AS 1684.4-1999

IMPORTANT NOTE TO PURCHASERS WANTING A PAPER EDITION OF THIS STANDARD

When you buy this edition in hardbound (printed) format, you will receive an unamended copy of the original 1999 printing of the Standard, accompanied by an extensive set of subsequent amendments.

If you would prefer to purchase a paper edition which has been updated to include all these amendments, you should purchase the special loose leaf edition CLICK HERE. (Note that the electronic PDF version of this Standard is always delivered fully amended.)

1 - AS 1684.4-1999 RESIDENTIAL TIMBER-FRAMED CONSTRUCTION - SIMPLIFIED - NON-CYCLONIC AREAS
4 - PREFACE
6 - CONTENTS
8 - SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
8 - 1.1 SCOPE
8 - 1.2 APPLICATION
8 - 1.3 USE OF ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS OR METHODS
8 - 1.4 COMPANION DOCUMENTS
9 - 1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
9 - 1.6 LIMITATIONS
9 - 1.6.1 General
9 - 1.6.2 Wind classification
9 - 1.6.3 Plan
9 - 1.6.4 Number of storeys of timber framing
9 - 1.6.5 Width
11 - 1.6.6 Wall height
11 - 1.6.7 Rafter overhang
11 - 1.6.8 Roof pitch
11 - 1.6.9 Spacing
11 - 1.6.10 Roof types
11 - 1.6.11 Building masses
12 - 1.7 DESIGN CRITERIA
13 - 1.8 LOAD PATHS, OFFSETS AND CANTILEVERS
14 - 1.9 DURABILITY
14 - 1.10 DIMENSIONS
14 - 1.11 BEARING
15 - 1.12 STRESS GRADES
15 - 1.13 ENGINEERED TIMBER PRODUCTS
16 - 1.14 SIZE TOLERANCES
16 - 1.15 ALTERNATIVE TIMBER DIMENSIONS
17 - SECTION 2 TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS
17 - 2.1 GENERAL
17 - 2.2 TERMINOLOGY OF FRAMING MEMBERS
20 - 2.3 VERTICAL NAIL LAMINATION
21 - 2.4 STUD LAMINATION
22 - 2.5 HORIZONTAL NAIL LAMINATION-WALL PLATES ONLY
22 - 2.6 DEFINITIONS
22 - 2.6.1 Loadbearing wall
22 - 2.6.2 Non-loadbearing wall
22 - 2.6.3 Regulatory authority
22 - 2.6.4 Roofs
22 - 2.6.5 Span and spacing
25 - 2.6.6 Stress grade
25 - 2.6.7 Stud height
25 - 2.6.8 Two-storey
26 - SECTION 3 SUBSTRUCTURE
26 - 3.1 SCOPE
26 - 3.2 SITE PREPARATION AND DRAINAGE
26 - 3.3 GROUND CLEARANCES AND SUBFLOOR VENTILATION
26 - 3.4 TERMITE MANAGEMENT
26 - 3.5 SUBSTRUCTURE BRACING
26 - 3.6 SUBFLOOR SUPPORTS
26 - 3.6.1 General
26 - 3.6.2 Footing classification
27 - 3.6.3 Stumps or posts
28 - 3.6.4 Footing type support limitations
31 - SECTION 4 FLOOR FRAMING
31 - 4.1 GENERAL
31 - 4.1.1 Scope
31 - 4.1.2 Materials
31 - 4.1.3 Framing configurations
31 - 4.1.4 Weatherproofing
31 - 4.1.5 Shrinkage
31 - 4.1.6 Cuts, holes and notches in bearers and joists
33 - 4.2 BUILDING PRACTICE
33 - 4.2.1 Bearers
34 - 4.2.2 Joists
36 - 4.3 MEMBER SIZES
36 - 4.3.1 General
36 - 4.3.2 Bearers
37 - 4.3.3 Floor joists
39 - SECTION 5 FLOORING
39 - 5.1 SCOPE
39 - 5.2 FITTED FLOORS (CUT-IN FLOORS)
39 - 5.3 EXPANSION JOINTS
39 - 5.4 LAYING AND FIXING
39 - 5.4.1 Strip flooring
41 - 5.4.2 Structural plywood flooring
42 - 5.4.3 Particleboard
42 - 5.5 JOIST SPACING
42 - 5.5.1 Flooring
44 - 5.5.2 Decking
45 - SECTION 6 WALL FRAMING
45 - 6.1 GENERAL
45 - 6.1.1 Scope
45 - 6.1.2 Bracing
45 - 6.2 BUILDING PRACTICE
45 - 6.2.1 Studs
48 - 6.2.2 Wall plates
49 - 6.2.3 Openings
50 - 6.2.4 Framing around chimneys and flues
50 - 6.2.5 Lateral support for non-loadbearing walls
51 - 6.3 MEMBER SIZES
51 - 6.3.1 General
52 - 6.3.2 Wall studs
55 - 6.3.3 Bottom plates
55 - 6.3.4 Top plates
55 - 6.3.5 Studs, plates and noggings in non-loadbearing internal walls
56 - 6.3.6 Lintels
57 - 6.3.7 Verandah beams (plates)
57 - 6.3.8 Verandah posts supporting roof loads
58 - SECTION 7 ROOF FRAMING
58 - 7.1 GENERAL
58 - 7.1.1 Scope
58 - 7.1.2 Types of roofs and limitations
59 - 7.2 BUILDING PRACTICE
59 - 7.2.1 Ceilings
59 - 7.2.2 Construction loads on ceiling framing
59 - 7.2.3 Ceiling battens
59 - 7.2.4 Ceiling joists
60 - 7.2.5 Hanging beams
61 - 7.2.6 Counter beams
61 - 7.2.7 Combined strutting/hanging beams
62 - 7.2.8 Combined strutting/counter beams
62 - 7.2.9 Strutting beams
62 - 7.2.10 Underpurlins
63 - 7.2.11 Rafters
64 - 7.2.12 Ridgeboards
64 - 7.2.13 Hip and valley rafters
65 - 7.2.14 Scotch valleys
65 - 7.2.15 Roof strutting
67 - 7.2.16 Collar ties
68 - 7.2.17 Hip ends
68 - 7.2.18 Alternative support systems
68 - 7.2.19 Non-coupled roofs
69 - 7.2.20 Roof battens
69 - 7.2.21 Trussed roofs
69 - 7.2.22 Bracing for raftered and trussed roofs
69 - 7.2.23 Fixing of ceiling framing to internal bracing walls
70 - 7.2.24 Eaves construction
70 - 7.2.25 Gable or verge construction
72 - 7.2.26 Lateral restraint of hanging, strutting, strutting/hanging beams, and the like
72 - 7.2.27 Framing around chimneys and flues
72 - 7.3 MEMBER SIZES
72 - 7.3.1 General
72 - 7.3.2 Ceiling battens
73 - 7.3.3 Ceiling lining and non-trafficable roof decking
75 - 7.3.4 Loads on ceilings
75 - 7.3.5 Binders
75 - 7.3.6 Ceiling joists
75 - 7.3.7 Hanging beams
75 - 7.3.8 Counter beams
75 - 7.3.9 Combined strutting/hanging beams
75 - 7.3.10 Combined strutting/counter beams
76 - 7.3.11 Strutting beams
76 - 7.3.12 Underpurlins
76 - 7.3.13 Rafters and purlins
77 - 7.3.14 Ridge or intermediate beams - Cathedral, skillion roofs, or the like
77 - 7.3.15 Roof battens
78 - 7.3.16 Cantilevered gable ends
78 - 7.3.17 Other members/components
80 - SECTION 8 BRACING
80 - 8.1 GENERAL
80 - 8.2 TEMPORARY BRACING
81 - 8.3 PERMANENT BRACING
81 - 8.3.1 Subfloor bracing
82 - 8.3.2 Wall bracing
93 - 8.3.3 Roof bracing
95 - SECTION 9 FIXINGS AND TIE-DOWN DESIGN
95 - 9.1 SCOPE
95 - 9.2 GENERAL CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS
95 - 9.2.1 General
95 - 9.2.2 Corrosion protection
96 - 9.2.3 Straps, bolts, screws, coach screws and framing anchors
96 - 9.2.4 Steel washers
96 - 9.2.5 Drilling for bolts
96 - 9.2.6 Drilling for coach screws
96 - 9.2.7 Screw and coach screw penetration
96 - 9.2.8 Framing anchor and strap nails
96 - 9.2.9 Alternative metal strap size
97 - 9.2.10 Joining of top plates
97 - 9.3 PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING FIXING AND TIE-DOWN REQUIREMENTS
97 - 9.4 NOMINAL AND SPECIFIC FIXING REQUIREMENTS
98 - 9.5 NOMINAL FIXINGS (MINIMUM FIXINGS)
99 - 9.6 SPECIFIC FIXINGS (TIE-DOWN)
99 - 9.6.1 General
106 - 9.6.2 Rafter to ridge connection for sheet roof, N2 wind classification only
108 - APPENDIX A - MEMBER SPAN TABLES
108 - A1 GENERAL
108 - A2 FLOOR AND WALL FRAMING (EXTERNAL LOADBEARING WALLS)
108 - A3 FLOOR AND WALL FRAMING (INTERNAL LOADBEARING WALLS)
108 - A4 SUBSTITUTION OF SEASONED TIMBER MEMBER SIZES
197 - APPENDIX B - LIST OF REFERENCED AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
197 - B1 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
197 - B2 RELATED DOCUMENTS
198 - APPENDIX C - MOISTURE CONTENT
199 - APPENDIX D - EXAMPLE OF EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF BRACING
200 - AMENDMENT CONTROL SHEET

