annual general meeting invitation 2010 -...

QLDMEMBER FEEDBACK

........... 26

NOTES FROM

NATIONAL

STEEL DETAILERS

FORUM..........3 - 4

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL DETAILERS

AISD (QLD.) INC.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING INVITATION 2010

In our October newsletter last year we reported on the growth in strength of our

membership numbers, year after year, since our 2001 inception.

We also reported in our website Forum pages that the membership for Queensland

alone consists of Seventy Eight paid members. There are currently Fourteen Member

Companies and Eight Sole Traders, with the balance made up of Detailers who work

for member companies, fabricators and non-member companies.

In concert with the other State Institutes, Members have achieved a significant national voice.

2010 QLD STEEL

AWARDS ...... 6 - 7

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

& PROCESSES

SEMINAR. ........ 10

1

EYE FOR DETAIL : October 2010 : Issue 20

In concert with the other State Institutes, Members have achieved a significant national voice.

Through the national website and through the AISD National Steering Committee, members have the

opportunity of having their concerns and views shared throughout the entire country.

The AGM is the most important meeting of the year and all members are invited to attend.

Past attendees have collectively praised this opportunity to meet each other and share their thoughts

and concerns. So please come along and share in discussions concerning the future of our industry, how issues

may affect us or our colleagues and take stock on the events of the last twelve months.

This year’s AGM will once again be held at the popular Carina East Leagues Club. The event takes place on

Wednesday 10th November 2010. We are returning to the sit-down meal format for 2010.

The important business of electing the management committee positions, will also be conducted on the night.

These positions offer deep insight and involvement with the running of the Institute and will broaden the

knowledge of those elected to a position.

The management committee in Qld. over the years has comprised of seventeen representatives from Nine

companies and Three Sole Traders and had support from sub-committees made up of other Sole traders,

companies and individual detailers.

Any financially current member is eligible to serve on the Management Committee and we hereby encourage

members to nominate for a position. Nomination forms are now available on the website.

Note: The cut-off date for registration for written nominations is Thursday 28th October.

As this is a catered event we need to confirm numbers by the 3rd November 2010.

If you are attending please RSVP to the AISD secretary by this date.

Email: [email protected]

QLDAUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL DETAILERS

2



NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL

STEEL DETAILER FORUM

The use of overseas steel detailers on Australian projects.

Examples of the failure of overseas detailers to deliver quality documentation need to be collated and passed on to ASI to

support their local content campaign. Information collected should also include the number of software licenses held by

overseas detailers and the actual number of packages used by each company. This should reveal the extent of software

piracy. It was agreed that once the data is collected, an article on the topic will be written for the AISD newsletter.

WA detailing firms, Steelplan UGL and PDC Global advised the forum that they already share their 3D detailing models

with architects, engineers and clients as appropriate. They believe that this serves to demonstrate the extra value local

detailers can offer to the project by working closely with the project team and provides market protection against

overseas detailers that don’t offer the same services.

Software piracy

Pacific Computing has advised that Tekla has been raiding overseas detailing firms suspected of using illegal copies of

software. It is a difficult task to manage because even if these companies are closed down due to being guilty of software

piracy, they seem to be able to start again, sometimes within 24 hours, under another business name.

3


Links with the ASI

It was discussed that Queensland is the only AISD branch that fully engages with the ASI. Not all detailers are members of

ASI and are not receiving advice of ASI activities. It was agreed that John Gardner (ASI Qld) would arrange for the email

addresses of all of the AISD State Chairmen to be added to the ASI email distribution list to receive advice of ASI news and

events. It was suggested that other ways to engage with the ASI are to have the ASI State Manager attend the AISD state

meetings and to have an AISD representative on each ASI State Committee.

Design Documentation Quality

The Engineers Australia Queensland Division Report “Getting it Right the First Time” does not have support of the national

office of Engineers Australia and has lost momentum. Some of the points expressed by designers are that they aren’t paid

sufficient fees or given sufficient time to produce good quality documentation.

The AISD Qld Design Documentation Awards is one way to raise the profile of the issues with design documentation and

reward those companies that produce good quality documentation. The documentation awards are awarded at the ASI

Qld Steel Design Awards presentation dinner.

Another solution is for detailers to work more closely with Design consultants in order to produce one accurate 3D model.

Detailers could work in Engineers’ offices on projects, but there is a risk of losing steel detailing staff to the Engineering

firms.

It was agreed that the AISD nationally should promote and endorse early engagement with Design Engineers.

Builders are taking a leading role on some projects and should be influenced to engage early with Steel Detailers. It was

suggested that the AISD deliver a presentation to members of the Master Builders Association nationally.


