Bracing

jameshardie.co.nz

Design Manual
January 2022 New Zealand
We value your feedback!
To continue with the development of our products and systems, we value your
input. Please send any suggestions, including your name, contact details, and
relevant sketches to:
Ask James Hardie™
[email protected]

Make sure your information is up to date

When specifying or installing Hardie™ fibre cement products, ensure that you have
the current manual. Additional installation information, warranties and warnings
are available at www.jameshardie.co.nz or Ask James Hardie™ on 0800 808 868.
Contents
1 Application and Scope 4 8 Care and maintenance 11
1.1 Application 4 8.1 General 11
1.2 Scope 4
1.3 Details 4 9 Product Information 12
1.4 Specific Design and Detailing 4
9.1 Manufacturing and Classification 12
9.2 Sizes 12
2 Design 5
2.1 Compliance 5 10 Safe Working Practice 13
2.2 Responsibility 5
2.3 Site and Foundation 5 10.1 Storage and Delivery 16
2.4 Ground Clearances 5 10.2 Tips for safe and easy handling of
2.5 Moisture Management 6 sheet products 17
2.6 Wind Loading 6
2.7 Height of Bracing Panels 6 11 Details 18
2.8 Bracing Sheets Stopped Below Top Plate 6
2.9 Bracing in wet area & water splash areas 6 12 Bracing Table
2.10 Impact Resistance 6
2.11 Maximum Bracing Units 6 — Internal Linings 19
2.12 Specific Engineering Design 7
2.13 Bracing Calculation 7 13 Bracing Figures
3 Timber Framing 7 — Internal Linings 20
3.1 General 7
3.2 Dimensions 7
14 Bracing Tables
3.3 Structural Grade 7 – Pre-cladding 24
3.4 Tolerances 7
3.5
3.6
Durability
Frame Construction
7
8
15 Bracing Figures
3.7 Bottom Plate Fixing/Hold Down Restraints 8 - Pre-cladding 26
4 Preparation 8 16 Bracing Tables
4.1 General 8 – Claddings 31
4.2 Flexible Underlay or HomeRAB Pre-Cladding 8
4.3 Window and Door Installation 9
17 Bracing Figures Claddings
5 Sheet Fixing 9 (Direct Fix) 32
5.1 Fastener Durability and Size 9
5.2 Sheet Nailing 9 18 Bracing Connection Figures
5.3
5.4
Sheet Orientation
Service Penetrations
10
10
(Direct Fix) 35

6 Jointing 10 19 Structural Ceiling Diaphragm 38

6.1 General 10
20 Floor Diaphragm 40
7 Finishing 11
7.1 General 11 21 Bracing Calculation Tables 41
7.2 Sealants 11
 1 Application and Scope

1.1 Application
The Hardie™ fibre cement products are suitable to achieve structural bracing in timber framed buildings as per
the requirements of NZS 3604 or (SED) Specific Engineering Design when installed in accordance with the bracing
system published here in.
Refer to Table 2 – 14 for on bracing system capacity of various Hardie™ fibre cement products.
The following Hardie™ fibre cement products can be used to achieve bracing:
• Villaboard™ Lining, internal wall lining with recessed or square edges 6mm and 9mm; suitable for wet and
dry areas.
• Hardie™ Groove Lining, internal wall lining with a ‘tongue & groove’ look.
• RAB™ Board 6mm or 9mm or HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding 4.5mm, used as rigid air barrier.
• Hardie™ Flex Sheet 6mm cladding suitable for board and batten or used with other jointing options.
• Axon™ Panel, 9mm suitable for external wall claddings. with a ‘Vertical Grooved’ look.
•
Specifier
If you are a specifier or other responsible party for a project ensure that the information in this document is
appropriate for the application you are planning and that you undertake specific design and detailing for areas
which fall outside the scope of these specifications.
Installer
If you are an installer ensure that you follow the design, moisture management principles, associated details and
material selection provided by the designer. All details provided in this document must be read in conjunction with
this specification.
Make sure your information is up to date
When specifying or installing Hardie™ fibre cement products, ensure you have the current manual. If you’re not
sure you do, or you need more information, visit www.jameshardie.co.nz or Ask James Hardie on 0800 808 868.

1.2 Scope
This manual covers the installation of Hardie™ fibre cement products to achieve structural bracing for timber-
framed buildings that fall within the scope of NZS 3604 or specific design buildings.
To achieve bracing ratings published in this literature, each product must be fixed in accordance with its respective
details published in this manual.

1.3 Details
The bracing system details provided in this document are available in CAD format on our website www.
jameshardie.co.nz.

1.4 Specific Design and Detailing

For buildings outside the scope of this literature, the designer/architect or engineer responsible for the project must
undertake Specific Engineering Design (SED).

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2 Design

2.1 Compliance
All Hardie™ fibre cement products as mentioned in Section 1.1 have been tested at SCION as per BRANZ P21 test
method to determine their bracing capacity and bracing systems have been developed. Hardie™ fibre cement
products, when installed and maintained in accordance to James Hardie’s technical specification requirements,
comply with the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).

2.2 Responsibility
The specifier or other party responsible for the project must run through a risk matrix analysis as per E2/AS1 to
determine which construction method is applicable to install the external cladding on the project. The designer
must also ensure that the bracing capacities published in this specification are appropriate for the intended
application. The designer is responsible to calculate the bracing requirement for a building. The designers must
also ensure that the intent of their design meets the requirements of the NZBC.
Substitution of Hardie™ fibre cement product with any other product will change the bracing capacity of a system
and James Hardie accepts no liability due to this. James Hardie’s bracing systems are not generic and therefore
they must only be installed as per James Hardie’s bracing details using a James Hardie product.
All dimensions shown are in millimetres unless noted otherwise. All New Zealand Standards referenced in this
manual are current edition and must be complied with.
James Hardie conducts stringent quality checks to ensure that any product manufactured falls within our quality
spectrum. It is the responsibility of the builder to ensure that the product meets aesthetic expectation before
installation. James Hardie will not be responsible for rectifying the obvious aesthetic surface variations in product
after its installation.

2.3 Site and Foundation

The site on which the building is situated must comply with Surface Water Clause E1 of NZBC. The grade of
adjacent finished ground must slope away from the building to avoid any possibility of water accumulating.
Foundation design must comply with the requirements of NZS 3604 Timber Framed Buildings.

2.4 Ground Clearances

The clearance between the bottom edge of claddings and paved/unpaved ground must comply with section 9.1.3 of
E2/AS1. The finished floor level must also comply with these requirements. These clearances must be maintained
throughout the life of the building.
Hardie™ claddings must overhang the bottom plate by a minimum of 50mm as required by NZS 3604 and E2/
AS1 of NZBC.
On the roofs and decks the minimum clearance must be 50mm.
Do not install external cladding such that it may remain in contact with the ground.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 5

 2.5 Moisture Management
It is the responsibility of the specifier to identify moisture related risks associated with any particular building design.
Wall construction design must effectively manage moisture, considering both the interior and exterior environments
of the building, particularly in buildings that have a higher risk of wind driven rain penetration or that are artificially
heated or cooled.
Walls shall include those provisions as required by NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 External Moisture. In addition,
all wall openings, penetrations, junctions, connections, window sills, heads and jambs must incorporate appropriate
flashings for waterproofing. The other materials, components and installation methods used to manage moisture
in external walls, must comply with the requirements of relevant standards and NZBC.

