In a recent audit of north Queensland building sites, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)  identified quite a few builders restraining the tops of internal timber walls by firing framing nails into metal ceiling battens installed onto the underside of roof truss bottom chords. This is a non-compliant building practice as it is not in accordance with Australian Standards AS1684 or AS4440.

The QBCC revealed that this non-compliant method is widespread. However, when construction work of this nature is found, contractors are obliged to rectify construction and bring into conformity with Australian Standards or seek a Performance Solution under the Building Code of Australia.

“L” Brackets

The best and most popular form of restraining the tops of internal partitions remains the use of metal partition “L” brackets (as shown below). These “L” brackets are most suitable for connecting a timber beam/joist to another beam at right angles.

The “L” bracket is strong, cost-effective, easy to install and well-designed connectors for many timber beam to beam. The wide range of these brackets provides for all common timber: Beam to beam connections; Floor or roof trusses to supports connection; Carport construction; Deck construction; Right angle joints, Glued laminated beams, I-joists, and trusses. “L” brackets are designed to achieve high design loads at low cost

Timber truss manufacturers throughout Queensland recommend the “L” bracket system as it is compliant with AS1684 and AS4440. Not only do the “L” brackets provide lateral restraint to the tops of internal partition walls, but also allow for vertical motion of the bottom chord of the roof truss. This is a necessity for the accepted performance of the roof truss system.

For more info on this topic please check out the following blog post on the QBCC website:

http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/blog/tradie-talk/restraints-internal-partition-walls