In the world of steel pipe manufacturing and construction, understanding the differences between various standards is crucial for ensuring the right materials are used for specific applications. Two commonly referenced standards in Australia are AS1074 and AS1163. This article will delve into the key differences between these standards, focusing on their scope of application, dimensions and wall thickness, and performance requirements. By exploring these aspects, we aim to provide valuable insights for professionals in the construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.
Scope of Application
AS1074 and AS1163 are both Australian Standards that pertain to steel pipes, but they have distinct scopes of application.
AS1074, also known as "Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service," primarily covers steel tubes and tubulars used for general purposes. This standard is often applied to pipes used in various applications, including:
- Plumbing and drainage systems
- Low-pressure fluid conveyance
- Structural applications in light construction
- Fencing and general fabrication
The AS1074 standard is particularly relevant for pipes that are not subject to high pressures or extreme temperatures. It's worth noting that pipes conforming to AS1074, such as the as 1074 pipe, are typically used in less demanding environments compared to those covered by AS1163.
On the other hand, AS1163, titled "Structural steel hollow sections," is specifically designed for steel hollow sections used in structural applications. This standard covers pipes and tubular products intended for use in:
- Building construction
- Bridges and other load-bearing structures
- Heavy machinery and equipment
- Offshore platforms and marine structures
AS1163 is more comprehensive in its scope, addressing the needs of structural engineers and architects who require steel sections capable of withstanding significant loads and stresses. The standard covers both hot-rolled and cold-formed hollow sections, providing specifications for a wide range of structural applications.
The key difference in scope between these two standards lies in their intended use. While AS1074 caters to general-purpose applications, AS1163 is tailored for more demanding structural roles. This distinction is crucial when selecting the appropriate pipe or hollow section for a specific project, as using an AS1074 pipe in a situation that requires an AS1163-compliant product could lead to structural failures or safety hazards.
It's important to note that while the as 1074 pipe may be suitable for many general applications, it should not be used interchangeably with AS1163 products in structural contexts without proper engineering assessment and approval.
Dimensions and Wall Thickness
The dimensions and wall thickness of steel pipes are critical factors that influence their performance, load-bearing capacity, and suitability for specific applications. AS1074 and AS1163 have different specifications in this regard, reflecting their distinct purposes.
AS1074 typically covers a range of pipe sizes suitable for ordinary services. The standard includes specifications for:
- Nominal bore sizes ranging from 15mm to 150mm
- Outside diameters from 21.3mm to 165.1mm
- Wall thicknesses varying from 2.0mm to 5.4mm, depending on the pipe size
The as 1074 pipe, for instance, might be available in various dimensions within these ranges, offering flexibility for different general-purpose applications. The wall thickness of AS1074 pipes is generally designed to withstand normal operating pressures and provide adequate durability for non-structural uses.
In contrast, AS1163 covers a broader range of dimensions and wall thicknesses, reflecting its focus on structural applications. The standard includes:
- Circular hollow sections with outside diameters ranging from 21.3mm to 711mm
- Square hollow sections with side lengths from 20mm to 500mm
- Rectangular hollow sections with various width and height combinations
- Wall thicknesses ranging from 1.6mm to 16mm, depending on the section size and shape
The greater variety in dimensions and wall thicknesses in AS1163 allows for more precise selection of structural members to meet specific load-bearing requirements. This is particularly important in engineering applications where weight, strength, and dimensional accuracy are critical factors.
Another key difference lies in the manufacturing processes. AS1074 pipes are typically produced using electric resistance welding (ERW) or continuous welding methods, which are suitable for general-purpose applications. AS1163 sections, however, may be produced using more advanced techniques, including hot-rolling and cold-forming, to achieve the required structural properties.
The tolerance specifications for dimensions and wall thickness also differ between the two standards. AS1163 generally has tighter tolerances, reflecting the need for greater precision in structural applications. This ensures that AS1163 sections can be reliably used in load-bearing calculations and structural designs.
When comparing the as 1074 pipe to AS1163 products, it's evident that the latter offers a wider range of options and tighter dimensional control. This makes AS1163 sections more suitable for applications where precise engineering calculations are necessary to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Performance Requirements
The performance requirements specified in AS1074 and AS1163 are tailored to their respective intended applications, resulting in significant differences in mechanical properties, testing procedures, and quality control measures.
