Category: Australian Standards

  • A Practical Guide for Australian Steel Projects

    A Practical Guide for Australian Steel Projects

    Australian Standards for Steel Detailing by TEK1

    This article provides an overview of the important Australian Standards for steel detailing and serves as a practical guide for steel detailing projects in Australia.

    Australian steel detailing requires more than accurately modelling beams, columns, plates and connections.

    In addition, a professional steel detailer needs to understand the project documentation and the applicable Australian Standards.These standards provide an important technical framework for structural steelwork, fabrication, erection and access systems.

    However, standards should always be considered together with the project’s structural drawings, specifications, contract documents and other requirements.

    Therefore, understanding the applicable standards is an important part of producing accurate, coordinated and practical steel detailing documentation.

    In particular, For steel detailing projects, several standards are particularly important, including AS 4100, AS/NZS 3678, AS/NZS 3679.1, AS/NZS 1163, AS/NZS 5131, AS 1657 and AS 1428.1:2021.

    1. AS 4100 – Steel Structures

    AS 4100 – Steel Structures is one of the primary standards used for structural steelwork in Australia. The current edition is AS 4100:2020.

    Furthermore, standards Australia describes AS 4100:2020 as an important standard for the Australian steel sector and identifies it alongside AS/NZS 5131 as key guidance for structural steelwork.

    In particular, AS 4100 is particularly important when interpreting structural design information.

    Therefore, a detailer does not normally perform the structural engineer’s design, but needs to understand the design requirements sufficiently to produce accurate fabrication and erection documentation.

    Typical detailing considerations include:

    • Steel member sizes and grades
    • Beam and column connections
    • Base plates and holding-down bolts
    • Bolted connections
    • Welded connections
    • Bracing arrangements
    • Member orientation
    • Connection clearances
    • Structural tolerances
    • Stiffeners and connection plates
    • Shop and site weld requirements

    In addition, the structural engineer’s drawings and specifications remain the primary design inputs.

    Finally, the detailer’s responsibility is to accurately translate those requirements into constructible steelwork.

    2. AS/NZS 3678 – Structural Steel: Hot-Rolled Plates

    AS/NZS 3678 covers structural steel, including hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs.

    Furthermore, standards Australia identifies it as one of the key structural steel standards published as part of its steel-sector standards work program.

    In particular, This standard is important when specifying and detailing fabricated steel components such as:

    • Base plates
    • End plates
    • Gusset plates
    • Connection plates
    • Stiffener plates
    • Brackets
    • Cleats
    • Column cap plates
    • Floor Plate
    • Custom-fabricated steel components

    When preparing shop drawings, the steel grade specified by the engineer should be clearly identified.

    In addition, the detailer should also ensure that the material description used in the drawings and MTO corresponds with the project requirements.

    For example, a plate shown as a particular grade on the structural drawings should not be changed to another grade simply because the alternative material is readily available.

    3. AS/NZS 3679.1 – Hot-Rolled Bars and Sections

    Australian steel projects commonly use hot-rolled sections such as universal beams, universal columns and angles.

    AS/NZS 3679.1 – Structural steel, Part 1: Hot-rolled bars and sections is therefore highly relevant to steel detailing.

    During modelling and detailing, the detailer should verify:

    • Correct member designation
    • Section size
    • Steel grade
    • Member orientation
    • Length
    • End cuts
    • Coping
    • Notches
    • Connection requirements
    • Splices
    • Stiffeners
    • Fabrication requirements

    Furthermore, accurate member identification is especially important in Tekla Structures because incorrect profiles or grades can flow through to fabrication drawings, NC files, MTO reports and material schedules.

    4. AS/NZS 1163 – Cold-Formed Structural Steel Hollow Sections

    Hollow sections are widely used in Australian construction for columns, beams, frames, handrails, balustrades and miscellaneous steelwork.

    In particular, AS/NZS 1163 covers cold-formed structural steel hollow sections.