NOTES FROM THE NATIONAL

STEEL DETAILER FORUM - con’t

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Designers BIM models aren’t seen as a solution to poor design documentation as the accuracy of the information models is

not guaranteed. There is an opportunity for detailers to take a leading role in BIM by having the 3D detailing model as the

key model used on projects incorporating not only steel but other materials. There is need for a change of title for these

Steel Detailers to “Structural Modellers”.

These Structural Modellers would work closely with designers and offer the inclusion of concrete, services etc in the 3D

model.

It was agreed that the AISD produce a BIM marketing document that includes information on the advantages of engaging

local steel detailers early in the project to produce integrated 3D models that can provide major benefits to projects.

Technology Integration

It was agreed that detailers need to sell the downstream benefits of using local versus overseas detailing. The benefits

obtained from the transfer of electronic data files have been demonstrated in the AISD deliverables document. The benefits

can be extended to those working on site where 3D models can be viewed to assist in the steel erection stage.

4

can be extended to those working on site where 3D models can be viewed to assist in the steel erection stage.

Training and Qualification

Ken Barnett (Swinburne University of Technology) has replaced Ian Black as head of the steel detailing course currently

being delivered under the Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) banner. Ken agreed to discuss the course details with Tony

Gibbs of the Central Institute of Technology in Perth to explore synergies and methodologies of training delivery.

Australian Steel Detailers Manual as training resource

Ross McCaffrey (Steelplan UGL) will work with John Lyons (PDC Global) to produce an action plan to revise the manual. Ken

Barnett was very interested in using the Australian Steel Detailers Handbook as a training resource for the steel detailing

course at Swinburne.

He advised that the course could be delivered online through Swinburne but all existing online courses have a face to face

component of around 2 to 3 weeks duration.

John Leworthy (Steelcode Detailing) advised that the Perth Central Institute of Technology is planning to broaden the

existing diploma level course so that it can lead on to an advanced diploma and then on to degree level.

It was agreed that AISD member companies need to support the courses by asking for employees to complete them. Martyn

Weir advised that PDC will only employ candidates that have completed the course.

AISD Website

It was agreed that the minutes of all AISD State Management Committee meetings should be placed for viewing on the AISD

website. These minutes are to be forwarded to Clayton Roxborough (President - AISD Qld) for uploading to the website.



NOTES FROM THE AISD

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

PRESENT:

Clayton Roxborough - Steelcad Drafting (QLD)

Chris Velovski - Enterprise Drafting Company (NSW)

James Galdes - Ironworks Steel Detailing (VIC)

Lorraine Smith – Keyser - Ironworks Steel Detailing (VIC)

Ross McCaffrey - Steelplan UGL (WA)

Martyn Weir - PDC Global (WA)

John Gardner - ASI (Minutes Secretary)

Chairman of the AISD Steering Committee Clayton Roxborough was re-elected for a third term.

Australian Steel Detailers’ HandbookIt was agreed that the ASI Australian Steel Detailer’s Handbook would be updated to be used as a reference text for the

Steel Detailer training courses.

5

Steel Detailer training courses.

Ross McCaffrey will manage the project to update the contents of the Handbook. The update will include reference to 3D

modelling, but will not be software specific.

The Handbook will be published by the Australian Steel Institute. Ross is to obtain data from those AISD members who have

commented on the content of the Handbook and prepare an action plan to manage the revision of the Handbook.

The action plan is to be submitted to the Steering Committee for comment and approval.

WebsiteAISD NSW suggested the addition of advertising to the website. It was agreed that industry specific advertising was

acceptable from software vendors and suppliers and the like but advertising by Steel Detailers would not be permitted.

Local ContentMartyn Weir advised that the ASI has been active in WA with media coverage to support the case for more work for local

fabricators in major projects.

Steel Detailers need to emphasise the adverse impact of overseas steel detailing on the local industry. The AISD needs to

provide information to ASI on the unfair practices of some overseas steel detailing companies with regards to pirated

software etc., so that it can be included in the case for a fair go for the local steel industry.

Detailers also need to provide their contact and business details to the Industry Capability Network (ICN) in each state.

The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers (APESMA) has recently expressed concerns about the

loss of design work to offshore design engineers for major projects. It was considered beneficial for the AISD to

communicate with APESMA on this issue to gather support for Australian steel detailing on major projects.


QLD2010 QUEENSLAND STEEL AWARDS

The steel construction industry “night of nights” took place at the Brisbane Convention

and Exhibition Centre on Friday 20th of August.

This is always the occasion to recognize the high achievers who, over the past year,

through their innovation, dedication or skill have made a significant contribution to the

benefit of the steel construction industry.

One of the founding objectives of the AISD was to address the declining quality of project design documentation. As

advocates of good quality documentation, it is the role of the AISD to keep this issue ‘front-of-mind’ in the steel construction

sector. As a means of doing this, the Australian Institute of Steel Detailers has developed a positive and pro-active initiative

by providing recognition to those consultants who make the appropriate investment in their documentation and provide an

ethical & professional service to the steel construction industry.

