Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a draft industry standard “Methods of Test for Mechanical Fasteners and Connectors” providing an updated and reliable framework for testing and determining characteristic capacities of timber connections.

Developed through an FWPA-funded research project, the standard was supported by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) and undertaken by the ARC Advance Timber Hub at The University of Queensland. The project has been led by Professor Keith Crews, Hub Director, who has played a pivotal role in coordinating research and industry collaboration throughout its development.

The draft Standard offers an industry-led alternative to AS 1649:2001, establishing robust testing protocols for sawn timber and engineered wood products (EWPs) until AS 1649 is comprehensively revised. It reflects international best practice and provides consistent testing methods for assessing the structural performance of both new and existing connection systems including bolts, dowels, screws, and other fasteners.

“This project is an important step forward for Australia’s timber engineering and manufacturing sectors,” said Professor Keith Crews, Director of the ARC Advance Timber Hub.

“The development of this draft standard ensures that our industry continues to evolve with accurate, up-to-date testing methods aligned with international benchmarks. It’s been a collaborative effort across research, manufacturing, and engineering communities, and we encourage all stakeholders to review and provide their feedback to help refine and finalise this essential standard.”

The draft standard has undergone rigorous peer review and been road tested through an extensive experimental program by the ARC Advance Timber Hub.

The ARC Advance Timber Hub would like to acknowledge Professor Crews for his leadership and commitment to advancing this important work over the past six years of putting this draft together.

If you are interested in learning more or providing feedback on the draft standard, please click the link in the image below and submit your comments by 30 November 2025.