Metalwork and Balustrades

• AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions
• AS 4100 Steel structures
• AS/NZS 2208 Safety glazing materials in buildings
• AS/NZS 1664 Aluminium structures (where applicable).
• AS 3715 Metal finishing - Thermoset powder coating for architectural applications of aluminium and aluminium alloys
• AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction
• AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas
• AS 1288 Glass in buildings - Selection and installation

The following inspections shall be performed.

Item or Product	Inspection Required	Accept Criteria	Hold / Witness
Drawings & Specifications	Inspect controlled documents	Controlled copy of latest issue on site	Hold
Line of balustrade	Tape and string line	+, -5 mm	Hold
Posts vertical	Tape and spirit level	+,- 1 in 100	Hold
Straightness of top of balustrade	String line or by eye	+,- 30 mm	Witness
Posts adequately supported	Visual Apply force to each post	Concrete in place Must not move	Witness
Notes All tolerances shall be as shown, except where overridden by AS 4100, AS 1664 or AS 2208.

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Balustrade Locations

Balustrades must be provided in locations specified by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the local authorities, including where the drop exceeds 1 metre. Often it may be aesthetically beneficial to adjust the site earthworks and landscaping to reduce the number of locations where balustrades would be required.

Openings in Balustrades

There are strict limitations in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) on the size and nature of openings. They must be designed such that they do not present a climbing risk to young children. Balustrades need to be provided in locations specified by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the local authorities, and in particular, where the drop exceed 1 metre.

Base Fixing

Stanchions must be fixed securely to the structure. It is inappropriate to fix into brickwork since the bricks could become dislodged. If necessary, secure the stanchion to an enlarged base plate, which is fixed firmly to the structure.

Top Fixing

Where a balustrade abuts a wall, any deflection of the balustrade is quite noticeable. Therefore it is wise to fix the top of the end stanchion to the wall using a small bracket, thus eliminating any relative movement.

Rubber Seals

Where rubber inserts are used in glass balustrades, ensure that the rubber is continuous over the full length of the glass and is properly trimmed.

Masonry Balustrades

Unreinforced brickwork or blockwork balustrades do not have sufficient strength to prevent collapse under accidental loading and should not be used. If brickwork or blockwork is required for aesthetic purposes, it must be designed and detailed by a structural engineer and should incorporate reinforcement and anchors into the supporting concrete slab to prevent collapse.