NPIL 38FEBRUARY 2013

Contents

BRANZ Appraisal No.779 (2013)

Technical Data

Hold-down Methods

GoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems are a rangeof wall bracing systems based on 9 mm and 12 mm GoldenEdgeRegular MDF used to resist earthquake and wind loads on timberframe buildings designed and constructed in accordance withNZS 3604: 2011.

Bracing System ComponentsGoldenEdge Regular MDF SheetsGoldenEdge Regular MDF is 9mm and 12mm thick in sheets1200x2400mm. The sheets have square edges to all four sides.The nominal density is 725 kg/m3.

Sheet Fasteners• 40 x 2.8mm hot-dipped galvanised flat-head clouts.• 6g x 32mm, gold-passivated countersunk, coarse-threadwoodscrews.

Fasteners and Connections• Coach screws 12mm x 150mm and 50 x 50 x 3mm washer hot-dipped galvanised for fixing to timber floors.• Cast-in bolts M12 x 150 mm minimum and 50 x 50 x 3mmwashers for fixing to concrete floors. Proprietary fixings with aminimum characteristic strength of 15kN may be used.• Galvanised or stainless steel strap 25 x 0.9mm top and bottomplate connections.• Strap fixings 30 x 2.5mm hot-dipped galvanised or stainlesssteel flat-head nails.• GIB HandiBrac®, galvanised steel 90 x 62 x 54 x 1.55mm thickangle bracket.• GIB HandiBrac® Washer, 50 x 60 x 5mm thick electroplated.• GIB HandiBrac® Fixings, 8 Type 17 screws 5 x 35mm.

Note: For corrosion protection requirements refer to NZS 3604:2011 Section 4.

Pack Sizes9mm - 70 sheets per pack12mm - 50 sheets per pack

Paint System SpecificationAll visible GoldenEdge Regular MDF surfaces including edges,must be finished with three coats of polyurethane or a paintsystem comprising a primer/sealer and two top coats.

DurabilityGoldenEdge Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems have a serviceablelife of at least 50 years providing they remain dry in serviceand are maintained in accordance with BRANZ AppraisalNo.779 (2013).

Design ConsiderationsGoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems are for usein dry, internal, protected locations of thermally insulated buildingswhich are heated, intermittently heated and predominantlyunheated in accordance with NZS 3602 Section 110, Table 1E andSection 205. The internal environment must be such that themoisture content of the supporting timber framing does notexceed 18%.

GoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems must belocated within the building thermal envelope and must either beexposed to view or be in locations easily accessible for inspection.

GoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems must not belocated in any high moisture environment or in areas subject towater splash. They must not be used in areas such as bathrooms,toilets, laundries or kitchens. GoldenEdge Regular MDF sheetsmust not be used in saunas or steam rooms.

GoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems must not beexposed to temperatures of 50ºC or greater for prolonged periods.Refer to appliance and fitting manufacturers for installation details.

Prevention of Fire OccurringSeparation or protection must be provided to GoldenEdge RegularMDF from heat sources such as stoves, heaters, flues andchimneys. Part 7 of NZBC Acceptable Solutions C/AS1 to C/AS6and NZBC Verification Method C/VM1 provide methods forseparation and protection of combustible materials from heatsources.

A world leader in environmentallyresponsible MDF production.Nelson Pine Industries is one of Australasia's leading forestproducts companies. Established in 1986, Nelson PineIndustries is one of the world's largest single site producersof medium density fibreboard. GoldenEdge MDF isexported to markets around the world.

From the beginning the products of Nelson Pine IndustriesNew Zealand have led the world in meeting the needs ofkitchen and furniture manufacturers, joinery companiesand builders.

Using the advanced technology of the Küsters continuouspress, we produce superior quality MDF and offer anunsurpassed range of board densities and thicknesses.

175,000 hectares of sustainable radiata pine forests provideNelson Pine Industries with the superior quality raw materialneeded to manufacture our product range.

Sustainable radiata pine forests reach maturity in around25 years compared with 200 years for tropical hardwoods.

