Progress on Structural Steel in the past 10 years
The progress made by New Zealand's structural steel industry in improving quality and compliance over the past decade is impressive. The Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) and Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) played key roles in setting standards, developing training schemes, and implementing quality management practices. The industry's focus on quality intensified after incidents such as the Stadium Southland roof collapse and the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Steel Fabrication Certification (SFC) scheme, launched in 2014, became a cornerstone of the industry's quality and compliance activities. It provides independent certification to fabrication companies and is based on international best practices. Currently, 57 fabrication companies, representing over 90% of the sector's annual output, are SFC qualified.
In addition to the SFC scheme, other quality assurance initiatives have been developed to complement it. These initiatives include the New Zealand Guide to the Sourcing of Compliant Structural Steels, the New Zealand Structural Steelwork Specification in Compliance with AS/NZS 5131, the Distributor Charter, the Bolt Importer Charter, and the upcoming Metal Decking and Stud Welding Code of Practice.
To further enhance efficiency and compliance, the industry is exploring the use of technology, particularly in the form of Industry 4.0 concepts. Compliance monitoring 4.0, driven by digital interconnectivity and potentially AI and machine learning, is being piloted with the aim of streamlining existing initiatives and improving the industry's understanding of quality. Real-time compliance monitoring and data mining with minimal human involvement is a future aspiration, as decision-making based on data becomes increasingly important.
Overall, the structural steel industry in New Zealand has made significant strides in quality and compliance, positioning itself ahead of the wider building industry. Ongoing efforts, including the adoption of technology-driven systems, are expected to further enhance efficiency and confidence in the sector.
