole

TABLE 2 SIMPLE BEAM

Values are unfactored total roof load capacity (D + L) in kPa, based on a uniformly distributed load over the entire surface. They apply only to
plate beams or lintels in low -human-occupancy farm buildings exposed to dry service condition. The lumber grade is #2 or better. Note: the
minimum roof live load (L) permitted by the NBCC is a uniform load of 1 kPa or a concentrated load of 1.3 kN, whichever produces the more
critical effect. For plate beams and lintels, the 1 kPa uniform load is more critical.

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

1.2 m (4 ft)
2.4 m (8 ft)

Bldg width
m (ft)

2 - 38 x 184 3 - 38 x 184 4 - 38 x 184 2 - 38 x 235 3 - 38 x 235 4 - 38 x 235 2 - 38 x 286 3 - 38 x 286 4 - 38 x 286

(2 - 2 x 8)
(3 - 2 x 8)
(4 - 2 x 8)
(2 - 2 x 10) (3 - 2 x 10) (4 - 2 x 10) (2 - 2 x 12) (3 - 2 x 12) (4 - 2 x 12)
S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR

7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10 8 (36)
12 0 (40)
13 2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18 0 (60)

1 74
1.49
1.39
1.31
-

1.48
1.26
-

2.88
2.46
2.30
2.15
1 91
1.72
1.56
1 43
-

2.44
2.09
1.94
1 82
1.62
1.45
1 32
1.21
-

3.84
3.29
3.06
2.87
2.55
2.29
2.08
1.91
1.52

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN
7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

1 74
1.49
1.39
1.31
-

1.48
1.26
-

2.88
2.46
2 30
2.15
1.91
1.72
1.56
1.43
-

2.44
2.09
1.94
1.82
1.62
1.45
1.32
1.21
-

1.91
1.64
1.53
1.43
1.27
-

1.62
1.38
1.29
1.21
-

2 61
2.24
2.09
1.96
1.74
1 56
1 42
1 30
-

2.21
1.90
1.77
1.66
1.47
1 32
1 20
-

4.31
3.70
3.45
3.23
2.87
2.58
2 34
2.15
1.71

3.65
3.13
2.92
2.73
2.43
2.18
1.98
1.82
1 45

5 75
4 93
4 60
4.31
3 83
3.44
3.13
2 86
2 28

4 87
4.17
3 89
3 65
3.24
2.91
2.64
2.42
1.93

3.53
3.02
2.82
2.64
2.35
2.1 1
1.92
1.76
1.40

2 99
2 56
2 39
2.24
1 99
1 79
1.62
1.49
-

5 82
4 98
4 65
4 36
3 87
3 48
3 16
2 90
2.31

4 93
4.22
3.94
3 69
3.28
2.95
2.68
2.45
1.96

7 76
6 64
6.20
5.81
5.16
4.64
4.22
3.86
3.09

6 57
5 63
5 25
4 92
4 37
3 93
3 57
3.27
2.61

4.31
3.70
3.45
3.23
2.87
2.58
2.34
2.15
1.71

3.65
3.13
2.92
2.73
2.43
2.18
1.98
1.82
1.45

5.75
4.93
4 60
4.31
3.83
3.44
3.13
2.86
2.28

4.87
4.17
3.89
3.65
3.24
2.91
2.64
2.42
1.93

3.34
2.86
2.67
2.50
2.22
2.00
1.82
1.66
1.33

2 99
2.56
2.39
2.24
1 99
1 79
1.62
1.49
-

5 51
4 72
4.41
4.13
3.67
3.30
3.00
2.75
2.19

4.93
4.22
3.94
3.69
3.28
2.95
2.68
2.45
1.96

7.35
6.30
5.87
5.50
4.89
4.40
4.00
3.66
2.92

6 57
5.63
5 25
4 92
4 37
3.93
3 57
3 27
2.61

1.74 1.47 2.87 2.43

1.49 1.26 2.46 2.08
1.39
- 2.29 1.94
1.30
- 2.15 1.82
- 1.91 1.61
- 1.71 1.45
- 1.56 1.32
- 1.42 1.20
-

