AS 1163 covers the steel behind the strong points of a home — the posts and beams that carry large loads where timber or standard framing will not do.
What AS 1163 actually means
AS 1163 specifies structural steel hollow sections: square (SHS), rectangular (RHS) and circular (CHS) hollow members. It sets their grade, strength and quality so an engineer can design with confidence in how the member behaves.
Where it applies in your new home
Hollow sections commonly turn up as posts supporting an upper floor or a beam, as lintels spanning large openings such as garage or sliding-door openings, and throughout steel-framed homes. Wherever a concentrated load has to be carried, a hollow-section member is often the answer.
What VG Inspect checks against it
An inspector verifies that structural steel members are present as per the engineered design, that their connections (bolts, welds, base plates) are made and, where exposed, that corrosion protection is intact. Welding is assessed against AS/NZS 1554, and coatings against the relevant coating standard. These are frame-stage checks, before the members are enclosed.
What it does and doesn't cover
AS 1163 covers the hollow-section steel. Welding of it is covered by AS/NZS 1554.1 and galvanised corrosion protection by AS/NZS 4680. The member's role in the structure comes from the engineer's design.
A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector (QBCC Licence 1318443) verifies structural steel against the design at frame stage. Call 07 3180 8041 or book a frame inspection online.