All materials, fixings and finishes must be made from robust heavy duty materials that are vandal and corrosion resistant and suitable for use in public places.
Materials must be manufactured and constructed to operate in exposed, high energy environments to achieve the required design life.
Select stainless steel considering the following:
True grade stainless steel has been graded by ASSDA (Australian Stainless Steel Development Association), and manufactured by an ASSDA accredited manufacturer.
Stainless steel components must be manufactured to engineering specifications (where applicable).
316 marine grade stainless steel is required in coastal areas east of Bruce Highway
note that stainless steel is low maintenance and has a longer asset life
other material such as 304 marine grade stainless steel and galvanised steel may be selected for use in hinterland areas west of the Bruce Highway.
Stainless Steel horizontal wire barrier must comply with installation provisions of the BCA (Building Code of Australia) and is not preferred due to ongoing maintenance requirements to re-tension loose wires. This option is available at the designer's discretion.
Where stainless steel wire barrier is used, tamper proof fittings to terminations are required. Add clamps at intervals along horizontal wires to deter theft.
Zig-zag wire barrier design is not preferred as it is installed as a continuous section which creates difficulties with replacement of damaged sections.
Fixing must be in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards:
All steelwork is to be true 316 marine grade stainless steel, particularly coastal sites east of the Bruce Highway.
For hinterland sites west of the Bruce Highway, true 304 marine grade stainless steel fixings are appropriate.
For other applications hot dipped galvanised steel may be suitable.
Fixings are to include flat washers, spring washers and nuts, secured with thread lock compound or Nyloc nut or equivalent (suitable for removal by hand tools). This will prevent loosening of nuts and loss of structural integrity, while allowing replacement of parts.
Nyloc nuts (or equivalent) are a type of lock nut which contains a nylon collar insert that resists turning. These are preferred to prevent release or loosening of thread joints due to vibration, corrosion or temperature fluctuations.
Dyna bolts must be installed and tightened to manufacturers recommendations to ensure they do not work loose.
At locations where bolts would be in contact with corrosive materials (treated timber) or in pivot points, pre-grease all bolts with Lanotec lubricant grease (or equivalent) prior to installation. Remove excess grease from end of thread before applying locking compounds.
Excess bolt protrusion is to be covered with a dome nut, to reduce risk of persons scalping skin when walking past.
Metal brackets are to be flush and free of sharp protruding edges, to avoid injury.
All fixings (fasteners) are to be checked for tightness prior to handover, and re-tightened where required.
Provide ‘very long term’ (ISO 12944-1:2017 Paints and varnishes Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems) corrosion resistance.
Steel coating systems must be in accordance with AS 2312 Protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion, for the C5-M Zone per AS4312 - Atmospheric Corrosion Zones.
Match or exceed the requirements noted in Table SC6.14.8Aof the Sunshine Coast Planning schemepolicy for development works.
Where metallic surfaces are painted following the above treatment, this is to be done with a 2-pac paint (powdercoating of steel work is not accepted).
Corrosion is the oxidation (breaking down) of a metal substance. A barrier such as paint provides a protective coating which prevents water or oxygen from coming into contact with the metal.
All metal used in structural timber connections is to include corrosion protection appropriate for the particular conditions of use.
Where corrosion protection of steel is required it is to be in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
The level of corrosion protection provided must take into consideration weather exposure, timber treatment, moisture and presence of salt.
The minimum corrosion protection applied to metal fixings is to be Z 275 (zinc coating measured in grams/m2).
The minimum steel grade for metal fixings is to be G 300 (hot dipped zinc coated structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 300 Mpa).
See Table 2: Materials suitable for handrails and balustrade.
Table 2: Materials suitable for handrails and balustrade
Materials
Key considerations
Stainless steel (316 marine grade)
Preferred in high use high profile areas where a superior finish is required.
Preferred for use in marine environments and areas which are subject to corrosion. 316 marine grade SS has a greater resistance to salt corrosion than other grades.
Highly reflective in full sun, may cause problems for people with low vision.