    Common hollow-section profiles include:

    • SHS – Square Hollow Sections
    • RHS – Rectangular Hollow Sections
    • CHS – Circular Hollow Sections

    During the detailing process, it is important to correctly represent the section size and wall thickness specified by the engineer.

    For example, an SHS column specified as SHS150 × 6 should not be modelled as SHS150 × 9 unless the change has been formally approved.

    Furthermore, this is particularly important when steel members are connected to windows, doors, precast elements, concrete walls or architectural features where dimensional clearances are critical.

    5. AS/NZS 5131 – Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steelwork

    One of the most important standards for the fabrication and erection stage is AS/NZS 5131 – Structural steelwork – Fabrication and erection.

    Furthermore, standards Australia explains that AS/NZS 5131 covers areas including fabrication, bolting and welding, surface preparation, corrosion protection, painting, galvanizing, site erection and modification of steelwork.

    In particular, this standard is particularly relevant to the information shown on shop drawings.

    Therefore, A professional steel detailer should consider fabrication and erection requirements when producing drawings, including:

    Fabrication

    Firstly, Drawings should provide sufficient information for the fabricator to manufacture the component correctly.

    This may include:

    • Plate dimensions
    • Section lengths
    • Hole sizes
    • Hole locations
    • Weld information
    • Bolt information
    • Cutting details
    • Coping and notching
    • Assembly information
    • Part marks

    Erection

    In addition, Steelwork must also be practical to assemble on site.

    Detailers should consider:

    • Site access
    • Erection sequence
    • Bolt access
    • Connection clearances
    • Temporary erection requirements where specified
    • Member identification
    • Field welds
    • Site connections
    • Installation tolerances

    However, a connection that looks acceptable on a computer model may still be difficult or impossible to install on site.

    Therefore, Good detailing requires an understanding of both fabrication and erection.

    6. AS 1657 – Fixed Platforms, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders

    AS 1657 is particularly important for industrial steelwork, access platforms, stairs, ladders, walkways and handrails.

    The standard addresses fixed means of access and safe working areas, including platforms, walkways, stairways and fixed ladders.

    For steel detailers, this can affect many components, including:

    • Stair stringers
    • Stair treads
    • Landings
    • Handrails
    • Guardrails
    • Balustrades
    • Toe plates
    • Access platforms
    • Walkways
    • Fixed ladders

    When detailing stairs and handrails, the detailer must carefully check the project requirements and applicable standard requirements rather than relying on assumptions from previous projects.

    Important items to verify include:

    • Stair geometry
    • Handrail height
    • Guardrail arrangement
    • Openings
    • Toe plate requirements
    • Intermediate rail arrangement
    • Clearances
    • Landing dimensions
    • Ladder configuration
    • Connection details

    The architectural drawings, structural drawings, specifications and project requirements should all be coordinated before finalising the detailing.

    7. AS 1428.1:2021 – Design for Access and Mobility

    AS 1428.1:2021 provides design requirements for access and mobility in new building work. In particular, it covers requirements that can affect accessible paths, ramps, stairs, landings, handrails, circulation spaces and other accessibility-related elements.

    For steel detailers, this standard can be relevant when detailing commercial building stairs, ramps, handrails, balustrades, platforms and other steelwork that forms part of an accessible path of travel.

    During the detailing process, the architectural and engineering drawings should be checked carefully for accessibility requirements. For example, dimensions, clearances, handrail arrangements, ramp and landing requirements may need to be coordinated with the structural steelwork.

    In addition, the detailer should coordinate the steelwork with architectural layouts and project specifications to avoid conflicts with doors, walls, finishes and other building elements.

    However, the steel detailer should not independently determine accessibility compliance. Instead, the applicable project requirements, architectural documentation, NCC requirements and relevant engineering information should be followed.

    Therefore, where AS 1428.1:2021 applies to the project, its requirements should be considered during the steel detailing and coordination process.

    8. AS/NZS 5131 and the Importance of Steel Detailing

    Australian steel detailing is closely connected to fabrication and erection.

