Timber Bracket Design for AS1720
Verify proprietary angle brackets, hold-downs, and shear plates to AS 1720.1. Access a unified library of global suppliers like Rothoblaas, Pitzl, Eurotec, Simpson Strong-Tie and Sihga, fully calibrated for Australian design.
Bridging the Gap (ETA to AS 1720)
The Australian mass timber market relies heavily on high-performance connectors imported from Europe. However, translating European Technical Assessment (ETA) characteristic values into AS 1720.1 design capacities is often a manual, confusing process for local engineers.
The SPEC Toolbox Brackets Module solves this “translation gap.” It acts as a compliance engine, automatically converting standard European data (Rk) into Australian Limit States Design capacities (Φ Nj). Whether you are specifying a Rothoblaas WHT hold-down or a Pitzl connector, this tool ensures your specification is safe, compliant, and optimized for local conditions.
The Australian Engineering Platform for Bracket Design
This tool unifies the supply chain, allowing you to select and verify products from leading global manufacturers in a single interface. It includes:
Timber Brackets
Technical Guide: Using Proprietary Brackets in Australia
1. The “Code Conversion” Engine
Most proprietary brackets perform according to an ETA. AS 1720.1 requires specific adjustments to these values.
Our module automatically handles the conversion:
Characteristic Strength (Rk): Pulled directly from the ETA.
Capacity Factor (Φ): Applied per AS 1720.1 (typically Φ = 0.70 or 0.80 depending on the failure mode and product type).
Duration of Load (k1): Adjusts for Wind vs. Dead Load cases.
2. Angle Brackets & Hold-Downs
We support the full range of connection geometries:
- Hold-Downs (Uplift): Critical for shear walls in CLT and light-frame bracing (e.g., Rothoblaas WHT, Titan).
- Shear Brackets: For transferring lateral loads at floor-to-wall junctions (e.g., Titan Plate, WKR).
- Concealed Connectors: For architectural mass timber nodes (e.g., Pitzl GePi, Alu-Start).
3. Integrated Education
Designers can visualize the “true behavior” of the connection. The module includes dynamic tooltips and educational content to help you distinguish between a bracket designed for shear and one designed for uplift, preventing costly site errors.
Integrated Suppliers & Products
The platform features verified digital twins from the world’s leading connection specialists:
Rothoblaas
- Hold-Downs: WHT (ETA-23/0813), Titan (ETA-11/0496).
- Brackets: Nino, WKR, WKR Double (ETA-22/0089).
- Straps: WHT Plate, Titan Plate.
Pitzl
- Connectors: GePi Angle Brackets (ETA-21/0750) and specialized dovetail systems.
Eurotec & Sihga
- Extensive libraries of base plates, angle brackets, and innovative timber connectors.
Key Formulas & Parameters
Design Capacity (Nd):
Nd = Φ • k1 •t kmod,ETA • Rk
- Φ Factor: The tool applies the relevant factor (e.g., 0.7 for mechanical joints) ensuring the design meets the target reliability index of the NCC.
- k1 Factor: Essential for wind design. A bracket that works for wind (k1=1.14) might fail under dead load (k1=0.57). The tool checks all load cases.
Fastener Group Checks:
For brackets using multiple nails/screws (e.g., 20x Anker Nails), the tool calculates the group capacity, ensuring the timber substrate doesn’t split before the bracket yields.
Tutorials
Beam-to-Column Connection Design
Beam-to-Column Connection Tackle the complexity of Beam-to-Column joints in this focused tutorial. We demonstrate how to replace complex bespoke steelwork with smart screw arrangements. Using the Screw Module, we verify the capacity of inclined screw groups to handle significant shear loads directly at the support interface.
Key Screw Benefits:
Crossed-Screw Configurations: Shows how arranging screws in crossed pairs (X-formation) significantly boosts stiffness.
Ductility & Safety: detailed look at how modern structural screws provide necessary ductility for safe, predictable failure modes.
