Australasian Timber

MAY 2014 The trade show for the cabinet, joinery, furniture, timber and panel industries

www.awisa.com

PROCESSING • PRODUCTS • DESIGN • SUPPLIERS

• Wood first policy

Council move gets strong backing 3

• I nnovation slashes build time •B uildings of the future

• CLT revolution 12 •'Fintastic' clinic 15

rt r adve See ou ver ont co r f e d i ins

Manufactures PET Strapping 9 - 32 mm Strapping Equipment & Tools

Guaranteed Load Security Maximum strap tension & pulling power www.austwarehouse.com.au

Free call 1800 023 890

NEWS

May 2014 – 2

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

FROMM strapping equipment - taking the world by storm ROMM, EUROPE’S leading manufacturer of PET strapping, strapping tools and strapping systems delivers strapping efficiencies and pulling power that are second to none.

And there’s a wide range of applications to choose from. Fromm In-line strapping systems: Installed in more than 30 countries worldwide. Australian timber installations are delivering over 99.5% strapping efficiency. Australian Warehouse Solutions also offer retrofits to existing systems, steel or PET. Fromm PET battery tools: Extremely robust and powered by an 18 volt li-lithium battery deliver over 350 straps per charge. The portability of Fromm battery

F

tools has revolutionised conventional strapping stations.

Fromm PET pneumatic tools: Workhorse of the range in heavy-duty installations.

Fromm Polyester (PET) strapping: A range of PET is manufactured in four locations around the world to strict quality assurance standards, delivering the following benefits: Impact Resistance: Withstands shock force. A combination of strength and elasticity ensures your packs arrive in the same condition as they were shipped.

Elastic Memory: Maintains strap tension in the event of pack settlement. Loads can be moved safely even after extended period of storage.

Safety: Smooth edges for safe handling. Unlike steel strap,

PET does not rust and stain packs when exposed to moisture.

Easy Disposal: High volume users would benefit from our strap chopping systems to convert waste strap into saleable waste.

Australian Warehouse Solutions (AWS) was established in 1977 and since 2010 is 100% owned by Fromm (www.frommpack.com). The acquisition delivers access to stock and technical support from the Fromm group of companies worldwide. AWS facilities are located in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Factory-trained sales and service technicians provide support Australia-wide. AWS highly values long-term relationships and supplies major Australian companies such as Alcoa, Bluescope, Hyne Timber and Wesfarmers

n Inline Strapping System.

Battery Strapping Tool. n

n Pneumatic Strapping Tool.

Manufactures PET Strapping 9 - 32 mm Strapping Equipment & Tools Guaranteed Load Security Maximum strap tension & pulling power Contact AWS today for a free consultation or cost saving assessment !

www.austwarehouse.com.au

Free call 1800 023 890

NEWS

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Wood. Naturally Better.™ has grand designs on TV ad O

N 6 April across A u s t r a l i a , television viewers were greeted by awardwinning architect Peter Maddison, host of Grand Designs Australia, promoting wood for Planet Ark and Wood. Naturally Better.™ The commercial, produced under Planet Ark’s Environmental Edge brand and co-branded Wood. Naturally Better.™ returns to free-to-air and pay TV in metropolitans and major regional markets in a short, targeted schedule.

“Tracking research has indicated excellent increases in awareness of our key messages from the previous campaigns with respondents saying the points in the ad were believable,” said

Ric Sinclair, Managing Director of Forest and Wood Products Australia.

“Our market research also shows this ad is effective in helping people’s understanding of the environmental benefits of wood – and indicates that Peter, our presenter, from Grand Designs Australia, is doing a great job. I look forward to this campaign continuing to create good results for our industry.”

In the commercial, Peter explains that wood stores carbon and that carbon is better locked away in wood than free in the environment. He ends by suggesting that by choosing wood, viewers are doing good.

Planet Ark’s Environmental Edge is a series of advertisements

designed to provide people with facts to help them make more informed environmental decisions.

Paul Klymenko, Planet Ark’s CEO, said that Environmental Edge was providing a valuable service delivering facts to assist people make more informed environmental decisions and that he looked forward to the commercial helping promote the use of responsibly sourced wood.

On free to air TV, the spot will feature in programs such as My Kitchen Rules, Better Homes & Gardens, The Living Room, movies, news and lifestyle programs.

A pay TV and online schedule rounds out the campaign, aiming to reach a broad audience while targeting people interested in building and renovating.

ForestWorks welcomes historic steps towards Australia’s first Wood Encouragement Policy FORESTWORKS, the learning and development organisation for the forest and timber products industry, has congratulated Latrobe City Council for taking the first historic steps towards Australia’s first Wood Encouragement Policy.

A Wood Encouragement Policy would ensure that wood, as a primary construction material, is actively considered for Council projects. In other regions around the globe ‘Wood First’ policies actually prescribe wood as a primary construction material of first resort.

The regional Victorian council has noted the use of Wood First and Wood Encouragement Policies around the world, and is undertaking a series of industry and community consultation workshops to canvass views around introducing a local version.

“We applaud the council on its effort to educate local industries and the community about the benefits of using wood ahead of less clean building products,” ForestWorks CEO Michael Hartman said.

“Wood First policies across Europe and Canada

have been hugely positive for the industry, the environment, and regional economies.

“Modern timber is cleaner and greener as a primary construction material than other options.

So it is absolutely appropriate that local governments, in Australia’s key forestry areas, should be doing everything possible to encourage its use.”

Latrobe City Councilor Sandy Kam spoke at the ForestWorks Industry Development Conference in March, where her presentation sparked considerable interest and discussion.

Cr Kam emphasised that the idea of a wood encouragement policy was not to be prescriptive or heavy-handed, but rather to simply ensure that wood gets considered after fully understanding its environmental advantages compared to other choices.

Michael praised Cr Kam’s approach as a responsible first step.

“The need to education the community in a range of environmental issues is critical to the future of our planet and our society,” he said.

“Here at ForestWorks we understand that the key to

3 – May 2014

Collaboration and innovation go hand in hand FORESTWORKS ISC in conjunction with the Forest Industries Federation Western Australia (FIFWA) held a half-day Innovation Forum in Perth in March.

The forum particularly focussed on innovation and the skills required in the sawmilling and wood processing sector and attracted 24 people.

The three-hour session included two presentations and allowed participants to take part in an interactive group session.

Michael Hartman, chief executive officer of ForestWorks ISC kick started proceedings with a presentation - ‘Innovation is about business and people development’. This was immediately followed by Dr Alastair Woodard, TPC Solutions who delivered an interesting presentation on ‘How collaboration and innovation has delivered new business and revenue opportunities for sawmillers’.

After hearing both informative presentations it was the turn of the participants to take part in a shared brainstorming discussion on the topic of innovation and the opportunities that were available in the industry. A number of points were raised during these open discussions including: • opportunities to collaborate on improved and shared marketing of jarrah products exist and are areas of interest • advancing work on building systems and timber inputs to housing is an under-developed opportunity in WA • local utilisation of residues remains an important element of hardwood sectoral health in WA, and one that continues to be challenging

n M ichael Hartman, chief executive officer of ForestWorks ISC.

• genuine interest in collaboration on innovation included recognition of the relevance of learning and professional development opportunities • for any of the above concepts to be progressed, skills and knowledge levels would need to be improved, and a process was needed to keep participants motivated and on track The forum wrapped up with a summary of the ForestWorks ISC Innovation Skills Program and an outline of the next steps an organisation can undertake using this program, including enrolling in innovation skill sets and participating in learning and working groups.

After its conclusion, a survey was conducted of participants. Of the respondents 100% agreed the forum was valuable, 91% indicated that the forum gave them information that they will use and 91% indicated that the forum helped develop ideas and actions for change.

ForestWorks’ activities are assisted by funding provided by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Industry.

Improving productivity in your workplace A learning program is now available for leaders, managers and workers to improve the operation of your business. · Build innovation capability at all levels n Latrobe City Councilor Sandy Kam spoke at the ForestWorks Industry Development Conference.

development is innovation through ongoing education and ensuring we have the relevant skills to foster that innovation. But to make this happen we need governments at all levels to recognise the opportunity that exists and to help stimulate conditions under which it can occur.

“Latrobe City Council has taken a significant and historic step towards that recognition now. I hope it provides food for thought across the country.”

· Improve innovative thinking, practice and development · Make innovation a workplace reality for future business growth

FIND OUT MORE: 1800 177 001 forestworks@forestworks.com.au www.forestworks.com.au

NEWS

May 2014 – 4

Paper prices pushed up T

HE LATEST edition of Pulp & Paper Edge details the inevitable increase of paper prices in Australia. The price rises will average between 8.5% and 12% for most major merchants.