2.6 Wind Loading

James Hardie’s bracing systems are suitable for use in all wind zones as defined in NZS 3604. For wind speeds
more than 55m/sec, (EH wind zone) a specific engineering design must be undertaken by the designer to calculate
the bracing capacity required.

2.7 Height of Bracing Panels

Maximum Height:
The standard height of James Hardie’s bracing systems is 2.4m. For bracing panels which exceed the 2.4m
height, the bracing rating is to be reduced by a multiplication factor of 2.4/H, where H is the bracing panel
height. Dimension H, however, must be limited to maximum of 4.8m. Refer also to clauses 8.3.1.4 (a) and (b) of
NZS 3604 for further information.
Minimum Height:
For bracing panels which are less than 2.4m height, the bracing rating is to be used as for a 2.4m high wall.
The wall height with a sloping top plate should be taken as the average height.

2.8 Bracing Sheets Stopped Below Top Plate

Where a bracing sheet is stopped below the top plate an extra row of nogs (dwangs) must be installed below the
top plate to facilitate the bracing sheet fixing. Refer to Figure 17 for details.

2.9 Bracing in wet area & water splash areas

Villaboard Lining can be used to achieve bracing in internal wet areas (shower) when the sheet is covered by an
impervious lining eg. Hardie™ Glaze Lining/vinyl/acrylic shower lining.
When using tiles over a braced wall, designer/builder must ensure that the water proofing membrane used under
the tiles meets 50 years durability requirements as per clause 2.3.1 (a) of B2 of the NZBC.

2.10 Impact Resistance

Hardie™ fibre cement products covered in this manual have adequate impact resistance which is likely to occur
during the normal use of a building.
The impact resistance does not apply to rigid air barriers as they are covered by a cladding.

2.11 Maximum Bracing Units

A maximum of 150 BU/m can be achieved for concrete floors and 120 BU/m can be achieved for timber floors in
buildings built in accordance with NZS 3604. Higher bracing ratings will exceed the structural capacity of anchors,
slabs and foundations etc built as per NZS 3604 and therefore requires a specific engineering design (SED) input.

6 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

2.12 Specific Engineering Design
For some bracing systems using Hardie™ fibre cement product, bracing ratings higher than 150BU’s/m can be
achieved. Refer to Tables 2 to 8. As mentioned above, a specific engineering design must be undertaken to design
the concrete foundation. This may require increasing foundation thickness using higher grade concrete the edge
distance between hold down bolts and outer edge of slab.

2.13 Bracing Calculation

Refer to the online bracing calculation tool at www.jameshardie.co.nz. This tool enables a quick calculation of
bracing demand and the selection of suitable bracing systems.
You can also use manual bracing calculation sheets provided in section 21 of this manual.

3 Timber Framing

3.1 General
James Hardie’s bracing systems are suitable for timber framed buildings. The framing must comply with the
minimum requirements of NZS 3604 ‘Timber Framed Buildings’ or in accordance with the specific engineering
design (SED).
Bracing capacities/ratings and fixing specifications are provided for each system in the respective details published
for each product.

3.2 Dimensions
A minimum 90x45mm stud size is required for bracing systems. Refer to James Hardie’s product technical
specification/installation manuals for any additional specific framing requirements.

3.3 Structural Grade

Minimum timber grade requirement is SG8 framing grade used as per NZS 3604. Higher stress grade such as
MSG10 can be used where needed.

3.4 Tolerances
In order to achieve an acceptable wall finish, it is imperative that framing is straight and true.
Framing tolerances must comply with the requirements of NZS 3604. All framing shall be made flush.

3.5 Durability
The external framing must be treated to a minimum H1.2 treatment. Refer to NZBC Acceptable Solution B2/AS1
Durability for further information about the durability requirements.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 7

 For timber treatment and allowable moisture content information refer to NZS 3602 (Timber and Wood-Based
Products for use in Buildings) and NZS 3640 (Chemical Preservation of Round Sawn Timber) for minimum timber
treatment selection and treatment requirements.

3.6 Frame Construction

Timber framing must comply with NZS 3604 and provided as per the following requirements.
Also refer to timber framing manufacturers’ specifications before installation.
• Studs must be provided at 600mm centres maximum.
• Nogs or dwangs must be provided at 1200mm centres maximum.
• When a cladding is fixed over the cavity battens, the nogs must be provided in accordance with Section 9.1.8.5
of E2/AS1.

3.7 Bottom Plate Fixing/Hold Down Restraints

The timber framing must be fixed in accordance to table 8.19 of NZS 3604. Additional hold down restraints must
be provided as per each bracing system’s requirements. Refer to bracing systems details.

3.7.1 Concrete foundation

Pydra brace anchor kits or GIB® Handibrac® with a 15kN minimum uplift capacity holding down bolt can be used
as end restraints.

3.7.2 Timber foundation

Pydra brace anchor kits or GIB® Handibrac® with a M12 x 150mm holding down bolt can be used as end restraints.
Alternatively, holding down straps as per NZS 3604 can also be used. Refer to Figure 15.

4 Preparation

4.1 General
All Hardie™ fibre cement products must be kept dry and under cover whilst in storage prior to fixing.

4.2 Flexible Underlay or HomeRAB Pre-Cladding

Flexible underlay used must comply with the performance requirements of Table 23 of E2/AS1. The underlay must
be installed in accordance with E2/AS1 and their manufacturer’s requirements.
In buildings within the scope of NZS 3604 HomeRAB Pre-Cladding can also be used to replace the flexible
underlay. HomeRAB Pre-Cladding has been tested and complies with the requirements of Table 23 of E2/AS1.
Walls which are not lined on inside face e.g. garage walls or gable ends etc. must include a rigid sheathing or an
air barrier behind the wall cladding. HomeRAB Pre-Cladding is suitable for use in these applications, up to and
including VH wind zone.

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4.3 Window and Door Installation
All windows and doors must be detailed such that they meet the requirements of E2/AS1, Clause 2.0.1. Refer also
to NZS 3604 and the joinery provider.

5 Sheet Fixing

5.1 Fastener Durability and Size

Coach screws and holding down (HD) bolts, where used, must be M12 hot-dipped galvanised steel fitted with
50 x 50 x 3mm galvanised washers. The holding down bolts and washers must have a protective coating as per
Table 4.2 of NZS 3604.

Pre-claddings:
All nails for fixing the pre-cladding bracing panels in Zone D must be Grade 304/316 stainless steel in accordance
with NZS 3604.
All nails for fixing the pre-cladding bracing panels for Zone B and Zone C can be Grade 304/316 stainless steel or
hot dipped galvanised steel nail.

Claddings:
All claddings when used for bracing applications, must be fixed with a Grade 304/316 stainless steel nail in
accordance with NZS 3604.

Linings:
For dry area internal applications, standard hot dipped galvanised nails can be used.
For wet area internal applications, stainless steel nails must be used.

Note: Fastener sizes are given in the respective details section for each product or system.