What better time & place to provide this recognition than the annual ASI Steel Awards.

Independent research has indicated that poor quality design documentation can conservatively contribute up to 12% of cost

estimates at time of tender and is a major contributor to project variations and rework.

When the costs of project delays, disputation and additional project administration are included, the overall costs of poor


6

When the costs of project delays, disputation and additional project administration are included, the overall costs of poor

design documentation are significant indeed.

Assuming that improvements in design documentation can reduce overall project costs by even just 1%, this alone has the

potential to save the Australian construction industry over $600M each financial year. Clearly there is considerable scope for

improvement with consequent benefit to all stakeholders and to Australia as a whole.

This year, the AISD presented two awards for Excellence in Design Documentation Quality, one to an architect and one to a

consulting engineer.

Entries for these awards are nominated by the detailers who worked on the project and used the drawings for their intended

purpose.

The judging criteria are the AISD Documentation Check Lists. These two lists focus on the particular aspects of design

documentation that most affect steel detailers.

AWARDS

For their work on the Hancock Street Auditorium Pro ject, this year’s Architectural Design Documentatio n award went to:- Conrad Gargett Architecture



2010 QUEENSLAND STEEL AWARDS

– con’t

Ben Grassick from Conrad Gargett

Architecture worked on the design

The Hancock Street Auditorium is part of the Mater Hospital Development

and is a multi-level facility of over 350 tonnes of structural steel.

7


Architecture worked on the design

drafting and attended the awards

night to accept the presentation.

The winning nomination for the Engineering Documentation Award came from the Public Infrastructure category for

the Mossman Gorge Elevated Walkway, congratulations for this year’s award went to Quadratec Design & Engineering.

Anthony Paul from Quadratec Design &

Engineering was unable to attend this years

presentation so Kerry Lindemann from BDS

VirCon accepted the award on his behalf.

This was a Tourism Project for the Queensland Parks and

Wildlife Services and included approximately 50 t of

structural steel.


AISD FORUM

AISD Forum:

As most of you know the AISD has a web forum, it can be found at -

http://www.aisd.com.au/

If you haven't registered yourself as a user yet, its quite easy and there are step by step

instructions on the forum page.

You don't have to be a registered member to view posts, however if you want to

comment or add threads you do have to sign up.

The forum has undergone some changes and topics have been added for traceability purposes, the list of topics are:

• General

• Announcements

• Detailing Topics

• Consultant issues (Design Documentation)

• Training

• Off Topic

8

• Off Topic

• Photo Gallery

• Private - this is for members of the forum only

• BIM

Under the above list are sub topics which you can enter into and contribute to the chat or even create you own topic.

The forum is a place where you can raise topics about Detailing and other issues related to the Steel construction Industry,

you are encouraged to share your knowledge and experience with others and engage in friendly chat about topics.

There is an opportunity to gain from the experience of others using a form a like this to share information. Information will

remain as long as the forum is active so you should be able to revisit at any time and review old posts and continue to add to

them.

Already there are many posts on various topics, many from the same people. It would be great to get ideas and experience

from may other AISD members.

Hope to see you on there.



PROCESS OUT THE WINDOWBy Phil Shanks - AISD Member

Steel Detailing is an occupation which never ceases to amaze me, in the time I have been a Detailer so much of the way we

create drawings has changed. Over 15 years ago I was told by our Drawing office manager that 3D was going to be the way

of the future, at the time I was quite young and it was difficult to see the writing on the wall, but look at what has happened

in such a short space of time.

Most Detailing firms are using 3D these days as are many of the AISD sole trader members, with demands from Fabricators

and steel merchants for model data and NC files, it’s difficult not to be a part of this.

Detailers have been able to take hold of complex technology, develop systems to control the data produced and deliver a

controlled quality product to their clients.

Detailers are at the coal face of the Steel Construction industry, when a fabricator needs an answer; we promptly jump to

the task and deliver. If we don’t act quickly time is wasted in the fabrication shop or on site, we understand the implications

and costs associated with wasted time. We do what we do because we are essentially communicators – that’s what we do

and by in large we do it well.

A Steel Detailer’s job is to interpret and communicate design intent into a format which a fabricator can understand. It takes

many years of working on different types of projects and working with senior Detailers who pass on their experience before

one can call themselves a Steel Detailer – this is how we learn.

9

As many Detailers would agree, over the years, particularly recent years, the standard of design documentation we have to

work from has been getting worse. Our task to interpret design intent is becoming more and more difficult as the intent is

incompletely communicated. There are many holes in the design documents which lead to Detailers raising more RFIs and

having to coordinate and control this additional information along with usual process.

