Use of Alternative Steel for Building Structures in Singapore

In April 2008, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore releases design guide BC 1: 2008 to the industry and alternative steel materials which are manufactured to non-BS standards are now permitted in steel building structures designed to BS 5950. This paper examines the BC 1 requirements for material performance and quality assurance vis-a-vis the use of such alternative steel materials in design. A list of certified alternative steel materials complying with the minimal essential material performance requirements is compiled. These certified materials are treated as per normal without any restriction or downgrading in design if they are produced by steel mills who can meet the quality assurance requirements. Emphasis is now placed on our stockholders and traders to source and import into Singapore steel materials from audited mills which have in place stringent factory production control system and proper mill test certification. Moving forward, all key stakeholders in Singapore's steel construction industry-manufacturers, stockholders, traders, auditors, fabricators and engineers have a duty and are expected to play a role in maintaining quality material usage.