AS 1720.

4—2006
AS 1720.4—2006

Australian Standard®

Timber structures
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

Part 4: Fire resistance for structural

adequacy of timber members
 This Australian Standard® was prepared by Committee TM-001, Timber Structures. It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 30 June 2006.
This Standard was published on 25 July 2006.

The following are represented on Committee TM-001:

• A3P
• Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
• Australian Building Codes Board
• Australian Timber Importers’ Federation
• Australian Wood Panels Association
• Building Research Association of New Zealand
• CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology
• Curtin University of Technology
• Engineers Australia
• Master Builders Australia
• Monash University
• New Zealand Forest Industries Council
• New Zealand Timber Industry Federation
• Plywood Association of Australasia
• Scion
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

• Timber Queensland
• University of Canterbury New Zealand
• University of Technology, Sydney

Additional Interests:

• Bruce Hutchings

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 04534.

Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that
contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the
Committee and through public comment period.

Keeping Standards up-

up-to-
to- date
Australian Standards® are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and
systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions
are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.

Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves they are
using a current Standard, which should include any amendments that may have been
published since the Standard was published.

Detailed information about Australian Standards, drafts, amendments and new projects can
be found by visiting www.standards.org.au

Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to

notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities. Contact us via email at
mail@standards.org.au
mail@standards.org.au,
tandards.org.au or write to Standards Australia, GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001.
 AS 1720.4—2006

Australian Standard®

Timber structures
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

Part 4: Fire resistance for structural

adequacy of timber members

Originated as AS 1720.4—1990.
Second edition 2006.

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written
permission of the publisher.
Published by Standards Australia GPO Box 476, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 7640 X
 AS 1720.4—2006 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Australian members of the Joint Standards
Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee TM-001, Timber Structures, to supersede
AS 1720.4—1990, Timber structures, Part 4: Fire-resistance of structural timber members.
After consultation with stakeholders in both countries, Standards Australia and Standards
New Zealand decided to develop this Standard as an Australian Standard rather than an
Australian/New Zealand Standard.
The objective of this Standard is to provide a computational method for determining the fire
resistance for structural adequacy of solid, plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and
glued-laminated structural timber members as an alternative to the test method specified in
AS 1530.4.
This revision extends the scope to cover the fire resistance level (FRL) for plywood and
laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and clarifies that the FRL specified in this Standard is for
the purpose of structural adequacy only.
This Standard forms Part 4 of the AS 1720 series, as follows:
AS
1720 Timber structures
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

1720.1 Part 1: Design methods

1720.2 Part 2: Timber properties
1720.4 Part 4: Fire resistance for structural adequacy of timber members (this Standard)
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.
 3 AS 1720.4—2006

CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 NORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .......................................................... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 4
1.4 MATERIALS .............................................................................................................. 5

SECTION 2 DESIGN METHOD

2.1 GENERAL .................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 FIRE RESISTANCE LEVEL FOR STRUCTURAL ADEQUACY............................. 7
2.3 DETERMINATION OF FIRE RESISTANCE PERIOD.............................................. 7
2.4 NOTIONAL CHARRING RATE ................................................................................ 8
2.5 EFFECTIVE DEPTH OF CHARRING ....................................................................... 8
2.6 EFFECTIVE RESIDUAL SECTION .......................................................................... 8
2.7 BARRIER JUNCTIONS.............................................................................................. 8
2.8 DESIGN LOAD........................................................................................................... 8
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

2.9 PROTECTED TIMBER .............................................................................................. 9

SECTION 3 ASSESSMENT OF JOINTS WITH METAL CONNECTORS

3.1 UNPROTECTED CONNECTORS............................................................................ 11
3.2 PROTECTED CONNECTORS ................................................................................. 11

APPENDIX A LIST OF INFORMATIVE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS................... 13

 AS 1720.4—2006 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
Timber structures

Part 4: Fire resistance for structural adequacy of timber members

SECT ION 1 SCOPE AND GENERA L

1.1 SCOPE
This Standard provides a computational method for determining the fire resistance for
structural adequacy of solid, plywood, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and glued-
laminated structural timber members as an alternative to the test specified in AS 1530.4.
This Standard also provides methods for protecting metal connectors from the effects of
fire.
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

NOTES:
1 This Standard is not relevant to the determination of the early fire hazard properties of
materials for which a method of assessment is given in AS/NZS 1530.3.
2 This Standard is not relevant to structural accreditation through furnace testing for which the
appropriate Standard is AS 1530.4.