Prices increases are set to be passed on through the supply chain and ultimately to end users.

The major driver of the price increases is the increased cost of imported paper over 2013 and early 2014. The depreciation of the Australian dollar has been the primary driver of higher imported paper prices.

At the same time, other costs, including shipping and fuel, have also increased, which IndustryEdge has observed in freight rates in the woodchip export industry where exporters charter entire ships.

Despite the higher prices paid by importers, many were locked in to sell-side deals that reduced margins and for some, margins were clearly reduced to the point they were making losses.

Expressed in Australian dollars, actual import prices for all grades of printing and communication papers

are displayed in the chart.

To date, other than the highly commoditised uncoated woodfree (think of general office, copy and writintg papers), prices for all other grades of printing and communication papers are around or less than half of the value of the currency depreciation since MQ’13.

The softer price increases are partly a result of buyside pricing agreements that are just now washing through, with the full currency impact only being picked up in new contract prices.

It is this situation which is prompting the current round of announced price

rises. Inevitable though they may be, paper price increases come at a hard time for printers and the downstream elements of the printed communications value chain.

Regardless, industry media outlets have reported that many printers intend to pass the price increase on.

Pulp & Paper Edge (Australia and New Zealand’s only dedicated trade, market data and intelligence service for the paper, paper products and fibre industries) is published 11 times per year and delivered direct to subscriber inboxes.

magazine

May Vol.22, No.3

Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview, South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501

Subscriptions: Accounts:

s ubs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9522 Adelaide: (08) 8369 9555

Conditions: Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor/publishers; information is published in good faith and we do not accept responsibility for damage which may arise from any possible inaccuracies. All rights reserved, none of the contents may be used in any other media without prior consent from the publishers.

Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

Premier’s Sustainability Awards “a great thrill and wonderful recognition” THE WINNER of last year’s Innovative Products or Services Award in the annual Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards, ModWood Technologies, is urging other innovative businesses, councils and community groups to enter this year’s awards program, saying “it’s a real thrill to be recognised on a State level”.

Campbellfield building products business, ModWood Technologies won the 2013 award for their bushfire-resistant decking product, Flame Shield® - a wood-plastic composite designed and manufactured in Victoria, suitable for use in high risk bushfire prone areas up to and including Bushfire Attack Level 40 (BAL 40) or extreme bushfire conditions.

“ModWood is a great example of a Victorian business responding to increasing demand for clean and green products,” said David Cooper, General Manager, ModWood Technologies.

“We’ve put a lot of time and effort into developing, testing and marketing ModWood and now sell it all over Australia. Winning this award has helped open doors for us in Australia and overseas - any innovation businesses, like ours, would benefit from entering the awards in 2014.”

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards showcase organisations, institutions, businesses, community groups and individuals who demonstrate practical efforts to reduce their everyday environmental impact.

Chief Executive Officer of Sustainability Victoria Stan Krpan said the awards are a great way to recognise and celebrate leadership in sustainability.

“The Premier’s Sustainability Awards are the

n ModWood decking.

most prestigious environmental awards in the State.”

“Finalists and winners receive valuable recognition from the Victorian government, their communities and customers. They can use their involvement in the program to demonstrate a genuine and practical commitment to sustainability and gain a competitive business advantage.”

This year the awards provide even more opportunities for recognition. Entries are open in nine categories: Cleaner Yarra and Bay (a new category), Community, Education, Environmental Protection, Infrastructure and Buildings, Innovative Products or Services, Large Business, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Tourism.

The Premier’s Sustainability Awards are managed by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government and the Premier of Victoria.

Entries close on Monday 2 June.

Visit sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au for entry criteria and kits, queries and information sessions.

IN-BRIEF CLT joint venture production A SUPER-strong engineered wood product popular in Europe is coming to America under a joint venture involving a Coeur d’Alene-based lumber producer.

Idaho Forest Group, which operates five mills in North Idaho, will jump into crosslaminated timber, or CLT, in a partnership with the Johann Offner Group, a global manufacturing company headquartered in Wolfsberg, Austria. The family-owned companies together will market and distribute CLT building systems in the U.S. as soon as this year, said Marc Brinkmeyer, chairman of Idaho Forest Group. Idaho Forest Group, which distributes lumber all over the U.S. and also exports to Asia, will be the first company to sell CLT in this country, Brinkmeyer said.

australasian

Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, phone (03) 9888 4822 General Manager: Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9512 Out of office VOIP (08) 7127 6370 Advertising: Norm Nelsen n.nelsen@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4820 Timber classified: n.nelsen@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4820 Production: Nathan Grant

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Malaysia concentrates on glulam future MALAYSIA MUST diversify into the usage of glue laminated timber or glulam as it has enormous potential for growth, says a top Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) official. To this end, Chief Executive Officer Datuk Yeo Heng Hau said steps were in place to promote glulam and increase its usage in the country’s construction industry. MTC has identified glulam as an innovative material that holds much potential in taking the timber industry to a higher level. Yeo said glulam, which was strong enough to be moulded into various forms, was extensively used in the construction of stadiums and bridges. Yeo said the move to diversify manufactured timber products was the key ingredient in achieving the export target of RM53 billion by 2020 and ensure the growth of Malaysia’s timber industry.

Government’s million dollar backing for wood n Front Page Photo: Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia is the nation’s largest wood products business, producing and distributing a comprehensive range of woodbased building products. CHH offers a comprehensive range of quality wood products, supported by some of the strongest and most trusted brands in the industry. Photo courtesy Carter Holt Harvey. Read more about CHH and Frame Australia on page 10 of this issue.

WOOD IS a wonderful building material; it is renewable, it stores carbon for the life of the building (a lot longer than the life of the tree) and new technology like cross laminated timber (CLT) is breaking the height barriers, permitting taller and safer wood buildings. Now the US Government is backing the research and development of wood construction. They are throwing a million bucks into a new training program, and supporting a competition “for developers, institutions, organizations and design teams competing to demonstrate the architectural and commercial viability of using sustainable wood products in high-rise construction”.

Moving with the times For more than 30 years Australian Timberman has been proudly serving the processing, products, suppliers and design sectors of the industry.

Now, though, for even greater effectiveness and in a real move with the times, the publication has been given a name change to Australasian Timber.

It will remain a high quality, bright, informative, full colour A3 format

packed with essential industry information, including up-to-date news, product design and processes; latest industry developments and trends; plus regular articles on innovative operators.

We welcome contributions and feedback from industry organisations, operators and suppliers Australasian Timber ... it’s the choice of the industry!

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© 2014 Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. All rights reserved. PEFC is a trademark of Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. SFI is a registered trademark of Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.

FRAME

May 2014 – 6

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Prefabrication equipment for the future T

HE 2014 Frame Australia conference and exhibition will have the largest gathering of international equipment suppliers servicing the timber frame pre-fabrication industry in 16 years of the event.

Of particular interest to timber suppliers and prefabrication plants will be the latest technologies in manufacturing equipment for prefabrication of timber wall frames and panels, which have been developed to meet increasing demand for off-site components to reduce labour on-site.

Builders on a global basis are moving away from all labour intensive activities for greater efficiency in construction and improved financial returns, which is now underway in Australia for a wide range of building products including timber framing.

This trend is being supported by international development of production equipment to meet these new requirements with higher productivity and automation to reduce the amount of labour required in the prefabrication plant.

This provides more valueadding by the prefabrication plant in manufacturing panelised and cassette systems that are sent to site as a complete assembly ready for craning into place.

Many of the equipment suppliers also offer levels of automation to existing plants that significantly improves output levels and reduces production costs, from low cost entry to full automation in manufacturing.

Leaders of the world’s largest pre-fabrication equipment suppliers will be well-represented at Frame Australia on Monday May 19, at the Park Hyatt Melbourne.

Major Sponsor Homag Australia (Aust) provides

world leading Weinmann (Germany) modern, highperformance machines, production lines and systems for the construction of prefabricated timber buildings, with solutions for utilising computer-controlled, automated machinery with a range of CAD/CAMinterfacing controls.

Another Major Sponsor Hundegger Australasia (Aust / Germany) seeks innovation in timber engineering to develop state of the art solutions in processing all types of frame and truss components, including cutting saws, panel processing and CNC machines, with the technology and a solution to suit all customer requirements.

Other equipment suppliers include Airco / Senco Fasteners (Aust), Australian Framing Automation (Aust), Bliss & Reels (Aust), J J Smith & Co Woodworking Machinery (UK), LAP Laser (Germany), Mohringer (Germany), and Randek (Sweden).

The international Keynote speaker in a session on ‘Truss & frame manufacturing plants’ will be Hansbert

n K3-PW

Ott, Managing Director of Weinmann in Germany, who will deliver a presentation on developments in manufacturing technologies and equipment for timber processing and prefabrication of roof truss and wall frames, with examples of typical plant installations utilising the technologies and productivity improvements achieved.