Nelson Pine Industries takes the environment seriouslywith production processes in place that minimise dust,water use, effluent and noise. We have developedtechniques which have reduced the amount of waterrequired in the production process by two thirds despitehaving trebled the output of GoldenEdge MDF.

About 70% of the energy used on site is generated byburning wood waste in high efficiency furnaces. Theremainder is from electricity.

Since the mid 1980s we have been leading the wayin significantly reducing formaldehyde levels ofGoldenEdge MDF.

In February 2003 a new Japanese Industrial Standard(F ) was introduced for a zero emissions MDF.

Two months later Nelson Pine Industries became the firstAustralasian MDF producer to achieve certification to theF standard.

F is also known as Super EO.

FURNITURE &FITTINGS

No. 3208038

The Nelson Pine Industries plant at Richmond, Nelson

BRANZ Appraisals

Technical Assessments of products for building and construction

BRANZ LimitedPrivate Bag 50 908

Porirua CityNew Zealand

Tel: +64 4 237 1170Fax: +64 4 237 1171www.branz.co.nz

Readers are advised to check the validity of this Appraisal by referring to the Valid Appraisals listing on the BRANZ website, or by contacting BRANZ.

BRANZAPPRAISAL

No. 779 (2013)

GOLDENEDGE® MDF PANELBRACE™ WALLBRACING SYSTEMS

Nelson Pine Industries LtdP O Box 3049

RichmondNelson

Tel: 03 543 8800Fax: 03 543 8890

Email: orders@nelsonpine.co.nzWeb: www.nelsonpine.co.nz

Appraisal No.779 [2013]

Product1.1 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are a range of wall bracing systems based on 9 mm and 12 mm GoldenEdge® Regular MDF. GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are used to resist earthquake and wind loads on timber frame buildings designed and constructed in accordance with NZS 3604: 2011.

Scope2.1 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems have been appraised for the design and use of interior wall bracing systems in dry and protected environments in buildings within the scope limitations of NZS 3604: 2011.

Building Regulations

New Zealand Building Code (NZBC)3.1 In the opinion of BRANZ, GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems, if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of this Appraisal, will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2 and B1.3.4. GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems meet the requirements for loads arising from earthquake, wind and impact [i.e. B1.3.3 (f), (h) and (j)]. See Paragraphs 8.1 - 8.7.Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years. GoldenEdge®

MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems meet this requirement. See Paragraphs 9.1 - 9.4.Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. GoldenEdge®

MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems meet this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people. See Paragraphs 13.1 - 13.2.

3.2 Bracing resistance is provided by bracing element ratings determined in accordance with NZS 3604: 2011 Paragraph 8.3.1.2. 3.3 NZS 3604: 2011 is an Acceptable Solution for compliance with New Zealand Building Code Clause B1 Structure.

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Technical Specification4.1 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF and accessories used with the GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems and supplied or specified by Nelson Pine Industries Ltd are as follows:

GoldenEdge® Regular MDF SheetsGoldenEdge® Regular MDF is medium-density fibreboard, 9mm and 12mm thick, with a sheet width of 1200 mm and a length of 2400 mm. The sheets have square edges to all four sides. The nominal density is 725 kg/m3.

Sheet Fasteners40 x 2.8 mm hot-dipped galvanised fibre cement nails. 8g x 40 mm, gold-passivated countersunk, coarse thread woodscrews.

Fasteners and ConnectionsGIB® HandiBrac®, galvanised steel 90 x 62 x 54 x 1.55 mm thick angle bracket.GIB® HandiBrac® Washer, 50 x 60 x 5 mm thick electroplated.GIB® HandiBrac® Fixings, 8 Type 17 screws 5 x 35 mm.Coach screws 12 mm x 150 mm and 50 x 50 x 3 mm washer hot-dipped galvanised for fixing to timber floors.Cast-in bolts M12 x 150 mm minimum and 50 x 50 x 3 mm washers for fixing to concrete floors. Proprietary fixings with a minimum characteristic strength of 15 kN may be used.Galvanised or stainless steel strap 25 x 0.9 mm top and bottom plate connections.Strap fixings 30 x 2.5 mm hot-dipped galvanised or stainless steel flat-head nails.