Programs are being compressed to unrealistic timeframes and the same old process is still being used. Designers are not

given the time to complete their documents and Detailers find themselves having to pick up the pieces.

The Steel fabrication industry all but demands that Detailers use 3D software so that their processes aren’t slowed by old

fashioned systems. Why is it not the same for the rest of the construction industry? Why are design drawings still being

issued in 2D format? when many Engineers are using 3D. Why isn’t a 3D model that is accurately produced the new medium

of design documentation?

If timeframes are to continue to be compressed, if designers aren’t going to be given the time they need to complete their

end of the deal and Detailers continue to be delivered incomplete information, the industry as a whole has a real problem.

As a 3D Steel Detailer, I long for the day where I never see a design drawing again as I believe it’s the crux of the problem. As

my drawing office manager once predicted to me the future of 3D, I’d like to predict a day where the whole supply chain is

on a 3D platform, from designers to workshop project managers. Where we all pass the model up and down the chain for

the benefit of the industry as a whole, the new medium of choice.

This isn’t pie in the sky stuff, the technology is available at the moment and with each year it’s getting more powerful.

As any good Detailer would do - keep communicating and reminding those who will listen where the process has failed. Give

praise to those who have effectively delivered quality design, whatever the medium it’s delivered.

Any feedback on this topic is welcome, anyone with ideas on how the AISD can help better the industry we are all apart of is

also welcome. A stronger united industry is the way forward, process is important.



IMPLEMENTING NEW TECHNOLOGIES

& PROCESSES

The ASI will be delivering a National Seminar Series in November to improve the effectiveness with which new technologies

and processes are disseminated to the steel construction industry. The date for Brisbane is Tuesday, 16 November, 2010

7.30am to 10.30am

This seminar will help our industry to implement innovative processes and techniques that will help businesses capitalise

on new technologies from engineering design, right through to construction. Featuring practical benefits to the whole steel

construction supply chain.

Speakers

• Brett Taylor – Director, Bornhorst & Ward Consulting Engineers

• Clayton Roxborough – Director, Jackson Roxborough Steel Detailing Consultants Chairman, Australian

Institute of Steel Detailers

• Peter Farley – Farley Production Systems. A global expert in automotive processing, workshop

layout, steel handling and data integration.

Who should attend:-

• Builders who want to realise the benefits of good planning through the documentation and detailing phases of

their steel construction projects.

• Engineers and detailers wanting to add value to their 3D steelwork models.

10

• Engineers and detailers wanting to add value to their 3D steelwork models.

• Detailers and Fabricators seeking to reap the benefits of full data integration.

• Fabricators and steel service centers who want to know the future directions in the steel processing and how to

become leaders in their field.

Set in two parts, leading with the project structural 3D model and finishing with how this model will be used to deliver

faster, cheaper and higher quality steel fabrication, this seminar, sponsored by Enterprise Connect, is targeted at enabling

better outcomes for the steel design, shop detailing and fabrication sectors.

Why should you attend:-

Experts will discuss how an engineering design model can be transferred to a steel detailer’s 3D model, to then provide all

the information required for fabrication, erection and assembly. This presentation identifies the emerging roles that

technology now offers to the interface between the engineer, detailer/modeller and fabricator.

Hear how 3D technology, in conjunction with industry cooperation and understanding, can help generate quicker more

cost effective steelwork on your next construction project.

Presentations at this level in the process are few and far between, this is not about BIM – it’s about the practical use of 3D

technologies at the business end of the process to provide greater project benefits. This is about something that can be

delivered today to enhance the steel project experience.

Visit www.steelevents.com.au to register and secure your place at this event.



ASI SUSTAINABILITY NEWS UPDATE

11



ASI SUSTAINABILITY NEWS UPDATE - con’t

12



AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS

Recent changes to AS1163:2009 & AS3679.1:2010.

These changes are around the Australian Standard AS3679.1 that covers the manufacture of hot rolled bars & sections,

which includes the Onesteel range of Universal Beam, Universal Column, Angle, Channel & Taper Flange Beam sections as

well as their Merchant Bar range.

The changes in the Australian Standard are providing specifiers, regulators and end users with a higher degree of

confidence that the product that is specified will be the product that is delivered into their projects, assuring them of their

ability to meet the relevant Australian Standards and other regulatory requirements.

Broadly speaking, the major changes to Australian Standard AS3679.1 include mandatory requirements for;

• a rolled-in mark on the product identifying the manufacturer and also that it is produced to this Standard,

• Specific information to be included on the Test Certificate,

• Testing to be performed by laboratories with third-party accreditation from a signatory to International

Laboratories Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) such as NATA.

The two handouts attached outline these changes in more detail.