    Before finalising the steelwork, several practical questions should be considered:

    • Can this member actually be fabricated?
    • Is the connection suitable for welding or bolting as detailed?
    • Will the fabricator have sufficient access to complete the weld?
    • Can the erector install the bolts safely and efficiently?
    • Is there sufficient clearance around the connection?
    • Have all site welds and site bolts been clearly identified?

    These questions can prevent costly fabrication changes and site modifications.

    AS/NZS 5131 provides a framework for fabrication and erection practices, making coordination between engineering, detailing, fabrication and erection particularly important.

    9. Australian Standards and Tekla Structures

    Modern steel detailing is often completed using 3D modelling software such as Tekla Structures.

    However, software does not automatically guarantee compliance with Australian Standards.

    For this reason, The detailer still needs to interpret the project documentation and apply the correct requirements.

    A typical workflow may include:

    Structural Drawings → Architectural Drawings → Specifications → Engineering Information → 3D Model → GA Drawings → Shop Drawings → MTO/BOM → NC Files → Fabrication → Erection

    At every stage, coordination is important.

    For example, if the architectural drawing shows a window in the same location as a structural column, the conflict should be identified and raised as an RFI before fabrication.

    Similarly, if a structural drawing requires a particular connection but the connection cannot be fabricated or erected as shown, the issue should be referred back to the engineer rather than resolved through an unauthorised design change.

    10. Coordination Between Architectural and Structural Drawings

    One of the most common challenges in Australian steel detailing is the difference between architectural and structural information.

    Typical discrepancies include:

    • Different dimensions
    • Different floor levels
    • Missing structural members
    • Different opening sizes
    • Different wall locations
    • Architectural elements not shown on structural drawings
    • Structural members conflicting with windows and doors
    • Missing site survey information

    Therefore, the steel detailer should identify these discrepancies during the checking stage.

    An effective RFI should clearly state:

    1. What the drawings show
    2. What the conflict is
    3. Why it affects the steelwork
    4. What information is required
    5. The proposed solution, if appropriate

    As a result, this approach reduces assumptions and helps maintain a clear record of design decisions.

    11. MTO and Material Identification

    Australian steel detailing is not complete when the 3D model is finished.

    In addition, The model must also produce accurate fabrication information and material quantities.

    The MTO/BOM should correctly identify:

    • Member marks
    • Part marks
    • Section sizes
    • Plate sizes
    • Steel grades
    • Quantities
    • Lengths
    • Weights
    • Bolts
    • Miscellaneous steel
    • Coatings or finishes where required

    However, incorrect modelling can result in incorrect MTO quantities and fabrication information.Therefore, model checking should be performed before issuing the final material report.

    12. Common Steel Detailing Mistakes

    Some common problems encountered in Australian steel detailing include:

    Incorrect steel grade

    Firstly, using the wrong material grade can create fabrication and compliance issues.

    Incorrect member size

    Similarly, a small difference in section size can affect connections, clearances and structural performance.

    Missing connection information

    In addition, Connections must be clearly detailed in accordance with the engineer’s requirements.

    Poor bolt access

    However, a connection may be geometrically possible but impossible to install because the erector cannot access the bolts.

    Architectural conflicts

    Furthermore, columns, beams and bracing may conflict with doors, windows, services or architectural finishes.

    Missing site information

    Without accurate site measurements or survey information, existing conditions can be difficult to verify. Therefore, accurate site information is important when finalizing the steelwork.

    Unapproved design changes

    Finally, a steel detailer should not make structural design changes without appropriate engineering approval.

    13. The Role of a Professional Australian Steel Detailer

    A professional steel detailer acts as an important link between engineering design and steel fabrication.

    Therefore, the role involves much more than simply drawing steel members.

    For this reason, A competent detailer should be able to:

    • Read structural and architectural drawings
    • Interpret engineering specifications
    • Understand relevant Australian Standards
    • Model steel accurately
    • Prepare clear GA and shop drawings
    • Identify design conflicts
    • Raise RFIs
    • Coordinate with engineers and architects
    • Prepare accurate MTO/BOM reports
    • Consider fabrication requirements
    • Consider erection requirements
    • Check connections and clearances
    • Maintain revision control
    • Deliver accurate fabrication information

    Conclusion

    Australian steel detailing requires a combination of technical knowledge, practical fabrication experience, attention to detail and understanding of Australian Standards.

