From the 1 July 2013, when the Construction Products Regulation comes into force, it will become mandatory to use CE-marked fasteners for making structural connections in timber construction. The members of the PFA (Power Fastenings Association) are committed to ensuring that the UK market will be supplied with properly marked fasteners in advance of the deadline. The fasteners must meet the requirements of EN1995, Eurocode 5: Design of Timber Structures as evidenced by CE marking in accordance with EN14592: Dowel Type Fasteners for Timber Structures. This new approach moves from treating fasteners as generic and non-critical, to requiring that key performance criteria are determined by independent testing and that defined data is provided to design engineers.
TRADA Technology (the technical service provider for TRADA the Timber Research and Development Association) – as an internationally recognised centre of excellence on the specification and use of timber and wood products has been actively involved in the evolution of the new design code and product standards and is leading the drive to educate all stakeholders about the important changes inherent in the new code. It is also a Notified Laboratory for testing fasteners to EN 14592.
The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), representing the majority of timber frame manufacturers, joins TRADA Technology and the PFA in welcoming Eurocode 5 and harmonised product standards such as EN14592, which strengthen further the timber frame sector’s ability to provide tightly engineered buildings, at the same time as delivering sustainability and economic efficiency.
The UKTFA, TRADA Technology and the PFA are committed to working together to promote compliance with the Construction Products Regulation as an integral part of demonstrating how the professional ethos, design rules and construction control of timber frame are more than a match for those governing masonry and steel construction.
For further information, contact PFA on 01827 52337 (www.powerfastenings.org.uk) TRADA Technology on 01494 569600 (www.trada.co.uk), UKTFA on 01259 272140 (www.uktfa.com).
