What is a Standard?
With light gauge steel playing a substantial role in Australian infrastructure, it may be encouraging for consumers to know that the processes of production, manufacturing and application of light gauge steel in manufacturing and construction are subject to compliance with design standards.
While standards are ultimately a set of voluntary guidelines, Government legislation will often refer to Australian Standards or joint Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS). Usually when this is the case, the standards referred to may become mandatory.
In the case of construction, standards go hand-in-hand with the National Construction Code to ensure safety, health and amenity of the public. Simply put, standards are designed to keep consumers safe. Therefore, when manufacturing steel frames and trusses at AusSteel, we always comply with the relevant standards.
Standards in the world of steel
When it comes to steel structures constructed using light gauge cold-formed steel in Australia, the prominent design standard is AS/NZS 4600:2018 ‘Cold-formed steel structures’. According to Standards Australia (2018), this standard:
Sets out minimum requirements for the design of structural members cold-formed to shape from carbon or low-alloy steel sheet, strip, plate or bar not more than 25 mm in thickness and used for load-carrying purposes in buildings.
To ensure standards stay relevant and effective alongside changes in technology, they are periodically reviewed by a committee of technical experts and updated as necessary. The AS/NZS 4600:2018 was last reviewed in 2018, providing an updated reference for manufacturers such as AusSteel, to continue to provide the very best in steel frames and trusses to our partners and customers.
We’ve got your back
At AusSteel, we take our compliance obligations very seriously. We are proud to be part of both a thriving steel industry and also a commendable construction industry. So we strive to #bebetter in everything we do – and this includes ensuring an ongoing and infallible duty of care to our team, customers and community.
AusSteel factories are located in Crestmead – QLD, Goulburn – NSW, and Cameron Park – NSW. Interested in partnering with us? Get in touch today!!
Reference: ‘AS/NZS 4600:2018 ‘Cold-formed steel structures’’, accessed 17/08/2023, Standards Australia 2018, https://store.standards.org.au/
