BALUSTRADE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

POSTS

50 x 50 mm structural grade 6082 T6 Aluminium with high magnesium content with integrated glazing pockets and exclusive 'Spider Web Core. Posts may be 180º, 90º or single glazed rebate endpost as required in the design configuration.

POST FIXINGS

Directly fixed to substrate without base plates or friction fixings. Base plates or any form of indirect fixing is noncompliant. Site fixing options may include core hole or face fixing,direct M16 Stainless Steel all thread bar secured by Chemical Anchor, proprietary offset edge fixed system (in compliance with D2.16 (g) (ii) (A) or embedment such as core hole.

HANDRAIL

The selected top rail is to be INSERT as manufactured by Shutters R Us Franchising Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd or approved contractor (02) 9381 2800 Fax: 02 93172735 or Email info@millenniumbalustrades.com.au
The handrail is discreetly fixed to the post via proprietary designed corner stake. There are no visible fixings.

BOTTOM RAIL

The selected bottom rail is to be (INSERT) rectangular or bevelled edged
model, which complies with the foothold criteria of the BCA climbability clause D2.16 (g) (ii) (A) and is able to be secured on the edge of the hob. Bottom rail measures 37 x 28 mm with integrated glazing pocket and is to be fixed hard to structural slab or hob substract.. Alternatively the straight rectangular bottom rail 37 x 28 mm may be specified.

PERFORMANCE

The structural integrity of the balustrade must conform to BCA 1170.1 and 1170.2 AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 Structural design actions - Permanent, imposed and other actions and supplement - Commentary AS/NZS 1170.2 Supp 1:2002 Structural design actions - Wind actions - Commentary (c) The "Climbability Clause" restrictions D2.16 (g) (ii) (B) of BCA.

PDF and CAD Architecturals and Graphics are available by email request or mail out hard copy. Certification of compliance from Manufacturer to be submitted at tender. This specification to be read in conjunction with:

AS 1231 (Anodized Coatings)
20 micron minimum required for unspecified use
25micron required for marine environment
AS 3715-1989 (Powder Coating)
7 year limited Applicator Warranty standard
10 year High Durability Warranty (optional)
AS 1926.1-1993 (Fencing for Swimming Pools)
AS 1926.2-1995 (Swimming Pool Safety)
AS 1170.1-1989 (SAA Loading Code)
AS 1992 (Swimming Pools Act)
AS 1170.2-1989 (SAA Loading Code)
AS 1288- 1989 Selection and Installation
1994 (5.14 Glass in Buildings) Draft revision currently
tabled (1/06/02)
AS 1874-1988 (Alloys & Castings)
(Light gauge aluminium, low Magnesium content and
unapproved welded systems will not comply)
AS 1428 (Access and Mobility)

WARNING

CONFORMING STANDARDS

Beware of non-conforming Balustrades deficient by way of one or more of the following:

Indirect base plate fixings will not meet the new code requirment due to the very concept that they rely on a sleeve or a spreading mechanism, or in some cases just a through bolt connecting a welded T base plate to a SHS. The code (Structural design actions - Permanent, imposed and other actions and supplement - Commentary AS/NZS 1170.2 Supp 1:2002) multiplied the force criteria by nearly 4 x factor. How then could it be expected that an indirect base plate connection satisfy any specifier's concious? We see it time and again on new works (post Sept 2002) where this type of installation is being done. You are legally responsible for making such a decision.

Note:

There are harsh penalties enforceable on an Architect, Engineer, Builder and the Foreman/ Project Manager if it is proven that they were advised or should be aware of the compliance requirements of the code and that they did not investigate the legitamacy of a tenderers claim of compliance.

Nowadays a new design drawn up by an Architect who wants a certain look must be put to prototype manufacture and then be tested for structural integrity using the same installation practice and procedure as that specified on site. Unscupulous contractors may manipulate the tests, use a higher grade material or build internal strenghening to pass.

You must choose a high integrity balustrade that meets the code and satisfies your conscience..., people could die as a result of the decision you make on behalf of your Company to save a few dollars.

The Millenium Balustrade Aluminium Post for example weighs 2.45KG per metre, compare that to a standard square post of a lower Alloy Grade of similar 50 x 50 size weighs 1.29 KG and has not tensile properties nor is their any integrated fixing method of attaching top rails, glass or bottom rails.

Glass patches will not satisfy the point load requiremnt test intended to emulate impact of a person coming in contatct with the balustrade. Would you feel safe to see your children playing at the balcony edge of a 10 storey apartment with 4 small 70 x 70 mm clamps holding a piece of glass as the only means of fall arrest?