This Standard sets out the minimum requirements for visual grading of decking intended for use as decking for wharves and bridges where the nominal thickness of the decking is 70 mm or greater. These requirements apply at the time of grading.

NOTES:

1 This Standard is intended to cover timbers for commercial, industrial and marine decking subject to vehicular traffic, such as for road bridges and shipping wharves.

2 Purchasing guidelines are given in Appendix A.

3 Stress grades applicable to strength groups for decking for wharves and bridges are given in Appendix B.

4 In order to maximize the working life of decking for wharves and bridges, timbers should be fixed in position with the heart side down.

5 Commercial, industrial and marine decking of less than nominal 70 mm thickness may be graded to AS 2082 or AS 2858 with additional limitations for open features on the top surface such as knot holes, loose or unsound knots, gum pockets, loose gum veins, shakes, termite galleries, want, wane and untreated sapwood which might otherwise lessen serviceability. For pedestrian traffic, these features are usually not permitted on the top surface.

6 The requirements for light decking (domestic decking) are set out in the AS 2796 series and the AS 4785 series for hardwood and softwood, respectively.