AS 1163 is an Australian Standard that specifies the requirements for structural steel hollow sections, including circular, square, and rectangular hollow sections (CHS, SHS, RHS). These sections are commonly used in construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and versatility.
Scope and Application
Purpose: AS/NZS 1163 is designed to provide specifications for the production and supply of cold-formed hollow structural steel sections for general structural and engineering applications.
Applications: It is widely used in various fields such as building construction, bridges, infrastructure projects, mining applications, pipelines, utility structures, agricultural buildings, and prefabricated structures.
Grade Classification
The standard classifies structural steel tubes into three strength classes and six grades based on their minimum yield strength and the availability of 0°C impact properties.
- C250, C250L0: Minimum yield strength of 250 MPa.
- C350, C350L0: Minimum yield strength of 350 MPa.
- C450, C450L0: Minimum yield strength of 450 MPa.
- The suffix "L0" indicates guaranteed impact properties at 0°C.
Manufacturing and Testing
Manufacturing Process: The standard outlines the manufacturing process for cold-formed hollow structural steel sections, including welding, forming, and surface treatment requirements.
Testing Requirements: Various tests are specified to ensure the steel meets the required mechanical properties. These include tensile testing, flattening tests, and impact tests.
Importance
AS/NZS 1163 plays a crucial role in ensuring the standardization and quality assurance of structural steel used in construction projects in Australia and New Zealand. The specified steel grades and strict specifications ensure that the materials meet the strength and durability requirements needed for various structural applications.
