This International Standard is intended to provide a cyclic test method as a basis for the derivation of parameters which are required in seismic design of timber structures. The method includes procedures to develop the envelope curves (backbone or skeleton curves; an example is given in Clause A.5.) for joints subjected to a cyclic displacement schedule which produces representative demands imposed on the joints by earthquakes. It does not include criteria for parameters which are, at times, stipulated in national standards or building codes. This standard is intended for joints subjected to lateral load ans is not applicable to joints subjected to withdrawal forces. This International Standard is applicable to joints made with mechanical fasteners used in timber structures loaded under seismic action. NOTE 1 In the context of this Standard, the term “joint” means “connection” in present-day North-American English. NOTE 2 It is recognized that, for some special types of joints, modification of the test method may be necessary provided the test objectives in this clause and the principles in Clause 6 are achieved. See Clause A.2 for details.