NASH introduces new BCA Standard

A new Standard for steel framing in housing and other low rise buildings has been developed by the National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH).

The Standard is intended to be referenced in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). It sets out the design criteria to comply with the performance criteria of the BCA for steel framing of low rise buildings including housing and low-rise commercial buildings.

Major features of the new NASH Standard include:
• Limit state format in line with the latest AS/NZS 1170 series.
• Serviceability criteria.
• Tolerances for manufacture and installation.
• Guide for self weights.

Other non-regulatory matters such as building practice, commentary and load tables will be covered in a subsequent manual.

The draft standard form can be downloaded from the NASH web site www.nash.asn.au. Comments are invited on the draft and should be submitted on the form. Please provide supporting reasons for any change together with proposed rewording.

Please submit your comments, even if no change is suggested, to indicate your support for the Standard.

Comments to be emailed to standards@nash.asn.au by Friday 30 September 2005.

About NASH

NASH is an active industry association centred on light structural framing systems for residential and similar construction. We represent the interests of suppliers, fabricators and customers – all those involved in steel framing systems.

Our key objectives are to:
• Support the long term growth and sustainability of the steel framing industry.
• Maximise awareness of the steel framing industry in the market place.
• Promote the advantages of steel framing to the building industry and home owners.