Specifies requirements for building practice and for the selection, placement and fixing of the various structural elements used in the construction of timber-framed Class 1 and Class 10 buildings, as defined in the Building Code of Australia, for non-cyclonic wind classifications N1 and N2. It also sets out a simple design procedure for low wind classification areas where details of bracing and tie-down are not as complicated. It includes building practice procedures, which are given to assist in the correct specification and design of timber members, bracing and connections, thereby minimizing the risk of creating an environment that can adversely affect the ultimate performance of the structure. Appendix A provides member span tables for stress grades of various timbers. Guidance is also given on moisture content and examples of even distribution of bracing.

This Standard specifies requirements for building practice and for the selection, placement and fixing of the various structural elements used in the construction of timber-framed Class 1 and Class 10 Buildings as defined by the Building Code of Australia and within the limitations given in Clause 1.6. The Standard also applies to alterations and additions to these buildings.This Standard also provides building practice and procedures to assist in the correct specification and design of timber members, bracing and connections, thereby minimizing the risk of creating an environment which might adversely affect the ultimate performance of the structure.This Standard may also be applicable to the design and construction of other classes of buildings where the design criteria, loadings and other parameters applicable to those classes of building are within the limitations of this Standard.NOTES: 1 See AS 1684.1 for details of design criteria, loadings and other parameters.2 Whilst this Standard may be used to design Class 10 buildings, less conservative levels of design for this building class may be permitted by building regulations and other Australian Standards.

First published as AS O56-1946.
Second edition 1948.
Revised and redesignated as AS CA38-1971.
Revised and redesignated as AS 1684-1975.
Second edition 1979.
Third edition 1992.
Revised and redesignated in part as AS 1684.4-1999.