5.2 Sheet Nailing

Nails can be hand driven or gun nailed at a minimum edge distance as shown in the bracing details within this
specification. This also applies to dimensions from corners, vertically and horizontally. The sheets must be held
hard against the framing during nailing to minimise sheet break-out at the back of sheet. Always drive all nails
flush with the sheet surface. For sheet/panel systems do not punch the nail below the surface as it reduces the
nail’s holding power.
Fix all sheets from the centre working towards outer edges to avoid drumminess. Fixings at 150mm maximum
centres.
Gun nails can be used on some bracing systems with fixings at 100mm maximum centres. Refer to bracing tables
for hand or gun nail options available.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 9

 5.3 Sheet Orientation
For the bracing systems specified in this manual, all flat sheets must be fixed vertically with the exception of
Villaboard Lining, which can either be fixed vertically or horizontally as per the bracing systems details.
Full-height sheets must be used for walls up to 3000mm in height. When bracing walls height exceed 3000mm,
sheet jointing is acceptable. Only one horizontal sheet joint is permitted within the element height. The maximum
height of bracing wall is limited to 4800mm.
A site cut bracing sheet must be minimum 300mm wide when used in a bracing element. Refer to Figure 17.
Always ensure that the sheet joint is on the centre line of the stud or nog to achieve sufficient cover of fixings.
In internal walls the lining sheet used for bracing must stop 6mm above the finished floor.

5.4 Service Penetrations

Holes/penetrations up to 100 x 100mm positioned no closer than 200mm of the edge or another penetration, are
allowed for services. Maximum of two service penetrations are recommended per sheet.
No window/door penetrations are allowed within the bracing elements.

6 Jointing

6.1 General
Control joints in flush finished or monolithic claddings are required to accommodate movement created by
shrinkage and thermal movement of plasters and framing subsides.
Expansion joints are provided in timber walls to allow for long-term frame movement that occurs due to structural
loading and timber shrinkage.
Control joints and expansion joints must be determined at the design stage. For further guidance on jointing refer
to the BRANZ publication ‘Good Stucco Practice’.
When bracing walls contain control joint or expansion joints, the panels must be separated into separate bracing
elements on either side of the joint.

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7 Finishing

7.1 General
Protective coating of Hardie™ fibre cement sheet cladding is required in order to meet the durability requirements
of the NZBC and to be covered under the James Hardie’s Product Warranty. Claddings must be painted within 90
days of its installation. Use only quality exterior paints complying with AS 3730. Manufacturer’s specification for the
selected paint must be followed. Note that certain special paints require an undercoat before applying the finish
coat. Refer to the relevant paint manufacturer for preparation required before commencing the coating work.

7.2 Sealants
All sealants must demonstrate they meet the relevant requirements of NZBC. Application and use of sealants must
comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. Check with the sealant manufacturer prior to coating over sealants
as some sealant manufacturers do not recommend coating over their product.

8 Care and maintenance

8.1 General
The extent and nature of maintenance will depend on the geographical location and exposure of the building.
As a guide, it is recommended that basic normal external maintenance tasks shall include but not be limited to;

For external claddings:

• Wash down exterior surfaces every 6-12 months using low pressure water and a brush, and every 3-4 months
in extreme coastal conditions or sea spray zones. Do not use a water blaster to wash down the claddings and
refer to your paint manufacturer for washing down requirements related to paint performance.
• Re-coating exterior protective finishes. Always refer to your paint manufacturer for re-coating requirements
related to paint performance.
• Maintaining the exterior envelope and connections including joints, penetrations, flashings and sealants that
may provide a means of moisture entry beyond the exterior cladding
• Cleaning out gutters, blocked pipes and overflows as required
• Pruning back vegetation that is close to or touching the building
• The clearances between the bottom of cladding and top of ground or paved surface must always be
maintained
• Any surface drains running next to a wall cladding must be kept clear of debris to avoid blockage and flooding.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 11

 For internal linings:
It is recommended that basic normal internal maintenance tasks shall include but not be limited to;
• Integrity of various coatings maintained. Do not use a water blaster to wash down the lining. Refer to your
paint manufacturer for washing down and re-coating requirements related to paint performance.
• Maintaining the interior envelope and connections including joints, penetrations, flashings and sealants that
may provide a means of moisture ingress

9 Product Information

9.1 Manufacturing and Classification

James Hardie is an ISO 9001 Telarc certified manufacturer. Flat sheets are manufactured in accordance with AS/
NZS 2908.2. ‘Cellulose Cement Products’, which is equivalent to ISO 8336 ‘Fibre Cement Flat Sheets’.
Each of the products covered by this manual are identified by its name embossed or printed on either the front
or back face of the sheet.

9.2 Sizes
Refer to respective current product technical specification for further information about available product sizes.

12 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

10 Safe Working Practice
WARNING - DO NOT BREATHE DUST AND CUT ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREA
Hardie™ fibre cement products contain sand, a source of respirable crystalline silica may cause cancer if dust
from product is inhaled. Causes damage to lungs and respiratory system through prolonged or repeated
inhalation of dust from product.
Intact fibre cement products are not expected to result in any adverse toxic effects. The hazard associated with
fibre cement arises from the respirable crystalline silica present in dust generated by activities such as cutting,
rebating, drilling, routing, sawing, crushing, or otherwise abrading fibre cement, and when cleaning up, disposing
of or moving dust.
When doing any of these activities in a manner that generates dust, follow James Hardie instructions and best
practices to reduce or limit the release of dust.
If using a dust mask or respirator, use an AS/NZS1716 P1 filter and refer to Australian/New Zealand Standard
1715:2009 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment for more extensive guidance and
more options for selecting respirators for workplaces. For further information, refer to our installation instructions
and Safety Data Sheets available at www.jameshardie.co.nz.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO OUR WARNINGS, SAFETY DATA SHEETS, AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Crystalline Silica is
• Commonly known as sand or quartz
• Found in many building products e.g. concrete, bricks, grout, wallboard, ceramic tiles, and all fibre cement
materials

Why is Crystalline Silica a health hazard?

• Silica can be breathed deep into the lungs when present in the air as a very fine (respirable) dust
• Exposure to silica dust without taking the appropriate safety measures to minimise the amount being breathed
in, can lead to a potentially fatal lung disease – silicosis – and has also been linked with other diseases
including cancer. Some studies suggest that smoking may increase these risks
• The most hazardous dust is the dust you cannot see!

When is Crystalline Silica a health hazard?

• It’s dangerous to health if safety protocols to control dust are not followed when cutting, drilling or rebating a
product containing crystalline silica
• Products containing silica are harmless if intact (e.g. an un-cut sheet of wall board)

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 13

 Avoid breathing in crystalline silica dust

Safe working practices

 NEVER use a power saw indoors or in a poorly ventilated area
 NEVER dry sweep
 ALWAYS use M Class or higher vacuum or damp down dust before sweeping up
 NEVER use grinders
 ALWAYS use a dust reducing circular saw equipped with a sawblade specifically designed to minimise dust
creation when cutting fibre cement – preferably a sawblade that carries the Hardie™ Blade name or one with
at least equivalent performance – connected to an M Class or higher vacuum
 Before cutting warn others in the area to avoid dust
 ALWAYS follow tool manufacturers’ safety recommendations
 ALWAYS expose only the minimum required depth of blade for the thickness of fibre cement to be cut
 ALWAYS wear a properly-fitted, approved dust mask or respirator P1 or higher in accordance with applicable
government regulations and manufacturer instructions
 Consider rotating personnel across cutting tasks to further limit respirable silica exposures.

Use one of the following methods for cutting Hardie™ fibre cement products under 9mm

Best
• Hardie™ Knife
• Hand guillotine
• Fibreshear

Better
Dust reducing circular saw equipped with Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade and connected to a M Class or higher
vacuum.

