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Quality
Assurance
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It is the policy of Screwpile
Australia and their associated Engineering firms NOT to design,
use, or certify compliance of "pre-used" & "unidentified
steel" for structural applications.
Extensive research,
development and testing by Screwpile Australia has developed Screwpiling as the
most diverse, predictable and cost effective piling system available today.
Throughout Australia and the World builders are seeing more engineering and
designer drawings specifying Screwpiling. Builders and Construction companies
therefore need to be ensured that any screwpiling used meets the Australian
Standard Codes AS2159 (Piling Code) and AS4100(Steel Structures Code).
Screwpile Australia
can now provide engineers with a specification sheet for "Structural Steel for
use in tubular Steel Screwpiles". This specification sets a minimum
standard and ensures only quality new mill certified steel is used on your next
project. And for those who believe out of sight is out of mind, we ask the simple
question as to whether you would accept the use of secondhand "unidentified
steel" in your roof structure. We believe not, so what is the difference?
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Use of Second Hand Materials
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Recent use of second hand-used
steel tube for screwpiling projects has raised a number of concerns as to
whether its use is acceptable, ethical or structurally sound.
 The Australian
Standards are an integral part of the construction industry and ensure correct
procedures are adhered to and structural integrity is achieved. Without
compliance to the relevant codes there is the potential for exploitation, poor
construction methods with Quality Assurance impossible.
Screwpile Australia
has invested in extensive
product research, development and testing to ensure total compliance with all
relevant Australian codes. Because of this, Screwpile Australia have developed
and supply a diverse range of screwpiles that currently support and anchor
thousands of structures ranging from multi-story buildings
through to bridges, conveyors & pipelines.
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Issues
to consider about the use of second hand-used steel tube
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- Australian Standard
"AS4100 -1990 Steel Structures" states clearly as to the use of
such steel in construction. Compliance requirements of AS4100, Clause 2.2.3
relates to the requirements of "unidentified steels". In order for
"pre-used" or "unidentified steels" to be certified by a
CPEng. as complying with the relevant codes, the above clause requires that
yield stress ƒy
= 170 Mpa be used where no mill quality certificate is available. (ie. 50% of
mill certified product)
- Whether the actual client has
been or should be advised that second hand - used steel is being used on
their new project.
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 If ex-drill or bore casing is
being used has the tube been de-magnetised, (magnetism affects the molecular
structure of steel which in turn can affect the weldability of the of the
material.
- Second hand-used steel
generally has suffered pitting and scaling due to exposure prior to being
reused this can result in a loss of strength and serviceability of the
product.
- Without individual testing and
re-certification, it is beyond the control of the Project Certifying
Engineer or the Builder, but that is not to say it is beyond their Duty of
Care, to ensure that only quality product is used on their projects.
- Who is ultimately responsible
for allowing second hand-used steel tube to be used.
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| Copyright
© 2004 Screwpile Australia |