Onesteel have also launched a new webpage www.onesteel.com/structuralsteel. This website provides a central hub of

13

Onesteel have also launched a new webpage www.onesteel.com/structuralsteel. This website provides a central hub of

information on the recent developments & initiatives that OneSteel has been involved with including;

• the Green Building Council's Green Star ratings scheme

• recent changes to AS1163:2009 & AS3679.1:2010.

• numerous fact sheets,

• informative presentations.

• various publications, design tools, product information,

• Links to project case studies

• and contact information.

If anyone would like any further information or follow up, please contact David Bell directly.

David Bell

Business Development Manager - North East

61 Milperra Rd, Revesby, NSW, 2212

PO Box 4664, Milperra, NSW, 1891

Ph 02 9792 9075. Mobile 0407 357 120. Fax 02 9792 9093

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.onesteel.com



AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS

14



AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS – con’t

15



BUILDING THE EDUCATION REVOLUTION

(BER) PROGRAM ARTICLEExtract from an article published in the Australian newspaper.

SIMPLE, single-storey school halls, classrooms and libraries being delivered to public schools under the $16.2 billion

stimulus program are costing more than twice as much per square metre as complex city office towers.

According to the construction industry guide, Rawlinson's Construction Handbook, single-level primary school buildings

should cost $1350 per square metre - between a third and a quarter of the amount public primary schools are being

charged.

NSW government costing figures show standard double classrooms are costing taxpayers $4271 a square metre; "14

core" libraries are costing $5400 a square metre; and the public school standard "21 core" canteen is costing a massive

$13,306 a square metre.

The revelations come as the federal Auditor-General prepares to release a report today examining the federal Education

Department's handling of the Building the Education Revolution program.

National quantity surveying firm BMT & Associates says the most expensive type of development is a complex, fully air-

conditioned office tower of more than eight levels and containing lifts, at a cost of $2880 a square metre to build.

That figure includes a 30 per cent surcharge for design fees and site preliminaries.

16

That figure includes a 30 per cent surcharge for design fees and site preliminaries.

Rawlinsons reports primary school buildings should cost between $1300 and $1400 a square metre to build in Sydney,

which includes costs for preliminaries, substructure, superstructure, finishes, fittings, contingency allowances and services

such as plumbing, electrical, fire and mechanical. Those latest Rawlinsons figures highlight the inflated costs the NSW,

Queensland and Victorian governments have been paying for school buildings, both under the Building the Education

Revolution scheme and earlier.

The extent to which state government education departments have been overpaying for school building projects has

further been highlighted under the BER by private schools.

Under the scheme, private schools have self-managed projects outside the fee-heavy template structures of the state

governments and have overwhelmingly received better value for money.

Mount Evelyn Christian School in Melbourne's west is building a 1600 square metre architect-designed hall, which will

house two basketball courts, a rock climbing wall and a stage, among other things, for $2.27 million, or $1420 a square

metre. By contrast the standard "14 core" communal hall and shade area being rolled out at hundreds of public schools

costs $5700 a square metre.

Despite repeated requests, Education Minister Julia Gillard and the NSW education department have been unable to

adequately explain why state schools were being forced to pay such high prices for structures.

In recent months both governments have shrugged off claims of cost blow-outs, claiming higher costs are a result of

"higher quality" buildings and because of other specific costs such as managing contractors having to perform "working

with children" checks. However neither government has been able to show how BER school buildings were of a higher

quality than other school buildings being delivered across the nation. Further, inquiries by The Australian have found

working with children checks are not only free but, according to the NSW Working with Children program itself, are

considered unnecessary for the scheme.

The costing revelations raise yet more questions over the handling of the BER program by the NSW government.



STEEL CONSTRUCTION FEATURE IN

ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 2010

Responsibility for safety for ‘as-built’ designs

BY DAVID RYAN (National Marketing Manager, Australian Steel Institute)

A number of recent developments have emerged that put in question exactly where the responsibility lays for ensuring

that what is designed is what is actually built downstream.

Australian Standards has recently tightened up on certification and marking requirements in the Pipe and Tube standard

AS1163 due the substitution of non compliant product for compliant product.

Recently the ASI has released a Technical Note ASI TN005 on Guidelines for Designing to AS4100 when imported materials

are involved in order to address the question.

This issue is of long standing since 2006 when the ASI organised a seminar series on high-strength bolt assemblies and

published a technical note on the requirements to have imported bolts correctly certified based on a number of failures

from poor quality bolts being imported and poor or inadequate compliance certification.

Despite this, the ASI has been made aware of a number of cases where non-compliant bolts have been detected, usually

17

Despite this, the ASI has been made aware of a number of cases where non-compliant bolts have been detected, usually

after the bolts have failed to perform to the design requirements. The ASI has recently published a new Technical Note ASI

TN001 to reinforce the responsibilities of all parties to ensure that the correct certification of bolts is supplied by bolt

importers and obtained by builders, structural engineers and fabricators.