Hansbert Ott said “there’s increasing appreciation of the added-value and quick-build benefits of closed frame and the fact that, as they’re finished with much more precision in a controlled environment, they’re

less likely to have quality issues than site-finished.”

Hansbert’s prediction is that the construction market worldwide will continue to head Weinmann’s way, with offsite manufacture and timber frame panels inevitably becoming more popular.

Another well-known international speaker is Walter Fahrenschon, Chief Executive Officer, Hundegger GmbH, Germany, with a presentation titled ‘Future options for plants to manufacture open or closed panels for housing and multi-res developments’.

n Betz_Multifunction bridge in action - SourceLuxhaus

Walter will present options available to existing timber frame prefabrication plants to enter into manufacture of open or closed panels for detached housing and multi-residential building developments in the future, based on the benefits gained for the fabricator and customer from experience in Europe in meeting the needs of the building construction industry.

Attendees at Frame 2014 will represent the complete supply chain of structural timber, engineered wood products and pre-fabricated frames and panels for the detached housing and multiresidential dwelling markets.

For more information visit www.frameaustralia. com and save with Early Bird registration by April 17.

New building board products on display n Hundegger Fertighaus Weiss 003

A FIRST time exhibitor at Frame Australia 2014 is the UBIQ Company that recently released a range of Magnesium Oxide technology lighter weight building boards for the construction industry.

These new products are branded INEX BOARDS, with a range of magnesium oxide based fibreglass reinforced cementitious products that have been in development for almost a decade to produce the full range of building boards.

Of particular interest to fabricators and builders will be two of the panel products INEX FLOOR and INEX RENDERBOARD, which offer a superior, yet price competitive, environmentally friendly alternative to fibre cement and plasterboard.

INEX FLOOR is a high strength, lighter weight internal or external flooring sheet with tongue and grooved edges for a neat secure surface, and is suitable as a substrate for most finishes such as tiles, vinyl, carpet, timber, or apply a clear/stained seal to retain its attractive raw state as a polished concrete-like surface.

An important product feature is the strength of INEX flooring sheets which have a bending strength of 22MPa – about three times that of comparable fibre cement flooring.

The flooring sheets come in 16 and 19mm thickness and its high strength means that it can be used at 600mm centres and will support commercial building design loads. In addition, this superior strength means the square metre weight can be less than other materials.

Many other products in the INEX range could be of value to fabricators and builders, with INEX RENDERBOARD a potentially important wall panel product when building in bushfire zones, as it is non-flammable and has fire resistant accreditation.

More information on this new range of building boards will available from the UBIQ – INEX display at Frame Australia.

For more details on the event visit www.frameaustralia.com

n Simplicity of construction.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

FRAME

Innovation slashes build times P

RYDA IS helping to slash new build times by launching an innovative flooring system that is fully installed in an average of two to four hours and immediately ready for walls and roof trusses – benefiting both clients and builders.

The release of ‘Pryda Trussed Floor Cassettes’ is part of a year-long reveal of new products to celebrate Pryda’s 50th anniversary and its position as Australasia’s most trusted timber truss and frame solution company.

“Our expert team developed these timber floor cassettes in response to the construction industry’s appetite for faster, more costeffective ways to build,” says Pryda’s General Manager, Paul Gaiardo.

“The floor cassettes certainly meet that need by significantly reducing the time taken to install a flooring system – taking hours instead of the days it takes to install a concrete slab. The floor cassettes are also comparable in cost and equal the quality of traditional methods and can be used on both the sub and first storey floors.”

Gaiardo says the prefabricated floor cassettes combine all the elements of a flooring system - including floor trusses, strong backs and particle board flooring - into a number of large but manageable floor panels.

They are lifted into place using a mobile crane or crane truck, to create an entire floor in a matter of hours.

For subflooring applications, Pryda has joined forces with a concrete free foundation system called Surefoot Footings. It grounds posts of any size without the need for digging, excavation or cement, so there’s no need to wait for concrete posts or strip footings to cure before Pryda’s floor cassettes can be installed.

Surefoot’s engineering principles are based on piling technology using

n For subflooring applications, Pryda has joined forces with a concrete free foundation system called Surefoot Footings. It grounds posts of any size without the need for digging, excavation or cement, so there’s no need to wait for concrete posts or strip footings to cure before Pryda’s floor cassettes can be installed.

a combination of skin friction and point bearing. A patented steel plate secures pins in place, resulting in a foundation spreading over a great surface area and achieving larger load capacities.

“All in all, the concrete free foundation and our Pryda floor cassettes means a complete foundation and subfloor can be supplied and installed in under two days by a single supplier,” says Gaiardo.

Gaiardo says that Pryda undertook trials using its trussed floor cassettes earlier this year, which demonstrated significant time savings: A 133m2 subfloor platform consisting of 10 cassettes was fully installed in four hours compared to the four days it would have taken to install the traditional timber subfloor originally specified in the plans.

An 82m2 first floor platform consisting of six cassettes was installed in just two hours – compared to the eight to 10 hours it would have taken to install the floor trusses and flooring separately.

n Floor cassettes significantly reduce the time taken to install a flooring system – taking hours instead of the days it takes to install a concrete slab. Floor cassettes are also comparable in cost and equal the quality of traditional methods and can be used on both the sub and first storey floors.

According to Gaiardo, shaving days from a construction schedule adds up over projects and means builders can take on extra work and realise additional profits - without increasing overheads or compromising

manufacturing company operating across the globe for more than 90 years. Other successful brands in the ITW stable operating across the Asia Pacific region include Paslode, ITW Buildex, ITW Proline, Ramset and Reid Construction Systems.

For further information or case studies on projects using the new Pryda Trussed Floor Cassettes, contact Green Light PR: Amanda Mills: amanda@ greenlightpr.com.au T 03 9620 2324 M 0412 513 412 Mikhaila Hunter: mikhaila@greenlightpr.com. au T 03 9620 2324 M 0401 277 293

• For more information, please contact Pryda on 1800 810 741 or visit www.pryda.com.au

•F or more information, please contact Databuild on 1800 800 860 or visit www.databuild.com.au

quality. They can also benefit from faster processing of progress payments for completing the foundation to framing stages.

Clients benefit from a faster handover and settlement.

“Pryda has really opened the door to a new market in floor cassette systems for both sub floors and first storey applications and this innovation is what our company is about. Our goal is to provide builders with a one-stop-shop for prefabricated solutions and this new offering supports that,” says Gaiardo.

Pryda will be showcasing their trussed floor cassette solution for subfloor and upper stories on Stand 1 at Frame Australia on Monday 19 May. Pryda is this year celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was established by builder, Ray Turner, in New Zealand in 1964 (then known as AR Turner & Company), who pioneered the design and manufacture of timber joining connectors to simplify timber construction. Over the past 50 years Pryda has continued to revolutionise the building industry by inventing the steel angle brace, Claw® Nail nailplates, and world-leading truss design software.

After a series of mergers and takeovers that began in 1986, Pryda is today part of the international corporation Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a Fortune 200 diversified

7 – May 2014

Build your business around Databuild AS A complete building business software solution, it is hard to look past Databuild. With almost 40 years history in the building and construction industry proactively and continually developing industry specific estimating, accounting and payroll software, Databuild understands various stages and steps involved in the whole building process.

No matter the size of your business, Databuild will streamline and simplify your daily operations from creating an initial quote through to receiving your final payment, all while leveraging the data in your system to automatically produce reliable information and reports that would normally take hours or days to produce manually.

Together with the ability to quickly and easily identify the most and least profitable areas of your business through superior automatic Job Cost report generation and live profit margins, automatic invoice checking functionality and the ability to set-up payments to both your suppliers, tradesman and staff, Databuild is one very smart package that your entire business can utilise from estimating to day to day accounting and payroll management.

On display at Frame Australia will be the latest release of software launched in March featuring for the first time, online licensing activation that allows users to activate licenses themselves 24/7 via an internet connection, cutting down the wait time to actually start using the software in your business. Another time saving additions will allow supervisors to approve orders for the Accounts Department eliminating a double and triple handling of invoices.

To learn more about the Databuild offer, join them on Stand 1 at Frame Australia on Monday 19 May. Databuild are part of the USA-based Illinois Tool Works Inc., a Fortune 200 diversified manufacturing company operating across the globe for more than 90 years. Other successful brands in the ITW stable also operating across the Asia Pacific region include Pryda, Paslode, ITW Buildex, ITW Proline, Ramset and Reid Construction Systems.

