Draft standard: Methods of test for mechanical fasteners and connectors – Part 1

This draft FWPA Standard (T01) is the result of an FWPA funded research project managed by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australia and undertaken by the ARC Advance Timber Hub at the University of Queensland.

This draft Standard has been developed to be used as an Industry Testing Standard, as an alternative to using AS 1649 (2025) for the testing and determination of characteristic capacities for specific types of commonly used connections, for sawn timber and all engineered wood products, until AS 1649 (2025) has been thoroughly revised in years to come.

This Standard includes Category A (nails, staples or screws) and Category B (bolts and dowels) laterally loaded (Type 1) fasteners and connection assemblies, for the design of joints in timber structures in accordance with AS1720.1.  Requirements for the testing and characterisation of Category A & B fasteners loaded in withdrawal (Type 2) and Category A inclined screws (subject to both axial and lateral loads) have been revised and included in this Standard.

Unlocking Opportunities for Timber

This Industry Standard follows a comprehensive review of international research reports and test standards and provides opportunities to enable efficient and reliable structural timber joints in buildings.

• The proposed FWPA Standard lays down general principles for the determination of the strength, stiffness, ductility and deformation (slip) characteristics of joints made from sawn timber and engineered wood products, (e.g. glulam, plywood, LVL and CLT)
• This Standard considers laterally loaded or axially loaded mechanical fasteners, including identification of failure modes
• It specifies methods for testing individual fasteners and connection assemblies and sets out procedures for the determination of characteristic design information applicable to timber joints in which they are incorporated.

Public Comment Period

The public comment period for this Standard is open from 31 October 2025 to 30 November 2025, allowing all relevant industry members and potential users to review and provide feedback.