3.83
3.28
3.06
2.86
2.54
2.28
2.07
1.90
1.51

3.24
2.77
2.59
2.42
2.15
1.93
1.75
1.61
1.28

2.35
2.01
1.87
1.76
1.56
1.40
1.27
-

1 99
1.70
1.59
1.49
1.32
-

3 87
3 32
3 09
2.90
2.57
2.31
2.10
1.93
1.54

3.28
2.81
2.62
2.45
2.18
1.96
1.78
1.63
1.30

5.16
4.42
4.12
3.86
3.43
3.09
2.80
2.57
2.05

4 37
3.74
3.49
3.27
2.90
2.61
2.37
2.17
1.73

0.6 m (2 ft)
2.4 m (8 ft)
3.84
3.29
3.06
2.87
2.55
2.29
2.08
1.91
1.52

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

3.25
2.78
2.59
2.43
2.16
1.94
1.76
1.61
1.28

3.25
2.78
2.59
2.43
2.16
1.94
1.76
1.61
1.28

2.61
2 24
2.09
1.96
1.74
1.56
1.42
1.30
-

2 21
1.90
1.77
1.66
1.47
1.32
1.20
-

0.6 m (2 ft)
3.0 m (10 ft)

2.55
2.18
2.03
1.91
1.69
1.52
1.38
1.26
-

2.16
1.84
1.72
1.61
1.43
1.28
-

(continued)

TABLE 2 SIMPLE BEAM (Continued)

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

Bldg width
m (f t)

7 2 (24)
8 4 (28)
9 0 (30)
9 6 (32)
10 8 (36)
12 0 (40)
13 2 (44)
14 4 (48)
18 0 (60)

1.2 m (4 ft)
3.6 m (12 ft)

2 - 38 x 184 3 - 38 x 184 4 - 38 x 184 2 - 38 x 235 3 - 38 x 235 4 - 38 x 235 2 - 38 x 286 3 - 38 x 286 4 - 38 x 286

(2 - 2 x 8)
(3 - 2 x 8)
(4 - 2 x 8)
(2 _ 2 x 10) (3 - 2 x 10) (4 - 2 x 10) (2 - 2 x 12) (3 - 2 x 12) (4 - 2 x 12)
S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR

1.43 1.21
1.22
-

1.91
1.63
1.52
1 42
1.26
-

1 61 1.30
1.38
1.28
1 20
-

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

7 2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

_
-

- 1 .27
_
_
_
_
_
_

2.15
1 84
1 71
1 60
1.42
1.28
-

1 82
1.55
1.45
1 36
1 20
-

2 86
2.45
2 28
2.14
1.90
1.71
1.55
1.42
-

2.42
2.07
1.93
1.81
1.61
1.44
1.31
1.20
-

1 76
1.50
1 40
1.31
-

1 49
1.27
-

2 90
2.48
2 31
2 17
1 93
1 73
1.57
1.44
-

2 45
2.10
1.96
1.83
1.63
1.46
1.33
1 22
-

3 86
3 31
3 09
2 89
2 57
2 31
2 10
1 92
1 53

3.27
2 80
2 61
2 45
2.17
1 95
1 77
1.62
1 29

1.91
1.63
1.52
1.42
1 .26
_
_

1 .61
1.38
1.29
1.20
_

2.54
2.17
2.03
1.90
1 .69
1.51
1.37
1.26
_

2.15
1.84
1.71
1.61
1 .42
1.28
_

1.56 1 .32 2.57

1.34
- 2.20
1.25
- 2.05
- 1 93
- 1.71
- 1 .54
- 1.39
- 1.28
_
_
_

2.18
1.86
1.74
1.63
1 .45
1.30
_

3.43 2.90
2.94 2.49
2.74 2.32
2.57 2.17
2.28 1 .93
2.05 1.73
1 .861 .57
1 .70 1.44
1.36
_

0.6 m (2 ft)
3.6 m (12 ft)

1 .69 1.43
1 .45 1.22
1 .35
1 .26
_
_
_
_

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

_
_
_

0.6 m (2 ft)
4.2 m (14 ft)

1.23
_
-

_
-

_
-

_
-

1.39
_
-

1.86 1.57
1.59 1.34
1.48 1.25
1.39
1.23
-

_
-

1.89 1.59 2.51

1.61 1.36 2 15
1.50 1.27 2.01
1.41
- 1.88
1.25
- 1.67
- 1.50
_
_ 1.36
_
_ 1.24
_

2.13
1.82
1.70
1.59
1.41
1.26
_

(continued)

TABLE 2 SIMPLE BEAM (Concluded)

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

Bldg width
m (ft)
7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

1.2 m (4 ft)
4.8 m (16 ft) 1

2 - 38 x 184 3 - 38 x 184 4 - 38 x 184 2 - 38 x 235 3 - 38 x 235 4 - 38 x 235 2 - 38 x 286 3 - 38 x 286 4 - 38 x 286

(2 - 2 x 8)
(3 - 2 x 8)
(4 - 2 x 8)
(2 - 2 x 10) (3 - 2 x 10) (4 - 2 x 10) (2 - 2 x 12) (3 - 2 x 12) (4 - 2 x 12)
S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR S-P-F D-FIR
-