FRAME

May 2014 – 8

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Cutting edge technology on show T

HE BIESSEiNSIDE Australia function was the perfect function for the exclusive launch of the Rover BG FT and also the first glass machinery exhibition in Australia. The annual, open-house event provided a unique opportunity for industry professionals to exchange ideas and gain hands-on experience with cutting edge technology through a series of seminars and demonstrations. Presenters included experts from Australia, Italy and the US giving the latest technical advice.

The event was supported by a number of well-known industry business exhibitors and partners. There were two customer dinners, where everyone enjoyed a traditional Italian feast.

Key event highlights • More than 300 visitors and 200 customers visited BIESSEiNSIDE • Available at the show were experts from around the world -Italy, USA and Australia, giving the latest technical advice.

• A wide range of seminars were held daily with the topics spanning from highlighting Selco and the advantages of beam saw production to screen to machine 3D solutions.

In fact these seminars proved popular with clients • A Dinner was held on the Wednesday and the Thursday.

A traditional Italian feast was offered and it was a great opportunity to socialize and network with clients, network partners, suppliers and industry body representatives.

• The event was supported by a number of well known industry business exhibitors and Intermac partners including: Planit, Airtight Solutions, Laminex, Money Resources, Abaco, Spil Software, AGGA, NSWGGA, Prodim, Cosentino, Trade Master, Cefla Finishing, Fratelli-Pezza.

“I was thrilled to be able to showcase the latest technology from Biesse at our 2014 BIESSEiNSIDE event. It was the World’s first glimpse of Biesse’s fastest nesting solution, the Rover BG FT. This was a must see, the ‘B’ is back,” said Luke Tenaglia, Oceania CEO, Biesse- Wood “I was very proud that Intermac held the first glass processing equipment exhibition in Australia. We highlighted the Master series range of CNC Machining Centres and the Genius 37 cutting line for frameless glass production. It opened everyone’s eyes to just how affordable and easy to use these systems are,” he said.

“We also showcased the Master Series CNC Machining Centres to demonstrate just how easy and affordable it is to diversify into stone benchtop production. Thanks to the Master range, processing solid surfaces is now seriously worth thinking about,” Luke said.

Displayed at the BIESSiNSIDE Australia machinery exhibition was the latest flagship of nesting systems, the Rover BG FT. ROVER BG FT It is the World’s first glimpse of Biesse’s fastest nesting system. This product has an automatic loading and unloading facility, an automatic labeling system and includes fully operational software with each machine. The Rover BG FT has a flexible fit out configuration, including choices of drill heads, spindle type, vacuum configuration and high precision stops.

BIESSEEDGE ROXYL 5.5 The AirForce system won the AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishing suppliers) visionary award in USA in 2013, it is a revolution in edgebanding.

The AirForce System uses the very simple principle of compressed hot air (400-500° C) to melt the functional layer. This offers numerous benefits including; • Cost – AirForce is far smarter than Laser systems, with favourable maintenance and operating costs. Infact it is a fraction of the cost of similar laser systems.

• Output quality is better than alternative systems.

• Resistance to water, humidity, and peel finish. The result is the same output as a laser system.

• Flexibility - it can be installed on small to large range machines, allowing everyone to access the highest quality welded edge.

• Minimal impact on machine mechanics enabling it to coexist with EVA or PUR glue systems.

• Edge colour does not influence the process.

• “zero-glue-line” output - this is the next step in quality finishing.

VIET OPERA 7 This was the exclusive Australian launch of the newest and latest sanding technology, using a HP (high performance) electronic pad. The Viet Opera 7 has won the 2011 Sequoia award for product innovation in the USA. The Viet Opera System offers numerous benefits including; • The Viet HP electronic pad applies the lowest pressure on the sanding pad, giving a better finish and greater control.

• 30% longer life of your sanding belt.

• 30% less power consumption and a smoother finish on your product

n The Master 33 CT is the premium benchtop production machine.

Master 33 CT The Master 33 CT is the premium benchtop production machine .

Expanding into stone benchtop production is easier than you may think. Most people assume it is ‘difficult’, ‘expensive’ and specialized. The Master 33 CT is the most economical solution to get into production with only one machine and one operator to produce 2 kitchens per 7 hour shift. The Master 33 CT maximizes return on investment.

There are only three very simple processes to complete the manufacture of a stone benchtop.

It is remarkable to learn that a typical Biesse customer already possess the skill and knowledge required for fabrication and installation of a benchtop. Ultimately, it is infinitely cheaper, year on year, to operate your own production facility. It also enables you to control, lead times process and maximize your returns.

INTERMAC Intermac Australia is the only the full subsidiary supplying machinery to the glass industry including a substantial investment in a fully employed and Italian trained service dept that is bolstered by a significant spare parts dept.

n The Genius 37LM laminated Glass Cutting Table.

MASTER 43 The Master 43 Glass CNC Machining Centre still stands alone as the number one glass processing machine in the world. Superior in engineering, the high speed tooling set makes this machine a formidable production asset that every mid to high level glass company should be investing in.

The upgraded technology makes the set up of the machine extremely quick and the Intermac developed Icam CAD CAM software allows just about anybody in any glass company to operate the machine from start to finish.

GENIUS 37 The Genius 37 Automatic Glass Cutting Line now is flexible in its componentry. It includes the Genius 37 CTRS float glass cutting table that can be part of a line or a fantastic stand alone investment. It is an entry level machine with an entry level price.

The Genius 37LM laminated glass cutting table is still the most reliable laminated glass cutting table that has ever been installed in Oceania.

n AirForce system.

FRAME

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

9 – May 2014

Engineered wood products at Frame 2014 conference

n Tony Pugel is the keynote speaker in session one.

T

HE OPENING session of the Frame Australia conference this month will feature topics on engineered wood products from the latest manufacturing technologies to examples of timber and wood construction systems being implemented both locally and globally.

In Australia and New Zealand, a growing interest in timber panel and engineered wood systems in construction is gathering support as a very cost-effective and efficient building method

as an alternative to using traditional materials.

The Frame Australia 2014 Conference and Exhibition, now in its 16th year is being held at the Park Hyatt Melbourne on Monday May 19, in conjunction with the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

Simon Dorries, the General Manager of EWPAA ,said: “The Frame Australia 2014 program is primarily on prefabrication and engineered

n Parkville site 005 is the Australand Property Group development in Parkville - a 5-storey 57 apartment building under construction, which is all built with prefabricated timber frames and engineered wood cassette floors.

n Hybeam Williamstown is showing typical I-Joists and laminated beams, the most common use of engineered wood in dwelling construction.

wood products in building construction, so topics coverage will be of relevance to all EWPAA members.”

Conference director Kevin Ezard said “We are fortunate to have an incredible lineup of speakers from Europe, UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand and local experts covering the conference topics” “The Frame 2014 event coincides with increasing interest in prefabricated timber panels and engineered wood for multi-residential dwellings and commercial buildings, to reduce the time required on-site and lower development costs.

“To commence the conference we have a Keynote address titled ‘Timber and wood fibre engineered products in global and local construction markets’ by Dr Tony Pugel of LP Building Products, USA,” said Kevin.

LP Building Products is one of the world’s largest producers of engineered wood products with 24 mills and over US$2 billion annual sales.

Tony’s topic coverage will include evolution and future technologies for OSL and LSL strand based products, whole log processing technology, manufacturing flexibility and lower cost alternatives to traditional products, weather and fire resistant treatments, environmental impact issues, and more.

The following presentation is by Andrew Brown, Principal Civil & Structural Engineer, Opus International Consultants, on the emergence of engineered wood products in New Zealand commercial buildings.

EWPs are gaining approval as a viable material for the construction of commercial buildings in NZ with a number of timber buildings, particularly in Christchurch as part of the earthquake rebuild.

These buildings incorporate the latest

Innovative Solutions for Wood Construction

n Owen Griffiths is a Waterside restaurant development in Dubai that is built with engineered wood products produced in New Zealand

research in resilient timber seismic systems, and utilise developed knowledge on how to achieve costeffective, prefabricated designs that significantly reduce construction time on site, to gain a foothold in the commercial building sector.

“At the conclusion of speaker presentations is a discussion forum with all speakers and additional panel members for delegate questions, and in this session we have Simon

Dorries, General Manager of EWPAA, and Peter Law, Technical Manager of Wesbeam contributing to the conversation,” said Kevin.

Other sessions will include International and local expert speakers to provide overviews on pre-fabricated construction trends, along with how these concepts can be applied locally to reduce building costs and generate more affordable housing.

Other presentations at the one-day event will be on

manufacturing equipment for pre-fabricated timber and panel systems, and the successful design and construction of panelised timber buildings in Australia.

Frame Australia is unique in creating a national gathering of delegates from both the timber and engineered wood, and the building design and construction sectors.

