In many cases, the loads are more than 40% higher in the new update compared to that of the previous 2011 Wind Code!
Find out why Allshelter is leading the way in Container Shelters!
Allshelter are here to protect your assets and grow your business with Australian-made container shelters and fabric buildings backed by a 10-year warranty.
Part of providing this is to keep ensuring that we keep engineering our products to be in line with Australian standards. As we pride ourselves in leading the way in engineering and quality, we have been preparing for these changes since the new standards were issued.
We have been working hard to ensure that when the new standards come into effect, Allshelter products will continue to be compliant. This has included a full audit initially of over 100 existing standard Engineering plans for common and popular sizes and will extend to hundreds of plans.
During this review, our engineering team has found that so far, all existing Allshelter plans are already compliant even though the new loads are up to 40% higher! This just goes to show that engineering and quality have always been in the front of mind with all Allshelter designs!
We look forward to continuing to bring you fully compliant shelters with a high level of quality and durability as we have before!
What are the newest updates to Australian standards?
Australian Standards cover a lot of different things including building design. These are updated as required.
The current standard for Structural Design Actions (which engineers use to design structures) includes 5 parts.
a. AS1170.0:2002 Part 0 – General Principles. The 2002 version is still current
b. AS1170.1:2002 Part 1 – Permanent, imposed and other actions
c. AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 – Wind actions
d. AS 1170.3:2003 – Snow and ice actions
e. AS1170.4:2007 – Earthquake actions in Australia
As you can see, they are not updated very often, the main standard still dates to 2002.
However, the wind code ( AS/NZS 1170.2) was updated in 2002, 2011 and now 2021. For more information on why wind ratings are important, see this article.
When did the new Australian standards take effect?
The standard was issued in mid 2021. It becomes mandatory (legislated) when the 2022 version of the National Construction (NCC 2022) is released. This is currently due to take effect on the 1st of May 2023.
See these links for the most up to date information:
– https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/news/2022/weve-released-ncc-2022
– https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/news/2022/update-building-ministers-meeting-and-remaining-decisions-ncc-2022
How do the new Australian standards affect me?
The new standards have changed the formulas for calculating wind loads to curved structures. Calculations using the new formulas result in significantly higher loads which the structure must be designed to carry. In many cases, the loads are more than 40% higher.
Why is the standard changing?
Standards are revised by a committee when needed. Possibly following industry feedback or changes to other international standards.
As found in the Preface document prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/ Standards New Zealand committee, they have stated the following:
“The objectives of this revision are to remove ambiguities and to incorporate recent research and experiences from recent severe wind events in Australia and New Zealand.”
Does the new standard affect my existing structure?
Existing structures do not need to be upgraded to the new standard unless alterations are being made – such as moving to a new location or adding an end wall. Some organisations may choose to have existing structures checked or audited for compliance with the new standards. To reduce the risk of failure in extreme wind events.
Fabric Dome shelters have many mounting options, all consisting of their own characteristics and ideal uses. Whatever your Fabric Shelter needs are, there is sure to be one that suits you.
What about my next shelter?
Insist on evidence that the new code has been used for the engineering design of your next Shelter. Ask for it before, during and after the purchase and if the supplier is compliant – they will have no problem providing evidence.
What is Allshelter doing about the changes?
Allshelter have been preparing for these changes since the new standards were issued. We have been collaborating with our engineers to keep producing container shelters and fabric buildings that are compliant with the new Australian standards. As noted above, Allshelter is investing in hundreds of Engineering Plan design reviews to ensure that your next shelter is compliant.
The Allshelter team is on hand to help you navigate these changes and ensure you are compliant. We will continue to support our Allshelter community to be on the forefront of container shelter and fabric building technology, and we look forward to being a part of your business growth and development.
Please feel free to contact the Allshelter team if you have any questions regarding your current structure or if you have any questions regarding the new standards and how they will affect you or your structure.
