We’re proud to announce the release of FWPA Standard T01, a new industry standard for testing mechanical fasteners and connectors used in timber construction.
The Standard is the outcome of an FWPA-funded research project managed by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia and undertaken by the ARC Advance Timber Hub at the University of Queensland, ensuring it is grounded in both industry need and leading research capability.
Drawing on a comprehensive review of international research reports and testing standards, FWPA Standard T01 creates new opportunities to support more efficient, reliable and innovative timber connection design in modern construction.
Unlocking opportunities for timber
- Establishes consistent methods to determine strength, stiffness, ductility and slip characteristics of timber joints across sawn timber and engineered wood products (e.g. GLT, LVL, CLT, plywood)
- Covers both lateral and axial loading scenarios, including identification of governing failure modes
- Provides standardised procedures for testing individual fasteners and full connection assemblies
- Enables the generation of characteristic design values suitable for structural design under AS 1720.1
By improving the way connection performance is characterised, the Standard will help manufacturers, testing laboratories, universities, certifiers and engineers generate clearer, more robust design data and support greater confidence in the performance of timber connection systems.
The Standard is intended to be used by the timber industry, testing laboratories and universities, as an alternative to AS 1649 (2025) for determining characteristic capacities of commonly used connection types until that standard undergoes further comprehensive revision. It supports the design of joints in timber structures in accordance with AS 1720.1 and is designed to complement, not replace, existing Australian Standards.
Access the standard via our WoodSolutions website here