Note: For corrosion protection requirements refer to NZS 3604: 2011 Section 4.

Handling and Storage5.1 The best results are achieved when GoldenEdge®

Regular MDF sheets are treated as a finishing material and protected from damage. Sheets must be stacked flat and kept dry at all times. For limits on stack heights see the Technical Literature. Sheets must be carried on edge and not dragged.5.2 All accessories must be kept dry.

Technical Literature6.1 Refer to the Appraisals listing on the BRANZ website for details of the current Technical Literature for GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems. The Technical Literature must be read in conjunction with this Appraisal. All aspects of design, use, installation and maintenance contained in the Technical Literature and within the scope of this Appraisal must be followed.

Design Information

General7.1 NZS 3604: 2011 Section 5 contains design procedures and a manual calculation method for calculating bracing demand. Refer to NZS 3604: 2011 Bracing Demand Tables 5.5 - 5.10 for 2 kPa floor loads and Tables 14.1 - 14.3 for 3 kPa floor loads. The bracing ratings given in Table 1 of this Appraisal are for manual calculations. The Technical Literature provides a method for modifying the wall bracing demand for alternative wall heights.

Table 1: GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems Bracing Ratings

Type Minimumlength (m) Lining Other

RequirementsBU/mW EQ

NP1 0.6

9 or 12 mm GoldenEdge®

Regular MDF one side

n/a 80 75

NP2 1.2

9 or 12 mm GoldenEdge®

Regular MDF one side

Hold-downs 150* 140*

Notes: * Timber Floors - A limit of 120 BU/m applies to NZS 3604: 2011 timber floors.

7.2 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are for use in dry, internal, protected locations of thermally insulated buildings. GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are for use in heated, intermittently heated and predominantly unheated buildings in accordance with NZS 3602 Section 110, Table 1E and Section 205. The internal environment must be such that the moisture content of the supporting timber framing does not exceed 18%. GoldenEdge®

MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must be located within the building thermal envelope. GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must either be exposed to view or be in locations easily accessible for inspection. The wall linings must be painted with either three coats of polyurethane or a paint system comprising a primer/sealer and two top coats. All visible edges are to be painted.7.3 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing System sheets must not be located in any high moisture environment or in areas subject to water splash. They must not be used in areas such as bathrooms, toilets, laundries or kitchens. GoldenEdge®

MDF sheets must not be used in saunas or steam rooms.7.4 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must not be exposed to temperatures of 50ºC or greater for prolonged periods. Refer to appliance and fitting manufacturers for installation details.7.5 GoldenEdge® MDF sheets may also be used for general wall lining.

Framing7.6 Timber framing grade, spacing and construction must comply with NZS 3604: 2011. Timber treatment must comply with NZBC Acceptable Solution B2/AS1.7.7 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems Technical Literature recommends the use of kiln-dried stress-graded framing timber. The minimum actual framing dimensions are 90 x 45 mm for external walls and 75 x 45 mm for internal walls.7.8 Joints in the top plates of bracing panels must be tied together with 3 kN and 6 kN top plate connectors using 25 x 0.9 mm galvanised mild steel strap, 3 nails each side of joint for 3kN and 6 nails each side of joint for 6kN.

StructureBracing8.1 The bracing units achieved (wind and earthquake) published for manual calculations in GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are given in Table 1.8.2 The Technical Literature provides comprehensive construction and hold-down details. These include bottom plate fixings using bolts (concrete) or coach screws (timber) and the GIB® HandiBrac™ or nailed stud-to-plate straps.

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8.3 The bracing units are derived from the BRANZ P21 test method based on a wall height of 2.4 m. For greater wall heights the bracing rating is calculated by multiplying the appropriate value shown in Table 1 by a factor f=2.4 and divided by the wall height in metres. Walls lower than 2.4 m shall be rated as if they were 2.4 m high.

