AS 1100.

501—1985

Australian StandardR

Technical drawing

Part 501: Structural engineering

drawing
This Australian standard was prepared by Committee MS/32, Technical Drawing. It
was approved on behalf of the Council of the Standards Association of Australia on
29 May 1985 and published on 4 November 1985.

The following interests are represented on Committee MS/32:

Association for Computer Aided Design Limited
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
Australian Chamber of Commerce
Australian Gas Association
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
CSIRO, Division of Applied Physics
Confederation of Australian Industry
Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria
Department of Defence
Department of Defence Support
Department of Housing and Construction
Department of Public Works, New South Wales
Electricity Supply Association of Australia
Institute of Draftsmen Australia
Institution of Engineers Australia
Institution of Production Engineers
Master Builders Federation of Australia
Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Society of Automotive Engineers, Australasia
Telecom Australia
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales
University of Queensland
The following bodies also participated in the preparation of this standard as
members of Subcommittee MS/32/3, Structural Drawing:
Australian Institute of Steel Construction Ltd
Concrete Institute of Australia
Department of Technical and Further Education, New South Wales
Forestry Commission of New South Wales
National Association of Australian State Road Authorities
State Electricity Commission of Victoria

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are
subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as
necessary. It is important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest
edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia
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Standard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions
and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards
Australia, are welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard
should be made without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 84100.

 AS 1100.501—1985

Australian StandardR

Technical drawing

Part 501: Structural engineering

drawing

First published . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 3843 0
 PREFACE

This standard was prepared by the Association’s Committee on Technical Drawing. It

constitutes Part 501 of a new multi–part standard designated AS 1100, Technical
Drawing, which supersedes the 13–part standard AS 1100, Drawing Practice.
The following Parts have been published:
Part 101—General Principles
Part 201—Mechanical Drawing
Part 401—Engineering Survey and Engineering Survey Design Drawing.
Part 301, Architectural Drawing, is being published concurrently with this Part.
It was in 1976 that the above committee decided that rather than have a standard of
many parts it would be better if all aspects of technical drawing were consolidated
into fewer parts that would embrace the entire discipline.
The designation AS 1100 has been retained for this new multi–part standard since it
is already well established throughout industry and teaching institutions as the
Australian standard number for technical drawing. However, to identify these new
editions from the previous ones, the designation of 3–digit part numbers has been
employed.
This standard deals with drawing practice for engineering structures. The first
section deals with the scope of the standard, definitions and classification of
documents. The second deals with matters of general application to all drawings.
These first two sections, taken together with Part 101 of AS 1100, are intended to
provide a common language for the interdisciplinary communication of information
by means of drawings. Section 3 deals with particular applications, and gives
conventions and abbreviations for use on those drawings. It is intended that
reference to Section 3 should only be required for information relating to particular
purposes, such as identification of details concerning a specific structure or material.
Consideration must be given to line thickness, symbol height and lettering to ensure
that they are suitable for the drawing scale, sheet size and possible filing method,
e.g. microfilm.
Supplement No 1 to this standard gives drawings illustrating the use of conventions
specified in the standard.

E Copyright — STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

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Standards Australia will permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for use exclusively in–house by
purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia.
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such programs are used exclusively in–house by the creators of the programs.
Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard is amended or
revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identified.
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 CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Referenced Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Classification of Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.6 Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 2. GENERAL APPLICATIONS
2.1 Dimensioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.5 Identification of Structural Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.6 Information to be Shown on Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.7 Drawing Scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.8 Conventions for Cross Referencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SECTION 3. PARTICULAR APPLICATIONS

3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.3 Structural Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.4 Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.5 Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
APPENDIX A. Format for Reinforcement Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
AS 1100.501—1985 4

STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard
for
TECHNICAL DRAWING

PART 501 — STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DRAWING

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1 SCO PE. This standard sets out recommendations AS 1302 Steel Reinforcing Bars for Concrete
for structural engineering drawing practice. It is AS 1304 Hard— drawn Steel Wire Reinforcing Fabric
complementary to AS 1100, Part 101. for Concrete
The types of structures intended to be dealt with by this AS 1480 SAA Concrete Structures Code*
standard are generally those covered by structural AS 1481 SAA Prestressed Concrete Code†
design and construction codes, particularly the following:
AS 1511 SAA High— strength Structural Bolting Code
AS 1250 SAA Steel Structures Code
AS 1475 SAA Blockwork Code AS 1554 SAA Structural Steel Welding Code
AS 1480 SAA Concrete Structures Code AS 1720 SAA Timber Engineering Code
AS 1481 SAA Prestressed Concrete Code AS 2543 Nomenclature of Australian Timbers
AS 1640 SAA Brickwork Code AS Z5 Welding Terms and Definitions‡
AS 1720 SAA Timber Engineering Code
NAA SRA Bridge Design Specification AS XX XX SAA Masonry Code§
ARE A Manual for Railway Engineering
1.4 DE FINITIONS. For the purpose of this standard, the
1.2 AP PLICATION. The principles given in this standard definitions given in AS 1100, Parts 101 and 301, apply.
are intended for adoption by engineers, architects, 1.5 CLASSIFICATION OF DOC UMEN TS.
drafters and builders in both Government authorities and
private enterprise throughout Australia. 1.5.1 Drawings. The following types of drawing can be
identified for the purposes of document classification:
The standard is intended as a basis for common
practice upon which technical organizations can (a) Design layout drawing — a drawing depicting the
base their own detailed rules or manuals for the size, shape and relationship, as designed, of major
preparation and presentation of drafting work. structural elements.
The application of this standard may require reference to (b) Design detail drawing— a drawing depicting all the
AS 1100, Parts 201, 301 and 401. information required for the construction, in
accordance with the design, of any given part of a
1.3 REFE RENC ED DOCU MENT S. The following structure or structural element.
standards are referred to in this standard:
(c) Shop detail drawing— a drawing depicting all
AS 1100 Technical Drawing
necessary information for the fabrication of
Part 101-1984 General Principles structural elements, and intended for use in a
Part 201-1984 Mechanical Drawing workshop.
Part 301-1985 Architectural Drawing
Part 401-1984 Engineering Survey and (d) General information drawing— a drawing containing
E ngineering Survey information required for the understanding of related
Design Drawing drawings, or for the performance of the work
depicted on them.
AS 1101 Graphical Symbols for General Engineering
Part 3-Symbols for Welding (e) Work-as-executed drawing— a drawing depicting a
structure or structural element as constructed.
AS 1111 ISO Metric Hexagon Commercial Bolts and
Screws 1.5.2 Other documents. Other documents can be
identified as follows:
AS 1131 Dimensions of Hot-rolled Structural Steel
Sections (a) Specification.
AS 1148 Nomenclature of Commercial Timbers (b) Schedule.
Imported into Australia (c) Estimate of quantities.
AS 1163 Structural Steel Hollow Sections 1.6 LEGEND S. Legends shall be provided in respect of
AS 1227 General Requirements for the Supply of any symbols used for non-conventional representation of
Hot-rolled Steel Plates, Sections, Piling and items, such as:
Bars for Structural Purposes (a) Joints, e.g. construction joint, expansion joint,
AS 1250 SAA Steel Structures Code contraction joint.
AS 1252 High Strength Steel Bolts with Associated (b) Set-out lines.
Nuts and Washers for Structural
Engineering

* In course of revision. In this standard specifi c reference is made to the 1982 editi on.
† In course of revision. To be combined with AS 1480.
‡ In course of revision—see DR 83249.
§ In course of preparati on as a combination of — AS 1475, SAA Blockwork Code
AS 1640, SAA Bri ckwork Code

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 5 AS 1100.501—1985
SECTION 2. GENERAL APPLICATIONS
2.1 DIMEN SION ING. Units and methods used in
dimensioning of drawings shall be in accordance with
AS 1100, Part 101.
NOTE: See also Clause 2.4 of AS 1100, Part 201. This
clause may be transferr ed to Part 101 in future editions.
2.2 LINES.
2.2.1 Type of line. A type of line appropriate for each
application should be selected from, and used in
accordance with, Table 2.1.
2.2.2 Line thickness. Line thicknesses should be
selected in accordance with Clause 3.2.1 of AS 1100,
Part 101, except that a continuous medium line, of
thickness the same as that of the line of designating
letter F, may also be used (designated M in Table 2.1).
NOTE: A line of thickness less than 0.25 mm is diffic ult to
reproduce, and is not recommended.
2.3 SYM BOLS . The symbols given in AS 1100, Parts
101, 301 and 401, should be used to indicate relevant
features on drawings prepared for general or
communication purposes, particularly where drawing to
scale is impracticable.
Symbols for use in special applications shall be in
accordance with the relevant set of symbols given in the
applicable clause of Section 3.
NOTE: Symbol size and line thickness will depend on
drawing size and scale. Symbols given have therefore not
been dimensioned.
2.4 ABBRE VIATIONS .Abbreviations for use in general
applications shall be in accordance with AS 1100 Parts
101, 301 and 401.
See Section 3 for abbreviations for use on particular
application drawings.
2.5 IDENTIFICATION OF STRUC TURA L ELEMEN TS.
2.5.1 General. Each structural element should be
labelled by a discrete reference using a suitable
combination of letters or numbers. This reference may
be by either consecutive numbering or a grid system, or
both.
Fig. 2.1. EXA MPLE OF GRID NU MBER ING SYST EM
(See Clause 2.5.3)
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2.5.2 Consecutive numbering. In a consecutive
numbering system, the reference should comprise a
prefix, stem and suffix, as follows:
(a) Prefix-the location or floor level of the structural
element. Floor levels may be designated either by
sequential levels or traditional storeys (see
Table 2.2.)
(b) Stem-the type of structural element.
(c) Suffix-the individual number of the structural
element.
Codes for the prefix and stem are given in Table 2.2.
The individual number for the structural element (suffix)
should be allocated using a consecutive numbering
system for that type of element.
Examples:
(i) Fourth floor, beam No 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 B 21.
(ii) Level 10, slab No 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 S 4.
2.5.3 Grid system. (See also Appendix B of AS 1100,
Part 301). A grid reference system consists of one set of
grid-lines in one direction with a second set of grid-lines
in another direction. Any grid system shall be consistent
throughout a project, i.e. architectural and engineering
drawings shall have the same grid orientation.
Grid systems are generally used with regularly shaped
structures but grid lines do not necessarily have to be at
right-angles to each other. Grid directions should be
selected to allow for expansion to accommodate any
anticipated future extension.
The project grid may be adopted with a completely
arbitrary orientation, bearing no relation to any
recognized map grid or True North.
It is recommended that, for structural grids, the grid-lines
running down the sheet be marked alphabetically (A, B,
C...) and the grid-lines across the sheet be marked
numerically (1, 2, 3...), as shown in Fig. 2.1.
AS 1100.501—1985 6