AS1074, which covers pipes like the as 1074 pipe, focuses on performance requirements suitable for general-purpose applications. Key aspects include:
- Tensile strength: Typically ranging from 320 MPa to 420 MPa
- Yield strength: Usually between 200 MPa and 250 MPa
- Elongation: Minimum elongation requirements to ensure ductility
- Hydrostatic test: Pipes are usually subjected to a hydrostatic test to ensure leak-tightness
These requirements ensure that AS1074 pipes are suitable for their intended uses in plumbing, low-pressure fluid conveyance, and light fabrication. The focus is on providing adequate strength and ductility for general applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
In contrast, AS1163 has more stringent performance requirements, reflecting its use in structural applications. Key performance criteria include:
- Tensile strength: Ranging from 340 MPa to 450 MPa, depending on the grade
- Yield strength: From 250 MPa to 450 MPa, with higher grades available for more demanding applications
- Elongation: Higher minimum elongation requirements to ensure greater ductility
- Impact toughness: Specified Charpy V-notch impact energy requirements for certain grades and thicknesses
- Weldability: Emphasis on good weldability for structural fabrication
AS1163 also includes additional requirements such as through-thickness properties for certain grades, which are crucial for applications involving significant through-thickness stresses.
The testing procedures for AS1163 products are generally more comprehensive than those for AS1074. This may include:
- More frequent tensile testing
- Bend tests to assess ductility and weld integrity
- Non-destructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing for certain grades or applications
Quality control measures are also more rigorous for AS1163 products. Manufacturers must implement and maintain quality management systems that comply with recognized standards such as ISO 9001. This ensures consistency in the production process and reliability of the final product.
When comparing the as 1074 pipe to AS1163 products, it's clear that the latter are designed to meet more demanding performance criteria. This makes AS1163 sections suitable for critical structural applications where failure could have severe consequences.
It's worth noting that while AS1074 pipes like the as 1074 pipe may be adequate for many general applications, they should not be used in place of AS1163 products for structural purposes without proper engineering assessment. The performance requirements of AS1163 are specifically tailored to ensure the safety and reliability of structural steel hollow sections in load-bearing applications.
Contact Longma Group
In conclusion, while both AS1074 and AS1163 are important standards in the Australian steel pipe industry, they serve distinct purposes and have significant differences in their scope, dimensions, and performance requirements. AS1074 is suitable for general-purpose applications, offering a cost-effective solution for non-structural uses. On the other hand, AS1163 provides a comprehensive standard for structural steel hollow sections, with more stringent requirements and a wider range of dimensions to meet diverse structural needs.
Understanding these differences is crucial for engineers, contractors, and procurement professionals to ensure the right type of steel pipe or hollow section is selected for each specific application. While the 1074 pipe may be an excellent choice for many general purposes, it's essential to use AS1163 compliant products for structural applications to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with building codes.
Longma Group Limited (LONGMA GROUP) is among China's foremost ERW/LSAW steel pipe manufacturers, established in 2003. By the end of 2023, the company's annual output surpassed 1,000,000 tons. This article spotlights its as 1074 pipe product. The product features an outer diameter ranging from 1/4" to 6" and a thickness of SCHSTD-SCHXXS. It has a stock quantity of 10-50 tons and an annual production capacity of 50-100 tons. For inquiries, please contact info@longma-group.com.
References
- Standards Australia. (2021). AS 1074:2021 Steel tubes and tubulars for ordinary service.
- Standards Australia. (2016). AS/NZS 1163:2016 Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections.
- Australian Steel Institute. (2020). Australian Steel Products Guide.
- Zhao, X. L., & Hancock, G. J. (1991). Tests to determine plate slenderness limits for cold-formed rectangular hollow sections of grade C450. Journal of the Australian Institute of Steel Construction, 25(4), 2-16.
- Wardenier, J., Packer, J. A., Zhao, X. L., & van der Vegte, G. J. (2010). Hollow sections in structural applications. CIDECT.