Openings in Bracing Elements8.4 Openings are allowed within the middle third of bracing elements (length and height walls). The opening dimension in either direction must not exceed one third of the sheet height (width). Small openings of 90 x 90 mm or less may be placed anywhere except within 90 mm of the edge of the bracing element.

Moisture Exposure8.5 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must not be located in areas subject to water splash, damp conditions, or high humidity. See also Paragraph 7.2.

Impact Resistance8.6 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF provides adequate resistance to soft body impact, based upon experience of use in domestic and light commercial applications.

Durability9.1 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems, including linings and their fixings have a serviceable life of at least 50 years. The ability of the systems to remain durable is dependent on them remaining dry in service, and being maintained in accordance with this Appraisal. See Paragraph 7.2.

Maintenance9.2 The building must be maintained weatherproof and GoldenEdge® Regular MDF must be protected from external and internal moisture in accordance with NZBC Clauses E2 and E3. Regular inspections must be made to ensure that GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are not being damaged by humidity or moisture. This is particularly important in buildings that are only intermittently heated or predominantly unheated. Where any evidence of edge swelling caused by moisture to bracing panels is evident, the panels must be removed and replaced with new material. Any damaged bracing panels must similarly be replaced.9.3 Holes resulting from damage to the lining, up to 90 x 90 mm square except where within 90 mm of the edge of the bracing element, will have no significant effect on the performance of the bracing panel. Such holes may be repaired by patching, stopping and finishing as appropriate. Independent expert advice must be sought to assess the effect and repair of larger areas of damage.9.4 Bracing elements require no ongoing maintenance, apart from decoration and the repair of any damage.

Prevention of Fire Occurring10.1 Separation or protection must be provided to GoldenEdge® Regular MDF from heat sources such as stoves, heaters, flues and chimneys.10.2 Part 7 of NZBC Acceptable Solutions C/AS1-C/AS6 and NZBC Verification Method C/VM1 provide methods for separation and protection of combustible materials from heat sources.

Fire Affecting Areas Beyond the Fire SourceInternal Surface Finishes11.1 The Material Group Number for the complete lining system including applied finishes, must be obtained from the supplier of the finish system. These have not been assessed by BRANZ and are outside the scope of this Appraisal.

Internal Moisture12.1 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems are for use in dry, internal, protected locations of thermally insulated buildings. See Paragraph 7.2.

Hazardous Building Materials 13.1 When installed and painted, the level of formaldehyde emission from GoldenEdge® MDF will be tolerable for most occupants in buildings with an adequate level of ventilation provided in accordance with NZBC Performance Provision G4.3.1. Vapour emissions will be encapsulated to some degree by sealing the surface with either 3 coats of polyurethane or a paint system. Sealing of the sheets must be carried out before the building is occupied.13.2 A Material Safety Data Sheet is available for download from www.nelsonpine.co.nz.

Installation Information

Installation Skill Level Requirement14.1 Installation of GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems can be carried out by any competent building contractor.

General15.1 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must be installed in accordance with the Technical Literature. For inspection, reference must be made to the Technical Literature.15.2 GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems must be completely protected from the weather during construction. They must not be installed prior to roof and wall claddings. Temporary bracing should be used until the building is closed and the lining can be fixed.

Framing15.3 Nelson Pine Industries Limited specifies that walls must not be lined unless the moisture content of timber framing is less than 18%.

Cutting15.4 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF can be cut with either a fine tooth saw (hand or power). Cut edges can be tidied up by using a plane or sandpaper.

Sheet Fixing15.5 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF sheets are fixed vertically. Adjoining sheets require an approximate 2 mm gap between them to allow for movement. Full sheets must be used wherever possible.15.6 Fixings must be no closer than 10 mm from the sheet edge and no closer than 18 mm from the sheet end. Fixings are driven at right angles to the sheet until the head is flush with the sheet surface for nail fixings or countersunk approximately 0.5 mm for screw fixings. Fixings must not be over-driven.

In the opinion of BRANZ, GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems is fit for purpose and will comply with the Building Code to the extent specified in this Appraisal provided it is used, designed, installed and maintained as set out in this Appraisal.The Appraisal is issued only to Nelson Pine Industries Ltd, and is valid until further notice, subject to the Conditions of Appraisal.