All these matters highlight the need for structural engineers to assess the risks involved when imported material is used on

a project to meet their legal requirements by ensuring compliance of the final construction with their design requirements.

When a full service engagement involving both design and construction services is involved, the structural engineer must

satisfy himself that the materials used actually do comply with the materials standards specified.

A problem can arise when structural engineers are not contracted to provide construction services, being restricted to

design services only. The issue that then arises is whose responsibility is it then to check to ensure that the nominated

materials as specified by the structural engineer are in fact used.

Is it the engineer’s responsibility to inspect test certificates, do onsite inspections and undertake what constitutes ’duty of

care’? In the case of full services, it certainly is but what of cases where only design services are contracted?

There are also issues concerning the substitution of foreign steels and their standards into AS4100.

In the past where materials were only made in Australia to Australian standards, the matter was less of an issue because

Australian standards provide the necessary guidelines to identify the quality of material and welding processes. What then

happens if overseas materials manufactured to overseas specifications are substituted into the finished design?

There is no doubt that the responsibility for quality assurance in building construction is distributed amongst the whole

design and construction chain. This includes project managers, architects, design engineers, purchasers, fabricators and

builders and there is an obligation for all to be proactive in demanding documentation and certification in accordance with

the standards nominated in the documentation, and in the relevant design standard.

The ASI has recently become involved in issues related to this allocation of responsibility because the percentage of imported materials and fabricated steelwork is increasing in Australia. A number of engineering consulting



STEEL CONSTRUCTION FEATURE IN

ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 2010 – con’t

firms have raised this issue with the ASI and this has led to the publication of ASI TN005 recently.

Recently published in the ASI’s quarterly Steel Australia magazine was an example of a test certificate for imported angles

to AS/NZS 3679.1 which actually failed the test but recorded as being compliant on a verifiable certificate. If it had not been

checked it would have allowed inferior (low ductility) material to be used in a critical power structure.

There is obviously a requirement for the structural engineer to know if there is product substitution and to examine the

test certificate closely. If there is doubt then the structural engineer has to fall back on the requirements of AS4100 which

down rates unidentified steel material to a yield strength of 170 MPa.

ASI TN005 provides guidance, some of which is quoted here:

“It is essential to understand that the quality of the steel and its guaranteed mechanical properties and the distribution of

these properties over a period of time are the basis on which the capacity factors of AS4100 have been derived.” Similarly:

“Section 9 of AS4100 dealing with design of connection elements such as bolts, welds and connection components is based

on design expressions and capacity factors that are directly related to the bolt/nut/washer standards specified in Clause

2.3.1 of AS4100 and the welding consumables/deposited weld metals specified in AS1554.1.”

Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) proponents have increasingly been procuring fabricated

18


Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) proponents have increasingly been procuring fabricated

steelwork overseas on the basis of cost and assuming that the necessary rectification work due to any poor workmanship

can be done by Australian fabricators.

This is of concern to the ASI and should be of concern to the Australian design and certifying community, especially

principal certifiers who issue occupancy certificates.

The ASI has been advised of cases of poor workmanship, defective welding, and non-compliance to quality standards for

imported material or fabricated steelwork. Unfortunately, these matters are settled in legal terms and are invariably

subject to non-disclosure as terms of settlement. Fabricators completing the rectification work are under pressure not to

go public with the problems as they are commercially tied to the contractor. So we have a legacy of hiding the issues.

But what if there is a problem that is not found and is not rectified. This could result in serious safety concerns. For years

we as Australian manufacturers completing quality assurance programs like ISO 9002 have been told that quality cannot be

inspected back in and that it needs to be part of the process. Do we in Australia need to improve quality systems and

training in those systems?

Why is it that Europe is not seeing the proportion of cheap imported steelwork from Asia that we are seeing here? Is it

possibly because their quality systems are robust and the entire chain recognises its responsibility and would not allow

inferior product and workmanship in structural applications?

The ASI believes that this is a matter that needs to be debated and addressed. That is, if fabricated steelwork is going to be

sourced overseas then there needs to be an accompanying tightening of the quality assurance systems that accompany this

action to ensure that the decades of systems and standards built up in this country are not undercut on the basis that

Australian rectification will save the day.

For these reasons the ASI has recently published “Guidelines for Designing to AS4100 When Imported Materials Are

Involved” ASI TN005 and “High Strength Structural Bolt Assemblies to AS/NZS1252.” ASI TN001. These are available on the

ASI web site www.steel.org.au Click on the drop down menu for eLibrary for Technical Notes or HTML ref

http://www.steel.org.au/inside.asp?ID=685&pnav=401

QLDGREEN STAR RATING SYSTEM

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Steel Materials green star system

covering Commercial Buildings, Shopping Centres, Educational Buildings, Hospitals

and Industrial Buildings (such as warehouses) will be affected by the revised steel

credit effective this week (from 29 April 2010).