1.2 NORMATIVE REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this Standard.
NOTE: Informative referenced documents are listed in Appendix A. They are not an integral part
of the Standard.
AS
1530 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures
1530.4 Part 4: Fire-resistance test of elements of building construction
1720 Timber structures
1720.1 Part 1: Design methods
AS/NZS
1170 Structural design actions
1170.0 Part 0: Permanent, imposed and other actions
1328 Glued laminated structural timber
1328.1 Part 1: Performance requirements and minimum production requirements
ABCB
BCA Building Code of Australia

1.3 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard the definitions below apply.
1.3.1 Standard fire
The standard heating conditions as specified in AS 1530.4.

 Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 5 AS 1720.4—2006

1.3.2 Structural timber member

Any timber component or element forming part of the loadbearing framework of a structure
including but not limited to structures as classified in the Building Code of Australia.
1.3.3 Fire resistance for structural adequacy
An assessment of the ability of a structural timber member to fulfil, for a stated period of
time, the required structural adequacy only, if exposed to the fire test methods specified in
AS 1530.4.
1.3.4 Fire resistance period (FRP)
The time, in minutes, for a member to reach the appropriate failure criterion, specified in
AS 1530.4, if tested in accordance with that Standard.
1.3.5 Fire resistance level (FRL)
The performance criteria for fire resistance, i.e., the grading periods (in minutes) for the
criteria specified in BCA, as—
(a) structural adequacy;
(b) integrity; and
(c) insulation,
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

and expressed in that order.

1.3.6 Notional charring rate (for design purposes)
The rate at which timber is assumed to be converted to char when exposed to fire.
1.3.7 Effective depth of charring
The calculated depth to which the timber is considered as being charred.
1.3.8 Effective residual section
The timber section remaining after removal of the calculated effective depth of charring
from all fire-exposed surfaces. The effective residual section is considered to retain the
same mechanical properties it possessed before exposure to the standard fire.
1.3.9 Fire resistant protective insulation
The permanent fixing of materials, to the fire-exposed surfaces of a timber member, which
can increase the fire resistance for structural adequacy by providing additional thermal
insulation, as measured by AS 1530.4.

1.4 MATERIALS
1.4.1 Untreated timber
The design procedures given in this Standard apply only to untreated timber, that is, timber
that has not been treated with preservative or fire-retardant chemicals.
NOTE: The primary purpose of fire-retardant treatments, either pressure impregnation or fire-
retardant coatings, is to alter the surface burning characteristics of a timber substrate by lowering
the substrate’s early fire hazard indices as measured by AS/NZS 1530.3. The use of fire-retardant
treatments is administered through BCA.
The ability of fire-retardant treatments to improve the fire resistance for structural adequacy of a
timber member can only be assessed through furnace testing in accordance with AS 1530.4.
Generally fire-retardant treatments do not materially improve the fire resistance for structural
adequacy of timber.

www.standards.org.au  Standards Australia

 AS 1720.4—2006 6

1.4.2 Glued laminated timber, plywood, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL)
The design procedures outlined in this Standard apply only to plywood and laminated
veneer lumber (LVL), fabricated with phenol, resorcinol, phenol-resorcinol or poly-
phenolic glues in accordance with the following Standards:
(a) Glued laminated timber ……………………………………………… AS/NZS 1328.1.
(b) Plywood ……………………………………………………………… AS/NZS 2269.
(c) LVL …………………………………………………………………… AS/NZS 4357.0.
The effect of glue lines on the notional charring rate (see Clause 2.4) shall be ignored.
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

 Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 7 AS 1720.4—2006

SECT ION 2 DES IG N M ETHOD

2.1 GENERAL
The assessment of the fire resistance for structural adequacy of a timber member is based
on the concept of a loss in timber section due to an idealized or notional charring of any
wood surfaces exposed to a standard fire. The notional charring results in an effective
residual section with unchanged structural properties and the fire resistance for structural
adequacy is determined by computing the strength capacity of the effective residual section.
This section can, therefore, be used to—
(a) check the fire resistance for structural adequacy of a structural timber member to
achieve a fire resistance level (FRL); and
(b) determine the fire resistance period (FRP) of a structural timber member.

2.2 FIRE RESISTANCE LEVEL FOR STRUCTURAL ADEQUACY

The fire resistance for structural adequacy of a structural timber member necessary to
achieve an FRL shall be checked by assessing the strength of the effective residual section
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