TABLE 2.1
LINES AND AP PLICATIONS
1 2 3 4
Designating
Type of line Example of line Application
letter
A Continuous — thick Diagrammatic representati on of structural
element centreli ne on layout drawings, e.g.
beams.

Visible lines and change-in-level lines

M Continuous — medium
B Continuous — thin
Str uctural bolts, e.g. in tim ber
Reinforcement where ‘thi n’ or ‘medium’
concrete outlin es are used.
Visible outlines, optional, where considerable
detail has to be shown.
Intersecting beam outli nes in elevations only.
Reinforcing bars and fabric where fully
detailed in view shown or concrete outlines
where ‘thick’ line reinforcement is used.
Reinforcement extent lines such as those —
across slabs, in plan-view
across walls, in elevation
along beams or columns for fi tments.

Visible masonry walls including —

plan-views
elevations.
Cross-hatching of masonry over.
Diagonals across holes or recesses (under or
over).
Dimension lines and leaders.
Welding symbols.
Fictiti ous outlines (of parts removed, etc).
C Continuous — thin, Breaklines around large areas such as —
drawn slabs
freehand special details to larger scale.
D Continuous — thin, Breaklines in individual elements as at
ruled sections, etc.
with zig-zag
E Dashed— thin Hidden masonry, parti cularly walls-under.
Column strip and middle strip (panel) outlines
on plan views.
Hatching for masonry under.

F Dashed— medium Hidden outlines of structural or supporting

elements.
Diagrammatic representati ons of temporary
bracing members or structural elements.
Reinforcement indicated in view shown,
although fully detailed elsewhere.
G Chain — thin Gri d lines.
Centre lines.

H Chain — thick Cutting plane for a section indicating

at ends and direction of view. Where the G-t ype chain
change of line would conflict with any other line, it
direction; thin should be omitted, and only the flags and
elsewhere other changes of direction by shown.

(continued)

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 7 AS 1100.501—1985

TABLE 2.1 (continued)

TABLE 2.2

CODES FOR CONSECUTIVE NUMBERING SYSTEM - PREFIX AND STEM

(see Clause 2.5.2)

2 2 3 4

Prefix Stem

Location or floor level Code Structural element Code

Sequential Levels Beam B

Lowest level 1 Column C

Then in ascending order,
e.g. Tenth level 10 Joist J

Traditional Storeys
Lintel L

Roof R Footing —

2,etc ∼ beam FB
Second floor, etc pad ∼ F
raft ∼ RF
strip ∼ SF

First fl oor 1 Pier (or pedestal) P

Mezzanine M Pile cap PC

Ground floor G Portal fram e PF

Rib R
Basement B
Slab S
Footing level F
Stair —
∼ flight F
∼ landing L

Truss T

Wall W

Retaining wall RW

2.5.4 Columns and footings. Columns may be 2.5.5 Grid marks. Grid marks may be used to assist in
identified either by— the ready location of a particular dimension or feature of
(a) the consecutive numbering system (see Clause interest on a structural drawing. However, such usage is
2.5.2); or distinct from element identification by the grid reference
system, and care should be taken to avoid confusion
(b) the intersection of grid-lines at or near the column between the markings associated with each.
(see Clause 2.5.3).
Footings should be identified in similar fashion to the
columns.