For more information visit the website www. frameaustralia.com

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Innovation in timber engineering 11.04.2014 12:09:00

FRAME

May 2014 – 10

Timber buildings of the future conference B

U I L D I N G DWELLINGS with timber frames has been a tradition for hundreds of years, and in many countries throughout Europe this has not changed. But in recent years the construction of multi-residential and commercial buildings in timber has become the most favoured construction system in many of these countries.

A number of factors have contributed to wider acceptance of timber as a building system beyond housing, but speed of construction, reduced labour on-site, and improved building quality leading to lower energy consumption are all high on the list of benefits being achieved.

In Australia, a growing interest in timber panel and engineered wood systems in construction is gathering support as a more cost-effective and efficient building method instead of using the traditional materials of steel and concrete.

This change in construction material will have a major impact on buildings in the future, and is a major topic at the Frame Australia 2014 Conference and Exhibition, now in its 16th year and being held at the Park

Hyatt Melbourne on May 19, in conjunction with the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

Conference director Kevin Ezard said “for decades the construction of detached housing in Australia has relied on timber framing with pre-fabricated roof trusses, floor trusses and walls, with a highly efficient

manufacture of timber trusses and frames, but the industry is now moving forward with panel systems as an extension of the existing frame and truss pre-fabrication process.

“Greater value is added with the floor and wall components pre-assembled in the plant and delivered to site for the panels to be lifted into place with a mobile

“Cost comparison of traditional building materials against timber construction in commercial buildings.” and economical result for the builder and home owner which is unlikely to change in the short term”.

“However, in multiresidential dwellings and commercial buildings, a construction revolution is currently underway with the use of pre-fabricated timber panels to reduce the time required on-site and lower costs, which will be explained by developers and timber system suppliers at the one-day conference.

“In previous Frame Australia conferences the main topic has been the

crane, effectively creating off-site construction to reduce time on site,” Kevin said.

Conference speakers include residential developer Australand, who will explain their move to timber panels for a five-storey medium density residential development in Parkville, and how they are achieving faster construction outcomes with improved financial returns.

A presentation by WoodSolutions of interest to developers and builders will outline results from a cost

comparison of traditional building materials against timber construction in commercial buildings, comprised of four buildings rigorously subjected to cost planners scrutiny with a 7-storey apartment building; a 6-storey office building; a portal frame structure and a 2-storey aged care building.

Results will show that timber panel systems are competitive in cost, with an analysis of where the main cost differences occur, and an outline of the benefits timber construction has over traditional materials.

International expert speakers from Europe, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand will provide overviews on pre-fabricated construction trends, along with speakers on how these concepts can be applied locally to reduce building costs and generate more affordable housing.

Other presentations at the one-day event will be on timber and engineered wood products of the future, manufacturing equipment for pre-fabricated timber and panel systems, and the successful design and construction of panelised timber buildings in Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Builders to attend Frame 2014 conference DEVELOPERS AND builders of multi-residential projects are showing strong interest in the Frame Australia 2014 conference in Melbourne, with major builders Australand and Metricon participating in the program.

Keynote speaker Kase Jong, Australand Property Group Estimating Manager, said: “Prefabricated timber panel systems have become the preferred building method in residential construction by Australand, with a 57 apartment 5-storey timber building in Parkville recently completed in only 11 months.

“The building was basically designed around the standard “Multi Residential Timber Frame Construction” system which has been in use for nearly two decades, but has now become much more relevant to the future of multi-residential buildings,” he said.

The Frame Australia 2014 Conference and Exhibition, now in its 16th year is being held at the Park Hyatt Melbourne on Monday May 19, in conjunction with the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia.

Conference director Kevin Ezard added “Building industry organisations in Victoria are supporting the conference program with both HIA and MBAV providing communication on the event to their membership to encourage attendance by state and national developers and building companies.

“There is no doubt that the international expansion of panelised buildings and other pre-fabricated systems using timber and engineered wood products are now emerging in Australia and New Zealand.”

The Frame 2014 event coincides with this increasing interest and speakers will cover building design, timber supply, prefabrication, panels and cassettes, and site installation for timber multi-residential dwellings and commercial buildings, along with cost comparisons to traditional building materials such as steel and concrete.

International expert speakers from Europe, UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand will provide overviews on prefabricated construction trends, along with speakers on how these concepts can be applied locally to reduce building costs and generate more affordable housing.

The Frame Australia event is unique in creating a national gathering of delegates from both the timber and engineered wood, and building design and construction sectors.

For more information visit the website www. frameaustralia.com

Comprehensive range of quality products CARTER HOLT Harvey Woodproducts Australia is the nation’s largest wood products business, producing and distributing a comprehensive range of wood-based building products. CHH offers a comprehensive range of quality wood products, supported by some of the strongest and most trusted brands in the industry. Brands like STRUCTAflor, ECOply, LASERframe, hySPAN and hyJOIST. Whether structural or decretive, internal or external, the CHH range has not only been developed by listening

to the building community’s concerns, issues and needs, it’s been achieved by proactively assessing market changes and different building practices. Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts offers a wide choice of solid timber, engineered wood products and plywood for every stage of residential and commercial building.

CHH’s hySPAN LVL solutions range provides a structural solution with important predictable performance in residential, commercial and industrial construction applications.

n Carter Holt Harvey is constantly developing these software packages and recently released the new addition in designIT for commercial floors.

hySPAN LVL is engineered to perform, produced straight, true and in long continuous lengths, hySPAN LVL has a solution for most structural applications. Our hyJOIST engineered I-beams are precision manufactured to be straight, long and lightweight.

Being lightweight they make for easy installation and with a wide range of sizes allows for an economical floor system.

Carter Holt Harvey, along with providing a comprehensive range of engineered wood products, is also dedicated to providing software solutions to make specification easier. We have software packages ranging from handy smart phone apps for use on site to a range of design packages for safe use by all building practitioner.

Carter Holt Harvey is constantly developing these software packages and recently released the new addition in designIT for commercial floors. This quick, simple and deceptively powerful software has been developed to help specifiers to design commercial, industrial and other heavily loaded floors. To view and download free the entire Carter Holt Harvey software suite visit: www.chhsoftware.com

n CHH offers a comprehensive range of quality wood products, supported by some of the strongest and most trusted brands in the industry including LASERframe, hySPAN and hyJOIST.

inquiries: 132 321 chhwoodproducts.com.au

www.americanhardwood.org

In 2 minutes this hardwood will regenerate naturally.

Tulipwood is one of the most abundant hardwoods in the US forest, growing at a rate of 35 million m3 every year. Annual harvests of just 17million m3 mean that each year in the US an additional 18 million m3 of tulipwood accumulates naturally.

In fact, the tulipwood timber harvested to create dRMM’s Endless Stair would be replaced by new growth in the forest in less than 2 minutes.

To read more about tulipwood and AHEC’s ISO-conformant Life Cycle Assessment of American hardwoods visit www.americanhardwood.org

Follow us on twitter @ahec_anz Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/americanhardwoodANZ

Images: The Endless Stair, dRMM Architects

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

May 2014 – 12

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Are you ready for the CLT revolution in

By Bernhard Waschl CPEng, MSc (Structural & Geotechnical), BEng (mechanical) GCE Structural Engineers

A

S ONE of the original building materials used by man, timber has come a long way. Over the last 15 years, R&D in Europe has seen the development of solid cross laminated timber (CLT) panels and the relatively quick adoption and integration into standard builds in both the private and commercial sectors. CLT is now also being imported to the Australian market from overseas developers. How we go about integrating this product into our building and construction industry will require a re-think on the way we design and plan our builds.

The advantages of building with CLT CLT is a product that, from European experience, shows promise in providing our industry with many new advantages over the use of traditional building materials. Due to the ability to manufacture large scale CLT panels, (up to 3m wide and 16.5m long), engineers now have a new tool in their belt to overcome the limitations

normally encountered when using single timber elements. By using high quality connection techniques together with well-produced CLT panels, designers and their structural engineers now have more freedom in their structural design approach.

Apart from these technical advantages in structural design, CLT panels can be produced very economically in a factory environment. In turn this also means wall and floor panels can be produced to a high degree of detailed prefabrication. This not only keeps the costs of materials down but also shortens the build time required. Transportation from Europe to Australia will of course impact design opportunities as container space limits the maximum size of panels therefore transport costs must also be considered by the engineer.

Due to the flat plate geometry of CLT, which can also be curved if required, the following structural elements are referred to: • Flat plates: Used as suspended ceilings supporting gravity loads. The main direction of impact is perpendicular to the middle layer of the element.

• Flat plates used as sheets/ disks: The main direction of impact is in line with the middle layer.

• Combined structures: Building 3 dimensional structures using CLT in different directions forming rooms /boxes.