    In Particularly the Standards such as AS 4100, AS/NZS 3678, AS/NZS 3679.1, AS/NZS 1163, AS/NZS 5131, AS 1657 and AS 1428.1:2021 provide important references for different aspects of structural steelwork.

    However, standards should not be viewed in isolation.

    Therefore, The successful steel projects depend on coordination between the structural engineer, architect, steel detailer, fabricator and erector.

    The goal of professional steel detailing is simple:

    Create accurate, clear and buildable steelwork information that can be safely fabricated, delivered and erected on site.

    Finally, for current editions and official information, always refer to the applicable project specifications and the official Standards Australia catalogue rather than relying on outdated or unofficial copies of standards.

    Read more Tekla tips and technical guides on our Blog

  • Stair Construction

    Steel or Timber Stair

    You want to install a stair for your builidng. Need to decide what type of construction should you use for your stair.

    Lot depends on what is the type of building, where is the stair, what is the asthetics required.

    In a residential building, probably what matters most is the asthics for a millionaire residence, cost and asthetics for a middle class house and probably just cost for a low end residential.

    (more…)

    Steel or Timber Stair

    You want to install a stair for your builidng. Need to decide what type of construction should you use for your stair.

    Lot depends on what is the type of building, where is the stair, what is the asthetics required.

    In a residential building, probably what matters most is the asthics for a millionaire residence, cost and asthetics for a middle class house and probably just cost for a low end residential.

    (more…)

    Steel or Timber Stair

    You want to install a stair for your builidng. Need to decide what type of construction should you use for your stair.

    Lot depends on what is the type of building, where is the stair, what is the asthetics required.

    In a residential building, probably what matters most is the asthics for a millionaire residence, cost and asthetics for a middle class house and probably just cost for a low end residential.

    (more…)
  • Designing a Multi-Level Staircase: Common Mistakes and Key Considerations

    Designing a Multi-Level Staircase: Common Mistakes and Key Considerations

    When designing a staircase, one of the most overlooked aspects is the correct distribution of risers, especially when integrating a mid-landing with a falling finish.

    Understanding the Mid-Landing Design:

    In this case, the staircase consists of two flights turning 180° with a mid-landing. The purpose of this stair is not only to provide access between Ground Floor (GF) and Level-01 but also to facilitate movement to the mezzanine level from the mid-landing. The design for the mid-landing incorporates a 10mm plate with a 50mm paver on top. However, an important requirement was added: allowing for a fall in the paver to prevent water stagnation.
    We received an instruction to keep the landing RL 20mm lower than the door near the mezzanine level to incorporate falls in the paver.


    Common Mistake in Flight-02 Design    :


    For a steel detailer, just paver RL which is 20 mm below the door level & 50mm paver thickness is enough to place the steel below. The sloping surface in the paver will be taken by some other parties. But the key thing to notice here is, the slope continues to the bottom of flight-02 as well.
    At the end of Flight-01, the paver thickness remains 50mm.
    Near the mezzanine door, the thickness increases to 70mm (50mm + 20mm fall).
    A frequent error occurs when designing Flight-02. Many assume the risers should be evenly divided between Level-01 FFL (Finished Floor Level) and the RL of the mid-landing, neglecting the impact of the paver thickness variation.


    To achieve the correct stair profile:

    The mid-landing RL should be set based on the increased paver thickness near the flight-02.
    Flight-02 risers should be distributed between Level-01 FFL and the actual top surface of the paver (which is 70mm at the bottom of Flight-02, not 50mm).
    Else, the first riser in the flight-02 will be comparatively smaller than the rest of the risers.

    Key Takeaways for Stair Detailing:

    Account for varying thickness: Do not assume uniform paver thickness; adjust accordingly at different points.


    Correct riser distribution: Ensure the risers of the second flight are calculated based on the actual mid-landing RL, factoring in paver thickness variations.


