AS 1720
Australian Standard for the engineering design of timber structures, providing characteristic properties and design methods for sawn timber, glulam, LVL, and plywood.
Timber Structures, the design standard called up by NCC Volume 1 for engineered timber design. Part 1 covers design methods for sawn timber, glulam, LVL, and plywood, including characteristic strengths, modification factors (k1 to k20+), connection design, and serviceability checks. Part 2 covers timber properties and grading, and further parts address glued laminated timber and other engineered products. Engineers use AS 1720.1 for any timber design outside the scope of the deemed-to-satisfy AS 1684 framing tables, including commercial buildings, large lintels, and specialised connections. For buyers, AS 1720 is rarely seen on a delivery docket but underpins every engineer-specified beam size and connection schedule. Substituting grades or sections requires the engineer to recheck the design against the standard.
Values and references on this page are indicative and drawn from common industry sources. Always verify the current AS/NZS standard, manufacturer data sheet or NIAA policy publication before relying on figures for design, specification or compliance work.
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