When cutting outdoors

 Make sure you work in a well ventilated area
 Position cutting station so wind will blow dust away from yourself and others in the working area
 Rotate employees across cutting task over duration of shift
 Cut products with a Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade (or equivalent) and a dust reducing circular saw connected to
a M Class or higher vacuum
 When sawing, sanding, rebating, drilling or machining fibre cement products, always:
- Wear your P1 or higher (correctly fitted in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions), ask others to do the
same.
- Keep persons on site at least 2 metres and as far as practicable away from the cutting station while the saw
is in operation
- If you are not clean shaven, then use a powered air respirator with a loose fitting head top
- Wear safety glasses
- Wear hearing protection
 Make sure you clean up BUT never dry sweep. Always hose down with water/wet wipe or use an M Class or
higher vacuum

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When cutting indoors
 Never cut using a circular saw indoors
 Position cutting station in a well ventilated area
 Cut ONLY using a Hardie™ Knife, hand guillotine or fibreshears (manual, electric or pneumatic)
 Make sure you clean up BUT never dry sweep. Always hose down with water/wet wipe or use an M Class or
higher vacuum

Use the following method for cutting Hardie™ fibre cement products over 9mm
Dust reducing circular saw equipped with Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade and M Class or higher vacuum.

When cutting
 Work outdoors only
 Make sure you work in a well ventilated area
 Position cutting station so wind will blow dust away from yourself and others in the working area
 Rotate employees across cutting task over duration of shift
 Cut products with a Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade (or equivalent) and a dust reducing circular saw connected to
a M Class or higher vacuum
 When sawing, sanding, rebating, drilling or machining fibre cement products, always:
- Wear your P1 or higher (correctly fitted in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions), ask others to do the
same.
- Keep persons on site at least 2 metres and as far as practicable away from the cutting station while the saw
is in operation.
- If you are not clean shaven, then use a powered air respirator with a loose fitting head top
- Wear safety glasses
- Wear hearing protection
- When others are close by, ask them to do the same
 Make sure you clean up BUT never dry sweep. Always hose down with water/wet wipe or use an M Class or
higher vacuum
If concern still exists about exposure levels or you do not comply with the above practices, you should always
consult a qualified industrial hygienist or contact James Hardie for further information.

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 Working Instructions

Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade

The Hardie™ Blade Saw Blade used with a dust-reducing saw is
ideal for fast, clean cutting of Hardie™ fibre cement products. A
dust-reducing saw uses a dust collector connected to a M Class
or higher vacuum. When sawing, clamp a straight edge to the
sheet as a guide and run the saw base plate along the straight
edge when making the cut.

Hole-Forming
For smooth clean cut circular holes:
• Mark the centre of the hole on the sheet
• Pre-drill a ‘pilot’ hole
• Using the pilot hole as a guide, cut the hole to the appropriate
diameter with a hole saw fitted to a heavy duty electric drill

For irregular holes:

• Small rectangular or circular holes can be cut by drilling a
series of small holes around the perimeter of the hole then
tapping out the waste piece from the sheet face
• Tap carefully to avoid damage to sheets, ensuring that the sheet edges are properly supported

10.1 Storage and Delivery

Hardie™ fibre cement products should be stored in their original packaging, preferably under cover like a garage
or in some other covered area protected from weather whenever possible. These products must be kept dry and
should be kept covered on a pallet off the ground; they must never be stored in direct contact with the ground.
If Hardie™ fibre cement products become saturated, they must be laid on a flat surface and allowed to dry
completely prior to installation.
James Hardie is not responsible for damage due to improper storage and handling of its products.
Hardie™ fibre cement products are robust and durable once installed. It is important to keep the product dry in
storage and during installation.
If product becomes saturated prior to installation the following can occur.
• Shrinkage at joints.
• Staining. A deposit of soluble salts, usually white in colour.
• Difficulty in handling due to the increased weight and added flexibility once saturated.

Storage and delivery

Keeping products and people safe.

Off loading
 Hardie™ fibre cement products should be off-loaded carefully by hand or by forklift
 Hardie™ fibre cement products should not be rolled or dumped off a truck during the delivery to the jobsite

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Storage
Hardie™ fibre cement products should be stored:
 In their original packaging
 Under cover where possible or otherwise protected with a waterproof covering to keep products dry
 Off the ground – either on a pallet or adequately supported on timber or other spacers
 Flat so as to minimise bending

Hardie™ fibre cement products must not be stored:

 Directly on the ground
 In the open air exposed to the elements

James Hardie is not responsible for damage due to improper storage and handling.

10.2 Tips for safe and easy handling of sheet products

 Carry with two people

 Hold near each end and on edge
 Exercise care when handling sheet products to avoid damaging the edges/corners

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 11 Details
Various details outlined in the following table are available on Pages 12 to 43.
Table 1

Description Page
Figure 1: 1200mm Villaboard™ Lining/Hardie™ Groove Lining with no hold down brackets 20

Figure 2: 400mm or 600mm Villaboard™ Lining to concrete or timber floor 21

Figure 3: 1200mm or more Villaboard™ Lining/Hardie™ Groove Lining to concrete or timber floor 22

Figure 4: Villaboard™ Lining laid horizontally to concrete or timber floor 23

Figure 5: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or timber floor

26
- no hold down brackets

Figure 6: 400/600mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or timber floor 27

Figure 7: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or timber floor 28

Figure 8: 400mm/600mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm GIB® Standard Plasterboard 29

Figure 9: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm GIB® Standard Plasterboard 30

Figure 10: 1200mm Panel no hold down brackets 32

Figure 11: 400mm or 600mm Panel to concrete or timber floor 33

Figure 12: 1200mm or more Panel to concrete or timber floor 34

Figure 13: End bracket to concrete slab 35

Figure 14: End bracket to timber joist 35

Figure 15: Hold down straps to timber joists 36

Figure 16: 300mm wide detail 36

Figure 17: Bracing panel stopped below top plate 37

Figure 18: Structural ceiling diaphragm 39

Figure 19: Secura™ Interior Flooring diaphragm floor 40

18 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

12 Bracing Table — Internal Linings
Table 2

Villaboard™ Lining 6mm and 9mm vertically fixed

BU/M kN/m Fixing method

System number

Thickness (mm)

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail
Length

Screw
Wind

Wind
Vvn 6&9 1200 N 1 99 86 5.0 4.3  
Vv 6&9 400 Y 2,13,14 81 105 4.1 5.3  
Vv 6&9 600 Y 2,13,14 88 85 4.4 4.3  
for 6mm
Vv 6&9 1200 to 2400 Y 3,13,14 130* 101 6.5 5.1  Villaboard Lining

Vv 6 2400 to 4800 Y 3,13,14 125* 98 6.3 4.9  

Villaboard™ Lining 9mm vertically fixed
Vv 9 2400 to 4800 Y 3,13,14 145* 133* 7.25 6.65  
Villaboard™ Lining horizontally fixed

Vh 6&9 2400 to 4800 Y 4,13,14 161 135 8.1 6.8  

*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

Table 3

Hardie™ Groove Lining vertically fixed

BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail
Length

Screw
Wind

Wind

HGn 1200 N 1 101 96 5.1 4.8  

HG 1200 to 2400 Y 3,13,14 154* 153* 7.7 7.7  
*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 19

 13 Bracing Figures
— Internal Linings
Figure 1: 1200mm Villaboard™ Lining/Hardie™ Groove Lining with no hold down brackets
1703
Wall

m
50m

res 40 x 2.8mm galvanised or 316

ent
m mc stainless steel Hardie™ Flex
0
5 at e nails
at 1 pl
gs top
F ixin to
m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