    Clarify detailing instructions: Steel detailers do not need to model the paver exactly but must ensure the mid-landing RL is accurately set.

    By paying close attention to these details, staircases can be designed more efficiently, reducing costly rework and ensuring a smooth construction process. Proper coordination between architectural and structural teams is essential to avoid misalignment and achieve a seamless build.

  • Compliance with AS 1428.1 and BCA: Limiting Riser Openings to 125 mm in Commercial Staircases

    Compliance with AS 1428.1 and BCA: Limiting Riser Openings to 125 mm in Commercial Staircases

    If you would like me to assist with your project, please send an email to [email protected] with your project specifications. Kindly use ‘Raj’ as the subject header.

    When performing detailed engineering for commercial staircases and balustrades, it’s essential to ensure that all aspects comply with AS 1428.1 and the relevant provisions from the Building Code of Australia (BCA), particularly those regarding accessibility and safety. Here’s a breakdown of the critical points you must address:

    Compliance with AS 1428.1:
    1. This standard outlines the minimum technical requirements for accessible buildings. Engineers must reference the BCA to align with safety and access provisions. AS 1428.1 directs engineers to follow BCA for detailed requirements related to stair and balustrade design, ensuring all safety standards are met, particularly for disabled access.

    2. BCA 3.9.1.3 – Riser Opening Requirement:
    One of the key safety provisions under BCA 3.9.1.3 is ensuring that the riser openings on stairways are restricted. Specifically, the gap between treads must not allow a 125 mm sphere to pass through. This rule is vital for preventing accidents, such as children slipping through open risers. As a detailed engineer, you must ensure that this riser opening specification is incorporated into the technical drawings and calculations to meet safety compliance.

    3. BCA 3.9.1.4 – Riser and Going Dimensions:
    Further, BCA 3.9.1.4 provides specific dimensional requirements for stair risers and goings, as illustrated in Figure 3.9.1.2. This figure shows the maximum and minimum values for risers (R) and goings (G), as well as the slope relationship (2R + G). Engineers must adhere to these dimensions for both spiral and non-spiral staircases to ensure that the stairs are not only safe but also ergonomically comfortable for users.

    4. Critical Figures:

    Riser (R): Must be within the maximum and minimum values—115 mm to 190 mm for standard stairs and 140 mm to 220 mm for spiral stairs.

    Going (G): Must be within the maximum and minimum values—240 mm to 355 mm for standard stairs and 210 mm to 370 mm for spiral stairs.

    Slope Relationship (2R + G): Must fall between 550 mm and 700 mm for standard stairs and 590 mm to 680 mm for spiral stairs. These values ensure that stairs provide both safety and comfort.

    5. Ensuring Compliance:
    As part of the detailed engineering process, it’s your responsibility to ensure that all specifications, such as the 125 mm riser opening limit and the exact riser and going dimensions, are strictly followed in the drawings, materials, and construction processes. This involves validating these measurements on-site and ensuring they are reflected accurately in both the design and construction stages.

    In conclusion, the detailed engineering process must ensure compliance with AS 1428.1 and the BCA, particularly regarding the requirement that the riser opening must not exceed 125 mm, as outlined in BCA 3.9.1.3. Additionally, the riser and going dimensions must conform to the standards specified in BCA 3.9.1.4. By adhering to these standards, you will ensure that commercial stairs and balustrades are safe, accessible, and compliant with Australian building regulations.

  • Safety Standards in Building Design – Key Requirements for Barriers, Handrails, and Fall Prevention

    Safety Standards in Building Design – Key Requirements for Barriers, Handrails, and Fall Prevention

    If you would like me to assist with your project, please send an email to [email protected] with your project specifications. Kindly use ‘Raj’ as the subject header.

    1. Barriers to Prevent Falls (Section 11.3.3)

    • Purpose: Barriers are required on various elevated surfaces to prevent falls.
    • Where Required: Install barriers along stairways, ramps, balconies, and any surface where a fall of 1 meter or more is possible. (see Figure 11.3.3a).
    • Exceptions:
      • Retaining walls (unless they are part of an access path). (see Figure 11.3.3b).
      • Certain window openings covered by specific provisions. (see Figure 11.3.7 and 11.3.8).

