The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has set up an engineered wood products committee, bringing suppliers of I-joists and metal web beams round the table with timber frame manufacturers for the first time.
Described as a technical liaison committee, the aim is to set up technical benchmarks and standards, implement training and produce literature.
Key to the initiative will be the setting of minimum standards and work has begun on a guidance document which will be published by UKTFA and form part of a planned UKTFA technical library. It will also be published on the UKTFA website at www.timber-frame.org.
Other areas the committee will deal with include European and national legislation and standards pertinent to engineered wood products; building regulations; CE marking; health and safety; environmental issues and labelling; education and training and liaison with other organisations.
Bryan Woodley of UKTFA said: “I-joists and metal web beams are becoming more and more common within timber frame construction and it seemed sensible to get some generic standards for a fast growing sector.”
Companies represented on the committee are Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Trus Joist, Finnforest, Boise Cascade, Mitek Industries Ltd, Gangnail Systems, James Jones & Sons, Masonite Beams UK, APA – the Engineered Wood Association, the UK Timber Engineering Group and UKTFA.
