What is the AS 1684 Standard in Australia?

The AS 1684 Standards series is a cornerstone in Australian timber-framed construction, providing essential guidelines for the building industry. These Standards ensure safe and reliable building practices, covering everything from design criteria to bracing and fixing requirements. It is also referred to as the Timber Framing Code.

Topics: Building and construction

Timber frame construction

The AS 1684 series, including AS 1684.4:2024, AS 1684.2:2021, and AS 1684.3:2021, outline requirements for building practices, selection, placement, and fixing of structural elements, and apply to both new constructions and alterations of Class 1 and Class 10 buildings as defined by the National Construction Code. Each Standard must be used with its respective Supplements to ensure comprehensive compliance and structural integrity, particularly in non-cyclonic wind classifications N1 and N2.

General changes to AS 1684 Standards in 2024

Each of the three parts of the AS 1684 series have been reviewed and revised to clarify and provide additional details. Part 4 has undergone a major revision to align with the changes made to Part 2:2021, focusing primarily on bracing and tie-down requirements, specifically the joint group transition from JD4 to JD5.

Changes applicable to 1684.2 & 1684.3 (2024 amendments) and 1684.4:2024 include:

Inclusion of additional normative references, specifically defines how these products are to be graded or manufactured

Clarification that trimmers, solid blocking and noggings are not required to be stress-graded

Clarification that diagonal braces may terminate either side of the galvanized metals trap looped over plates

Tie-down straps – studs to plates: Minimum strap length and number of nails each end of strap defined in tables

Engineered wood products terminology and alignment to the various design and product Standards

Inclusion of normative references to timber product Standards

Change also to wind classification

Timber frame construction tools

Major updates to AS 1684.4:2024

AS 1684.4:2024 has been significantly updated to align with AS 1684.2:2021, including the addition of new terms and definitions. Major changes have been made to bracing and tie-down capacities, though there are no changes to the member span tables.

Please also note that you can find more detailed information on the major changes for 1684.4 in the Preface of the document. Often (but not always) the major changes will be detailed in the Preface of the revised Standard. Screenshot below from the Preface of 1684.4:

Check out the product preview to view the preface.

In summary, the AS 1684 Standards series is essential for anyone involved in timber-framed construction in Australia, providing comprehensive guidelines to ensure safety, compliance, and structural integrity. With 2024 updates enhancing clarity and aligning Standards, particularly in bracing and tie-down capacities, this series remains a critical resource for maintaining high building and construction Standards and adapting to evolving industry practices.