Published Date
Advancing CLT Design in Australia
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels comprise multi-layered, orthogonally glued-laminated structural timber boards (lamellas) and are used as structural building components in applications including floors, roofs, stairs, soffits, balconies, and internal and external walls.
As the use of CLT continues to expand in Australian construction, industry requires nationally consistent design methods that provide confidence for engineers, certifiers, regulators and building practitioners.
Scope & Application
This draft FWPA Standard, D02 Cross Laminated Timber Design Methods, has been developed by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) to provide a dedicated framework for the structural design of CLT elements. The Standard has undergone independent technical review and provides comprehensive design methods for structural CLT components, subject to the requirements and limitations described in the Scope.
Developed through collaboration with industry, researchers and technical experts, the Standard is intended to support consistent engineering practice and will form the basis of a proposal to incorporate CLT design provisions into a future revision of AS 1720.1 Timber Structures.
Industry Benefits of FWPA Standard D02
- Provides recognised design methods for structural CLT elements.
- Promotes consistency across engineering, manufacturing and certification practices.
- Supports the growing use of CLT and mass timber construction in Australia.
- Consolidates CLT-specific design guidance into a dedicated technical document.
- Provides an independently reviewed basis for CLT structural design.
- Establishes a pathway for the future incorporation of CLT design provisions into AS 1720.1 Timber Structures.
Public Comment Period – Now Closed
Public consultation has now closed. The draft Standard was open for public comment for six weeks, from 18 August to 29 September 2026. Feedback received during the consultation period is now being considered as part of finalising the Standard.
The final Standard will be published following completion of this review process.