TRUSS SPACING
BEAM SPAN

7.2 (24)
8.4 (28)
9.0 (30)
9.6 (32)
10.8 (36)
12.0 (40)
13.2 (44)
14.4 (48)
18.0 (60)

1.42
1.21
-

1.20
-

1.44
1.23
-

1.22
-

1.92
1.64
1.53
1.43
1.27
-

1.62
1.39
1.29
1.21
-

1.92
1.64
1.53
1.43
1.27
-

1.62
1.39
1.29
1.21
-

0.6 m (2 ft)
4.8 m (16 ft)

1.42 1.20
1.21
-

1.44 1.22
1.23
-

FIGURE 4

PLATE BEAM-TO-POLE

CONNECTIONS

A TWO-MEMBER BEAM
B THREE-MEMBER
BEAM
C FOUR-MEMBER BEAM
1 M12 bolt with 50 mm (2 in.) washers on both sides
2 scab to pole (see Table 3 and Figure 5 for size and
nailing)
3 galvanized steel framing anchor, truss to beam

TABLE 3 PLATE BEAM SUPPORT SCAB SIZE AND NAILING

Plate beam
S-P-F

D-FIR

Scab length

No. of 5-in. common

size
38 x 184 (2 x 8)

Scab size
38 x 140 (2 x 6)

mm (in)
250 (10)

38 x 235 (2 x 10)

38 x 140 (2 x 6)

350 (14)

23

38 x286 (2 x12)
38 x 184 (2 x 8)

38 x184 (2 x8)
38 x 140 (2 x 6)

450(18)
250 (10)

30
10

38 x140 (2 x6)

300(12)

13

38 x 140 (2 x 6)

375 (15)

18______

38 x235 (2 x10)
38 x 286 (2 x 12)
* For nail spacing see Figure
5

spiral nails___
15

Roof Dead Load (D)

For farm buildings, Table 4 gives typical roof dead loads.
TABLE 4 TYPICAL ROOF DEAD LOADS
Dead load
Construction
(kPa)*
Trusses 1.2 m (4 ft) oc, purlins, metal roofing,
no ceiling
0.20
Trusses 1.2 m (4 ft) oc, purlins, metal roofing,
plywood ceiling, insulation
0.30
Trusses 1.2 m (4 ft) oc, purlins, plywood decking,
asphalt shingles, no ceiling
0.30
Trusses 1.2 m (4 ft) oc, purlins, plywood decking,
asphalt shingles, plywood ceiling, insulation
0.40
Trusses 0.6 m (2 ft) oc, add 0.05 kPa to above
loads_____________________________________
* 1 kPa = 20.9 Ib/ft

TABLE 5

ROOF SLOPE FACTOR CS

Building
type

Roof type

Roof slope

Cs__

low human

slippery

15

occupancy

unobstructed

15<

SLIPPERY ROOFS Another change in the 1990 NBCC

permits reduced snow loads for unobstructed slippery roofs
such as those made of metal; this is included in the roof
slope factor CS. For these roofs on low-human-occupancy
farm buildings, the 1990 CFBC has a modified version of CS.
UNBALANCED LOADS The 1990 CFBC no longer includes
the following exemption "simple gable roofs with slopes of
20 or less on farm buildings of low human occupancy need
not be designed for unbalanced loads" found in the 1983
CFBC. This means that farm buildings with the common 1:3
slope gable roof must now be designed for both balanced
and unbalanced roof snow loads.
BEAM SELECTION

ROOF LIVE LOAD (L)

The roof snow load (S) is the only applied live load (L) and is
related to the ground snow load (Ss). In the NBCC 1990, the
roof snow load (S) is:

Where

S=

Ss(CbCwCsCa) + Sr

S=

the roof load due to snow

accumulation in kPa

Ss =

the ground snow load in kPa as

given in the NBCC 1990

Cb =

the basic roof snow load factor (0.8)

Cw =

the wind exposure factor (0.75 exposed to

wind, 1.0 sheltered from wind)

CS =

the roof slope factor as given in the NBCC

1990 and CFBC 1990 (see Table 5)

Ca =

the accumulation factor as given in

the NBCC 1990

Sr =

the associated rain load in kPa as given in

the NBCC 1990, but not greater than
SS(CbC,NCSCa)

The rain load Sr is new in the 1990 NBCC. Previous versions

of the code included the rain component in the ground snow
SS.