    Australian Standard AS 1428.1.

    2. Barrier Construction Standards (Section 11.3.4)

    • Height Requirements:
      • Stairs/Ramps: Minimum 865 mm above the stair treads or ramp floor. (see Figure 11.3.4a).
      • Other Elevated Surfaces: Minimum 1 meter for landings, balconies, and similar elevated areas. (see Figure 11.3.4a).
    • Design for Child Safety:
      • Openings in barriers should not allow the passage of a 125 mm sphere, the opening is measured above the nosing line of the stair treads, minimizing the risk of children slipping through. (the opening is measured above the nosing line of the stair treads)
      • Avoid horizontal elements between 150 mm and 760 mm above the floor, as they can facilitate climbing​. (see Figure 11.3.4b).

    3. Handrail Requirements (Section 11.3.5)

    • Placement: Handrails should be installed on at least one side of stairways or ramps, providing continuous support along their full length.
    • Height: The top of the handrail must be at least 865 mm above the stair treads or ramp surface. (see Figure 11.3.4b).
    • Continuity: Handrails should be continuous without interruptions, with exceptions for elements like newel posts.
    • Exceptions to Handrail Requirements:
      • Handrails are not necessary for stairways or ramps with elevation changes of less than 1 meter, on landings, or for winders with a newel post for support​

    This guide emphasizes key elements in designing safe, compliant buildings that align with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) standards for fall prevention, especially around barriers and handrails. These regulations aim to protect all building users, especially vulnerable groups such as children, from potential fall hazards.

  • CONCRETE WITH SPECIFICATION DIFFERENCE (N & S)

    CONCRETE:

     (AS 1379 Specification and supply of concrete) A mixture of Cement, aggregates and water with or without the addition of chemical admixtures or other materials.      

    Cement: (AS 3972 Portland or blended cement) A hydraulic binder composed of Portland or blended cement used alone or in combination with one or more supplementary cementitious materials.

    Concrete is defined as follows,

    • Plastic concrete:

    Concrete in the state between completion of mixing and initial set as defined in AS 1012.18 Methods of determining setting time of fresh concrete, mortar and grout by penetration resistance.

    • Hardened concrete:

    Concrete after initial set, as represented by test specimens that have been subjected to a specified process and duration of curing.

    • Normal- Class Concrete:

    Concrete that is specified primarily by a standard compressive strength grade up to 50 MPa and otherwise in accordance with Clause 1.5.3.

    • Special- Class Concrete:

    Concrete that is specified to have certain properties or characteristics different from, or additional to, those of normal-class concrete and otherwise in accordance with Clause 1.5.4.

    SPECIFICATION OF CONCRETE:

    Concrete shall be specified,

    (a) as either

    (1) Normal-class(N), or

    (2) Special-class(S), or

    (b) By strength grade or other readily verifiable parameter by which compliance with the specification can be assessed.

    NOTE: Standard strength grades should be specified wherever possible.

    • NORMAL-CLASS CONCRETE:

    Normal-class concrete shall be specified only by the parameters given in Clause 1.5.3.2(Basic parameter), and shall have the following attributes:

    • A mass per unit volume in the range 2100 kg/m3 to 2800 kg/m3 when determined in accordance with (AS 1012.12.1 Determination of mass per unit volume of hardened concrete) in the saturated, surface-dry condition.
    • Acid-soluble chloride and sulfate contents within the limits given in Clause 2.7, when determined in accordance with Clause 5.5.2.
    • A shrinkage strain not exceeding 1000 × 10−6, when determined in accordance with Clause 5.6 after 56 days drying.

    NOTE: This maximum value of 1000 × 10−6 is consistent with the use for design purposes of a median basic shrinkage strain value of 850 × 10−6.

