TEK1 is currently engaged in steel detailing for the Sydney Metro project, working with a reputed organization in Australia. During the detailing process, we have encountered several design challenges. Here, we will share one such issue and how we resolved it.
The Issue
A design required two unequal angles welded to a small hanger with 10mm packer plates. This left insufficient weld space, making fabrication tough.
Recognizing this issue early, we raised a query with the concerned team. Our initial proposal was to cut both angles to create the required weld space.
After reviewing our concern, the team suggested an alternative solution that involved reducing the packer plate thickness from 10mm to 4mm. This adjustment allowed for a 6mm weld clearance on both sides without significantly affecting the design.
If this issue had gone unnoticed and we had followed the original design, it would have caused complications for both the fabricator and the designer. By identifying the problem early and addressing it proactively, we saved time and costs for the client.
Stay Tuned for More Insights
This is just one example of how TEK1 ensures seamless steel detailing by resolving design issues efficiently. Stay with TEK1 for more updates on steel detailing challenges and solutions in our upcoming blogs.
TEK1 recently completed the project TRAFFICE BARRIER RAILING project for the William Creek Bridge in Sydney. .
Project Overview
The primary focus of this project was the detailing and coordination of the barrier railing connections with respect to the precast barrier. These connections are integral to ensuring the railing system’s strength, stability, and compliance with safety standards.
Key Features of the Railing Connections
Structural Integrity: The railings are designed to withstand significant impact forces while maintaining their position and alignment.
Ease of Installation: Modular detailing allowed for efficient installation on-site, reducing time and labor.
Compliance: All railing connections were developed in accordance with Australian standards, ensuring public safety and long-term reliability.
Conclusion
TEK1’s work on the William Creek Bridge reflects our commitment to enhancing public infrastructure through precision detailing. By focusing on both safety and functionality, we’ve delivered a barrier railing system that meets the highest standards.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to contribute to impactful projects that make a difference in our communities.
TEK1 recently completed the project Audi Centre Myaree a Audi Car showroom in Western Australia. This impressive structure is a 100-tonne steel building, featuring two floors and a main roof, exemplifying modern design and engineering precision.
Scope of Work: Steel and Precast Panels
Our scope for this project included detailing both steel and precast panels. Managing these two critical elements simultaneously required meticulous coordination and attention to detail. The integration of steel and precast detailing enabled us to ensure accurate connections between the two systems, delivering a seamless result.
Overcoming Challenges with Precision
Handling both steel and precast in a single project can often lead to coordination challenges. However, thanks to TEK1’s skilled team and advanced detailing processes, we completed the project without any hitches. Our approach ensured that all connections were detailed precisely, aligning perfectly with the design and site requirements.
Precast Model
Conclusion: A Milestone in Steel Detailing
The Audi Centre Myaree stands as a testament to TEK1’s ability to manage complex projects involving multiple structural elements. By combining expertise, coordination, and a commitment to excellence, we delivered a showroom that reflects the high standards of the Audi brand.
At TEK1, we continue to set benchmarks in steel and precast detailing, ensuring that every project we undertake is marked by efficiency, accuracy, and success.
Workshop drawings for balustrades of Bridge#84 Dynon Road Walking & Cycling bridge, West Melbourne.
The fabrication drawings for the 230-meter-long balustrade panels, which feature vibrant, rainbow-colored finishes were delivered with NIL mistakes and on time.
Challenges in the As-Built Stage
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project was the challenge posed by the as-built ramp slope and its curve, which deviated significantly from the original design coordinates. These deviations added a layer of complexity to detailing the balustrades, as each panel had to align perfectly with the precast kerbs.
To address this, we worked closely with the builder and requested precise site measurements. These measurements were essential for us to adjust our detailing to account for the as-built ramp’s unique coordinates, ensuring every panel fit perfectly into place.
Tailored Solutions for On-Site Realities
The balustrade panels were fixed to the precast kerbs using as-built ferrules, demonstrating the adaptability required in projects where site conditions differ from the initial design. By leveraging the site measurements provided, we completed the detailing of all balustrades with precision, overcoming the complexities introduced by the ramp’s deviations.
Conclusion:
The Dynon Road Walking & Cycling Bridge is not just a pathway; it’s a vivid example of how meticulous detailing and innovative problem-solving can overcome challenges to deliver exceptional results. Its rainbow-colored balustrades are now a standout feature in West Melbourne, adding vibrancy and charm to the community.
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.
Overview This guide provides instructions for designing and detailing commercial stairs per the Australian Standards AS1428.1 and ABCB Housing Provisions Standard 2022. These standards ensure safe and accessible stairways in commercial buildings, with specific provisions related to the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises-Buildings) Standards.
1. General Stair Requirements (Non-Spiral Stairs)
Riser Quantity: Each flight should have at least 2 risers but no more than 18 risers.
Riser Height: Must be between 115mm and 190mm.
Going Width (Tread Depth): Must be between 240mm and 355mm.
Stair Slope Rule: Follow the formula 2R+G, where:
Minimum Slope: 550mm
Maximum Slope: 700mm
Landing Requirement: Landings must be at least 750mm in length. If the landing changes direction, measure at least 500mm from the inside edge of the landing(abcb-housing-provisions…).
2. Spiral Stairs Specifics
Riser Quantity: Similar to regular stairs, spiral stairs must have at least 2 risers and no more than 18 in each flight.
Riser Height: Must be between 140mm and 220mm.
Going Width: Must be between 210mm and 370mm.
Stair Slope Rule: Use the formula 2R+G with the following limits:
Minimum Length: Landings must be at least 750mm in length.
Directional Change: For landings with a change in direction, measure at least 500mm from the inside edge.
Gradient: The landing slope must not exceed 1:50 to ensure levelness while allowing for slight drainage.
Threshold Requirement: A threshold landing is required where there is a floor level change of more than 570mm or three risers(abcb-housing-provisions…).
4. Slope and Safety Measures
The 2R + G formula is essential for the slope and safety of both standard and spiral stairways, ensuring each stairway is easy to ascend and descend.
Open Risers: Risers must not have openings wide enough to allow a 125mm sphere to pass through, minimizing the risk of small children or objects falling through.
Tread Solidness: Stairs that are taller than 10m or connect more than three floors must have solid, non-perforated treads for additional safety(abcb-housing-provisions…).
5. Consistency in Dimensions
Uniformity Across Flights: All risers and goings within each flight should be consistent.
Permitted Variations: Adjacent risers and goings may vary up to 5mm, but the difference between the largest and smallest within a flight should not exceed 10mm(abcb-housing-provisions…).
6. Slip Resistance Requirements
Slip Resistance Testing: All treads, landings, and ramps should meet slip resistance classifications as per AS 4586. This includes:
Dry Conditions: Minimum P3 or R10 for treads; P3 for nosing or landing edge strips.
Wet Conditions: Minimum P4 or R11 for treads; P4 for nosing or landing edge strips(abcb-housing-provisions…).
7. Barriers and Handrails
Barrier Height: Barriers should be at least 865mm above the nosing of stair treads, and 1m above landings and other access surfaces.
Handrails: Must be placed on at least one side of the stairway, running the full length of each flight and at a height of no less than 865mm.
Opening Limitations: No opening in the barrier should allow a 125mm sphere to pass through(abcb-housing-provisions…).
By following these steps, builders and architects can ensure that commercial stairs meet the safety and accessibility requirements established in AS1428.1 and the ABCB Housing Provisions Standard 2022.
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.