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AS 1100.501—1985
2.6 INFORMA TION TO BE SHOW N ON DRAWI NGS.
2.6.1 General. Information to be shown on the drawings
shall include any required design information and such
items as are specified in the respective structural design
codes, or as instructed by the designer.
Each drawing should give all the information necessary
for the construction of the work shown and should omit
irrelevant detail. References should be given to
associated drawings for particular details or for showing
the relationship with other components, and to
schedules.
Information should include datums, referenced to
permanent structures or the Australian Height Datum
(AHD).
Written descriptions on drawings shall be clear and
concise. Instructions should be positive and written in the
imperative mood. Special requirements relating to
construction details should be noted or referenced on the
drawing.
Clarity of detailing and dimensioning is essential.
2.6.2 General notes. General notes, where provided,
should be presented in the format given in Sheet 1 of
Supplement No 1 of this standard, either on a separate
drawing or on the drawings to which they refer.
2.6.3 Design layout drawings. Design layout drawings
should show member sizes and locations.
2.7 DR AWIN G SCAL ES. Drawing scales shall comply
with the requirements of AS 1100, Part 101, Section 5.
Different scales on one sheet should be kept to a
minimum, with all scales clearly indicated.
Drawings should have a minimum scale for details of
1:25, to allow for reduction of prints to half-size.
2.8 CON VENT IONS FOR CROSS -REFEREN CING .
2.8.1 General. The convention for section, detail and
elevation cross-references is complementary, i.e. the
cross-reference given on the sheet where a section,
detail or elevation is taken is complemented by the
cross-reference on the associated sheet where the
section, detail or elevation is shown.
Examples of section, detail and elevation cross-
references are shown in Figs 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4.
The following principles apply:
(a) The orientation of the reference numbers and letters
Fig. 2.2 EXAMP LES OF SEC TION CRO SS-R EFER ENCE S
(See Clause 2.8.2)
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8
should be upright when read looking from the bottom of
the sheet.
(b) The same notation (numbers or letters) should not
be used for both sections and details.
(c) The letters I, O and Q should not be used in letter
sequences.
(d) Sections, details and elevations should be placed in
their order of designation.
(e) Where possible -
(i) plans for the one project should be oriented in
the same way on all drawings;
(ii) sections, details and elevations, particularly
horizontal sections, should be given the same
orientation as in the main drawing;
(iii) vertical sections should always be drawn erect;
(iv) sections should be taken looking from the
bottom of the drawing to the top, or from right
to left; and
(v) for bridges and roadworks, plans and
elevations are drawn in the direction of
increasing chainage from ‘left to right’, and
sections should be drawn in the same
direction.
2.8.2 Section cross-reference. A section cross-
reference should be shown as in Fig. 2.2. The following
particulars apply:
(a) In the top half of the circle, the number (or letter) is
that of the section itself.
(b) In the bottom half of the circle, the following applies,
as appropriate:
(i) On the sheet where the section is taken. The
number is that of the associated sheet where
the section is shown. If it is shown on the
same sheet, a dash (-) is used.
(ii) On the sheet where the section is shown. The
number is that of the sheet from which it was
taken. If it is taken from the same sheet, a
dash (-) is used.
(c) The arrowhead shows the direction of viewing, and
the external line shows the cutting plane.
(d) The circle diameter is -
(i) in Fig. 2.2(a) and (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 mm.
(ii) in Fig. 2.2(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 mm.
 9 AS 1100.501—1985

2.8.3 Detail cross-reference. A detail cross-reference
should be shown as in Fig. 2.3. The following particulars
apply:
(a) In the top half of the circle, the letter (or number) is
that of the detail itself.
(b) In the bottom half of the circle, the following applies,
as appropriate:
(i) On the sheet where the detail is taken. The
number is that of the associated sheet where
the detail is shown. If it is shown on the same
sheet, a dash (-) is used.
(ii) On the sheet where the detail is shown. The
number is that of the sheet from which it was
taken. If it is taken on the same sheet, a dash
(-) is used.
(c) On the same sheet, an additional arrow on an
extended line may be used to show where the detail
is drawn. (See Fig. 2.3(b).)
(d) The circle diameter is-
(i) in Fig. 2.3 (a) and (b) . . . . . . . . . . . 12 mm.
(ii) in Fig. 2.3 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 mm.
2.8.4 Elevation cross-reference. An elevation
cross-reference should be shown as in Fig. 2.4.
The circle diameter is-
(i) In Fig. 2.4(a) and (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 mm.
(ii) In Fig. 2.4(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 mm.