Conditions of Appraisal1. This Appraisal: a) relates only to the product as described

herein;b) must be read, considered and used in full

together with the technical literature;c) does not address any Legislation,

Regulations, Codes or Standards, not specifically named herein;

d) is copyright of BRANZ.2. Nelson Pine Industries Ltd:a) continues to have the product reviewed by

BRANZ;b) shall notify BRANZ of any changes in

product specification or quality assurance measures prior to the product being marketed;

c) abides by the BRANZ Appraisals Services Terms and Conditions.

d) Warrants that the product and the manufacturing process for the product are maintained at or above the standards, levels and quality assessed and found satisfactory by BRANZ pursuant to BRANZ’s Appraisal of the product.

3. BRANZ makes no representation or warranty as to:

a) the nature of individual examples of, batches of, or individual installations of the product, including methods and workmanship;

b) the presence or absence of any patent or similar rights subsisting in the product or any other product;

c) any guarantee or warranty offered by Nelson Pine Industries Ltd.

4. Any reference in this Appraisal to any other publication shall be read as a reference to the version of the publication specified in this Appraisal.

5. BRANZ provides no certification, guarantee, indemnity or warranty, to Nelson Pine Industries Ltd or any third party.

For BRANZ

P BurghoutChief Executive

Date of issue: 23 January 2013

15.7 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF sheets are fixed at 150 mm centres around the perimeter of the sheets starting at the corner and at 300 mm centres to intermediate studs. Fixing to dwangs is not required.

Finishing15.8 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF sheets are finished with three coats of polyurethane or a paint system comprising a primer/sealer and two top coats.

Health and Safety15.9 Dust resulting from the cutting or sanding of GoldenEdge® Regular MDF may be a respiratory irritant, and the use of a suitable respiratory protection is recommended. A Material Safety Data Sheet is available for download from www.nelsonpine.co.nz.

Basis of AppraisalThe following is a summary of the technical investigations carried out:

Tests16.1 Bracing tests were carried out by BRANZ in accordance with BRANZ Technical Paper P21 to determine the performance of GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems when the building is subjected to lateral wind or earthquake loading. Nail and screw slip tests were carried out by BRANZ.

Other Investigations17.1 The GoldenEdge® MDF Panelbrace™ Wall Bracing Systems Technical Literature has been examined by BRANZ and found to be satisfactory.17.2 Site visits were carried out by BRANZ to assess the practicability of the installation of the systems, and to view completed installations.17.3 An assessment was made of the durability of the systems by BRANZ technical experts and found to be satisfactory.17.4 GoldenEdge® Regular MDF have been assessed for the following properties: Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Internal Bond, resisitance to axial withdrawal, of both new and aged samples.

Quality18.1 Nelson Pine Industries Ltd’s manufacturing process and details of the quality and composition of the materials, have been examined by BRANZ and found to be satisfactory.18.2 The quality management systems of Nelson Pine Industries Ltd have been assessed and registered by TELARC as meeting the requirements of ISO 9001.18.3 Nelson Pine Industries Ltd is responsible for the quality of the product supplied.18.4 The quality of the application and finish on site is the responsibility of the building contractor.18.5 Designers are responsible for the design of the building.18.6 Building owners are responsible for the maintenance of the product in accordance with the instructions of Nelson Pine Industries Ltd.

Sources of InformationBRANZ Technical Paper P21: 2010 A wall bracing test and evaluation procedure.NZS 3602: 2003 Timber and wood-based products for use in building.NZS 3604: 2011 Timber-framed buildings.New Zealand Building Code Handbook Department of Building and Housing, Third Edition (Amendment 12, 10 October 2011).The Building Regulations 1992.