Timber framing
75mm

mm
150 Villaboard™ Lining/
Hardie™ Goove Lining

Bottom plate fixed as

per NZS 3604
Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs
Bracing element height

Concrete or timber floor

m
50m

m
6mm sheet clearance

50m
s at 1
g
in re s
Fix cent
gth
len
m ent
75mm

ele
m cing
50m Bra

Product
Product System Number
System Minimum Length
Minimum length
VillaboardTM Lining Vvn 1200mm
Villaboard Lining
Hardie™ Groove Lining
™
HGn
Vvn 1200mm
1200mm
Hardie™ Groove Lining HGn 1200mm
fig01 jhl_brce_d_wall_vila01.dwg August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

20 1200MM
Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 OR
New Zealand MORE VILLABOARD™/LINING/HARDIE™ GROOVE LINING WITH NO
www.jameshardie.co.nz HOLDING DOWN BOLTS FIGURE: 1
Figure 2: 400mm or 600mm Villaboard™ Lining to concrete or timber floor
1703
Wall

res
c ent
m mm
t 1 50mplate 50
a
gs top
Fixin to 40 x 2.8mm galvanised or 316
stainless steel Hardie™ Flex
50 mm nails

12mm minimum edge distance

75mm

Timber framing

Villaboard™ Lining

Bottom plate fixed as

Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs

per NZS 3604

1200mm maximum

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

Concrete or timber floor

m
6mm sheet clearance

50m
m
50m
s at 1
g
in r e s
Fix cent
75mm

m th
50m eng
ent l
lem
ge
cin
Bra
FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS
Notes for Figure 2:
• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each
end of bracing element
• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised
coach screw at each end of bracing element

Product System Number Minimum Length

ProductVillaboard™ Lining Vv
System 400 or 600mm
Minimum length
Villaboard Lining ™
Vv 400 or 600mm
fig02 jhl_brce_d_wall_vila02.dwg August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20
Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 21
400MM OR 600MM VILLABOARD™/LINING TO CONCRETE OR TIMBER FLOOR
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 2
 Figure 3: 1200mm or more Villaboard™ Lining/Hardie™ Groove Lining to concrete or
timber floor

1703
m Wall
50m

res 40 x 2.8mm galvanised or 316

ent
m mc stainless steel HardieTM Flex
0
5 ate nails
at 1 pl
gs top
F ixin to
m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

Timber framing
75mm

mm
150 Villaboard™ Lining/
HardieTM Groove Lining

Bottom plate fixed as

per NZS 3604
Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs
Bracing element height

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

Concrete or timber floor

m
50m

m
6mm sheet clearance

50m
s at 1
g
in r e s
Fix cent
gth
len
m ent
75mm

ele
m cing
50m Bra

FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS

Notes for Figure 3:
• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each end of bracing element
• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised coach screw at each end of
bracing element

Product System Number Minimum Length

Product
Villaboard™ Lining Vv System Minimum length
1200mm
HardieTM Groove Lining HG 1200mm
Villaboard Lining
™
fig03 jhl_brce_d_wall_vila03.dwg
Vv , Vv9 1200mm August 2021
Hardie Groove Lining
™
HG 1200mm www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

1200MM OR MORE VILLABOARD™ LINING/HARDIE™ GROOVE LINING TO TIMBER

www.jameshardie.co.nz OR CONCRETE FLOOR FIGURE: 3

22 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

Figure 4: Villaboard™ Lining laid horizontally to concrete or timber floor

1703
m Wall
50m

40 x 2.8mm
galvanised or 316
es stainless steel
ntr Hardie™ Flex nails
ce
m
0m
15
at 12mm minimum
ings edge distance
Fix

Timber framing

mm
50

Villaboard™ Lining

mm
75 Proprietary hold down
bolt/bracket at end of
bracing element
m
0m
15
Bottom plate fixed as
per NZS 3604
Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs
Bracing element height

Concrete or timber
floor
mm
50

HD bolt/coach screw
for bottom plate fixing
as per NZS 3604

es
ntr
ce
mm
50
t1 th
g sa ng
ixin n t le
F
leme
ge
cin
Bra FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS
mm Notes for Figure 4:
75 · Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing
m
6m et ce anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN
e
sh aran anchor at each end of bracing element
cle mm · Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing
Proprietary hold down 50
anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm
bolt/bracket at end of
galvanised coach screw at each end of bracing
bracing element
element
Product System Number Minimum Length
Villaboard™ Lining Vh 2400mm

fig04 jhl_brce_d_wall_vila04.dwg August 2021

www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

Product System
VILLABOARD™ Minimum
LINING LAID HORIZONTALLY CONCRETE lengthFLOOR
OR TIMBER
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 4
Villaboard™ Lining Vh 2400mm

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 23

 14 Bracing Tables – Pre-cladding
Table 4

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding vertically fixed

BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail

Gun nail
Length

Wind

Wind
Hpn 1200 N 5 67 71 3.4 3.6  
400 Y 6,13,14,15 85 91 4.3 4.6  E

HP 600 Y 6,13,14,15 99 103 5.0 5.2  E

1200 to 2400 Y 7,13,14,15 133* 104 6.7 5.2  E

*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

Table 5

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding vertically fixed with 10mm GIB® Standard plasterboard

BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail

Gun nail
Length

Wind

Wind

400 Y 6,8,13,14,15 90 98 4.5 4.9  E

HPg 600 Y 6,8,13,14,15 127* 136* 6.4 6.8  E

1200 to 2400 Y 7,9,13,14,15 164* 138* 8.2 6.9  E

*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

24 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

Table 6

RAB™ Board 6mm or 9mm

BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail

Gun nail
Length

Wind

Wind
JHDn 1200 N 5 118 102 5.9 5.1  x

400 Y 6,13,14,15 83 107 4.2 5.4  E&P

600 Y 6,13,14,15 99 107 5.0 5.4  E&P

JHD
1200 to 2400 Y 7,13,14,15 154* 140* 7.7 7.0  E&P

2400 to 4800 Y 7,13,14,15 133* 150* 6.7 7.5  E&P

JHDg 600 Y 6,8,13,14,15 106 121 5.3 6.0  E&P

*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.
E = Ecko Pneumatic wireless coil nail
P = Paslode RounDrive ring shank nail

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 25

 15 Bracing Figures - Pre-cladding

Figure 5: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or timber

floor - no hold down brackets
1703
WALL
50mm
4.5mm and 6mm thick
product 40 x 2.8mm, 9mm
res thick product 50 x 2.8mm
ent
m mc stainless steel nail, or hot
0
5 a t e dip galvanised Hardie™
at 1 pl
gs top Flex nails fixing centres
F ixin to as indicated
m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

Timber framing
75mm

mm
150 HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding/
RAB™ Board

Bottom plate fixed as

Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs

per NZS 3604

Bracing element height

Concrete or timber floor

m
50m

m
50m
at 1
i n gs tres
Fix cen
gth
len
ent
overhang

m
minimum

ele
ing
15mm

m c
50m Bra

Product System Minimum length

Product System Number Minimum Length
HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding HPn 1200mm
™
Pre-Cladding
HomeRABRAB™ Board HPn JHDn 1200mm
1200mm