Fig 2.3. EXAMP LES OF DETAIL CROS S-RE FERE NCES

(See Clause 2.8.3)

Fig 2.4. EXA MPLE S OF ELEVATION CROS S-RE FERE NCES

(See Clause 2.8.4)

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AS 1100.501—1985
SECTION 3. PARTICULAR APPLICATIONS
3.1 GENER AL. This Section refers to drawings for
structures, made from particular materials. For composite
structures, discretion should be used in selecting the
provisions applicable to the principal material used in the
particular structure.
3.2 REIN FORC ED AN D PREST RESS ED CONCR ETE.
3.2.1 Concrete drawings. Concrete drawings should
show clearly the dimensions and shape of the structural
element or elements depicted. The type, size, shape,
extent and location of all reinforcement shall also be
clearly shown. Depending on the complexity of the
element, the detail drawing may show both the concrete
outlines and reinforcement on the same view or provide
separate views, or drawings for each.
3.2.2 Notation for reinforcement.
3.2.2.1 General. Reinforcement shall be specified by the
type and size of bar (see AS 1302) and reference
number of fabric (see AS 1304). Where a schedule is
prepared in conjunction with the drawings, a reference
number for that schedule should be given on both
schedule and drawing.
Reinforcement shall be specified on the view of the
structural element in which the reinforcement will be first
placed, e.g. where a bar is placed in a slab and extends
into a wall it must be specified on the plan of the slab.
3.2.2.2 Bars. Bar reinforcement shall be specified by the
number of bars, the type and size, and the spacing if
applicable. Spacing is normally specified at right angles
to the bar direction and any variation should be fully
detailed, e.g. for skewed bars.
One of the following notations may be used:
(a) 4-Y24 means four deformed bars of type-size
Y24, e.g. in a beam.
(b) 20-Y16-200 means twenty deformed bars of
type-size Y16 at 200 mm spacing, e.g.
in a slab.
(c) Y16-200 means deformed bars of type-size Y16
at 200 mm spacing, e.g. in a slab, but
leaving the number to be calculated by
others.
NOTE: This is a non-preferred notation.
(d) 9-R10-300 means nine plain round bars of
type-size R10 spaced at 300 mm, e.g.
stirrups in a column.
For complex structures it may be necessary to specify
the mark number, type, size, shape, location and also
the number of bars or the bar spacing, or both, as
appropriate.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1.
Each set of ‘identical’ bars in a structure should be given
the same bar mark number.
A group of bars in the same placing zone may be
regarded as being ‘identical’ if they have the same type,
size and bent shape. They can however have a varying
length if supplied in a set for a tapered section.
3.2.2.3 Fabric . The designation for reinforcing fabric
shall be as given in AS 1304. Where a standard fabric is
used, the reference number of the fabric shall be stated,
e.g. F918.
3.2.2.4 Information for placing. Sufficient information
shall be provided to enable the reinforcement to be
placed in its correct location, preferably without the need
for an excessive number of cross-sections. The
abbreviations given in Table 3.1 may be used to convey
placing information. The abbreviation should be used
following the notation of bar number, size and/or
spacing, or fabric designation, or as a special note
applicable to the relevant detail. For example:
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(a) F918B signifies that fabric F918 is placed in the
bottom of the slab.
(b) 20-Y16-200T signifies that 20 bars of Y16 are
placed at 200 mm centres in the top of the slab.
TABLE 3.1
ABB REVI ATIONS FOR REIN FORCEMEN T
PLACING INFORMATION
Placing informati on Abbreviati on
Bott om face B
Centrally placed CENTRAL
Top face T
Each way EW
Each face EF
Near face* NF
Far face* FF
Internal face INTF
External face EXTF
Hori zontal HORIZ
Vert ical VERT
* The direction of viewing should be carefully defi ned.
Where more than one layer of reinforcement is used in
one face, additional information should be given to define
each layer and its relative position and direction.
The drawing shall state the required clear cover to the
reinforcement for each structural element. This may be
done with a general note where the cover is uniform for
all the structural elements or by means of a dimension
on the element concerned.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for symbols and multip le
layers.
3.2.3 Reinforcement schedules. Schedules provide the
necessary information for the fabricator to produce the
reinforcement. They must therefore contain all the
necessary information to allow each piece of reinforcing
steel to be cut, bent, bundled, identified and located by
the reinforcement fixer.
Reinforcement schedules may be incorporated in the
drawings, or provided on separate schedules.
Diagrams of suggested bending shapes for
reinforcement are given in Table 3.2 for use with a
tabulated format of a schedule (see Appendix A).
The scheduled length may be calculated as the sum of
the individual out-to-out dimensions ‘A’, ‘B’, etc., of the
bar shape as defined in Table 3.2, to which must be
added the 180-degree hook or 90-degree cog allowance
from Table G5, Appendix G, of AS 1480-1982, if such
are required. Any adjustment for a change in length
around a bend other than a hook or cog may be made
before the bar is cut from a stock length.
3.2.4 Notation for prestressing. The applications of
prestressed concrete construction are diverse but the
methods of detailing vary little from those used for
reinforced concrete except in the delineation of main
stressing tendons.
In post-tensioned prestressed concrete work the tendons
and ducts may be required to conform to predetermined
curves, usually parabolic or a combination of parabolas.
Detail drawings should provide sufficient information to
enable the tendons to be accurately placed.
Various types of stressing tendons are in use, each type
having its special form of end anchorage.
Particular care is required in detailing the end
anchorages and anchorage blocks.
 11
Pre-tensioned prestressed concrete units are usually
constructed using a number of tendons tensioned on a
special prestressing bed.
No special detailing is required for this form of
construction, but correct reinforcement, spacing and
special details should be shown or noted in the drawing.
In addition to the notes on concrete strengths, type of
normal reinforcing steel (if any) and type of prestressing
tendons and methods of tensioning, further notes should
give details of the points to be used for lifting, handling
and stacking the units.
Design information to be given in notes on the drawings
should include all details required for construction of the
element including the stressing force and sequence of
stressing (see AS 1480 and AS 1481).
NOTE: See Supplement No 1.
3.2.5 Slab reinforcement.
3.2.5.1 Bars . For bars, one bar should be drawn in the
Fig. 3.1 BAR REINFORCE MENT
(See Clause 3.2.5.1)
NOTE: See also Supplement No 1.
Fig. 3.3. SQU ARE FABR IC
(See Clause 3.2.5.3)
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AS 1100.501—1985
direction in which it is laid in the placing zone and the
width or extent of that zone is shown by the extent line,
generally perpendicular to the bar axis (see Fig. 3.1).
The intersection of bar and extent line should be
indicated by a circle or a dot.
Spacing is measured along the extent line.
3.2.5.2 Rectangular fabrics. For rectangular fabrics, the
direction of the main (closer spaced) wires should be
drawn as in Fig. 3.2. The extent line shows the coverage
of the slab by the fabric.
3.2.5.3 Square fabrics. A similar method to rectangular
fabrics may be used for square fabrics. However,
provided that the sheet will cover the span without laps,
no differentiation between wires is needed. (See
Fig. 3.3.)
In large areas where one layer of fabric is used, the
method shown in Fig. 3.4 may be adopted, provided that
confusion with other reinforcement does not occur.
Fig. 3.2. REC TANG ULAR FABR IC
(See Clause 3.2.5.2)
Fig. 3.4 SIMPLIFIED DETA ILING FOR FABR IC
(See Clause 3.2.5.3)
AS 1100.501—1985 12