Figure 2: System NP2Concrete Floors – Internal Walls – End Straps

Figure 3: System NP2Concrete Floors – Internal Walls – GIB HandiBrac®

Figure 4: System NP2Concrete Floors – External Walls – GIB HandiBrac®

Figure 5: System NP2Timber Floors – Internal Walls – End Straps

Figure 6: System NP2Timber Floors – Internal Walls – GIB HandiBrac®

Figure 7: System NP2Timber Floors – External Walls – Gib HandiBrac®

M12 galvanised bolt and50x50x3mm squaregalvanised washer

6 - 30x2.5mm flat headnails to each side of stud

3 - 30x2.5mm flat headnails to each side ofbottom plate (strappasses underneath plate)

Locate the GIB HandiBrac®

bracket centrally on the stud

GIB HandiBrac® bracket

To maximise concrete edge distance,locate the GIB HandiBrac® bracket flushwith the inside face of the stud

GIB HandiBrac® bracket

12mm dia x 150mm galvanisedcoach screw and 50x50x3mmsquare galvanised washer

6 - 30x2.5mm flat head nailsto each side of stud

3 - 30x2.5mm flat headnails to each side ofbottom plate(strap passesunderneath plate)

Locate the GIB HandiBrac®

bracket centrally on the stud

GIB HandiBrac® bracket

Locate the GIB HandiBrac® bracketflush such that the coach screw iscentred over the joist or bearer below

Panel Hold-DownsThe bottom plate in bracing system Type NP1 is fixed to the floorframing in accordance with NZS 3604: 2011 Table 8.19, which is either2/100x3.75mm hand-driven nails or 3/90 x 3.15 mm power-drivennails, at maximum 600mm centres.

Type NP2 requires the use of end straps and a suitable hold-downanchor (see Figure 2) at each end of the bracing element. Alternativelythe GIB HandiBrac® may be used instead of straps, but a suitablehold-down anchor with a characteristic or design strength of 12kN(for timber floors) and 15kN (for concrete floors) is required. Withinthe length of the bracing element, intermediate fixings to the bottomplate are to be in accordance with NZS 3604.

100mmmaximum

100mmmaximum

400mm brace strap400mm brace strap

GIB HandiBrac® bracket

GoldenEdge, Tree Device and Panelbrace are tradenames and trademarks of Nelson Pine Industries Ltd MS 20515/FEBRUARY 2013

Notes: * Timber Floors - A limit of 120 BU/m applies to NZS 3604:2011 timber floors.

For wall heights greater than 2.4 m, the bracing rating is calculatedby multiplying the appropriate value shown in Table 1 by a factorf=2.4/H where H is the wall height in metres. Walls lower than 2.4 mshall be rated as if they were 2.4 m high.

Braced wall elements longer than those given in Table 1, shall havetheir bracing capacity determined by multiplying the bracing ratinggiven in Table 1 by the length of the wall. The end studs of the bracingelement must be provided with hold down details as required byTable 1.

FramingTimber framing grade, spacing and construction must comply withNZS 3604: 2011. Timber treatment must comply with NZBC AcceptableSolution B2/AS1.

Nelson Pine Industries Ltd recommends the use of kiln-dried stress-graded framing timber. The minimum actual framing dimensionsare 90 x 45 mm for external walls and 75 x 45 mm for internal walls.

Joints in the top plates of bracing panels must be tied together asrequired by NZS 3604: 2011 with 3 kN and 6 kN top plate connectorsusing 25 x 0.9 mm galvanised mild steel strap, 3 nails each side ofjoint for 3kN and 6 nails each side of joint for 6kN.

Openings in Bracing ElementsOpenings are allowed within the middle third of bracing elements(length and height walls, length and width ceilings). The openingdimension in either direction must not exceed one third of the elementheight (width). Small openings of 90 x 90 mm or less may be placedanywhere except within 90 mm of the edge of the bracing element.

Handling and StorageThe method of manufacturing MDF ensures a balanced construction,resulting from the uniform distribution of fibres throughout thethickness of the board. The maintenance of this inherent flatness isdependent upon the correct storage and handling procedures. Pleaseconsult the recommendations set out on the Nelson Pine IndustriesLtd website for the protection, storage and handling of the MDF.

InstallationThe building must be closed in and weathertight prior to the installationof the GoldenEdge MDF Sheets.