to resist failure under the applied design load (W). The procedure to assess the strength of
the effective residual section is as follows:
(a) Determine the notional charring rate for the timber species from Equation 2.1 in
Clause 2.4.
(b) For the FRL, determine the effective depth of charring as given in Clause 2.5. The
value of the period of time (t), given in Equation 2.2, equals the FRL to be achieved.
(c) Determine the size of effective residual section, after allowing for the effective depth
of charring, as given in Clause 2.6.
(d) Calculate the design load as given in Clause 2.8.
(e) Check that the strength of the effective residual section is adequate to support the
design load for the FRL to be achieved. The strength of the effective residual section
shall be determined in accordance with AS 1720.1. When calculating the strength of
the effective residual section, the load-duration factor shall be taken as that
corresponding to a load duration of 5 h.
NOTES:
1 The deflection limits of the effective residual section are the responsibility of the design
engineer; however, AS 1530.4 specifies a maximum deflection of span/30.
2 The following table shows typical minimum beam widths for an FRL of 60/–/–/, as expressed
in BCA, and is given only as a guide to selecting a beam size. The required width to satisfy a
given FRL will depend on many factors such as the applied load, the restraint conditions and
whether the member design is governed by strength or deflection criteria:

Species Average density Typical minimum width

3
Hardwood 800 kg/m 100 mm
3
Softwood 550 kg/m 140 mm

2.3 DETERMINATION OF FIRE RESISTANCE PERIOD

The fire resistance period can be determined by performing a series of successive iterations
of time (t). The calculated fire resistance period is reached when the effective residual
section is no longer capable of supporting or resisting the design loads.

www.standards.org.au  Standards Australia

 AS 1720.4—2006 8

2.4 NOTIONAL CHARRING RATE

The notional charring rate for untreated timber exposed to a fire is calculated as follows:
2
 280 
c = 0.4 +   . . . 2.1
 δ 
where
c = notional charring rate, in millimetres per minute
δ = timber density at a moisture content of l2%, in kilograms per cubic metre
NOTES:
1 Information on density values can be obtained from AS 1720.1.
2 In computing the fire-resistance period or checking the fire-resistance level of a member, the
notional charring rate is targeted at achieving similar in-service safety as if the member was
accredited through furnace testing in accordance with AS 1530.4.

2.5 EFFECTIVE DEPTH OF CHARRING

For each fire-exposed surface, the calculated effective depth of charring (d c) after a period
of time (t) is calculated as follows:
dc = c t + 7.5 . . . 2.2
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

where
dc = calculated effective depth of charring, in millimetres
c = notional charring rate, in millimetres per minute
t = period of time, in minutes
NOTES:
1 In assessing a structural timber member’s fire resistance for structural adequacy, the value of
t in Equation 2.2 can be taken as either—
(a) the period of time corresponding to the FRL to be achieved; or
(b) the fire resistance period determined by a series of successive iterations.
2 The allowance of 7.5 mm included in Equation 2.2 accounts for a layer of uncharred timber
that has attained a high temperature, which is assumed as having no mechanical properties
contributing to the strength of the residual section.

2.6 EFFECTIVE RESIDUAL SECTION

The effective residual section shall be determined by subtracting the calculated effective
depth of charring from all fire-exposed surfaces of the timber member, as illustrated in
Figure 2.1. When determining the effective residual section, corner charring shall be
ignored.

2.7 BARRIER JUNCTIONS

If the timber member is incorporated in the fire-resisting barrier, then due allowance shall
be made for the effect of the barrier junction on the effective residual section when
determining fire resistance for structural adequacy. The effect of the barrier junction on the
effective residual section is shown in Figure 2.2.

2.8 DESIGN LOAD

The combination of actions for fire in computing the fire resistance for structural adequacy
of structural members shall be determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.0.

 Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 9 AS 1720.4—2006

FIGURE 2.1 LOSS OF SECTION DUE TO CHARRING

Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

FIGURE 2.2 DETAILS OF CHARRING AT JUNCTION WITH FIRE PROOF BARRIER

2.9 PROTECTED TIMBER

If a timber member has its fire-exposed surfaces protected by some form of fire-resistant
insulation, then the fire resistance for structural adequacy of the timber member will be
increased. This increase shall be incorporated into calculations by modifying the fire
resistance period as follows:
Tp = t i + tM . . . 2.5
where
Tp = fire resistance period of a timber member protected with fire-resistant
insulation, in minutes
ti = fire resistance period appropriate to the protective insulating systems, in
minutes
tM = fire resistance period of the structural timber member.

www.standards.org.au  Standards Australia

 AS 1720.4—2006 10

For protected timber, the notional charring rate assigned using Clause 2.4 shall be
multiplied by 1.1.
NOTES:
1 The calculated fire resistance period of a protected timber member, as determined by
Equation 2.5, provides a conservative estimate of the fire resistance period of protected
timber members. Equation 2.5 may be modified where a member has been subject to
prototype testing in accordance with AS 1530.4 to achieve an improved fire resistance period.
2 For example, two layers of 16 mm fire-resistant gypsum wallboard will give a one-hour fire
resistance level, in terms of thermal insulation (see Figure 2.3). For other protective
insulating systems, designers should refer to manufacturers’ product catalogues, technical
reports and reports on tests performed in accordance with AS 1530.4.
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