TABLE 3.2

BAR BE NDIN G SHAPE S (see Clause 3.2.3)

FIRST PREF EREN CE BA R BENDI NG SHAPE S
NOTES: 1. All dimensions are to intersection of straight portions at the outside of all types of bends.
2. ‘L’ is the sum of the individual out-to -out dimensions ‘A’, ‘B’, etc.

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 13 AS 1100.501—1985

TABLE 3.2 (continued)

SEC OND PREFE RENC E BAR BE NDIN G SHAP ES

NOTES: 1. All dimensions are to intersection of straight portions except where shown.
2. First preference shapes with hooks and cogs are to be included here.

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AS 1100.501—1985
3.3 STRUCTU RAL STEEL.
3.3.1 Design layout drawings. Structural elements
should be shown on design layout drawings by a
continuous thick line in accordance with designating
letter A, Table 2.1. Light sections such as purlins may be
shown in thinner lines.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples.
The drawings should clearly show the total structure
including the disposition of members and all dimensions
necessary to define their position relative to each other
and the total structure.
Member sizes and identifying mark numbers should be
shown preferably by means of a member schedule, or
alternatively by designation immediately adjacent to the
member on the drawing.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples.
Connections should be indicated by type and designation
of a standard connection where possible. Non-standard
or special connections should be clearly cross
referenced to the appropriate design detail drawing (see
Clause 2.8).
3.3.2 Design detail drawings. The design detail
drawings should communicate all of the designer’s
intentions with the possible exception of items
adequately covered in the specification, or by a standard
detail or connection. These drawings should show the
sizes of structural members, and should be set out so
that all views represent those seen when making the
component. In practice, angles and channels are marked
out on the outer surfaces and are therefore better drawn
showing these views.
Where a design detail, e.g. a truss, is symmetrical about
the centre line, one half only need be detailed and
annotated ‘sym m etrical about centre-line’.
Opposite-hand noting should be used with caution,
and only if the component is opposite-hand in all
respects.
The annotation for ‘opposite hand’ elements should be
noted specifically in the same way as with symmetrical
items, e.g.-
Truss, Mark T1-As shown
Truss, Mark T2-Opp. hand
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14
General notes should be provided for details of items
such as steel strength and grade; weld size, type and
electrodes; bolt sizes and grades; surface treatment and
protective coating; and any special fasteners.
Unless standard connections are used, the drawings
should include details of all connections.
3.3.3 Shop detail drawings. The shop detail drawings
should illustrate each element of the structural frame
which will be fabricated as an individual unit in the shop.
Separate views as necessary to fully describe and
dimension the unit are to be shown. In addition, the shop
detail drawing should carry symbols identifying each
piece which is required to make up the particular unit
and these symbols linked to a total material description
in a material list.
To facilitate erection, the shop detail drawings should
also clearly show location notes, e.g. ‘top’, ‘north’.
The drawings should also include details of steel
strength and grade; weld size, type and electrodes; bolt
sizes and grades; surface treatment and protective
coating; and any special fasteners.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples.
3.3.4 Designation of steel elements. Designation of
steel elements shall comply with AS 1131 and AS 1163.
Table 3.3 indicates appropriate designations.
The dimensions of rolled steel sections and structural
hollow sections may vary due to rolling tolerances as
defined in AS 1227 and AS 1163 respectively. Where
connections or other details are dimensioned, the closing
dimensions should be omitted to allow for the variation
which may occur.
3.3.5 Designation of welds and fasteners.
3.3.5.1 Welds. Symbols for welding shall comply with
AS 1101, Part 3, and welding terms with AS Z5.
Where structures are built to AS 1250, weld details shall
be in accordance with categories given in AS 1554 and
should include the strength grade of electrodes.
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples.
 15 AS 1100.501—1985