Must be treated with a clear surface protectant to fortify against discolouring and tea staining, in accordance with AS 2312 Protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosionfor the C5-M Zone (as per AS 4312 Atmospheric corrosion zones).
Supply must be by a certified ASSDA supplier (Australian Stainless Steel Development Association) from a SSSR (Stainless Steel Specialist Register).
Stainless steel horizontal wire barrier is not preferred due to an increased maintenance requirement for periodic wire tensioning.
Galvanised steel
For use where a high level finish is not required. Fixings are readily available.
Cost effective, minimal maintenance. Hot dip galvanising is to occur after fabrication to prevent rusting at welded points.
Suitable for sun or shaded locations.
Galvanised welded PVC coated wire mesh infill for applications such as sports grounds, environmental reserves and adjacent to cycleways.
Aluminium (marine grade)
Generally for use where a high level finish is not required.
To prevent electrical contact between different metals, provide an insulating layer. This will stop the process of galvanic corrosion.
Posts to be commercial grade high strength aluminium (not residential pool fence).
3.2 mm round tube baluster is preferred, due to higher strength than square baluster.
Minimum 100 mm x 100 mm x 5.0 mm aluminium posts are preferred for strength.
Consider metal laser cut screens or patterned mesh screen barriers which can be used for artwork.
Recycled plastic and fibre composite materials
May be suitable for environmental reserve, parks, open spaces and sport fields.
Can be installed in shaded areas – resists mould build-up. Low maintenance.
Low maintenance, termite, micro-organism and moisture resistant.
Timber (new and recycled)
The preferred material for both posts and rails for medium to low use coastal areas.
Requires ongoing maintenance (generally staining or painting).
Preferred at sites where exposed to sunlight to prevent mould build-up and deterioration.
ACQ (preferred) treatment. Supplier to provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for product. "Royal species". Structural grade 1 with sapwood treated to H3. Specify when timber.
Is required for handrail. Request a certificate of treatment.
Timber finish is to be (non-polyurethane) Ultradeck or Lanotec (or equivalent). Painted timber finish is preferred for local parks to reduce maintenance.
Pre-treat exposed end grain seals to posts and rails with Selleys Aquadhere (or equivalent).
The choice of grade and finish stainless steel is determined by the application, the desired aesthetic outcome, and maintenance considerations.
Corrosion resistance
The smoother the surface the higher the corrosion resistance, resulting in reduced maintenance.
Tea staining
The first sign of corrosion of stainless steels in marine applications is often a brown discolouration called tea staining.
Tea staining is a discolouration of the surface that does not affect the structural integrity or longevity of the material. Rough surface finishes promote tea staining.
Applied coatings of a clear nylonic polymeric resin such as Nycote (or equivalent) are not a preferred option. They may increase corrosion resistance however they must be applied frequently.
Glare
Glare can be described as extreme brightness.
Blinding glare results from light reflecting off smooth, shiny surfaces. It can block vision to the extent that the person's vision is compromised.
Consider the effects of glare when selecting materials which will be exposed to high levels of natural lighting.
Available in bronze, blue, gold, red, purple, green, black
Can be used to improve luminance contrast
Final appearance depends on the starting surface
Higher cost
Public artwork
Shelters
Signs
2D - satin
NOT suitable for open space application –included for information only
Non-reflective finish
NOT suitable for open space application
NOT suitable for coastal or high humidity areas
Kitchen appliances
2B - matt
NOT suitable for open space application –included for information only
Bright, moderately-reflective surface
NOT suitable for open space application
NOT suitable for coastal or high humidity areas
The most commonly used surface finish
Downpipes
Roofing
BA or No. 2BA
NOT suitable for open space application –included for information only
Mirror like surface (bright annealed)
NOT suitable for open space application
NOT suitable for coastal or high humidity areas
Architectural
Cookware
Page payload data
This component is currently in development
Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.
All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.
This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.
Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.
Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.
This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.
Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Copyright
Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Council) supports and encourages the distribution of its material however, copyright protects this document. Council has no objection to this material being reproduced but only if council is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered.
