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Path to Compliance for Structural Design Software In 2012, the ABCB Software Protocol for Structural Software was introduced and sets the minimum requirements for structural design software to meet...

Considerations for the use of Nails vs Screws in your Timber Connections Nails and screws are the two most common fasteners specified by engineers and used by builders. When considering the suitable...

OFFSITE OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW ENGINEERING LEGISLATION For this month’s Tech Talk I’m zooming out from the details and looking at changes in the laws that govern who can provide technical advice and...

SHALLOW TRUSS CAMBERS DISAPPEARING INTO THE NIGHT Deflection issues, on site, from very shallow trusses raise their head on a regular basis despite many past precautionary articles on the subject....

Lateral Restraints in Pre-Fab Timber Roof Trusses Design vs Installation!    A truss is a very efficient structural member which consists of a group of ties and struts connected to form a structure...

THE BENEFITS OF SCREWS FOR TIE-DOWNS In my last Tech Talk I hinted at changes in the product landscape for tie down connections. The industry is evolving even in this period of unprecedented change...

THE MATRIX OF TRAINING Training isn’t just important to a company, it is vital. In our industry, if a detailer leaves or if business ramps up, hiring a new or replacement designer becomes a...

DRIED vs. GREEN TIMBER From day to day, most people have some contact with dried or green timber in specifying and designing timber structures. When designing with dried timber, we must use dry...

MACHINE DRIVEN vs HAND-HAMMERED NAIL Timber connection systems rely on a combination of the correct product, fasteners and installation practices to achieve their required capacity. They are...

SOME RAMIFICATIONS FROM NCC 2019 Now that NCC 2019 is out and being enforced, a couple of hidden “gems” have surfaced that FTMA members and their customers should be aware of. Unfortunately, neither...

BOUNCY FLOORS – DON’T BLAME THE JOISTS! As our houses become more modern, clients’ requirements become more challenging. Home-owners and architects are demanding more open-plan spaces...

IS YOUR BUILDING STABLE? As we move towards Christmas holidays our minds turn to the great Australian tradition – having a BBQ and entertaining family and friends in outdoor Alfresco areas....

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESTRAINT AND COMPRESSION BUCKLING Virtually all builders favour handling timber components over structural steel because of their natural ease of use and lightweight...

WIND SPEED IN BUILDING DESIGN There are two main Australian Standards cover wind    actions on structures, which are AS/NZS1170.2 Structural design actions Part 2: Wind actions and AS4055 Wind loads...