RAB™ Board JHDn 1200mm

fig05 jhl_brce_d_wall_rab02.dwg August 2021

www.jameshardie.co.nz

26 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

1200MM HOMERAB™ PRE-CLADDING OR RAB BOARD™ TO CONCRETE OR

www.jameshardie.co.nz TIMBER FLOOR - NO HOLD DOWN BRACKETS FIGURE: 5
Figure 6: 400/600mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or
timber floor
1703
Wall
m 4.5mm and 6mm thick product
50m 40 x 2.8mm, 9mm thick
product 50 x 2.8mm stainless
steel, or hot dip galvanised
m Hardie™ Flex nails fixing
50m centres as indicated

12mm minimum edge distance

75mm

Timber framing

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding/
RAB™ Board

Hand nail 150mm

Gun nail 100mm

Bottom plate fixed as per

NZS 3604
4.5mm and 6mm
Bracing element height

thick product 40 x
2.8mm, 9mm thick
product 50 x 2.8mm Concrete or timber floor
stainless steel, or
hot dip galvanised
Hardie™ Flex nails,
fixing centres as Proprietary hold down
indicated bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element
m
50m
Proprietary hold down
overhang

bolt/bracket at end of bracing

minimum

element
15mm

nt
me
ele
c i ng gth
m Bra len
50m
FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS
Notes for Figure 6:
• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each end of
bracing element
• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised coach screw at
each end of bracing element

Product System Number Minimum Length

ProductHomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding System HP Minimum length
400 or 600mm

HomeRAB Pre-Cladding HP 400 400

or 600mm
®
™
HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm GIB Standard plasterboard HPg or 600mm
RAB™ Board JHD 400 or 600mm
HomeRAB ™
Pre-Cladding with 10mm
RAB™ Board
HPg JHDg
400 600mm
or 600mm
GIB® Standard plasterboard
fig06 jhl_brce_d_wall_rab03.dwg August 2021
RAB™ Board JHD 400 or 600mm www.jameshardie.co.nz

RAB™ Board Bracing Design Details

JHDg 600mm
CAD Scale 1:20

HOMERAB™ PRE-CLADDING OR RAB™ BOARD CONCRETE OR TIMBER FLOOR

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 6

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 27

 Figure 7: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding or RAB™ Board to concrete or timber
floor
1703
Wall
m
50m
4.5mm and 6mm thick
product 40 x 2.8mm, 9mm
thick product 50 x 2.8mm
stainless steel, or hot dip
galvanised Hardie™ Flex
nails fixing centres as
indicated

m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

Timber framing
75mm

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding/
RAB™ Board

Hand nail 150mm

Gun nail 100mm

Bottom plate fixed as

per NZS 3604
Bracing element height

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

Concrete or timber floor

m
50m

th
eng
ent l
overhang

lem
minimum

ge
cin
15mm

m
50m Bra

FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS

Notes for Figure 7:
• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each end of bracing
element
• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised coach screw at each
end of bracing element

Product System Number Minimum Length

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding HP 1200mm

Product SystemHPg Minimum length

®
HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm GIB Standard plasterboard 1200mm
RAB™ Board JHD 1200mm
HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding HP 1200mm
fig07 jhl_brce_d_wall_rab04.dwg August 2021
HomeRAB Pre-Cladding with 10mm
™
HPg 1200mm www.jameshardie.co.nz
GIB® Standard plasterboard Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

HOMERAB™ PRE-CLADDING OR RAB™ BOARD CONCRETE OR TIMBER FLOOR

RAB Board
™
JHD 1200mm
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 7

28 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

 Figure 8: 400mm/600mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm
GIB® Standard Plasterboard
1703
Wall

75mm
Bra
12mm
cin
ge
lem
ent
len
gth
50m Fix
m i
cen gs n
tre at 1
s m 50
axi mm
mu
m

50m
m
Fixings at 150mm centres maximum

GIB® Standard
Bracing element height

Plasterboard. Fixed with

32mm GIB® Grabbers®
screws

Timber framing
150mm crs →

12mm from cut sheet edge

Fasteners:
Minimum 32mm x 6g
GIB® Grabber® screws
75
75mm

75
12mm

50

Flooring
50
50

18mm from cut sheet edge

150mm crs →
50 50 50 75 75
Timber flooring or concrete slab

See HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding side

for bottom plate to joist fixing

Bottom plate
STANDARD GIB® FIXING DETAILS
Notes for Figure 8:
• All GIB® standard sheets to be fixed to Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications. GIB®
Bracing Systems.
• All GIB® bracing sheets to be stopped to Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications.
GIB® Site Guide.
• Refer Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications for edge distance.

Product System Minimum length

Product System Number Minimum Length
HomeRAB Pre-Cladding™
HPg 400 or 600mm
HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding HPg 400 or 600mm
RAB™ Board
RAB™ Board JHDg JHDg 600mm
600mm
RAB™ Board JHD 1200mm
fig08 jhl_brce_d_wall_hrab01.dwg August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

HOMERAB™ PRE-CLADDING - INTERIOR LINING SIDE

www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand
FIGURE: 8 29
 Figure 9: 1200mm HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding with 10mm GIB® Standard
Plasterboard
1703
Wall
75mm

Bra
12mm

cin
ge
lem
ent
50m 600 len
m gth
mm (12
Fix 00m
ing mm
sa
t 15 inim
0m um
mc 600 )
ent mm
res
ma
xim
um ma
xim
um
stu
Fixings at 150mm centres maximum

dc
50m ent
m res
Bracing element height

GIB® Standard
Plasterboard. Fixed with
32mm GIB® Grabbers®
screws

Timber framing
150mm crs →

12mm from cut sheet edge

Fasteners:
75mm

Minimum 32mm x 6g
GIB® Grabber® screws
12mm

75

Flooring
75
50

Timber flooring or concrete slab

50
50

18mm from cut sheet edge

See HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding side 150mm crs →
50 50 50 75 75
for bottom plate to joist fixing

STANDARD GIB® FIXING DETAILS

Notes for Figure 9:
• All GIB® standard sheets to be fixed to Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications. GIB®
Bracing Systems. Bottom plate
• All GIB® bracing sheets to be stopped to Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications.
GIB® Site Guide.
• Refer Winstone Wallboards Ltd specifications for edge distance.

Product System Number Minimum Length

HomeRAB™ Pre-Cladding/GIB® Standard Plasterboard HPg 1200mm

Product System Minimum length

HomeRAB Pre-Cladding/GIB Standard HPg
™
fig09 jhl_brce_d_wall_hrab02.dwg
®
1200mm August 2021
Plasterboard www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

HOMERAB™ PRE-CLADDING - INTERIOR LINING SIDE

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 9
30 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand
16 Bracing Tables – Claddings
Table 7

Hardie™ Flex Sheet 6mm

BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail

Gun nail
Length

Wind

Wind
JHDn 1200 N 10 118 102 5.9 5.1 
400 Y 11,13,14,15 83 107 4.2 5.4  E&P

600 Y 11,13,14,15 99 107 5.0 5.4  E&P

JHD
1200 to 2400 Y 12,13,14,15 154* 140* 7.7 7.0  E&P

2400 to 4800 Y 12,13,14,15 135* 150* 6.7 7.5  E&P

*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

E = Ecko Pneumatic wireless coil nail

P = Paslode RounDrive ring shank nail

Table 8

Axon™ Panel
BU/M kN/m Fixing method
System number

Refer figures

Earthquake

Earthquake
Hold down

Hand nail

Gun nail
Length

Wind

Wind

APn 1200 N 10 122* 106 5.6 5.3 

1200 to 2400 Y 12,13,14,15 150* 157* 7.5 7.9 
AP
2400 to 4800 Y 12,13,14,15 149* 135* 7.5 6.8 
*A limit of 120BUs/m maximum applies to timber floors and 150BUs/m maximum to concrete floors built as per NZS 3604: 2011
unless a specific engineering design is carried out to ensure the uplift force generated by bracing elements does not exceed
the maximum limit for each floor type.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 31

