Tag: steel detailing

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Commercial Stair Detailing (According to AS1428.1 and ABCB Housing Provisions Standard 2022)

    Step-by-Step Guide to Commercial Stair Detailing (According to AS1428.1 and 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.

    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:

    3. Landings Specifications

    • 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.

  • 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 and Steel – Hidden Snags to Watch out For –A Case Study in Duffy’s Forrest – An Example of Something that can Kill your client

    Concrete and Steel – Hidden Snags to Watch out For –A Case Study in Duffy’s Forrest – An Example of Something that can Kill your client

    “In the world of steel detailing, failing to account for concrete variances can cost your client dearly. This case study from Duffy’s Forest serves as a vital reminder of why site surveys in steel detailing are non-negotiable. Without accurate site measurements, you risk massive on-site rectification costs—including crane hire and specialized labor crews—that can easily exceed thousands of dollars.”

    Anyone who’s a detailer should be aware of this issue.

    If you’re not aware: you can cost your client dearly. How?

    • On site rectification costs:
    • crane, ($500 / hour for example)
    • crew: supervisor, boiler makers, riggers (x2) – it become expensive.

    You need operations to occur as fast as possible. This means you have to advise your client about potential issues.

    Consider the following:

    What is an issue that can kill your client regarding the below:

    Lessons Learned:

    • The concrete has already been poured.
    • But the steel has not yet been cut and fabricated.
    Concrete in Steel Detailing

    Check out the live model link here to Duffy’s Forrest.

    Be warned:

    • We keep repeating this again and again: very rarely is the concrete where it should be!
    • The pockets may not be properly aligned.
    • The pockets may be too deep – as it was in this case.
    site-survey-steel-detailing-case-study

    How Steel Detailers Can Prevent Costly On-Site Errors.

    • Detailers should ensure that their clients conduct site surveys to ensure everything is ok.
    • Detailers should make sure that the pockets are the correct depth.

    In this case the pockets were too deep – this means that the columns need to be lengthened.

    If the columns were not lengthened, then once it is taken to site – nothing would fit. And now site rectification costs would be immense.

    Expert Steel Detailer | Melbourne | Sydeny

  • Fabrication drawing requirements : Modelling for Non-Structural Plates: A Guide

    Fabrication drawing requirements : Modelling for Non-Structural Plates: A Guide

    When working with elements like cladding plates, balustrade infills, decorative panels, and chequer plates, the approach to modelling them differs significantly from that used for standard structural plates. Ensuring accuracy in these cases hinges on a thorough understanding of working points and the rotation property, which are essential for ensuring the correct orientation of the visible side when generating drawings or DXF files.

    Understanding the Critical Role of Working Points

    It might seem simple to assume that these sheets can be flipped or rotated as needed after they are cut. However, this is a common misconception that can lead to significant errors during fabrication. The key to avoiding such issues lies in setting up the working points correctly, particularly when dealing with intricate designs or surface finishes.

    The Importance of Proper Rotation

    Take a stair panel, for example. If the panel features any patterns or surface differences, the working point must run in the direction from left to right when facing the stair panel. Additionally, the rotation must be set to either “top” or “front”—never “bottom” or “back.” This ensures that the visible side of the panel is correctly positioned.

    Symmetry Doesn’t Eliminate the Need for Attention

    Even in cases where the pattern is symmetrical or there appears to be no pattern at all, the orientation of the face of the sheet is crucial. It’s easy to think that since the machine will cut the plate according to the DXF file, it doesn’t matter how the drawing is flipped or rotated. However, this is where problems can arise.

    Avoiding Aesthetic Imperfections

    During the cutting process, the machine can leave minor marks on the material. These marks are typically left on the non-visible side of the sheet. Therefore, it’s critical to feed the sheet into the machine with the correct side facing outwards. If not, the marks could end up on the visible side, compromising the aesthetics of the final product.

    Conclusion: Precision is Key to Quality

    Proper modelling and careful consideration of working points and rotation properties are essential when dealing with cladding plates, balustrade infills, decorative panels, and chequer plates. By ensuring the visible side is correctly oriented from the start, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure a high-quality finish.

  • Plate Formed Spiral Stair

    Plate Formed Spiral Stair

    Author : Ramakrishnan.L

    We are pleased to inform you that TEK1 has accepted the task of detailing the spiral plate-formed RHS stringer stair as requested by our client. Our team is well-equipped to handle this design, ensuring that all details meet the highest standards.

    At TEK1, we have consistently provided top-notch miscellaneous steel detailing services to our esteemed clients, adhering to all relevant codes and standards. We are committed to delivering precise and reliable shop drawings tailored to your needs.

    Should you have any queries related to miscellaneous steel shop drawings, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will promptly provide you with the necessary answers and support.

    For any steel shop drawings you require for an ongoing project, feel free to reach out to Koshy at (03) 9560 6397 or +61 3 9560 6397.

  • Drawing Stamped Not Satisfactory

    When drawing is stamped as ‘NOT STATISFACTORY’ RFI should be raised as to whether we update markups and submit as IFC or do we resubmit

  • Managing Sticker-shock

    Managing Sticker-shock

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

    • The initial project was quoted at: $x
    • Changes were required on the project necessitating variations – at double the cost of the original quote!

    When this happens, it is ESSENTIAL that you call the client before you put in your variation documentation.

    Why?

    • The client will suffer from “sticker shock” after he sees your price.
    • “Sticker shock” means that the client will be so surprised, and shocked, that he will fall off his chair.
    • The client will lose trust in you.
    • The client will try to negotiate everything down.

    What should I do instead?

    • Call the client and say that the changes are huge.
    • Do not send variation documentation before addressing the “sticker shock issue”.
    • We cannot and do not negotiate on prices.
    • Going forward clients can choose between: (i) a fixed price quote – where we take on-board the risks of an infinite amount of variations, or (ii) where we charge variations but come in at a lower price.
    • Our variations are FIXED in price.
    • They are not negotiable.

  • Vent Holes in Steel Detailing

    Vent Holes in Steel Detailing

    During a recent client visit, we encountered an issue with the size of vent holes. In Australian detailing, we typically use a standard catalogue for specifying galvanizing holes. We followed this standard and provided the holes in the end plate accordingly.

    Adequate venting at correct location is very important for efficient galvanizing

    However, the client pointed out that the caps used to seal these holes after the galvanizing process did not fit. This was the first time we faced this issue, and it highlighted a crucial point.

    Key Takeaway

    When providing galvanizing holes, it’s essential to confirm the hole size with the client rather than relying solely on the standard catalogue. This approach ensures compatibility with the caps used and can save a significant amount of money by preventing rework.

    By aligning specifications with client requirements from the outset, we can avoid similar issues in the future and ensure a smoother project execution.