The following ASI Update summarises the changes which are designed to replace the seldom-used recycling credit. This

credit illustrates that two points are available - driven by use of steel from environmentally qualified manufacturers. One

point is available through design using high tensile steel and a second point through engaging an environmentally qualified

downstream steel processor.

The ASI expects a significant change will be in the demand from builders for the second point available for contracting Steel

Fabricators and Processors who are part of the ASI Environmental Sustainability Charter (ESC).

More information on the new credit is available for download on the GBCA web as follows; www.gbca.org.au/green-

star/materials-category/revised-green-star-steel-credit/1825.htm\

What is Green Star?

Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design


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Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design

and construction of buildings and, with 11 per cent of Australia's CBD commercial office buildings Green Star certified,

building green is now a business imperative.

Green Star was developed for the property industry in order to:

• Establish a common language;

• Set a standard of measurement for green buildings;

• Promote integrated, whole-building design;

• Recognise environmental leadership;

• Identify building life-cycle impacts; and

• Raise awareness of green building benefits.



THE AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION

12-14th September 2010 – HOTEL PROMENADE, MELBOURNE

By Clayton Roxborough AISD Qld

After last years pared down one day Convention, it was both pleasing & encouraging

to see that this years’ pinnacle event on the Australian steel industry calendar was not

only returned to the two and a half day format of better times, but also held at one of

Melbourne’s most prestigious venues, the Crown Hotels at Southbank.

The traditional Sunday morning Stramit Golf Day was unfortunately washed out. All the rain that fell on Victoria in the early

spring left several of the fairways at the Sandhurst Golf Club under water.

The Convention kick-off function, the Meet ‘n’ Greet was held on the 89th floor of the Eureka Tower. It’s always been my

experience that this is a great ice-breaker and social night out for all who attend and this year was no exception… and the

view from the top of this hotel was amazing.

Innovation, the theme of the Convention, is fast becoming a greater influence on our ability to compete with the ever

increasing impost of imported fabricated steel. This year’s Convention featured an impressive list of high profile speakers on

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increasing impost of imported fabricated steel. This year’s Convention featured an impressive list of high profile speakers on

how the industry is and can wield innovation more as its competitive edge.

Across the two days, the speakers I found most interesting were;

• Geoff Plummer, CEO OneSteel & Paul O’Malley, CEO BlueScope Steel who both provided steel manufacturers

presentations.

• Peter Bowtell, Principal at Arup, Showcased some of their most recent steel building developments.

• Tony Sim, Manager of Projects Delivery at WorleyParsons – provided an EPCM prespective on steel construction

• Don Engler, Managing Director BDS VirCon, gave an insight to global Issues and trends in steel projects, and

• Paul Daynes, Head of EPC Division AceCad, spoke about software advances in technology and BIM.

On Monday evening, the Gala Dinner of the Convention also hosted the National Steel Design Awards and the National

Health & Safety Excellence Awards.

After lunch on Tuesday, many delegates moved into the various break-out sessions. One of these sessions is for the Steel

Detailing industry. Other sessions include Fabricators and Steel Distributors.

The Steel Detailers’ Sessions included the AISD National Steering Committee meeting followed by the National Steel

Detailers’ Forum. Notes from both of these meetings are shown on the following pages.

Once again the Convention proved an ideal opportunity for networking with decision makers, to catch up with peers and

colleagues in the industry and to enjoy yourself at the same time!



THE AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION

12-14th September 2001 – HOTEL PROMENADE, MELBOURNE

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Don McDonald (ASI Chief Executive) and Clayton Roxborough (AISD

President) with their wives at the conference pre dinner drinks

John Gardner (ASI State Manager Qld) and his wife

at the conference dinner

Don Engler (Managing Director BDS VirCon)delivering his presentation


THE AUSTRALIAN WELDING INSTITUTE

HAS BEEN BORN


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CHINESE STEEL MILLS TO GET THE

GO-AHEAD TO BUILD IN AUSTRALIA

From: The Australian September 28, 2010 12:00AM

THE Australian government is poised to signal its support for Chinese efforts to build

steel mills in Australia.

In the first major speech about China by a senior Australian official or politician since the federal election, Australia's

ambassador to China Geoff Raby will this morning tell a major annual iron and steel conference that Australia is also eager

for more investment from China.

"It is conceivable for Chinese companies to consider establishing mini mill and finishing facilities in Australia, using

alternative smelting or direct reduction based processing," Dr Raby will tell the conference, sponsored by the powerful

China Iron and Steel Association and held in the northern Chinese city of Dalian.