 17 Bracing Figures Claddings
(Direct Fix)
Figure 10: 1200mm Panel no hold down brackets
1703
Wall

m
50m

res
ent 40 X 2.8mm stainless steel nails
mc fixing centres as indicated
1 5 0m late
at p
gs top
F ixin to
m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

Timber framing
75mm

mm
150 Hardie™ Flex Sheet/
Axon™ Panel

Bottom plate fixed as

Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs

per NZS 3604

Bracing element height

Concrete or timber floor

m
50m

Notes for Figure 10:

m
0m • For internal walls these systems can have the
t 15
n g s a es sheet stopped at the underside of the bottom
i r
Fix cent plate and achieve the same rating given in the
tables.
th
eng • Edge Fixing Distance: Axon™ Panel
e nt l Minimum 18mm
lem
overhang

ge
minimum

HardieTM Flex Sheet -

m cin
50mm

Bra
minimum 12mm.
50m • Overhang Distance: HardieTM Flex Sheet,
and Axon™ Panel - 50mm.

Product System Number Minimum Length

Product System Minimum length

Axon™ Panel APn 1200mm
HardieTM Flex Sheet JHDn 1200mm
Axon™ Panel APn 1200mm
Hardie™ Flex Sheet
fig10 jhl_brce_d_wall_panl.dwg
JHDn 1200mm August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

1200MM PANEL - NO HOLD DOWN BRACKETS

32 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 10
 Figure 11: 400mm or 600mm Panel to concrete or timber floor

1703
s
tre 40 x 2.8mm 316 stainless steel Wall
m cen 0mm HardieTM Flex nails
5
50m ate
s at 1top pl
g
in to
Fix
m
50m

12mm minimum edge distance

75mm

Timber framing

HardieTM Flex Sheet

Bottom plate fixed as

Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs

per NZS 3604

1200mm maximum

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

m
50m Concrete or timber floor

50 mm
at 1
i n gs tres
overhang

Proprietary hold down Fix cen

bolt/bracket at end of
m gth
75mm

bracing element 50m nt len

me
ele
cing
Bra

FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS

Notes for Figure 11:
• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each
end of bracing element
• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised
coach screw at each end of bracing element
• Edge Fixing Distance: HardieTM Flex Sheet, - minimum 12mm.
• Overhang Distance: HardieTM Flex Sheet- 50mm

ProductProduct System
System Number Minimum length
Minimum Length
Flex Sheet
Hardie Hardie
™ TM
Flex Sheet JHD
JHD 400 or400
600mm
or 600mm

fig11 jhl_brce_d_flor_tim-conc1.dwg August 2021

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | www.jameshardie.co.nz
January 2022 New Zealand 33
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

400MM 0R 600MM SHEET TO CONCRETE OR TIMBER FLOOR

 Figure 12: 1200mm or more Panel to concrete or timber floor

1703
Wall
m
50m
to
res
ent 40 x 2.8mm 316 stainless steel
mc HardieTM Flex nails, fixing
t 1 50mlate centres as per notes below
a p
in gs top
Fix
m
50m
Minimum edge distance refer
notes

Timber framing
75mm

mm
150 HardieTM Flex Sheet/
Axon™ Panel

Bottom plate fixed as per

NZS 3604
Fixings at 150mm centres to all studs
Bracing element height

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of bracing
element

m
50m Concrete or timber floor

m
0m
a t 15
s s
ing tre
Fix cen th
eng
e nt l FIBRE CEMENT FIXING DETAILS
lem Notes for Figure 12:
ge
overhang

m cin • Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete or GIB
50m Bra Handibrac® with 15kN anchor at each end of bracing element
Proprietary hold down • Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB
bolt/bracket at end of Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised coach screw at each end of bracing
bracing element element
• For internal walls these systems can have the sheet stopped at the underside of
the bottom plate and achieve the same rating given in the tables.
• Edge Fixing Distance: Axon™ Panel - minimum 18mm
HardieTM Flex Sheet, - minimum 12mm.
• Overhang Distance: HardieTM Flex Sheet,
and Axon™ Panel - 50mm.

Product System Number Minimum Length

Axon™ Panel AP 1200mm
HardieTM Flex Sheet JHD 1200mm

Product
fig12 jhl_brce_d_flor_tim-conc2.dwg
System Minimum length August 2021
Axon™ Panel AP 1200mm www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20
Hardie™ Flex Sheet 1200MM OR JHD 1200mm
MORE SHEET TO CONCRETE OR TIMBER FLOORS
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 12

34 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

18 Bracing Connection Figures
1703
Wall

(Direct Fix)
Figure 13: End bracket to concrete slab

Notes for Figure 13:

• Concrete floor bottom plate fixing:-
Ramset bracing anchor kit Concrete
or GIB Handibrac® with 15kN anchor
at each end of bracing element

Flooring

Bottom plate

1703
Wall

Concrete slab
Proprietary hold down
bolt/bracket at end of
bracing element

Figure 14: End bracket to timber joist

316 stainless steel HardieTM

Flex nails, minimum edge
distance refer notes

Notes for Figure 14:

• Timber floor bottom plate fixing:- Ramset
bracing anchor kit Wood or GIB
Handibrac® with a 12x150mm galvanised
coach screw at each end of bracing
element
fig13 jhl_brce_d_junc_brkt-slb1.dwg August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:5

END BRACKET TO CONCRETE SLAB

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 13
Flooring

Proprietary hold down

bolt/bracket at end of
bracing element
Bottom
plate

Boundary
joist

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 35

 Figure 15: Hold down straps to timber joists

100mm
Maximum
M12x150mm glavanised
coach screw and 50 x 50
300 x 25 x 0.9mm straps x 3mm washer

Six 30 x 2.5mm 400 x 25 x 0.9mm strap

galvanised flat head
nails to stud Six 30 x 2.5mm
galvanised flat head
Three 30 x 2.5mm
nails to each side of stud
galvanised flat head nails
to each side of bottom
plate Three 30 x 2.5mm
galvanised flat head nails
Six 30 x 2.5mm to each side of bottom
galvanised flat head nails plate
to joist 1703
Wall

Figure 16: 300mm wide detail

Bracing Length

300mm minimum

Sheet Joint

External corner
fig15 jhl_brce_d_wall_hold.dwg August 2021
www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

1200MM PANEL - NO HOLD DOWN BRACKETS

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 15

36 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

 Figure 17: Bracing panel stopped below top plate
300mm maximum

2 - 90 x 4mm end 3 - 90 x 4mm

nails to each nog nails to each nog Notes for Figure 17:
Fixings:
1. All sheet nailing shown must be as for the
various bracing systems
2. The bracing values for full height sheet for
each system can be used when this detail is
Extra nog at top 316 stainless followed.
of bracing sheet steel HardieTM 3. Edge Fixing Distance:-
and under top Flex nails, Axon™ Panel - minimum 18mm
plate to be same minimum edge HardieTM Flex Sheet and RAB™ Board -
size as framing distance refer minimum 12mm.
studs and plates notes

