Steel Detailing | Precast Detailing | Estimation

Category: Design Integration

Tek1 help reduce cost to builder by co ordinating and integrating structural, and architecturals design making it possible to build smoothly. When you engage Tek1 in early in the design process, we bring very significant value by identifying packaging, buildability issues. We also suggest change in design where by you make siginficant cost savings

  • 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 koshy@tek1.com.au 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 koshy@tek1.com.au 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.

  • Good Steel Fabrication Drawings : Simplifying Erection with Steel Columns at 14 Ridgeway AV Kew

    Good Steel Fabrication Drawings : Simplifying Erection with Steel Columns at 14 Ridgeway AV Kew

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

    Introduction

    Good fabrication drawings must consider erection feasibility. In this job during the design phase, we identified a potential erection issue involving the use of timber columns to support steel beams. Our proactive approach led us to recommend a change that would streamline the construction process and enhance the overall efficiency of the project.

    Project Overview

    The 14 Ridgeway AV Kew project involves the construction of a structure where two steel beams are supported by timber columns. This design posed a significant challenge: coordinating the efforts of two different types of erectors—one for steel and another for timber. This not only complicates the erection process but also introduces potential delays and additional costs.

    Identifying the Issue

    As steel detailers, our primary goal is to ensure that every aspect of the project is executed smoothly. We quickly realized that having two different erectors on-site to handle the steel beams and timber columns would create unnecessary complications. The need for precise coordination between the steel and timber erectors could lead to scheduling conflicts, increased labor costs, and potential delays in the project timeline.

    Proposed Solution: Steel Columns

    To mitigate these issues, we suggested replacing the timber columns with steel columns. This change offers several advantages:

    1. Streamlined Erection Process: With steel columns, a single erector can handle both the beams and the columns, simplifying coordination and reducing the risk of delays.
    2. Enhanced Structural Integrity: Steel columns provide better support for the steel beams, ensuring a more robust and reliable structure.
    3. Cost-Effective: By minimizing the need for multiple erectors, we can reduce labor costs and improve overall project efficiency.
    4. Consistency in Material: Using steel for both the beams and columns ensures uniformity in the materials, which can lead to better performance and durability over time.

    Client Approval and Implementation

    We presented our recommendation to the client, highlighting the benefits of using steel columns instead of timber. The client appreciated our foresight and agreed to the change. This decision not only simplified the erection process but also contributed to a more streamlined and cost-effective construction phase.

    Conclusion

    At 14 Ridgeway AV Kew, our proactive approach and attention to detail allowed us to foresee potential issues and implement effective solutions. By suggesting the use of steel columns, we ensured a smoother erection process and enhanced the overall quality of the project. At TEK1, we are dedicated to delivering excellence in steel detailing and construction, always putting our clients’ best interests at the forefront of our projects.

    Stay tuned for more updates on our innovative solutions and project successes!

  • How We are helping our Client Save $100,000s on the Iconic “EMU IN THE SKY” Project

    How We are helping our Client Save $100,000s on the Iconic “EMU IN THE SKY” Project

    How we saved our 30% (i.e. hundreds of thousands of dollars) in Costs on the “Emu In the Sky” Project

    Recently, we have been detailing one of Australia’s most iconic projects, the “EMU IN THE SKY.” The structure of this project is a 30m globe,
    and as part of the steel detailing, numerous connections are involved.

    How did we do it?

    TEK1 has proposed

    • several solutions for the connections required.
    • proposed as easy way to acheive more accurate fabrication
    • Reduce Fabrication Time
    • and ultimately saved the client in the order of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    Hexagon Joint Connections:

    The Problem

    • This design contains numbers of Hexagon join involved & it required six cruciform connections per hexagon joint. The weight of one Cruciform joint is 60-70kg approx

    The Solution

    • The TEK1 Team (Ramakrishnan)proposed an alternative solution that reduced the number of cruciform connections required for a hexagon joint..
    • By implementing our proposal, we eliminate two cruciform connection per hexagon joint, resulting in substantial savings N-numbers of connections in terms of fabrication.
    • This involves saving of Material cost & Fabrication cost.
    • Our client was very pleased to see these cost-saving proposals coming from the steel detailer.
    • Please refer to the following snaps which showing the detailed info about the proposal

    Cruciform Connection Accuracy

    The Problem

    Another example involves the cruciform design connection, where the initial design called for three 20mm thick plates to be welded
    together to form the joint. This connection demands high accuracy in fabrication, as all plates must be perfectly aligned at 90º to avoid
    significant erection issues. During welding, there is a possibility of distortion, making it difficult to maintain the desired shape.

    This is risky for the client – if they get it wrong they will lose: $abc and lose xyz months

    The Solution

    To address these challenges, TEK1 proposed a notched cruciform connection. Instead of three plates, we use only two plates, each with a
    notch. By interlocking the notched plates, we can avoid steel distortion and achieve the desired design shape more easily. This approach
    not only improves fabrication accuracy but also simplifies the assembly process.

    Again our client was very pleased to see these cost-saving proposals coming from the steel detailer & we implemented this in our current model.

    If you’re interested in having TEK1 manage your project, please send a quote request to our principal, Koshy, at koshy@tek1.com.au, and specify that you want Ramakrishnan to manage your project. We look forward to bringing our expertise to your next venture.