AS 1170.1 Permanent, Imposed and Other Actions

AS 1170.1 is an Australian Standard that addresses structural design actions, specifically focusing on permanent, imposed, and other actions that affect the design of buildings and civil engineering works. This standard, titled “AS 1170.1 – Structural Design Actions – Part 1: Permanent, Imposed, and Other Actions,” provides guidance on how to determine and apply these actions in the structural design process. Here is a summary of the key points covered in AS 1170.1:

1. Permanent Actions: Permanent actions refer to the self-weight of structural elements, such as the weight of the building materials, as well as any fixed loads that remain constant throughout the structure’s life. AS 1170.1 provides guidelines for calculating these permanent actions.
2. Imposed Actions: Imposed actions are transient loads that vary with time and include live loads, such as people, furniture, and equipment, as well as environmental loads like wind and snow. The standard provides methods for determining the magnitude of these actions based on occupancy, function, and environmental factors.
3. Other Actions: AS 1170.1 covers various other actions that may affect structural design, including temperature effects, foundation settlements, and differential settlement, which need to be considered during the design process.
4. Load Factors: The standard specifies load factors that should be applied to these different actions to account for uncertainties and variations in the loads. Load factors are used to ensure that structures are designed with an appropriate level of safety and reliability.
5. Design for Limit States: AS 1170.1 emphasizes designing structures for limit states, such as strength, stability, serviceability, and durability, and provides guidance on how to assess and account for these limit states in the design process.
6. Reference Documents: The standard references other relevant Australian Standards and codes that are essential for determining specific design actions and their impact on structural elements.

AS 1170.1 is part of a series of Australian Standards related to structural design actions and is an important tool for structural engineers and designers in Australia. The standard ensures that structures are designed to safely support both permanent and transient loads, as well as other factors that may influence their performance. Like all Australian Standards, it’s important to use the latest version to ensure compliance with current regulations and industry best practices.