Slab-to-Beam Connection Design
Timber Column Calculator
In this video, we’ll walk you through designing Timber Column using tributary area loads, following Eurocode 5 and AS1720 standards. We start by selecting the right material that not only meets the structural demands but also fits the design requirements. Then, we detail how to input the loads from the columns above and the supported beam, ensuring every force is accounted for. An essential part of this process is incorporating lateral loads from wind. We also demonstrate how to optimize the cross-section to enhance both efficiency and performance.
At CLT Toolbox, we’re passionate about #masstimber – it’s sustainable, innovative, and changing the way we build. We love how it packs strength, durability, and environmental benefits into one smart package. In our video, we break down the process with straightforward tips and clear explanations so you can put these methods into practice on your own projects. If you’re ready to move your design work into the future, stick around and let’s dive in together.
Beam Notch Calculator
Design & Verification of a GLT Beam Notch According to EC5 with CLT Toolbox
The key question: does the reduced cross-section provide enough capacity, or is reinforcement with screws required?
Here’s what we covered in this video:
– How to check notch capacity using EC5
– When and how to use reinforcement screws based on ETA data from suppliers
– Introduction to screw geometry inputs
– How screw position, orientation, and quantity can optimise the design
A practical guide to achieving safe and efficient timber connections. Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences with similar designs!
Vertical Bracing Member Design
Learn how to use the CLT Toolbox Member Calculator to design a vertical bracing diagonal. We’ll walk you through importing analysis results from external tools, identifying maximum tension and compression forces, and selecting the right inputs—grades, sections, code specifics, and forces. Plus, we’ll break down the results, covering material properties and all key design checks. CLT Toolbox is here to be your partner in designing timber projects!
Timber Column Calculator
In this video, we walk you through designing Timber Column using tributary area loads, all in line with Eurocode 5 guidelines. We begin by selecting the right material and national annex, ensuring your starting point is solid and up to code. Next, we show you how to input the appropriate loads from the columns above as well as from the supported beam. We also cover the crucial step of adding lateral wind loads. As we progress, you’ll see how to optimize your column’s cross-section for both strength and efficiency.
At CLT Toolbox, we’re passionate about mass timber, it’s sustainable, innovative, and changing the way we build. We love how it packs strength, durability, and environmental benefits into one smart package. In our video, we break down the process with straightforward tips and clear explanations so you can put these methods into practice on your own projects. If you’re ready to move your design work into the future, stick around and let’s dive in together.
Vertical Bracing Member Design
Learn how to design vertical bracing diagonals using the CLT Toolbox Member calculator. This video walks you through importing force data from external analysis tools, identifying maximum tension and compression forces, and selecting the correct inputs—grades, sections, design codes, and applied loads. Get a clear overview of the results, including material properties and design checks based on Eurocode.
Mass timber is transforming modern construction with its sustainable, low-carbon footprint—offering a powerful alternative to traditional building materials. CLT Toolbox is here to support you every step of the way in designing your dream project with confidence and precision.
GLT Beam Penetration Design
The GLT Beam Penetration Calculator simplifies the design process for structural beams with penetrations. The features of this calculator are as follows:
Design Standards: Adheres to Eurocode (prEN 1995:2023) or AS 1720:2010/NZ WDG Ch12.6.
Material Input Options: Choose between manual input or a preferred partner supplier.
Penetration Shapes: Covers rectangular and circular-shaped penetrations up to five penetrations.
Beam Type: Focuses exclusively on simply supported beams.
Load Combinations: Offers input design forces. Strength Verification: Includes built-in checks for geometric limitations, tension capacity, flexural capacity, and shear capacity.
Reinforcement Check: Provides screw reinforcement geometry and design checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this compliant with the NCC?
Yes. By applying the correct AS 1720.1 safety factors to verified ETA test data, the output can be used as part of a Performance Solution or DtS design (depending on the certifier’s interpretation of proprietary products).
Does it check the Concrete Anchor?
The tool verifies the force transferred to the anchor. We provide the specific tension and shear reactions ($N^*, V^*$) required for you to run your concrete anchor check (e.g., to AS 5216).
Can I mix and match suppliers?
Yes. You can compare a Rothoblaas solution against a generic alternative to find the most cost-effective or available option for your project.
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