    • A mean compressive strength at 7 days, assessed in accordance with Clause 5.7, of not less than the values of Grade designation for N20-9MPa, N25-12MPa, N32-16MPa, N40-20MPa & N50-25MPa.
    • A cement complying with (AS 3972 Portland or blended cement) alone or in combination with one or more supplementary cementitious materials.
    • No lightweight aggregate as defined in AS 2758.1 Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes Concrete aggregates.

    Basic parameters of normal-class concrete:

    The following basic parameters shall be specified by the customer:

    • A standard strength grade selected from 20MPa,25MPa,32MPa,40MPa, 50MPa,65MPa,80MPa or 100MPa and designated as one of N20, N25, N32, N40 or N50.
    • The slump at the point of acceptance, selected as one of 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm or 120 mm.

    NOTES:

    1. The customer should carefully consider that the specified slump of concrete suits the placement method.
    2. For residential slabs and footings, if the slump is not specified by the customer, the specified slump should be considered to be 100 mm.
    3. The maximum nominal size of aggregate, selected as one of 10 mm, 14 mm or 20 mm. Unless otherwise specified, the default value shall be taken as 20 mm.
    4. The intended method of placement, including relevant details of equipment.
    5. If project assessment is required to be carried out by the supplier (see Note).

    NOTE: If unspecified, it will be assumed that project assessment is not required.

    • If required, a level of air entrainment up to a maximum of 5.0%.

    (2) SPECIAL- CLASS CONCRETE:

    Concrete other than normal-class concrete shall be specified by the customer as specialclass and, if applicable, by strength-grade. The parameters and attributes that should be specified for special-class concrete should be as set out listed below with reference to Appendix B and Table B1 on AS1379.

    Special-class concrete commonly has the same basic parameters as normal-class concrete with some additions and(or) exceptions. Parameters or attributes that are different from, or additional to, those of normal-class concrete should be included in specification below. If the requirements of specification for any concrete are inconsistent with those for normal-class concrete then the requirements of specification take precedence for that concrete.

    Where any parameter other than strength grade requires the specification of a special-class concrete, or the proportions of the mix are specified, the concrete should be identified by an appropriate code agreed to between the supplier and customer that identifies that particular mix.

    Basic parameter for specification of special-class concrete:

    • It is recommended to select from standard strength grades of S20, S25, S32, S40, S50, S65, S80 and S100.
    • Where concrete is specified as special-class and a strength grade is applicable, the strength grade is designated by the prefix:

    S, for compressive strength grades;

    SF, for flexural strength grades; or

    ST, for indirect-tensile strength grades.

    Where concrete is special-class and any property other than strength grade is Specified as the principal criterion, or the proportions of the mix are specified, it is designated by an appropriate alphanumeric code, agreed between the supplier and the customer, to indicate the criterion.

    • Special-class concrete should be subject to project assessment.
    • Certain concrete exposure classifications may require special provisions for aggregate durability (AS 2758.1 Aggregate & Rock for engineering Purposes.)
    • Any departures from the parameters or composition, or both, of normal-class concrete and any other criteria or limitations shall be specified by the customer in consultation with the supplier.

    NOTE: A summary list of several such parameters, some or all of which may be specified for the production of special-class concrete for a project, is given in Appendix B on AS 1379.

    • Other requirements additional to these parameters may be specified.

  • AS1657 CHECK LIST

    Here is a list of items to look for when detailing stairs

    AS1657-CHECKLISTDownload

  • Stair & Platforms – AS1428 & AS1657 – Online Training, Standards, Codes and Tests

    Applicable stairs, and ladders require compliance to:

    • AS1657 standards (by law in most Australian states – Victoria being the exception) – (sorry I can’t source the original copy here because it cost me $500)

    How can you test whether you know the standard? Take our online test – all detailers must pass this before they are allowed to detail any stair.

    Contact us for your detailing requirements.

  • Using Moodle to train your staff on Stair Standards

    Tek1 has set up an online training course to train our detailers on stair standards.

    We have found this as an effective way of testing

    Here is the URL. Please register your interest so that we can make it available to you. If there are enough interest, we could make this course self registering