Bracing sheet

fig17 jhl_brce_d_shet_shet-stop.dwg August 2021

www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

WHEN BRACING SHEET STOPPED BELOW TOP PLATE

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 17

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 37

 19 Structural Ceiling Diaphragm
Hardie™ lining products can also be used for a ceiling diaphragm construction in accordance with NZS 3604.
• The following products can be used as a structural diaphragm
• Villaboard Lining 6mm and 9mm or
• Hardie™ Flex Sheet 4.5mm and 6mm.
• Hardie™ Groove Lining 7.5mm
The ceiling diaphragm shall be constructed to comply with the following requirements;
• The length of a ceiling diaphragm must not exceed twice its width. The length and width will be measured
between supporting walls. They shall be no longer than 12m with an aspect ratio (length divided by width) no
greater than 2.
• The sheet size must not be less than 1800 x 900mm except where building’s dimensions restricts the use of this
size.
• The sheets are to be installed as per Figure 20.
• All sheet edges must be supported with framing behind. Always maintain a minimum 12mm edge distance
for sheet fixing.
• Hardie™ lining products can also be used to construct sloping ceiling diaphragms where the slope of ceiling is
not over 45 degree from the horizontal plane.
• The sheets must be laid in a staggered pattern as shown.
• Each bracing line along length = L or along width = W shall have a bracing capacity of not less than 15bu/m
of L or W measured at right angles to the line being considered.
• Refer to NZS 3604, section 5.6 for further information on diaphragms
• For dry area internal applications the standard hot dipped galvanised nails can be used. For wet area internal
applications stainless steel nails must be used.

38 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

 1703
Roof

Figure 18: Structural ceiling diaphragm

Battens to suit diaphragm material

W

Roof joist or truss

Len
gth
=2 Braced wall
W
ma
xim
um Villaboard™ Lining,
Hardie™ Flex Sheet or
HardieTM Groove Lining

Braced wall

Fix sheets with 40 x 2.8mm HardieTM Flex nails Minimum sheet size 1800 x 900mm. Cut sheets
• at 150mm centres around diaphragm boundary and permitted to complete diaphragm.
sheet perimeter and
• at 200mm centres to intermediate supports and Note: Flat ceiling shown, similar criteria
• 12mm from the edge of the sheet. apply for raking ceilings
• to batten spacing at maximum 600mm centres

L M

L = Length
A

Line A and B must have minimum bracing capacity

100 bus or 15 x W, whichever is higher.
W = Width

Line L and M must have minimum bracing capacity

100 bu's or 15 x L, whichever is higher.

fig18 jhl_brce_roof_ceil.dwg August 2021

www.jameshardie.co.nz
Bracing Design
B Details CAD Scale 1:50

CEILING DIAPHRAGMS
www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 18

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 39

 20 Floor Diaphragm
Secura Interior flooring has been tested to ISO 8339-09 (AS/NZS 2908.2) along with a review of its material
properties to verify that a serviceable life of 50 years will be achieved when Secura Interior Flooring is installed as
per its installation manual.

Figure 19: Secura™ Interior Flooring diaphragm floor

1703
Foundation
Secura™ Interior Flooring
2700 x 600mm

Floor joists
spacing 450mm
max. centres

Short edge to be supported over the

floor joists

50mm 10g screws at centres as per

Ma enlargement below.
co x. 30
rne
r to 0 mm
firs fro Foundation wall in conjunction with
t fi m
xin perimeter bracing system
g
in. Fixed joist to plate with 12/100 x
(m te
1.5 r pla all) 3.75 mm skew nails per 1.5 m
n. o
i f
M ing ion w length (see table 7.5 of NZS 3604)
ix t
2 f unda
fo
to

25mm
Fix plate to foundation wall at 1.4 m crs. 25mm
(see 6.11.9.1 of NZS 3604) 25mm
Lateral support for floor joists around EQ.
perimeter of diaphragm

EQ.

Note-
1) Floor diaphragm to cover entire floor area (see 7.3.1(c) of NZS 3604)
2) Diaphragm size (see 7.3.1(b) of NZS 3604) for:
(a) Single storey maximum length shall not be greater than 2.5 times the width;
(b) Double storey maximum length shall not be greater than 2.0 times the width.
(3) See section 4 of NZS 3604 for durability requirements.

fig19 jhl_brce_wall_secu.dwg August 2021

www.jameshardie.co.nz

40 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

Bracing Design Details CAD Scale 1:20

SECURA™ INTERIOR FLOORING DIAPHRAGM

www.jameshardie.co.nz FIGURE: 19
21 Bracing Calculation Tables

WALL BRACING CALCULATION SHEET

For use in conjunction with NZS 3604
Name of Project: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

Site of Address: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lot and DP Number: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................

BRACING DESIGN INFORMATION AS PER NZS 3604

1. Wind Bracing Demand:

Determine wind region A / W Refer Figure-5.1
Determine ground roughness: Urban / Open Refer Clause 5.2.3
Determine site exposure: Sheltered / Exposed Refer Clause 5.2.4
Determine topographic class: T1, T2, T3, T4 - Refer Clause 5.2.5, Figure 5.2, Table 5.2 and 5.3
Determine wind zone: L, M, H, VH, EH Refer Table 5.1
Minimum Number of BU’s/m for building length and
Wind zone from Table 5.4 width from table 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7.
Building height to apex: H = W Across = BU/m Length of wall
Roof height above eaves: h = (Applies across ridge for gable roof, Applies across and along for hip roof)
Stud height: = W Along = BU/m Length of wall
Wall in foundation (Applies along ridge for gable roof)
Wall above subfloor structure —
Storey location: single storey or Total Bracing Required For Wind:
(Strike out which is not
upper storey
applicable) W Across x Length of Wall Across =
Wall above subfloor structure —
lower of two storeys W Along x Length of Wall Along =

*Use separate sheet for each storey.

2. Earthquake Bracing Design:

Refer to Figure 5.4 and select the Earthquake Zone. Zone: .................................
Wall cladding weight: Roof cladding weight: Roof slope:
• Light • Medium • Heavy • Light • Heavy • 0°-25° • 26°-45° • 46°-60°
Select storey location to be assessed as per Table 5.8, 5.9 and 5.10
• Single storey building on subfloor frame. Refer Table 5.8
• Two storey building on subfloor frame. Refer Table 5.9
• Single or two storey building on concrete slab-on-ground. Refer Table 5.10
Select bracing demand in BU’s/m² of floor area from one of the above mentioned Tables ……............ BU/m2*
If yes, increase bracing demand obtained above by 4 BU’s/m².
Part storey in roof space Yes / No Refer to NZS 3604 Section 5.3.4.3
Part storey in basement Yes / No If yes, building shall be regarded as two buildings, refer section 5.3.4.4 of
NZS 3604 for information
Total floor area : ………… m² Total bracing required for earthquake:

Area ……............ x ……............ BU’s/m2* = ……............ BU’s

*Use separate sheet for each storey.

Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand 41

 Wall Bracing Calculation Sheet B

Name of Project: ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................

42 Bracing Design Manual by James Hardie | January 2022 New Zealand

 Bracing

Product Warranty
All products by James Hardie have a standard product warranty. Refer to the relevant literature for the product
warranties

© 2021. James Hardie New Zealand Limited. TM and ® denotes a Trademark or Registered Mark owned by James Hardie Technology Limited.
Ask James HardieTM I Call 0800 808 868 I jameshardie.co.nz
© 2021. James Hardie New Zealand Limited. TM and ® denotes a Trademark or Registered Mark
owned by James Hardie Technology Limited.
GIB®, and Handibrac® are trademarks of their respective owners.