What you will learn

Welcome to the professional development course on timber joints. As you progress through the lessons, there is an assessment to evaluate your learning. Before starting, you can download a more comprehensive test on joints for your compliance requirements.

• Learning Outcome 1:
  • Understand the difference between historical and modern joints.
• Historical joints are characterized by:
  • • Often used on large sections
    • Labour intensive
  • Required considerable skill
• Modern joints are characterized by:
  • • Often used on smaller sizes
    • Not labor-intensive
  • Do not require as much skill
• Learning Outcome 2:
  • Learn why joints have to be durable.
  • Ascot deck collapse joint age: 90 years.
  • Important lesson: Joints do not come with a use-by date.
• Learning Outcome 3:
  • Explore galvanized or stainless fasteners usage.
  • Species that corrode fasteners: Blackbutt and jarrah.
  • Bolts for CCA treated timber: 304/316 stainless and monel nails.
• Learning Outcome 4:
  • Different ways to engage with the ground.
  • Design life of a correctly installed hardwood post in SE Queensland: 35 years.
• Learning Outcome 5:
  • Correct use of nail plates and grips tips.
  • Plate withdrawal reduces holding ability by 50%.
  • Manufacturer guidance: Nail plates should not be used in external applications.
• Learning Outcome 6:
  • Detailing in handrail connections.
• Example of good handrail design positives:
  • • Sloping top
    • Rail fastened from underneath
  • Gap between the rails
  • Volute washer can take up to 25mm shrinkage in timber joints.
• Learning Outcome 7:
  • Shear rings and plates use.
• Way shear plates can be used today:
  • • Efficient joins in large timber members
  • Assistance in cases of differential shrinkage
  • A case where shear plates were not effective.