Bracing DesignBracing DemandNZS 3604: 2011 Section 5 contains design procedures and a manualcalculation method for calculating bracing demand. Refer to NZS3604: 2011 Bracing Demand Tables 5.5 - 5.10 for 2 kPa floor loads andTables 14.1 - 14.3 for 3 kPa floor loads. The bracing ratings given inTable 1 are for manual calculations. The bracing units are derivedfrom the BRANZ P21 test method based on a wall height of 2.4 m.

Bracing RatingsGoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Wall Bracing Systems provide bracingratings (BU/m) as given in Table 1. The bracing ratings values arebased on the timber framed walls being lined on one face only.

CuttingGoldenEdge Regular MDF can be cut with a fine tooth saw (eitherhand or power). Cut edges can be tidied up by using a plane orsandpaper.

Sheet FixingGoldenEdge Regular MDF sheets are fixed vertically. Adjoining sheetsrequire an approximate 2 mm gap between them to allow formovement. Full sheets must be used wherever possible.Fixings must be no closer than 10 mm from the sheet edge and nocloser than 18 mm from the top and bottom edges of the sheet.Fixings are driven at right angles to the sheet until the head is flushwith the sheet surface for nail fixings or countersunk approximately0.5 mm for screw fixings.

Fixings must not be over-driven.

GoldenEdge Regular MDF sheets are fixed at 150 mm centres aroundthe perimeter of the sheets and at 300 mm centres to intermediatestuds. Fixing to dwangs/noggings is not required.

FinishingPrior to painting the sheets must be cleaned down, and any nail/screwholes filled. GoldenEdge Regular MDF sheets are finished with threecoats of polyurethane or a paint system comprising a primer/sealerand two top coats.

Product WarrantyGoldenEdge carries a 12 month warranty against faulty materials orworkmanship by the manufacturer to the extent of replacement ofthe product but not including any indirect or consequential losssubject to the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

WARNINGThis warranty applies only when the product has been used inaccordance with the recommendations. Any defect must be advisedto the manufacturer within 21 days of determination or from the daysuch defects should have become known.

Nelson Pine Industries Ltd reserves the right to change specificationscontained in this publication without notice.

This is a reconstituted wood panel made from wood, resin and wax.This must be handled in accordance with safe work practices.Exposure to wood dust and/or formaldehyde may cause irritation tothe eyes, respiratory system and skin, and may cause sensitisationby inhalation resulting in asthma, and by skin contact resulting indermatitis.

Wood dust is classified as a known carcinogen. Repeated inhalationof wood dust over many years may cause nasal cancer. Formaldehydeis classified as a probable carcinogen.

StorageStorage areas containing large quantities of this product must beadequately ventilated.

Safe Work PracticeWork areas must be well ventilated and kept clean. Sawing, sandingand machining equipment must be fitted with dust extractors toensure that dust levels are kept within standards laid down by WorksafeAustralia, Occupational Safety and Health New Zealand, or the specificcountry of use. If not, a dust mask conforming with AS/NZS 1715 andAS/NZS 1716 and eye protection conforming with AS/NZS 1337 mustbe worn.

Offcuts, shavings and dust must be disposed of in a manner whichavoids the generation of dust and in accordance with the requirementsof local waste disposal authorities.

In end use applications all product surfaces exposed to occupiedspace must be sealed.

Further InformationRefer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product available fromNelson Pine Industries Ltd, their Distributors and Resellers.

Table 1: GoldenEdge MDF Panelbrace Bracing Ratings

W

Type Minimumlength (m)

0.6

1.2NP2

NP1 9 or 12mmGoldenEdgeRegular MDF

one side

Lining

9 or 12mmGoldenEdgeRegular MDF

one side

OtherRequirements

BU/m

EQ

80

Panelhold-downs

n/a 75

150* 140*

Lower Queen StreetRichmond, Nelson, New ZealandPO Box 3049, Richmond, Nelson 7050Telephone 03-543 8800, Fax 03-543 8890Freephone 0800-800 438, Freefax 0508 674 329Email sales@nelsonpine.co.nz Website www.nelsonpine.co.nz

Your local Panelbrace stockist