"This would fit well with the overall restructuring of China's steel sector, and offer the potential for China to gain access to

new steel export markets in Asia," he will say.

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The Australian understands that China has been quietly exploring the possibility of setting up steel mills in Australia

through various avenues to Canberra. It has also sought clearer rules for its rising investment in Australia, which last year

passed $9 billion.

"Australia welcomes and encourages foreign direct investment, including from China, because of the benefits that it

provides our economy," Dr Raby will say. "Australia has historically relied on significant international finance to open new

investment opportunities and to develop our natural endowments.“

Australian resources companies are also believed to have explored a number of options around a mill project.

Wuhan Steel, which has ventures with junior Australian miners Western Plains Resources and Australian Centrex Metals,

recently announced it would build a $US5 billion ($5.2bn) steel mill in Brazil, a sign of China's intended strategy.

"I myself have been giving some thought to the potential for China to develop steel production in Australia," Dr Raby says

in the speech, a copy of which has been obtained by The Australian.

"Alternative steel-making technologies and shipping steel, rather than iron ore, would also lead to lower carbon emissions,

an important consideration given the likelihood of an increasingly carbon constrained world in the future.“

But there are a number of sticking points in talks over the setting up of Chinese steel mills in Australia, foremost among

them the cost of labour.

China has advocated that it be allowed to bring in short-term workers to build mills and other infrastructure in Australia,

such as rail lines, pipeline and ports.

This poses a problem for the Gillard government, which went to the polls with a lower immigration policy.



CHINESE STEEL MILLS TO GET THE

GO-AHEAD TO BUILD IN AUSTRALIA – con’t

China has offered to help Australia fix its infrastructure bottlenecks but wants to bring in cheap labour on a project-by-

project basis.

"This issue (of a Chinese mill) has been looked at previously, but has not gained traction for a number of reasons," Dr Raby

says. "However, conditions may now be changing in ways which make it a more favourable proposition.“

He cites the emergence of lower grade magnetite iron ore producers (high quality iron ore sold by BHP and Rio is known as

haematite), backed by large Chinese steel makers, as a possible game-changer.

PricewaterhouseCoopers global mining leader Tim Goldsmith says these projects are more about diversifying and

increasing supply of iron ore for China than about making money.

The lack of coking coal in Western Australia has long been another problem that may be overcome with next-generation

gas-powered plants.

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"I have been fortunate to have visited most of China's major steel mills during my tenure as ambassador, " Dr Raby says.

"I have invariably been impressed by the scale and technological sophistication of these mills, and have no doubt that this

expertise could be brought to bear by Chinese firms establishing steel production facilities in Australia.

"Of course, this proposal raises a number of challenges, and there are many other issues which would need to be taken into

account. But I have raised it today in order to provide food for thought about possible next steps in the development and

integration of the Australian and Chinese iron ore and steel industries.“

In 1990 Australia exported less than 10 million tonnes of iron ore to China annually. Last year, it exported more than 260

million tonnes of iron ore to China.

The trade was worth about $22bn and accounted for more than 50 per cent of Australia's total exports to China and almost

25 per cent of two-way trade.

While short-term pricing and demand is going through a soft spot, the medium and longer-term trend for iron ore and steel

is strong, according to Economist Intelligence Unit China chief Stephen Joske.



JOKE CORNER

The old lady rings her husbands car phone......."I just heard on the radio, some idiot is driving down the

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DATE CLAIMERS

10th November 2010 AGM at Carina Leagues Club

16th November 2010 ASI Technologies & Process seminar


The old lady rings her husbands car phone......."I just heard on the radio, some idiot is driving down the

freeway in the wrong direction - watch out!“

He answers all in a lather...." I know...and it's not just one, there are hundreds of them!!!"

QLDFEEDBACK

As requested in previous newsletters for the Institute to know what issues are really concerning its members we need to get

constructive feedback. If you have any specific issues or ideas please find the time to write them down and send them

through to the committee for due consideration.

FEEDBACK FORM

This is your AISD so please take the time to let us know what you think.

Fax to AISD: (07) 3844 9477

Email to AISD: [email protected]

Post to AISD: AISD

PO Box 8250

Woolloongabba

Brisbane Qld, 4102

Comments:

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Thank you for your input,

Australia Institute of Steel Detailers

Disclaimer: This newsletter is intended to provide general news and information only. Readers should rely on their own enquiries before making

any decisions regarding their own interests. Please do not rely on any part of this newsletter as a substitute for specific legal or financial

advice. The AISD makes no representation and gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the information in this document and accepts no liability

for any errors, misprints or omission herein (whether negligent or otherwise).

annual general meeting invitation 2010 -...

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