I was just looking online for some training in the new AS 1684 and noticed an old 4 part webinar that was hosted by Wood Solutions back in 2022. Wondering if it was recorded and if it is still accessible. I teach Carpentry students at TAFE and would like to update my own skills so I can impart that knowledge back to my class group.
You might be thinking of a 4-part webinar that was promoted by WoodSolutions but actually hosted by Timber Queensland in 2022. A fee applied to take part. We understand it is no longer available, although you could check with Timber Queensland in case they have other resources. We have a 3-part webinar that is still accessible and free of charge. You can log in via these links https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/webinars/woodsolutions-tuesday-webinars/as1684-series-part-1-general-usage-and-applications, https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/webinars/woodsolutions-tuesday-webinars/as1684-series-part-2-bracing-afzal-laphir, https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/webinars/woodsolutions-tuesday-webinars/as1684-series-part-3-tie-downs-and-connections.
If the blackbutt screen is required by regulations to prevent embers from accumulating under the floor, the screen would have to be a lapped cladding profile with sub-floor ventilation openings protected with mesh. Fixings would be to suit the cladding profile. Alternatively, 70 x 30mm timbers could be spaced apart with mesh protecting the gaps. The mesh must be corrosion-resistant and have a maximum aperture of 2mm. These requirements only apply if the house floor is less than 400mm above finished ground level. If the screen is not required to prevent embers, ie. the floor is more than 400mm above ground, or protected in a different way, a size of 70 x 30mm in kiln-dried blackbutt should safely span up to 2.1m. For best results use 4.2m lengths over 3 supports.
Australian Standard 1684 Part 2, Residential timber-framed construction, contains the following requirement: Boards over 85mm cover width shall be fixed with a minimum of two face nails at each joist....nails shall be skewed slightly to the vertical in opposing directions....the mechanical fixing shall be supplemented by a minimum 6mm bead of polyurethane or polymer flooring adhesive to the top surface of the joist (Clause 5.5.2.2). The problem with departing from this requirement is that if anything goes wrong, it will be pointed out that you haven't complied with the Australian Standard. Our Technical Design Guide #09 on flooring installation goes into the subject in more detail and may be helpful. A copy can be downloaded from our website free of charge via this link https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications.