FIGURE 2.3 EXAMPLE OF PROTECTED TIMBER MEMBER

 Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 11 AS 1720.4—2006

SE C T I O N 3 A S S E SSM EN T O F J O I N T S W I T H
ME T A L CO N N E CT O RS

3.1 UNPROTECTED CONNECTORS

The fire resistance for structural adequacy of joints fabricated with unprotected metal
connectors shall be established by test in accordance with the requirements of AS 1530.4.
In the absence of adequate test information, it shall be assumed that the fire resistance for
structural adequacy of joints fabricated with unprotected fasteners is negligible.

3.2 PROTECTED CONNECTORS

3.2.1 General
The fire resistance for structural adequacy of metal connectors may be improved by the
means of protection given in Clause 3.2.2 or Clause 3.2.3.
3.2.2 Embedding
Where protection is provided by means of embedding, the metal connectors shall be em-
bedded within a timber member to a depth equal to the calculated effective depth of
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

charring as shown in Figure 3.1. The residual holes resulting from such a fabrication shall
be plugged by timber glued into place.
NOTE: When rigid connector systems such as shear plates are used, joints can open up under load
and expose the metal connectors directly to the heat of any fire that occurs. Care should be taken
to ensure that the contact between the interfaces of the timber members remains tight on
application of the load.
3.2.3 Cladding
An alternative method of obtaining a fire resistance for structural adequacy of joints
fabricated with metal connectors is to protect the connectors by fire-resistant claddings. The
fire resistance for structural adequacy of the connector system shall be taken as the fire
resistance for structural adequacy of the cladding.
NOTES:
1 At a temperature of 120°C wood commences to soften and lose bearing strength. Heat can be
transferred very rapidly from the fire to a timber-bearing surface via metal connector systems.
2 Protective claddings should be fixed to joints in such a manner that they do not become
separated under the combined effects of joint deformation and fire.

www.standards.org.au  Standards Australia

 AS 1720.4—2006 12
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

FIGURE 3.1 A METHOD OF PROTECTING METAL CONNECTORS

 Standards Australia www.standards.org.au

 13 AS 1720.4—2006

APPENDIX A
LIST OF INFORMATIVE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
(Informative)

A1 GENERAL
The documents listed in Paragraphs A2 and A3 are for the purposes of information only.

A2 INFORMATIVE DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS/NZS
1530 Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures
1530.3 Part 3: Simultaneous determination of ignitability, flame propagation, heat
release and smoke release

A3 RELATED DOCUMENTS
Attention is drawn to the following related documents:
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

DIN
4102 Fire behaviour of building materials and building components
4102-4 Part 4: Overview and design of classified building materials, elements and
components

www.standards.org.au  Standards Australia

Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

AS 1720.4—2006
14

NOTES
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

15

NOTES
AS 1720.4—2006
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

AS 1720.4—2006
16

NOTES
 Standards Australia
Standards Australia develops Australian Standards® and other documents of public benefit and national interest.
These Standards are developed through an open process of consultation and consensus, in which all interested
parties are invited to participate. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Government,
Standards Australia is recognized as Australia’s peak non-government national standards body. Standards Australia
also supports excellence in design and innovation through the Australian Design Awards.

For further information visit www.standards.org.au

Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

Australian Standards®
Standards®
Committees of experts from industry, governments, consumers and other relevant sectors prepare Australian
Standards. The requirements or recommendations contained in published Standards are a consensus of the views
of representative interests and also take account of comments received from other sources. They reflect the latest
scientific and industry experience. Australian Standards are kept under continuous review after publication and are
updated regularly to take account of changing technology.

International Involvement
Standards Australia is responsible for ensuring the Australian viewpoint is considered in the formulation of
International Standards and that the latest international experience is incorporated in national Standards. This role is
vital in assisting local industry to compete in international markets. Standards Australia represents Australia at both
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Sales and Distribution

Australian Standards®, Handbooks and other documents developed by Standards Australia are printed and
distributed under license by SAI Global Limited.
Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

For information regarding the development of Standards contact:

Standards Australia Limited
GPO Box 476
Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 02 8206 6000
Fax: 02 8206 6001
Email: mail@standards.org.au
Internet: www.standards.org.au

For information regarding the sale and distribution of Standards contact:

SAI Global Limited
Phone: 13 12 42
Fax: 1300 65 49 49
Email: sales@sai-global.com

ISBN 0 7337 7640 X

Accessed by UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY on 06 Aug 2018 (Document currency not guaranteed when printed)

This page has been left intentionally blank.