Providing solutions for today’s design requirements In terms of application, CLT can be used in a vast array of circumstances. Today’s modern architecture often calls for large open planning, oversized window openings, point supported ceilings and cantilevered structures. In all instances, CLT can fulfil the structural requirements for these designs. Inspiration and reinforcement of CLT’s capabilities can be seen in the many and varied projects already documented and constructed from around the world.

The production methods used for CLT provide enormous advantages.

Typically kiln dried, finger jointed spruce planks are sorted and then cut into sheets.

These sheets are then stacked at right angles and glued under a high pressure bonding system in perpendicular layers. The selection of timber combined with the gluing & pressing process is highly automated, which produces a high quality and consistent product.

MPBENGINEERING.COM.AU

LAMINATING PRESSES LEADING THE WAY WITH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

n Forte Building.Picture supplied by KLH.

Design and technical considerations when working with CLT Of interest for Structural Engineers is the limitation of standards. National standards for CLT are only available in German speaking countries being Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In order to accommodate CLT, Eurocode 5 (Timberstructures) will need reworking to provide standardised guidance on design and use of the product.

Currently different suppliers provide technical approvals which take into account local Standard and EuroCode 5 as reference points for the product. Looking forward, a standard which completely covers CLT might be some time off being developed due to the very fluctuating parameters between different material suppliers and the systems employed by producers.

Some but not all producers provide a full system including

engineering for their specific product.

In addition to National Standards, other factors also need to be taken into consideration.

Historically the biggest drawback with any timber structure is fire.

Many countries with highly populated areas have seen devastating fires (London and Vienna, for example) and the building codes in Europe reflected this issue by preventing multi-storey construction using timber and timber products as the main structural material. It should therefore not come as a surprise that the first 9 story CLT structure was built outside of Europe and in Melbourne, Docklands. This was The Forte Building by Lend Lease and the CLT building structure was produced by KLH. * For those designing structures using CLT, the effects of fire must be considered. When exposed to fire, timber’s composition

undergoes changes. The burning causes a chemical process which produces gas and charcoal –the later forming a protective coating over the remaining timber thereby extending the fire resistance.

EN 1995-1-2 only covers timber cladding, plywood and timber materials, not CLT. In general for unprotected timber elements a constant burning rate can be assumed.

CLT elements however behave differently under fire conditions. Due to the manufacturing process using single timber layers and glue, the burning rate might even be increased. To assess the fire resistance of any proposed CLT structure, a structural engineering design must first be calculated using engineering principles based on the research carried out by the Technical University in Graz, Karlsruhe and other European Institutions.

In accordance with code requirements modern timber

• Designed by MPB Engineering to create laminated beams.

• Hydraulic pressure to evenly and accurately press the beam to create a strong glue bond • Beams with or without a camber • Australian designed and Australian built • Applicator also available to dispense the glue evenly over the face of each piece with the capability to do a variety of width’s • MPB can also supply fingerjointing solutions, handling equipment, standard and custom machinery.

MPB Engineering 30-32 South Link Dandenong South, Vic (03) 9702 7933 mpbengineering.com.au n CLT can be used in a vast array of circumstances. Picture supplied by KLH.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

13 – May 2014

structural design and build?

Under service conditions deflections and vibrations need to be assessed separately. In general CLT structures, due to their increased mass, increased cross stiffness and dampening effect are very effective for use in building applications.

World-wide, the methods used when constructing suspended floors vary greatly. We see significant differences in floor cross sections depending on which materials are used and how they are combined. Currently the use of screeding is highly recommended when using CLT as the substrate by several research institutions to prevent noise and vibration issues.

Additionally, the support conditions of floor systems, which have a large influence on the overall performance of the finished floor, need to be accounted for in the design process.

freedom, the economical savings gained due to reduced handling and site time, and not to mention the added benefits of living in a solid structure made from natural timber.

Its use does require a new way of thinking about the building process.

Using CLT requires proper planning, detailing and

advanced structural design ability. More time must be spent in the technical offices than on site in order to fully document the project.

The very common way of designing in Australia while already in construction cannot be adopted for this product. Building tolerances on site need to be adjusted to fit in with the tight tolerances

used to produce the CLT panels. Document control by all involved parties, as for every prefabrication process, is crucial for successful project delivery.

For further information and advice on the use and design of CLT structure please email Bernhard Waschl CPEng, bwaschl@ globalce.com.au. Bernhard

holds a Masters in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering and a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical engineering. Educated at the Technical University Vienna, Austria, Bernhard has been working and designing CLT structures since the early introduction of this building material in Europe.

A bright outlook for the Australian market

structures need to perform under ultimate (ULS) and service conditions (SLS).

In summary, for Australia, CLT is a great new product for the building and construction industry to consider due to its excellent environmental credentials, the increased design

n Inspiration and reinforcement of CLT’s capabilities can be seen in the many and varied projects already documented and constructed from around the world. Picture supplied by KLH.

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

May 2014 – 14

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

LVL delivers greater load-bearing capacity, design flexibility

q Close up of the stairs.

Photo by Jonas Lencer

n Where to now? Photo by Jonas Lencer

Strength matters – American tulipwood CLT

E

NDLESS STAIR, a towering structure of 15 interlocking staircases designed by dRMM and engineered

by Arup, pioneers the use of hardwood for crosslaminated timber (CLT).

CLT is typically made from softwood, yet this project demonstrates the real potential for using tulipwood, an abundant,

comparatively inexpensive and structurally impressive American hardwood.

Like all American hardwoods, tulipwood comes from a sustainablymanaged natural forest . It’s an unusual hardwood with the bending strength of oak but with a similar density to a typical softwood.

Its structural strength (specifically rolling shear)

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when tested by Arup and the UK’s Building Research Establishment made it an obvious choice for this project. After all, is was designed to be climbed by the many thousands of visitors to the London Design Festival in 2013 and Salone del Mobile in Milan in 2014.

The CLT that makes up the tread and balustrade panels of the structure is built from three equal layers and is 60mm thick in total. Other timbers would have increased the size of the individual elements and the design would have been compromised.

“The idea that we can now create huge wooden CLT panels from small trees is very exciting. Tulipwood CLT offers the potential to combine the advantages of CLT with the strength and appearance of tulipwood” said Arup’s timber specialist Andrew Lawrence of the project.

Tulipwood has grown in popularity in Australia and New Zealand in recent years and certainly its suitability for CLT suggests it has a clear future in Australasian architecture and design.

Credits: Client: London Design Festival Design: dRMM Architects – timber studio, ARUP Engineering Structures, Material and Fire Specialists Sponsor: American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Contractor: Nüssli CLT production: Imola Legno Lighting Designer: SEAM Lighting: Lumenpulse

BUILDERS LOOKING for greater load-bearing capacity and consistent dimensions know that pine framing doesn’t always deliver. LP® SolidStart® LVL from LP Building Products has been engineered as a solution that not only overcomes these defects but allows greater design flexibility.

“LP SolidStart LVL is manufactured from ultrasonically graded veneers and bonded with exterior grade adhesive,” explained Shannon Mott, n Shannon Mott. international account manager for LP Building Products. “It delivers greater load-carrying capacity than pine framing and provides consistent dimensions with less tendency to warp and twist.”

LP SolidStart LVL is available in long lengths, eliminating the need to plate F17 hardwood together, allowing builders to cover longer spans and create larger rooms. And because of its strength and consistency, it’s also ideal for commercial or other high load special applications.

“Because our LVL products are available in a variety of lengths, builders are often able to order the exact length they need. This helps them save valuable time that would otherwise be spent cutting and manipulating beams,” Mott said.

LP SolidStart LVL also offers added durability for protection builders can see. The products come standard with SiteCote™ water-resistant coating, providing additional weather protection and minimizing problems on site.

“LP SolidStart products are typically created from smaller, faster growing trees. Our wood sourcing systems are certified by both the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Schemes and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

“LP SolidStart LVL is just one part of the full LP SolidStart Engineered Wood Products (EWP) family. To learn more about these products, visit LPCorp.com/AU or contact us at IntlSales@LPCorp.com.”

n On site with LVL.

The premier forest and timber industry web portal Latest industry news

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

New super clinic is ‘fintastic’ S

USTAINABILITY WAS foremost in the minds of everyone involved in planning and construction of a new Super Clinic in Melbourne’s new northern growth corridor.

Back in July 2012 Associate Architect Georgie Kearney invited a group of interested partners -- Bruce Bell (Timber Engineered Structures) and Barrie Robbins (Irwin Consulting Engineers) -- to discuss a brand new twin-storey Medical Centre at Wallan (50 kilometres from Melbourne).

The Nexus Health GP Super Clinic design was radical in that the client was seeking sustainable and alternative timber criteria which ultimately lead to adopting GL10 Australian White Cypress Durabeam Shade fins and White Cypress pre-oiled cladding.