The beam selection tables (Tables 1 and 2) provide

unfactored total roof-load capacities for built-up beams used
in clear span, low-human-occupancy farm buildings. To use
the tables, follow these steps:
1 Select the appropriate roof dead load (D) from
Table 4.
2 Calculate the roof live load (L) for both the balanced and
unbalanced snow loads. Then calculate the equivalent
balanced snow load for the unbalanced snow load.
Determine the critical roof live load. Note: the minimum
roof live load (L) permitted by the NBCC is a uniform load
of 1 kPa or a concentrated load of 1.3 kN, whichever
produces the more critical effect. For plate beams and
lintels, the 1 kPa uniform load produces the more critical
effect.
3 Calculate the unfactored total roof load (D + L) by adding
the roof dead load (D) from step 1 to the critical roof live
load (L) from step 2.
4 Go to the beam table that corresponds to the beam type
(simple or two-span). Select the pole spacing (beam span)
and the truss spacing (truss or rafter spacing). In the
table, go to the required building width (truss or rafter
span). The table gives the unfactored total roof-load
capacity for several built-up beams. Select a beam with a
load capacity that meets or exceeds the unfactored total
roof load calculated in step 3.

5 If support scabs are required, select them from

Table 3 and see Figure 5 for nail spacing.

2 Calculate the roof live load (L). From the Supplement to

the National Building Code of Canada 1990 for Winnipeg:
ground snow load Ss = 1.70 kPa rain
load S, = 0.20 kPa

Example
Determine the plate beam design for an insulated pole frame
building (metal roof, plywood ceiling) exposed to wind at
Winnipeg, Manitoba. The building has a 12 m (40 ft) span,
1:3 (18.4 ) gable roof trusses spaced at 1.2 m (4 ft) and
poles spaced at 2.4 m (8 ft).
1 From Table 4, select the appropriate dead load (D).
This is 0.3 kPa.

FIGURE 5
POLES

For the balanced load, the roof snow load coefficients and
the roof snow load are:
Cb = 0.80
Cw= 0.75
Cs = (60-18.4) 53 = 0.78
Ca = 1.00
S = (1.7x0.gxp.75x0.78X1.0)+0.2 = 1.00 kPa

PLATE BEAM SCAB NAILING TO 140 x 140 (6 x 6) SAWN

A S-P-F LUMBER
B D-FIR LUMBER

For the unbalanced snow load, the roof snow load

coefficients and the roof snow load are:
Cb = 0.80
Cw = 1.00
Cs = (60-18.4)/53 = 0.78
Ca = 0.25 + 18.4/20 = 1.17
S=(1.7x0.8x1.Ox0.78X1.17)+0.2 = 1.44 kPa
For the unbalanced snow load, the equivalent balanced
snow load is:

its capacity (1.76 kPa) is greater than that required (1.38

kPa). Two-span beams with end joints staggered need an
extra member in the end spans as shown in Figure 2.
5 If required, select the support scab, using Table 3. The 38
x 184 (2 x 8) #2 S-P-F plate beam needs a 38 x 140 x 250
mm (2 x 6 x 10 in.) support scab fastened to the pole with
fifteen 5-in. common spiral nails. The 38 x 235 (2 x 10) #2
Douglas fir plate beam requires a 38 x 140 x 250 mm (2 x
6 x 10 in.) support scab fastened to the pole with ten 5-in.
common spiral nails. See Figure 5 for the nail spacing.

S = 0.75 x 1.44 = 1.08 kPa

The 1.08 kPa roof live load caused by the unbalanced
snow load is critical since it is greater than the 1.0 kPa for
the balanced snow load and the 1.0 kPa for the minimum
roof live load permitted by the NBCC.
3 Calculate the unfactored total roof load (D + L).
This is:

D + L = 0.30 + 1.08 = 1.38 kPa

4 Select the beam from the tables. Use Table 1 for two-span
beams with trusses 1.2 m (4 ft) oc, plus the results from
step 3; the plate beam should be two 38 x 184 (two 2 x 8)
for #2 S-P-F lumber since its capacity (1.39 kPa) is greater
than that required (1.38 kPa). If Douglas fir lumber is used,
the plate beam should be two 38 x 235 (two 2 x 10) since

REFERENCES
Associate Committee on the National Building Code, 1990
National Building Code of Canada, National Research
Council of Canada, Ottawa
Associate Committee on the National Building Code, 1990
Canadian Farm Building Code, National Research Council of
Canada, Ottawa
Canadian Standards Association, Engineering Design in
Wood (Limit States Design), CAN3-086.1-M89, 1989,
Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
Rexdale, Ontario
Darby, D.E., J.A. Munroe, H.A. Jackson and D.I. Masse,
Plate Beam Design for Farm Structures, CSAE paper
88-119, 1988