TABLE 3.3
DES IGNA TION OF STEEL ELEME NTS (See Clause 3.3.4)

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AS 1100.501—1985 16

TABLE 3.3 (continued)

NOTES:
1. Unless otherwise stated, dimensions are in milli metr es.
2. Dimensions for the universal beam, universal column and cold formed purlin s are nominal dimensions.
3. Nominal depth may vary appreciably from actual depth, D, which can be ascertai ned from AS 1131.
Actual mass can also be determ ined from AS 1131. For example, for 200 UB 25, actual depth =
203 mm; actual mass = 25.4 kg/m.

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 17 AS 1100.501—1985

TABLE 3.4
BOLTING PROCEDURE DESIGNATION FOR COMMERCIAL AND HIGH STRENGTH
STRUCTURAL BOLTS (See Clause 3.3.5.2)

Nominal Nominal
Bolting procedure tensile yield
Bolt name Standard
designation strength strength
MPa MPa
4.6/S (see Note 1) Commercial 400 240 AS 1111
8.8/S (see Note 2) High strength structural 800 640 AS 1252
8.8/TF (see Note 3) High strength structural 800 640 AS 1252
8.8/TB (see Note 3) High strength structural 800 640 AS 1252
NOTES:
1. Bolting procedure 4.6/S refers to commercial bolts of property class 4.6 conform ing to AS
1111, ti ghtened using a standard wrench to a ‘snug-tig ht’ conditi on.
2. Bolting procedure designation 8.8/S refers to any bolt of property class 8.8, tightened using a
standard wrench to a ‘snug-ti ght’ condition. Essentially, these bolts are used as higher grade
commercial bolts in order to increase the capacity of certain connection types. In practice, they
will normally be high strength structural bolts of property class 8.8 to AS 1252.
3. Bolting procedure designations 8.8/TF and 8.8/TB (or 8.8/T when referri ng generally to both
types of bolt) refer specifically to high strength structural bolts of property class 8.8 conforming
to AS 1252, fully tensioned in a controlled manner to the requirements of AS 1511.
4. For further information, see Australian Institute of Steel Construction documents ‘Bolting of
Steel Structures’ and ‘Standardized Structural Connections’.
3.3.5.2 Bolts and bolting procedure. Bolt size and detail or connection. The drawings should be set out so
property class should be nominated on design detail and that all views represent those seen when making the
shop detail drawings, as appropriate. component.
The bolting procedure is shown by designation which Where a design detail, e.g. a truss, is symmetrical about
comprises— the centre-line, one half only need be detailed and
(a) the property class of the bolt, i.e. 4.6 or 8.8, in annotated ‘sym m etrical about centre-line’.
accordance with AS 1111 or AS 1252 respectively; Opposite-hand noting should be used with caution,
(b) the tensioning of the bolt in accordance with and only if the component is opposite-hand in all
AS 1511, i.e. S for ‘snug tight’; T for full tensioning; respects.
and The annotation for ‘opposite hand’ elements should be
(c) where appropriate, the type of joint, i.e. F for friction noted specifically in the same way as with symmetrical
joint; B for bearing joint. items, e.g.-
Table 3.4 gives the bolting procedure designation for Truss, Mark T1-As shown
commercial and high strength structural bolts, together
Truss, Mark T2-Opp. hand
with their associated standard, nominal tensile strength
and nominal yield strength. General notes should be provided to give details of items
3.3.5.3 Special fasteners. On design detail drawing, such as grade of timber, whether seasoned or
other fasteners such as masonry anchors should be unseasoned: whether sizes are nominal or minimum (see
shown, with the specified safe working load or other Note 2); bolt sizes and grades; surface treatment and
specifications given by the designer. protective coating; and any special fasteners.
Full details of such anchorages should be shown on The drawings should also include details of all
shop detail drawings. connections, unless separate drawings are prepared, or
3.4 TIMBER. standard connection details are used.
3.4.1 Design layout drawings. Structural elements NOTES:
should be shown on design layout drawings by means of 1. For structural members, timber sections should be
continuous thick lines drawn in accordance with designated by the minimum sizes.
designating letter A, Table 2.1. 2. Some types of timber are ‘scant cut’, such that the
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples. nominal size includes the width of the saw cut necessary
to produce that size.
The drawings should clearly show the total structure
including the disposition of members and all dimensions 3.4.3 Shop detail drawings. The shop detail drawings
necessary to define their position relative to each other should illustrate each element of the structural frame
and the total structure. which will be fabricated as an individual unit in the shop.
Member sizes and identifying mark numbers should be Separate views as necessary to fully describe and
shown, preferably by means of a member schedule, or dimension the unit are to be shown. In addition, the shop
alternatively by designation immediately adjacent to the detail drawing should carry symbols identifying each
member on the drawing. piece which is required to make up the particular unit
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples. and these symbols linked to a total material description
Connections should be indicated by type and designation in a material list.
of a standard connection where possible. Non-standard To facilitate erection, the shop detail drawings should
or special connections should be clearly also clearly show location notes, e.g. ‘top’, ‘north’.
cross-referenced to the appropriate design detail drawing The drawings should also include details of grade of
(see Clause 2.8). timber; bolt sizes and grades; surface treatment and
3.4.2 Design detail drawings. The design detail protective coating; and any special fasteners.
drawings should communicate all of the designer’s
NOTE: See Supplement No 1 for examples.
intentions with the possible exception of items
adequately covered in the specification or by a standard

