he landscape of structural steelwork in Australia and New Zealand has shifted with the release of Amendment No. 1:2020 to AS/NZS 5131:2016. This critical update impacts everyone involved in the fabrication and erection of structural steel—from engineers and fabricators to project managers and inspectors. If you work in construction, engineering, or steel fabrication, understanding these changes is essential for compliance, quality, and safety.
Why This Amendment Matters
AS/NZS 5131 is the cornerstone standard governing the fabrication and erection of structural steelwork in Australia and New Zealand. The 2020 amendment aligns the standard more closely with the National Construction Code (NCC), international best practices, and the evolving needs of the industry. The changes impact documentation, traceability, welding, bolting, coatings, and more, ensuring that steel structures meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Key Changes in AS/NZS 5131:2016 Amendment No. 1:2020
1. Enhanced Alignment with Building Codes
- The wording throughout the document now reflects the requirements of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) for documents referenced under the NCC.
- This ensures that compliance with AS/NZS 5131 directly supports regulatory approval and project certification.
2. Overhauled Traceability Requirements
- Definitions and applications of traceability have been revised to align with international practice.
- Three types of traceability are now clearly defined:
- Lot traceability
- Piece-mark traceability
- Piece traceability
- The level of traceability required depends on the construction category (CC1–CC4), with detailed requirements specified for both Australia and New Zealand.
3. Updated References and Normative Standards
- Normative reference is made to AS/NZS ISO 3834 (Welding Quality Requirements) in Section 7.
- The standard test for evaluation of slip factor has been moved back to AS 4100 for Australia, with New Zealand-specific guidance in Appendix G.
4. Documentation and Competency
- All decisions required by the standard must be fully documented, including the qualifications and experience of any competent person whose judgment is relied upon.
- This change strengthens accountability and transparency across projects.
5. Welding and Quality Management
- Welding must now conform to the relevant part of AS/NZS ISO 3834, with different requirements for each construction category:
- CC1: Elementary quality
- CC2: Standard quality
- CC3 & CC4: Comprehensive quality
- A suitable quality management system is required, with documentation scaling up according to construction category.
6. Bolting and Fastener Updates
- Minimum bolt tensions for Grades 8.8 and 10.9 are clarified, and the part-turn method for Grade 10.9 bolts is restricted unless suitability is proven.
- All bolts must be tightened to a snug tight condition as per the updated clause.
7. Coatings and Surface Preparation
- Greater flexibility is introduced, allowing alternative surface preparation methods if abrasive blasting is not feasible, provided approval is obtained from a competent person.
- Requirements for paint thinning, cleaning, and inspection equipment maintenance are clarified.
8. Shop and Erection Drawings
- New requirements for shop and erection drawings ensure all customer requirements, codes, and standards are incorporated, with detailed quality plan descriptions for managing project information and drawing revisions.
9. Risk Matrix and Construction Categories
- Appendix C introduces an updated risk matrix for determining the construction category, emphasizing the designer's responsibility and the need for project-specific requirements for unusual structures (CC4).
What Do These Changes Mean for Your Projects?
Compliance: Failure to adopt these changes could result in non-compliance with the NCC or relevant local regulations, putting projects at risk.
Quality Assurance: The enhanced focus on traceability, documentation, and competency ensures that steel structures are fabricated and erected to the highest standards, reducing the risk of defects and failures.
Efficiency: Clearer definitions and streamlined requirements help reduce ambiguity, making it easier for teams to implement best practices and pass inspections.
SEO Tips: Why Stay Up-to-Date with AS/NZS 5131?
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- AS/NZS 5131:2016 Amendment 2020
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- National Construction Code steel compliance
By staying current with the latest amendments to AS/NZS 5131, your business demonstrates commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance—key factors that clients and stakeholders look for in today’s competitive construction market.
Conclusion
The 2020 amendment to AS/NZS 5131:2016 is more than a routine update—it’s a comprehensive overhaul that brings Australian and New Zealand steel fabrication standards in line with global best practices and national regulations. Whether you’re a fabricator, engineer, or project manager, now is the time to review your processes, update your documentation, and ensure all team members are trained on the new requirements.
Stay compliant. Stay competitive. Build with confidence.
For detailed information, always refer to the official standard and consult with a qualified professional for project-specific guidance.