Tech notes Webtech note 13

Technical note

Capacity design and NZS AS 1720.1:2022

See the description of the technical note below.

Developed in collaboration 
with the Timber Design Society.

To make sure you get the latest version of this guide in the future, please share your info with us below. Once you hit submit, you'll be able to download the file.

Subscribe to receive industry news and updates

NZS AS 1720.1:2022 introduced a new Chapter (ZZ9), which sets out the minimum seismic design requirements for timber structures design.  This new chapter introduces two new terms viz., Potentially Ductile Elements (PDEs) and Capacity Protected Elements (CPEs). Separating the PDEs and CPEs is the overstrength of the PDE. This technical note discusses overstrength and its use in NZS AS1720.1:2022. It also discusses the limitation placed on overstrength actions by the Standard and how this is applied.