Investigation on role and function of noggings in residential timber frame construction

Abstract

Currently, there is no consensus among wall frame manufacturers, engineers and builders on the role and function of wall noggings as required by AS1684. It is not clear whether they are prescribed for structural adequacy, serviceability or buildability reasons. This paper presents an investigation into the role and function of noggings and includes: (1) a literature review on wall framing, including summary findings of an industry survey to establish relevant issues for noggings; (2) review of nogging design criteria; (3) nogging alternatives; (4) structural analysis of nogging systems; (5) structural testing; and (6) key results and com-parisons between tests and structural analysis. Key preliminary conclusions are that edge nogging could be used instead of flat (normal) nogging and that structurally, there may not be any need for nogging. However, these trends were not able to be conclusively confirmed from the pilot test program undertaken due to the in-herent timber variability and the limited number of test replications.