These timbers were pre-sealed and protected by Cutek Wood Stabiliser – a locally made product.

“These unique Durabeam timber fins were prefabricated with dowel pinned glued blocking to create an interesting sloping façade around this two-storey Super Clinic,” said Bruce Bell.

“The fins act as sun shades and give a stunning, yet practical application with the use of sustainable Chain of Custody compliant local timbers and state-of-the-art Cutek Wood Preservative.

The distinctive predominantly timber building’s architecture balances transparency and functionality, with large windows, generous spaces and a highly articulated shading system.

The official media release at the completion of the

building last year also highlighted the sustainability factor ...

“Sustainability greatly informs the design. To minimise impact on the environment a range of strategies including natural ventilation through public spaces, controlled use of natural light and orientation, rainwater recycling and predominantly sustainable timber construction were used. The façade and shading elements are constructed with engineered timbers.

The distinctive predominantly timber building’s architecture balances transparency and functionality, with large windows, generous spaces and a highly articulated shading system.”

The $6 million complex covers a gross floor area of 1600m2 Client - Nexus Health • Architect Billard Leece – Georgie Kearney / Daniel Rafter • Engineer Irwin Consulting - Barrie Robbins / Elias Eracleous • Timber Coordination – Timber Engineered Structures Bruce Bell • Timber Prefabrication - Timber Imagineering - Rob Nestic / Duncan Bourke • Builder - Monaco Hickey / Probuild • Project Manager - Wes Gault • Landscape Architect - Laurence Blyton • Services Engineer - Watermanns AHW – David Worland • Photography - Tony Miller

15 – May 2014

CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER

May 2014 – 16

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

Further wood processing: innovative CLT solutions “We can work highly efficiently, preserving maximum amounts of raw materials.”

T

HE QUESTION of intelligent management of raw materials has been at the forefront of an innovative plant project currently being implemented in Austria.

The increasing shortage, and therefore the high value, of wood provide reason enough for Springer to look into developing new plant construction methods. The aim is to enable customers to use wood in their production operations in an even more resourceful and efficient way. This is one example which demonstrates Springer’s ground-breaking innovations in terms of making optimum usage of raw materials in further wood processing operations.

Production of components rather than complete panels The Austrian company Hasslacher Norica Timber is also turning to new technology for its further wood processing operations. Working closely with the customer, Springer has forged a pioneering path at the CLT factory in Carinthia, where the production of complete panels is being replaced by the production of components.

The lamellas used for the components are arranged in such a way that any cut-outs and panel section variations are already taken into account before entering the press. This helps to save large quantities of the valuable raw material, wood.

The finished package “Thanks to Springer’s new CLT plant, we can work highly efficiently, preserving maximum amounts of raw materials,” says Gerhard Göritzer, Managing Director of Noritec Holzindustrie GmbH. The production line is equipped with a complex

conveyor system which ensures smooth operation: the finger jointer delivers the lamellas with the correct lengths and crosssections to the processing site. Upstream is a vacuum gantry which transports the lamellas from the buffer area, after fingerjointing, to the processing table. The cross lamellas are prepared separately before

being placed on the pre-glued longitudinal lamellas. In this way, the system produces components which will not require openings and recesses (such as doors or windows) to be milled at a later stage. The package is then transferred automatically to a high-frequency press where it is pressed, turned and sent to the finishing station.

Investing in new technology ensures optimum use of raw materials. Hasslacher Norica Timber in Austria is just one example of the many companies which rely on Springer’s innovative capacity. The company offers its customers innovative system solutions which enable them to use raw materials in a resourceful and economical way. www.springer.eu

ENE

CO

R

n Building elements instead of panels: Springer’s innovative CLT production lines.

Q U A L I T Y & I N N O VAT I O N

www.springer.eu • Springer is Europe’s largest supplier of timber handling equipment with 100s of installations.

• Acora and Springer together offer single item solutions to complete turnkey solutions.

• CLT - Glulam - Log Handling - Board Handling - Planer Sorter, Stacking and Wrapping.

Acora’s local knowledge is always on hand and with Springer’s depth of engineering, we offer a great solution for your operation.

PO Box 122 11 Government Road Eden NSW 2551, Australia

Tel: +61 (0)2 6496 1222 Fax: +61 (0)2 6496 3097 Email: info@acora.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

17 – May 2014

Moisture Content Standard Revised Are all products suitable for installation in all locations? David Hayward, ATFA Technical Manager looks into this interesting question and outlines aspects that need to be considered to achieve floor performance. Regarding moisture in wood the reference standard in Australia for moisture content measurement of solid timber is AS/NZS 1080.1 Timber – Methods of test - Method 1: Moisture content and this standard was extensively revised a year or so back and re-published. David will explain some of the important changes that have a bearing on the timber flooring industry.

T

HE MOISTURE content of a piece of wood is the mass of water divided by the mass of dry wood present, which is then expressed as a percentage. Knowing the moisture content of wood is useful to us because if we know a little about the product and its moisture content then it will give us an idea of how it will perform or how stable it will be when in service. Moisture content measurement is also very important when analysing problem floors.

Measuring the moisture content is relatively easy and is commonly done with two types of meters (resistance and capacitance) and by what’s known as an oven dry moisture content test.

The previous version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard for moisture content has served

the industry since 1997 with the recent revision just scraping into the end of 2012. For the remainder of this article we will look at some important aspects of the revised standard.

The first most significant change is that where the previous version covered resistance meters and oven dry testing it did not include capacitance moisture meters.

The revised standard includes all three methods but there is one further subtle change in that the standard outlines that the oven dry method is used to determine moisture content and that meters are used to estimate moisture content. It also indicates that of the two meter types the resistance meter is considered to be of greater accuracy.

So the standard is about methods of testing and it

outlines what is applicable to each of these three methods, from how samples should be obtained to what should be recorded when reporting results. To reflect the differences in accuracy between methods the standard indicates that results for oven dry testing as to be the nearest 0.2%, for resistance moisture meters 0.5% (after temperature and species corrections have been applied) and with capacitance meters (set to the applicable density) to the nearest 1%. Hence if your resistance meter gives a corrected reading of 11.3% it should be recorded as 11.5% and with a capacitance meter the same reading would be recorded as 11%.

Added to the standard are two appendices covering useful things to know when using both resistance

Fitec – TABMA merger sets solid future FITEC AUSTRALIA Inc has merged with the Timber and Building Materials Association Australia Ltd (TABMA). The in principle agreement will be now be subject to ASIC and ASQA approvals.

Over recent months there has been extensive discussion and analysis, independently by both industry associations, as to how the training needs of the forest and timber products industry may continue to be supported into the future, given increasing constraints around delivery and funding.

This has led to joint discussions between the organisations, resulting in the final approval by Fitec members at its annual meeting.

The primary consideration for Fitec members has been the positive assessment of TABMA’s keen commitment to ensure that training demand continues to be met

by Fitec Australia Inc for the Queensland industry.

Fitec Australia Inc president and Timber Queensland chair, Chris Hay said: “This merger creates a fantastic opportunity for Fitec Australia to continue to grow and enhance its ability to service the forest and timber products industry, both in Queensland and beyond.

“The flexibility and quality provided

by Fitec over its 15 year history, together with expansion of scope over recent years, will now be supported with a far stronger infrastructure than could be maintained within the constraints of a stand-alone training environment.

“Management committee structures of Fitec Australia Inc will remain in place throughout and beyond the transition period of the merger”, Chris said, “In fact, TABMA has entered discussion with Fitec Australia to strengthen industry representation for Queensland industry members.”

TABMA Australia Chairman, Peter Hutchison, also welcomed the move, saying: “We are delighted to strengthen our

and capacitance moisture meters, including the principles behind how each of these meter types work, calibration, accuracy and precautions when using the meters. With capacitance moisture meters this includes their limitation with species mixes such as Tasmanian Oak due to greater variances in board densities. The standard now also recognises the variety of uses of the different meters including the use of capacitance moisture meters for process control and important to our industry their use when undertaking survey work, where comparative readings in different areas of a floor can be particularly beneficial in locating a moisture problem. The standard also acknowledges that with capacitance

moisture meters, when used to estimate moisture contents, the practice of backing up such estimates with a resistance moisture meter or oven dry testing, will often be needed.

Finally, there is also one other significant change that affects our industry.

When it comes to moisture content testing some of our flooring products did not fit into any of the standards for moisture content testing. For example, take a multilayered engineered floor board. Should it be oven dry tested under the method contained in this standard or perhaps the standard used for plywood.

