AS 3600: An Overview of the Australian Concrete Code
What is the AS 3600 Standard in Australia?
The AS 3600-1988 was the first in the AS 3600 series, introducing a consistent set of regulatory requirements for concrete in construction. Published in March 1988, there have been four subsequent revisions of the Standard. These took place in 1994, 2001, 2009 and 2018. AS 3600:2018 is the most recent iteration.
Also known as the Concrete Code, AS 3600:2018 sets out comprehensive guidelines for builders and developers to follow when designing, erecting and strength-testing concrete buildings and members that contain reinforcing steel or tendons, or both.
Aimed at engineers, architects and a range of building industry professionals, the Standard aims to promote the safety, durability and serviceability of reinforced concrete slabs, including concrete and pedestal footings.
What is the Australian Standard for Concrete Footings and Slabs?
AS 2870 – Residential Slabs and Footings - governs the design and construction of residential concrete footings and slabs.
First published in 1986, it was updated in 1988 (Part 1: Construction) and 1990 (Part 2: Guide to Design by Engineering Principles). After a 1996 refresh, the current 2011 version appeared following an extensive review.
AS 2870-2011 covers site classification, drainage, footing design parameters and plumbing design, among other code changes. Guidelines include ground and waffle slab, strip, pad and piled footings, and stiffened rafts.
Building Standards like this are vital to ensure the structural integrity and safety of residential concrete slabs in every project.
What is the difference between AS 3600 and AS 2870?
AS 3600 sets industrywide parameters for the engineering, design and construction of major buildings, high-rise blocks, bridges and tunnels, where concrete slabbing is required.
AS 2870 relates to design and construction of footing systems for houses and townhouses, which may have common walls but are not situated above or below other dwellings. It also covers some light industrial and commercial buildings similar to houses in terms of size and loading.
When working on residential footing systems and design, building professionals are expected to comply with AS 3600 specifications. When AS 2870 requirements clash with these, the AS 2870 Standard takes precedence.
AS 3600 forms the bedrock of safe, durable and serviceable concrete slabs, walls and foundations in constructions across Australia.
In conjunction with AS 2870, which governs secure residential concrete footings, the guidelines provide best practice construction Standards for a wide range of building and engineering professionals.
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