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AS 1100.501—1985
TABLE 3.5
CON VENT IONA L REPRE SENT ATION OF VIEWS AN D SE CTIONS OF
TIMBER MEM BERS (See Clause 3.3.4)
3.4.4 Conventional representation of timber. The
representation of timber on design layout and design
detail drawings shall comply with Table 5.1 of AS 1100,
Part 301, and Table 3.5 herein.
The appropriate stress grade, joint group and durability
class, as given in AS 1720, should be specified, rather
than reference to specific species and grade names.
In special situations it may be necessary to nominate a
particular species, in which case the standard trade
name should be used in accordance with AS 1148 for
imported timbers and AS 2543 for Australian timbers.
3.4.5 Conventional representation of fasteners and
connectors. The representation of fasteners and
connectors on design layout and detail drawings shall be
in accordance with Tables 3.6 and 3.7 respectively.
Detailed information shall be provided by means of notes
or detail drawings, indicating the size, number and
location of fasteners or connectors. Fasteners or
connectors not shown in Tables 3.6 and 3.7 shall be
drawn out in detail on the design detail drawing
concerned.
3.5 MAS ONRY
3.5.1 Masonry drawings. A masonry drawing should
show clearly the dimensions and shape of the structural
element or elements depicted. These may be shown by
continuous thick lines drawn in accordance with
designating letter A, Table 2.1. The type, size, shape,
extent and location of any reinforcement shall also be
clearly shown.
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NOTE: See also AS XXXX for informat ion to be shown on
drawings.
3.5.2 Conventional representation. The representation
of masonry on drawings shall comply with Table 5.1 of
AS 1100, Part 301.
Wall thicknesses should be designated by one of the
following methods, as appropriate:
(a) The manufacturing dimension of the units or
appropriate multiples of it plus the appropriate
number of 10 mm joints; e.g. 110, 230, 350 or 90,
190, 290 mm.
(b) Multiples (or half-multiples where applicable) of the
coordinating dimension, where units of modular
dimension are used in association with the
Coordinated Dimensional System.
3.5.3 Reinforcement. Drawings for reinforced masonry
should, as far as possible, follow the methods given in
Clause 3.2.
3.5.4 Special fasteners. Where masonry anchors are
used to make a connection to masonry, the type of
masonry unit and fastener shall be shown.
NOTE Some types of masonry are unsuitable for certain
types of anchor e.g.:
(a) Extruded perforated bricks are unsuitable for expanding
or chemical anchors.
(b) Hollow blocks are unsuitable for explosive powered
fasteners and expanding or chemical anchors.
 19 AS 1100.501—1985

TABLE 3.6
CON VENT IONA L REPRE SENT ATION OF FASTE NERS (See Clause 3.4.5)

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AS 1100.501—1985 20

TABLE 3.7
CON VENT IONA L REPRE SENT ATION OF CONNE CTORS (See Clause 3.4.5)

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 21 AS 1100.501—1985

APP EN DIX A
FORMAT FOR REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULE
for use with First and Second Preference
Bar Bending Shapes given in Table 3.2

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