Well, a note has been added to the scope of this standard stating that “The ovendrying method may also provide a useful estimation of moisture content for other non-solid products such as engineered wood flooring and bamboobased flooring”. Hence the standard now acknowledges application to these other flooring products and it is up to industry for the

n David Hayward.

sensible interpretation of results.

Many others aspects of the standard remain much the same, including a comprehensive and updated list of species corrections for resistance meters, as well as temperature correction tables and standard resistances for different moisture contents.

An electronic copy of the standard can be purchased from the Standards Australia online store at http://www.saiglobal.com and it is also available as a hard copy.

open the door to great machinery n Colin Fitzpatrick.

immediate ability to service our Queensland and NSW members, while simultaneously supporting the future of training delivery throughout the forest and timber products industry.”

Fitec Australia Inc will continue to be led by its current general manager Tim Isaacs, who has also welcomed the move.

“The opportunity to maintain our training base in Brisbane, while assisting TABMA in provision of delivery to members over all its service areas is fantastic in an environment where development opportunities need structured investment beyond current funded projects,” Tim said.

Tim’s role will now focus on marketing, service delivery and product development, with TABMA undertaking the considerable administrative burden of operating in a regulated environment.

“This merger will allow TABMA to support its many employer clients in a more sustained manner, leveraging the training abilities and reputation of Fitec Australia Inc with the administrative abilities and membership base of TABMA,” said Colin Fitzpatrick, chief executive officer of TABMA. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship,” Colin said.

AWISA

the show for wood and panel processing AWISA 2014 is the international exhibition of machinery, materials, fittings and services for the Australian and New Zealand cabinet, joinery, furniture, timber and panel industries.

6-9 August 2014 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

www.awisa.com

ORGANISED BY THE AUSTRALIAN WOODWORKING INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION LIMITED T: 02 9918 3661 E: Info@awisa.com

ASSOCIATIONS

May 2014 – 18

TTIA industrial relations update sessions

By Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer Timber Trade Industrial Association TTIA WILL be conducting industrial relations update sessions throughout Australia during May. In particular, the key topics and IR issues to be dealt with during these sessions include: • Fair Work Act changes effective from 1 January 2014 • Federal government IR policy and likely changes from the Productivity Commission Inquiry • Key employment issues that have arisen in the past 18 months in our industry award • New anti-bullying legislation and how Members can manage and protect themselves • New family friendly legislation – how this impacts on timber workplaces • Update on latest unfair dismissal cases and lessons learned • Question and answer session on key award provisions Rapidly changing workplace environment As TTIA only conduct these sessions every 12 – 18 months, it is important that employers send at least one representative to keep ahead of what has been a rapidly changing workplace environment in recent times.

If you require further details, please contact the TTIA office on (02) 9264 0011 for venues and dates.

One of the most common issues raised on the TTIA Enquiry line is the subject of absenteeism. Clearly, excessive absenteeism

creates significant challenges for TTIA Members in regard to work schedules, morale and financial cost. Below are some suggestions to approach this area: Tools to help you manage absenteeism • Record all absences and measure absenteeism.

• Employers need to know their employees’ attendance levels and when absences occur.

Trends often emerge amongst employees.

• Employers who have a designated attendance management policy display lower absenteeism rates.

• Develop a policy that states clearly the standards of attendance expected and the responsibilities of both employees and managers.

• It is crucial to enforce a policy.

• Make sure that managers enforce company policies and communicate effectively with absent employees.

• Schedule return to work interviews.

• This gives employers the opportunity to welcome an employee back, to address any causes of absence that may be work related and improves employee engagement.

• Healthy employees are generally contented employees.

• Implement a health and wellbeing program at work. Initiatives can range from something as simple as organising an exercise or sporting group, providing subsidised flu injections or access to a company paid Doctor.

Members are advised to contact the TTIA on (02) 9264 0011 if they need to seek assistance on any personal / sick leave issue relating to their workplace.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

‘It’s all about having products to sell and being visible’

By Eric Siegers Executive Officer TMA

A

T THE recent TMA breakfast we had Jason Wyatt from Reno-Exchange provide us with an insight to his business of getting customers to connect with local retailers/ businesses where they can buy goods either online or direct them to the closest store for renovations and new build products.

Jason started out in the digital world by creating “ b i ke exch a nge. c o m. a u” where the objective was to make it easy for the customer to make a product purchase ; you can go online and buy either a new or second hand bike on line or be connected to the closest dealer. His message was simple, never make it hard for your customer to buy from you. For Jason this philosophy has been a success. Bike Exchange now operates in four countries and Jason is now applying the same successful formula in the renovation market.

“Reno-Exchange” gets over 300,000 visits a month for renovation products and links most of those customers to the bricks and mortar retail outlet.

As timber merchants we have seen the big box operators invade our market and we have to a large

extent let the retail/renovator customer slip by and many of us concentrated on the trade market. With online tools such as RenoExchange, QuoteSpot etc., merchants should be able to grapple some of this market back.

The research shows that 80% of all internet purchase traffic is to find a local source for a product. Customers will buy locally if it is available at a reasonable price (and not always the cheapest!).

As smaller businesses most merchants are well positioned in their local markets but not visible on the internet to the local consumer. Most stock (to varying degrees) products that would sell to the retail/renovator market.

A local merchant really does have a big advantage over the big box stores. The product knowledge and the expertise to be able to deliver a great range of products to these potential customers are important elements of a strong selling proposition that we often don’t utilise because we just assume the customer always goes to the big box! With so many people looking for products on Reno Exchange (for instance) it shows us that the Big Box stores don’t always meet the needs of the Australian consumer, and the independent merchant can capitalise on their power of location, service and support.

From a merchants perspective it means that now with online shopping, if you are not there, the local consumer will never find you!

Being online is longer about having a website it is all about having products to sell and being visible!

Importantly for merchants it is imperative that you have a product up and ready for sale with a price on it (don’t worry, the whole room gasped at this notion). As Richard Hill of Hazelwood and Hill said: “ I get it. Merchants have for too long been used to fighting for that last cent per metre with the trade market, we have totally forgotten the retail market who just want to buy the product at the most convenient time in the most efficient way and preferably from a local supplier”.

Evidence proves that in this scenario price is secondary because availability is key.

Just because a merchant is trade focused doesn’t mean we should turn a consumer away if we happen to be in the right place at the right time (that is - when they are looking for a local solution). For most of us, we have the products, service and knowledge sitting there, so why not have the confidence to target this sector? With the low cost of implementation we can find that little bit of low hanging fruit and who doesn’t want an extra sale in today’s world?

FOR SALE!!

New firewood processing equipment from Whitlands Engineering

Free Call 1800 702 701

www.superaxe.com.au

Millwide. Worldwide.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER MAGAZINE

19 – May 2014

Yes – It’s true, Whittakers Timber Products is closing down!

Our Sawmill at the Greenbushes site in Western Australia has already closed and the dry mills and kilns will close towards the end of this year.

All plant & equipment is being offered at super low prices on an as is where is basis!

The Company Directors say, “SELL IT ALL” Complete near new 2006 MEM sawmill 2 x other comprehensive hardwood mills 3 x moulding lines 15 x conventional kilns Kiln sawdust/thermal oil heating system 2 x optimising docker lines 2 x chipper lines Loaders & forklifts Edgers Cherry picker, scissor lifts Tool grinding shop Log debarkers Compressors Gang saws Maintenance work shop equipment & spares Weigh bridge Large clam shell storage bin Dust extraction systems Comprehensive sawshop Office equipment & furniture Huge inventory of materials handling gear

FOR SALE NEW TYPE AUTO OILER

FOR GREY BENCH Phone Ron Grey 0414 657 393

Everything must go! We are even selling the buildings!

Email rongrey@bigpond.com

View our website www.whittakersequipmentsale.com.au or telephone Geoff on (08) 9302 2022 – mobile 0409 302 200 or Chris on (08) 9459 6877 – mobile 0409 083 977

Log on Today!

Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/dtn to sign up today.

FOR SALE • Moulder Weinig

22B,4 sided moulder, 8inch X6inch, 8 head.

• Knife Sharpener Weinig model R911.

Serial number 221/313(81) • Knife Sharpener ,Weinig model R931.

Serial number 945/1548(83)

Contact Greg on 0414 447 700

Metriguard 7200 Stress Grading Machines • Two (2) only machines (mechanical only) • MSR stress grading up to 914 m/min

• Lumber widths (63.5 mm to 290 mm) • Lumber thickness (30.5 mm to 45.5 mm) • No controls

Phone: +1-604-575-0046 – www.cmesales.com

TIMBER Classifieds To advertise in the Timber Classifieds call Norm Nelsen on: (03) 9888 4820

The cornerstone project Multinail offers tomorrow’s software today The cornerstone project a fully working version available April 2014.

Contact us for a demonstration

www.thecornerstoneproject.com